Connector for a 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 cleaning fluid defined within the connector (7) and extending between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the circuit for conveying cleaning fluid comprising a distribution duct (23) extending longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector (7) to the other and a conveying duct (22) leading into the distribution duct (23) forming a distribution node (40), characterised in that the distribution node (40) comprises an opening (28) sealed by a cover (29), the cover (29) comprising at least one spray orifice (26b).

Description

Connector of a wiping system.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wiping systems for glass surfaces, in particular for a windshield or a rear window, of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wiper blade equipping such wiping systems and configured to ensure the projection of a cleaning fluid.

[0002] Commonly, a vehicle comprises different glazed surfaces, and in particular arranged at the front or at the rear of the vehicle, allowing a driver to observe the external environment and more particularly the road scene. For this purpose, the glazed surface must be transparent and optically neutral so that the driver can correctly observe the environment around the vehicle.

[0003] Each glazed surface of the vehicle arranged between the passenger compartment and the outside environment is exposed to weather conditions, such as rain for example, but also to certain particles or dirt which can obstruct or hinder at least partially the driver's vision of the outside environment.

[0004] To remove these different elements, the vehicle includes a wiping system capable of wiping and thus removing water or different elements likely to be present on the glass surface of the vehicle outside of said glass surface.

[0005] It is known that such wiping systems comprise at least one drive arm and a wiper blade. The drive arm is secured to the vehicle by one of its ends and carries the wiper blade by its opposite end, and it is in particular capable of performing a back-and-forth movement allowing the wiper blade to sweep a large portion of the glass surface.

[0006] The wiper blade comprises for this purpose a wiper blade intended to be pressed against the glass surface, a rigid blade support and a connector intended to connect the blade support to the drive arm of the wiping system. The wiper blade further comprises aerodynamic deflection elements mounted on the rigid blade support and arranged on either side of the connector.

[0007] It is known to equip the vehicle with a system for projecting a cleaning fluid towards the glass surface to facilitate the cleaning of particles and / or dirt present on the glass surface by the wiper blade. This projection system may comprise projection nozzles installed on the hood of the vehicle and / or a projection system mounted directly on the drive arm and / or on the wiper blade.

[0008] In the case of a projection system integrated into a wiper blade, a projection ramp is generally formed within each of the aerodynamic deflection elements so as to communicate with a plurality of holes provided in the corresponding aerodynamic deflection element and through which the fluid is projected towards the glazed surface. Each aerodynamic deflection element is connected at a longitudinal end to the connector. It is thus known to have a connector which comprises a routing circuit by which the fluid is able to circulate from a fluid inlet of the connector to fluid outlets of the connector to join the projection ramps formed in the deflection elements.

[0009] It is thus known to have a routing circuit within the connector which comprises a routing conduit connected to the fluid inlet and a distribution conduit connected to the fluid outlet, with the routing conduit opening into the distribution conduit forming a distribution node. The production of the distribution conduit, which extends substantially longitudinally within the connector, from one fluid outlet to the other is simple to produce by drilling. The production of the routing conduit, at the heart of the connector and able to extend in several successive directions, is more complicated and may involve drilling which opens onto the outside of the connector at the distribution node.

[0010] Such an on-board system is particularly effective in that it allows the projection of fluid onto the glass surface to be targeted just before the wiper blade of the wiper scrapes the glass surface. The orifices are made at regular intervals in each aerodynamic deflection element so that the glass surface is sprayed evenly. However, the distribution of the orifices on the deflection elements as known in the prior art does not allow the fluid to be projected evenly onto the glass surface since at least the connector is not equipped with projection means. As a result of this distribution, areas of the glass surface do not receive fluid, or at the very least an area of ​​the glass surface opposite an area of ​​the wiper comprising the connector receives a smaller quantity of projected fluid than neighboring areas opposite areas of the wiper comprising deflection elements.In these areas of the glass surface receiving little or no fluid, the wiping system is unable to effectively remove particles and / or dirt.

[0011] The present invention proposes to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular to improve the distribution of the fluid on the glazed surface of the vehicle by means of a connector intended to connect a wiper blade of a wiping system of a vehicle to a drive arm of the wiping system, the connector comprising a cleaning fluid conveying circuit delimited within the connector and extending between a fluid inlet configured to cooperate with a cleaning fluid supply hose and at least one fluid outlet configured to communicate with a cleaning fluid projection channel within the wiper blade, the cleaning fluid conveying circuit comprising at least one distribution conduit extending longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other and a conveying conduit opening into the distribution conduit forming a distribution node,the at least one fluid outlet longitudinally extending said distribution conduit, characterized in that the distribution node comprises an opening on an external face of the connector which is closed by a cover, the cover comprising at least one projection orifice.,

[0012] The wiper blade comprises in particular a rigid blade support, made integral with the connector and on which are mounted on the one hand a wiper blade intended to be pressed against the glass surface to be cleaned and on the other hand an aerodynamic deflection element configured to deflect an air flow and to participate in pressing the wiper blade against the glass surface.

[0013] The connector comprises within it a cleaning fluid conveying circuit which comprises at least one conveying conduit and one distribution conduit. It should be understood that the conveying circuit may comprise a greater number of conveying conduits since the connector comprises a distribution node according to the invention with a conveying conduit which opens into the distribution conduit. This distribution conduit extends longitudinally along the connector and is bordered at each of its longitudinal ends by a connection element configured to cooperate with a deflection element of the wiper and having the shape of a cannula.

[0014] The conveying duct allows the cleaning fluid to circulate to the distribution duct so that the cleaning fluid entering the connector reaches the distribution duct by previously circulating through the conveying duct. The production of this conveying duct by a drilling operation involves an opening on the outside of the connector in the distribution node at the junction of the conveying duct and the distribution duct, this opening being formed in a wall of the connector in the extension of the conveying duct. This opening is closed by the cover so that the cleaning fluid passing through the distribution node can for the most part be directed into the distribution duct and then into the projection ramps formed within aerodynamic deflection elements of the wiper and connected to the connector at the end of the distribution duct.According to the invention, the cover is advantageously pierced with at least one projection orifice. It is understood that this at least one projection orifice is a through orifice, that is to say that it opens from the cover by one end into the distribution conduit and by an opposite end outside the connector. In this way, a small part of the cleaning fluid passing through the distribution node can be projected outside the connector and directed onto the glazed surface opposite the connector. This helps to distribute the projection of cleaning fluid more regularly on the glazed surface, since cleaning fluid is projected at the connector, between the holes provided elsewhere in the ramps integrated in the aerodynamic deflection elements on either side of this connector.

[0015] It is notable that the connector according to the invention, and more particularly the presence of this at least one projection orifice specifically arranged in a cover dedicated to closing an opening which is produced, by a drilling operation, in the extension of a conveying duct, makes it possible to implement a more homogeneous projection of cleaning fluid over the total longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade equipped with this connector, advantageously using the cover which is otherwise necessary to channel the circulation of the cleaning fluid within the connector. This results in an integration of function at the level of the cover since the latter is on the one hand configured to participate in the delimitation of the distribution duct and on the other hand configured to allow a projection of cleaning fluid onto the glazed surface.

[0016] The arrangement of at least one projection orifice provided in the cover has the advantage of being able to be carried out before the assembly of the cover with the connector, that is to say before arranging the cover in the opening. It is therefore possible to preform covers with a projection orifice, for example by an additive manufacturing operation, or by a laser welding operation which is simpler to implement when the cover is not mounted on the connector, to then assemble the covers having a projection orifice with connectors comprising a distribution node, and more precisely an opening opening towards the outside of the connector.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, the cover is made of the same material as that used to make the connector. By the same material, it is also appropriate to understand materials formed on the same base with different grades.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one projection orifice is advantageously provided in the hood in a direction which, when the hood is assembled to the connector, is substantially parallel to a main axis of elongation of the conveying duct. Furthermore, the axis of the projection orifice is configured so that the cleaning fluid is projected from the projection orifice towards the glazed surface of the vehicle.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one projection orifice has a diameter which is between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the at least one projection orifice is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cover is pierced with a single projection orifice, centered on the external surface of the cover.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connector comprises at least one distribution zone, arranged at least partially along the distribution conduit, and in which projection holes are formed, the cover being arranged in the longitudinal extension of this at least one distribution zone.

[0022] Regardless of the number and arrangement of the distribution zones, the cover and the projection orifice which is formed in the cover form with the distribution zone(s) a global homogeneous distribution zone which extends from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector. According to one characteristic of the invention, the cover can take a position centered relative to the longitudinal dimension of the connector and be arranged between two distribution zones of equivalent longitudinal dimensions. According to an alternative characteristic of the invention, the cover can be offset and close to a longitudinal end of the connector and communicate directly with a cannula forming the longitudinal end of the connector, so that a single distribution zone extends on the other side of the cover.

[0023] It should be noted that the cover is distinct from the at least one distribution zone as defined, that is to say an area arranged at least partially along the conduit and having at least one projection hole, and that this cover is configured to form with the distribution zone(s) next to which it is arranged a homogeneous overall distribution zone which allows regular projection of cleaning fluid along the connector.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cover is arranged so as to be flush with the external face of the connector in the at least one distribution zone.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cover has a thickness equal to the thickness of the at least one distribution zone.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the invention, two distribution zones are formed on either side of the cover within which the at least one projection orifice is made, projection holes being formed in each of the distribution zones.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the invention, the external face of the at least one distribution zone is formed by a flat which extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction parallel to a projection axis of the projection orifice.

[0028] It is understood that the flat extends in a plane advantageously making it possible to drill holes for projecting the cleaning fluid on either side of the cover, in addition to the projection orifice, along a projection axis perpendicular to said plane in which the flat extends. It should be noted that the axis of the projection holes is substantially parallel to the axis of the projection orifice and that the flat makes it possible to ensure greater reproducibility of the projection holes than if the drilling had been carried out on a curved surface.

[0029] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cover is arranged so as to be flush with the flat of the at least one distribution zone.

[0030] According to a characteristic of the invention, at least two projection holes communicating with the distribution duct are arranged on each side of a median transverse plane of the connector, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the distribution duct. This median transverse plane separates the connector into two parts of the same longitudinal dimension. This median transverse plane can separate the cover into two equal parts, the projection orifice being arranged on this median transverse plane.

[0031] According to a characteristic of the invention, projection means are provided on the connector at regular intervals. The projection means are the elements of the connector allowing the cleaning fluid to be projected towards the glass surface of the motor vehicle. These projection means comprise the projection holes provided in the distribution zone, where appropriate in the flat, and the projection orifice provided on the hood. As mentioned, the distribution conduit is delimited within the distribution zone arranged opposite the glass surface to be cleaned, a significant number of projection means being formed in the distribution zone to allow the projection of cleaning fluid at regular intervals at the connector, just as this can be done at the rest of the wiper blade.It is understood that the distance separating two adjacent projection means on the distribution zone of the connector is a fixed distance depending on the diameter of the projection means. More particularly, the distribution zone comprises at least four projection holes, with two projection holes arranged on either side of the median transverse plane of the connector which longitudinally separates the connector into two parts of substantially equal longitudinal dimensions, and where appropriate arranged on either side of the cover and of the at least one projection orifice which are provided at this median transverse plane.

[0032] According to a characteristic of the invention, the projection means extend respectively along a projection axis, this projection axis of a projection means being intersecting with the distribution conduit. It is understood that a cleaning fluid circulating in the distribution conduit can be projected outside the distribution conduit through the projection means.

[0033] According to another characteristic of the invention, the projection holes are arranged in a symmetrical distribution on either side of the median transverse plane of the connector. This symmetrical distribution of the projection holes makes it possible to project the cleaning fluid towards the glass surface in a homogeneous manner along the entire distribution zone of the connector.

[0034] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one distribution zone comprises at least four projection holes on each side of the median transverse plane of the connector and the projection orifice formed in the cover which is arranged on this median transverse plane.

[0035] According to a characteristic of the invention, the projection means are arranged so as to form a single longitudinal row.

[0036] According to an alternative characteristic of the invention, the projection means are arranged in a staggered pattern, in at least two distinct longitudinal rows. It is thus possible to optimize the direction of projection of the cleaning fluid onto several distinct areas of the glass surface to be cleaned.

[0037] According to another characteristic of the invention, each projection means has a diameter around the projection axis which is between 0.05mm and 0.6mm, preferably between 0.05mm and 0.3mm.

[0038] According to a characteristic of the invention, each projection means has a diameter equal to the average diameter of the neighboring projection means.

[0039] According to another characteristic of the invention, each projection means formed in the at least one distribution zone and the cover is distant from a neighboring projection means by a spacing distance of between 0.2 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means is between 0.28 mm and 13.70 mm.

[0040] According to a characteristic of the invention, the spacing distance is a function of the diameter of each projection means, the diameter of each projection means being able to vary from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, the spacing distance consequently varying from 0.28 mm to 13.70 mm. The spacing distance between two projection means is measured from a projection axis of a first of the two projection means to the other projection axis. The spacing distance between two neighboring projection means increases with the increase in the diameter of the projection means.

[0041] According to a characteristic of the invention, the projection means are obtained by means of laser drilling. A drilling operation using a laser source can advantageously make it possible to form orifices of small diameters with great precision. The implementation of such a drilling operation in a distribution zone having a flat surface and a constant thickness makes it possible to form projection means of small dimensions and in a repeatable manner from one projection means to another.

[0042] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one distribution zone is of constant thickness. More particularly, the at least one distribution zone has a constant thickness over a longitudinal dimension extending from a projection means to a neighboring projection means, the thickness of the distribution zone being measured in a direction parallel to the projection axis of a projection means.

[0043] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one distribution 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 vehicle wiping system comprising at least one connector conforming to one of the aforementioned characteristics and intended to connect the wiper blade to a drive arm of the wiping system.

[0045] According to a characteristic of the invention, the wiper blade comprises holes formed on deflection elements or a blade support and through which cleaning fluid is capable of being projected onto a glass surface to be cleaned, the projection means being arranged on the connector so that a spacing distance between two neighboring projection means is substantially equal to an average value of the distances between two neighboring holes of the wiper blade.

[0046] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0047] illustrates a wiping system comprising a drive arm and a wiping blade according to the invention, connected to the arm in particular by a connector and extending mainly in a longitudinal direction;

[0048] illustrates schematically and in perspective a connector of a wiper blade conforming to that of the, the connector comprising a cover in accordance with the invention, as well as two distribution zones, with eight holes for spraying cleaning fluid, arranged on either side of a spray orifice formed in the cover;

[0049] schematically illustrates a partial sectional view of the connector represented by the;

[0050] schematically illustrates a sectional view of the connector according to the section plane BB illustrated in the, making visible the projection orifice provided, according to the invention, through the cover, as well as the thickness of the connector, at the level of the cover;

[0051] schematically illustrates a sectional view of the connector according to the section plane AA illustrated on the, making visible the thickness of at least one distribution zone, of a value equal to that of the thickness of the connector at the level of the cover visible on the;

[0052] schematically and in perspective illustrates a first variant embodiment of the connector of the, the connector comprising two distribution zones, with eight holes for projecting cleaning fluid, arranged on either side of a projection orifice formed in the cover, the projection means being arranged so as to form two separate parallel rows;

[0053] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view similar to that of the, a second variant embodiment of the connector of the, the connector comprising at least one distribution zone of continuous thickness at the level of which the external face of the at least one distribution zone is not produced by a flat but has a rounded shape.

[0054] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0055] Furthermore, in the description which follows, reference will be made to an orientation which is a function of the Longitudinal, Vertical and Transverse axes as they are arbitrarily defined by the trihedron L, V, T shown in Figures 1 to 7, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of main elongation of the wiper. The choice of names for these axes is not limiting of the orientation which the device can take in its application to a motor vehicle.

[0056] Diagrammatically illustrates a wiping system 1 ensuring the cleaning of a glass surface of a vehicle, for example a windshield, so as to improve the visibility of a driver of the vehicle, for example in rainy weather or to rid the glass surface of particles and / or dirt. The wiping system 1 comprises at least one drive arm 2 which extends between a connection end 3 and a linking end 4, opposite the connection end 3. The connection end 3 is configured to carry a wiper blade 5, which extends along a main longitudinal elongation axis, substantially parallel to the axis L. The linking end 4, opposite the connection end 3, is connected to the vehicle and more particularly to a motorized device allowing an angular back and forth movement of the drive arm and therefore of the wiper blade.A connection system is arranged between the connection end 3 of the drive arm and the wiper blade 5 to be able to drive the wiper blade in the angular back and forth movement, this connection system comprising an adapter 6 secured to the connection end 3 and a connector 7 secured 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 notably carries a wiper blade 8 intended to be in contact with the glass surface.

[0058] The rigid support, or rigid blade support, 19 also carries at least one aerodynamic deflection element 10 arranged longitudinally next to the connector 7. In the embodiment shown, the connector 7 is interposed between two separate deflection elements 10, each deflection element 10 extending the connector 7 at one of the longitudinal ends of the connector 7.

[0059] Each deflection element 10 has a first end 11, called the proximal end in that it is connected to the connector 7, and a second end 12, called the distal end. The wiper blade 5 comprises at each of its longitudinal ends, that is to say at the level of the second end 12 of each deflection element 10, an end piece 9 ensuring that the various elements of the wiper blade 5, namely the rigid blade support, the blade 8 and the deflection element 10, are held in longitudinal position. It follows from the above that both the connector 7 and the end piece 9 form an element of the wiper blade 5 connected to the deflection element 10.

[0060] The wiper blade comprises an on-board cleaning fluid supply and projection system, which makes it possible to project cleaning fluid onto the glass surface from the wiper blade and therefore in a targeted manner before the wiper blade passes over the glass surface. Advantageously, the system on board the wiper blade comprises fluid conveying and distribution conduits formed both within the connector 7 and within the deflection elements, as well as projection means, namely projection holes or a projection orifice distributed both on these deflection elements and on the connector.

[0061] According to the invention and as will be detailed below, the connector comprises within it a distribution node formed by the junction of a routing conduit in a distribution conduit, the distribution node comprising an opening formed in the extension of the routing conduit and opening towards the outside of the connector, the opening being obstructed by a cover pierced with a projection orifice.

[0062] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate, respectively, an overall view and a partial sectional view of the connector 7, according to one embodiment of the invention. The connector 7 extends in a longitudinal main elongation direction, substantially parallel to the axis L.

[0063] The connector 7 comprises in particular a base 15 forming a portion for fixing to the wiper blade 5 and a wall 13 forming a vertical projection, relative to the axis V, and configured to cooperate with the adapter 6 and allow a relative rotational movement of the adapter relative to the connector along the transverse axis T. The wall 13 cooperates with the adapter 6 in particular by the engagement of an axis carried by the latter in a transverse bore 14.

[0064] The base 15 extends along the connector 7, parallel to the axis L, and comprises a housing 16 for receiving the wiper blade 5 and more particularly, as illustrated in more detail 1a, a housing for receiving the rigid blade support 19 intended to support the wiper blade 8. The rigid blade support 19 also forms a support for a flexible element 20, known in particular by the term of stiffening vertebra, participating in particular in allowing the rigid blade support 19 and the associated wiper blade 8 to be pressed against the glazed surface.More particularly, the combination of the rigid blade support 19 and the flexible element 20 allows the wiping blade 8 to match the shape of the glazed surface, for example a slightly curved shape, while ensuring that the wiping blade 8 is pressed against the glazed surface to allow, during the back and forth movements of the wiping system 1, the removal of particles, water and / or dirt from the glazed surface.

[0065] The connector 7 comprises a circuit for conveying a cleaning fluid delimited within the connector 7. The conveying circuit extends between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet and comprises at least one conveying conduit and a distribution conduit.

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

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, and more particularly visible in the, the fluid conveying circuit within the connector 7 is formed of a first conveying conduit 21, a second conveying conduit 22 and a distribution conduit 23. The first conveying conduit 21 extends substantially parallel to the axis L from the supply member 17 to a longitudinally median portion 18 of the connector 7. The cleaning fluid is pumped from the vehicle tank and circulates through the supply hose to reach the supply member 17 then the first conveying conduit 21.

[0068] The second conveying conduit 22 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the first conveying conduit 21, mainly along a vertical and transverse elongation plane, so as to connect the first conveying conduit 21 arranged in the wall 13 to the distribution conduit 23 arranged in the base 15. It is understood that the cleaning fluid coming from the fluid reservoir of the vehicle enters the connector 7 via the supply member 17 and circulates in the first conveying conduit 21 then in the second conveying conduit 22 to reach the distribution conduit 23.

[0069] As previously mentioned, the routing circuit extends between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. In the embodiment represented by 1a, the connector 7 comprises two fluid outlets, each of these outlets being formed by a cannula 24 intended to be housed in a projection channel of a deflection element 10. The projection channel extends along the associated deflection element 10 and is pierced with a plurality of holes through which the cleaning fluid is capable of being projected towards the glazed surface of the vehicle. It is understood that the cannulas 24 each form a connection means between the connector 7 and a deflection element 10 of the wiper blade 5 allowing the circulation of the cleaning fluid from the connector 7 to the projection channel of an associated deflection element 10.

[0070] The distribution conduit 23 extends longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector 7 to the other. It should be noted that the distribution conduit 23 is delimited longitudinally strictly between the cannulas 24 forming the fluid outlets. In other words, the cannulas 24 forming the fluid outlets of the connector 7 are not part of the distribution conduit 23 and each cannula 24 delimits within itself a circulation conduit distinct from the distribution conduit.

[0071] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the routing circuit comprises two routing conduits 21, 22, but that without departing from the context of the invention, the routing circuit may comprise a single routing conduit or a larger number of routing conduits provided that at least one routing conduit, here the second routing conduit 22, opens into the distribution conduit 23 to form a distribution node 40 visible in particular on the. At this distribution node 40, in the extension of the routing conduit opening into the distribution conduit, here the second routing conduit 22, an opening 28 is formed on the outside of the connector 7, in particular by a drilling operation allowing the production of said routing conduit.The opening 28 thus has a dimension, and here a diameter, substantially equal to the corresponding dimension of the conveying conduit which it extends axially, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

[0072] According to the invention, this opening 28 is closed by a cover 29 in order to allow the majority of the cleaning fluid arriving via the conveying conduit to circulate in the distribution conduit, and this cover 29 is perforated with at least one projection orifice 26b.

[0073] More particularly illustrates the projection orifice 26b formed in the cover 29. More particularly, illustrates a sectional view of the connector 7 according to the section plane BB shown in the, which in particular makes it possible to make visible the integration of function at the level of the distribution node 40, with an opening generated in the material of the connector to allow simplified production of the routing conduit by drilling, the presence of the cover 29 to close the opening 28 and allow the cleaning fluid to be channeled and the presence of the projection orifice 26b within the cover to allow projection of cleaning fluid at the level of the connector.

[0074] The cover 29 is arranged on the connector to close this opening 28. It should be noted that the cover has a main body housed in the opening and a head, protruding from the opening and flush with the external face of the connector at a distribution zone which will be described below, the head forming a stop means when positioning the cover in the opening. The main body is of shape and dimensions substantially identical to the shape and dimensions of the opening 28 to allow the cover to be held in the opening by an appropriate operation, whether it be a press fit, a gluing operation or a welding operation.

[0075] More particularly, the cover 29 comprises an internal surface 291, at the free end of the main body, which is turned towards the distribution conduit 23, and an external surface 292, at the free end of the head, which is turned towards the outside of the connector 7. The internal surface 291 of the cover 29 participates in delimiting the distribution conduit 23 at the distribution node, and it therefore has a concave shape which is in line with the extension of the wall delimiting the distribution conduit 23 on either side of the second delivery conduit. The external surface 292 of the cover 29 is substantially flat and it is advantageous for it to be flush with the external face of the connector, at the level of said distribution zone, so as not to generate disturbances that are both aesthetic and aerodynamic.

[0076] The projection orifice 26b is made so as to be through, that is to say to extend from the internal surface 291 of the cover to the external surface of this cover. A portion of the cleaning fluid passing through the distribution node 40 is thus capable of being projected onto the glazed surface, thus ensuring wetting of a portion of the glazed surface opposite the connector.

[0077] In order to ensure that only a minimal portion of the cleaning fluid passes through the projection orifice 26b, the remainder being directed towards the fluid outlets of the connector via the distribution conduit, and in order to ensure that sufficient pressure, capable of ensuring a cleaning function of the glazed surface, is generated at the outlet of the hood, the projection orifice may have a diameter which is between 0.05 and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the projection orifice 26b has a projection axis 30, visible in the, which is parallel to a main axis of elongation of the conveying duct opening into the distribution duct, here the second conveying duct 22, and this has an advantage in facilitating the projection of the cleaning fluid through this projection orifice without pressure loss, but it should be noted that a projection axis of the projection orifice formed in the cover with an orientation different from that illustrated would also be within the scope of the invention.

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

[0080] The cover 29 is here arranged longitudinally in the center of the connector 7, that is to say on a median transverse plane 31 extending along the axis T and the axis V, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the distribution duct 23. This median transverse plane 31 separates the connector 7 into two parts whose longitudinal dimensions are identical. This arrangement, made possible by the central arrangement of the conveying duct in the extension of which the cover is arranged, is particularly advantageous in connectors where only one projection orifice, in accordance with what has just been described, namely formed in the cover, is provided on the connector. This ensures a distribution of cleaning fluid, with the ramps arranged on either side of the connector, and the connector equipped with a projection orifice in the centered position, which is substantially homogeneous.

[0081] In a context which will be described below, with other projection means embedded on the connector, the position of the cover and the projection orifice formed in the cover could be offset from the median transverse plane.

[0082] The distribution duct 23 extends more particularly within at least one distribution zone 25 which participates in forming a lateral part of the base 15 intended to be opposite the glazed surface of the vehicle. More particularly, the at least one distribution zone 25 has an external face 250 intended to be opposite the glazed surface.

[0083] The cover 29 is arranged in the longitudinal extension of this at least one distribution zone 25, that is to say arranged next to this at least one distribution zone, so as to form together an overall distribution zone which extends from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector.

[0084] A first embodiment is more particularly described with reference to Figures 2 to 5, with two distribution zones 25 arranged on either side of the cover 29. In other words, the cover 29 is arranged between the distribution zones 25, in the longitudinal extension of each of these zones to form from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector a global distribution zone within which the distribution conduit 23 extends. As illustrated in the, a first distribution zone extends over a first longitudinal dimension L1 from a longitudinal end of the connector to the cover 29 and a second distribution zone extends over a second longitudinal dimension L2 from a longitudinal end of the connector to the cover 29.

[0085] Each distribution zone 25 may be pierced with projection holes 26a which open respectively onto the external face 250 of the connector at a distribution zone. In the illustrated embodiment, projection holes 26a are arranged on either side of the cover 29 pierced with the projection orifice 26b. These projection holes, formed in addition to the projection orifice, increase the extent of the projection of cleaning fluid at the connector. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the connector comprises a plurality of projection means 26 opening into the distribution duct 23 and through which the cleaning fluid is capable of being projected towards the glazed surface of the vehicle. More precisely, the projection means 26 comprise the at least one projection orifice 26b formed through the cover 29 and the projection holes 26a formed on either side of the cover 29.

[0086] In the example illustrated, the external face 250 of each distribution zone 25, intended to be opposite the glazed surface, comprises a flat 27, which extends from one longitudinal end to the other of the corresponding distribution zone 25. Considering the external face 250 of the connector, formed by the external face of each distribution zone, the flat 27 is here locally interrupted by the presence of the cover 29. Each of the projection holes 26a opens onto one of the flats 27. The cover 29, or more particularly the head of the cover, is arranged in the opening 28 so as to be flush with the flat 27 of each distribution zone 25 and thus participate in forming a flat surface from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector.

[0087] Laillustrates a sectional view of the connector 7 according to the section plane AA shown in the. More particularly, laillustrates a projection hole 26a formed in the at least one distribution zone 25 of the connector and opening into the distribution duct 23. The projection hole 26a illustrated by lacomprises, advantageously and like all of the projection means 26 of the connector 7, a projection axis 30 around which each projection means 26 extends, from the distribution duct 23 to the flat 27 in the case of the projection holes 26a, and from the distribution duct 23 to the external surface 292 of the cover 29 in the case of the projection orifice 26b.

[0088] The projection means 26 are produced by means of laser drilling. The implementation of such a manufacturing means makes it possible to form projection means 26 having a diameter around the projection axis 30 between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.3 mm, and more preferably equal or substantially equal to 0.2 mm. Theoretically, within manufacturing tolerances, each projection means 26 has a diameter equal to the average diameter of the neighboring projection means 26. The projection orifice 26b can, advantageously, be preformed during the manufacture of the cover 29, for example during a material injection operation or during an additive manufacturing operation, or be formed, like the projection holes 26a, by a laser drilling process.

[0089] It should be noted that the diameter of the projection means 26, and for example if it is equal to 0.2 mm, may in particular be similar to the diameter of the holes provided on the deflection elements 10, which makes it possible to project the cleaning fluid towards the glazed surface at a similar pressure over the entire longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade 5, both at the level of the deflection elements and of the connector.

[0090] When the external face of the distribution zone 25 is formed by the flat 27, the projection axis 30 of the projection means 26 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the flat 27 such that the projection axis 30 of the projection means 26 intersects the distribution duct 23. The flat 27 advantageously makes it possible to improve the precision of the laser drilling by providing a flat surface on which to carry out said drilling, in a direction perpendicular to the distribution duct 23. It is understood that the flat 27 and the external surface 292 of the cover 29 have a similar shape when the cover is housed in the opening 28. More precisely, and as mentioned previously, the cover 29 is flush with the flat 27 such that during the drilling process the inclination of the surface is identical between the flat 27 and the cover 29. Such a similarity facilitates the production of the different projection means 26.

[0091] The at least one distribution zone 25 has a thickness 100 between the distribution duct 23 and the flat 27 which remains constant, that is to say which remains the same apart from manufacturing tolerances, over a longitudinal dimension going from at least one projection means 26 to a neighboring projection means 26. The thickness 100 of a distribution zone is measured in a direction parallel to the projection axis 30 of a projection means 26, between an internal face 251 of the distribution zone 25 which delimits the distribution duct and the external face 250 intended to be turned towards the glazed surface.It can be considered, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, that the thickness value 100 is the same at the level of the cover or in the distribution zone(s) on either side of the cover, so that the constant thickness of the distribution zone(s) can advantageously extend from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector, to form a global homogeneous distribution zone on the connector. In this way, each projection means 26 is made from a quantity of material equivalent to that in which the other projection means 26 are made. This constant thickness from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector, between the distribution zone(s) 25 and the cover 29, can thus make it possible not to modify the parameters of the laser source making it possible to carry out the drilling of each of the projection means 26 over the entire distribution zone 25.

[0092] Furthermore, as visible on the, the projection holes 26a are arranged on either side of the median transverse plane 31 of the connector 7, it being understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the projection orifice 26b formed on the cover 29 is arranged at the level of said plane 31.

[0093] Advantageously, the connector 7 comprises at least two projection holes 26a on either side of the median transverse plane 31. In the embodiment represented by 1a, the connector 7 comprises four projection holes 26a arranged on either side of the median transverse plane 31 of the connector 7, with here said plane 31 passing through the projection orifice 26b.

[0094] The distribution of the projection holes 26a is symmetrical on either side of the median transverse plane 31 of the connector 7. More particularly, the projection means 26, that is to say both the projection holes and the projection orifice, are substantially aligned longitudinally along the connector.

[0095] The projection means 26 are arranged longitudinally at regular intervals on the connector. It is understood that there is therefore a continuity of projection means 26 from one end of the connector 7 to another with the projection orifice 26b in the center.

[0096] And according to a characteristic of the invention, considering the wiper as a whole, the regular interval formed between two projection means 26 adjacent to the connector 7 is the same or substantially the same as the interval between two adjacent holes allowing the projection of cleaning fluid at the deflection elements. For example, the spacing distance can vary from 0.28 mm to 13.7 mm. It should be noted that this spacing distance between two neighboring projection means 26 is measured longitudinally from the projection axis 30 of a projection means 26 to the projection axis 30 of a neighboring projection means 26.

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

[0098] This arrangement of the projection means 26, and more particularly the associated spacing distance, may be a function of the diameter of the projection means 26. Indeed, as described previously, the projection means 26 have a diameter of between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm and the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means 26 may increase with the increase in the diameter of the projection means 26.

[0099] By way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means of 0.05 mm in diameter is 0.28 mm, the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means of 0.15 mm in diameter is 2.65 mm, the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means of 0.2 mm in diameter is 5 mm, the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means of 0.3 mm in diameter is 13.7 mm.

[0100] It should however be noted that in this first embodiment, just as in the variants which will be described, it could be provided without departing from the context of the invention that the spacing distance between two neighboring projection means is not the same from one longitudinal end to the other of the contact, and that the different spacing distances can vary, linearly or not.

[0101] A first variant of the invention will now be described, with reference to the, which differs from what has just been previously described in that the projection holes formed in the distribution zones 25 extend over two levels. In other words, the projection holes are grouped into a first subset within which some of the projection holes are aligned on a first longitudinal axis A1 and into a second subset within which the other projection holes are aligned on a second longitudinal axis A2.

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

[0103] It is understood that this variant makes it possible to direct the cleaning fluid projected via the connector onto different areas of the glass surface, and therefore to improve the cleaning performance of the wiping system.

[0104] A second variant is illustrated in the. This differs from what has been previously described and illustrated in that the external face 250 of the connector at the distribution zone is here curved and does not have a flat. The thickness 100, which is as previously measured radially between the distribution duct and the external face 250 of the distribution zone, can be continuous over the longitudinal dimension of the distribution zone.

[0105] It appears from the description of the various embodiments and examples which preceded that the invention indeed achieves the aim which it had set itself by proposing a wiper blade whose distribution of the fluid is improved in particular at the level of the connector making it possible to secure the wiper blade to a drive arm of a wiping system, by producing at least one distribution zone within which a cover closing a conduit for conveying a cleaning fluid towards a distribution conduit comprises a projection orifice through which the cleaning fluid is capable of being projected towards the glazed surface of a vehicle.

[0106] The invention as just described cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

Connector (7) intended to connect a wiper blade (5) of a wiping system (1) of a vehicle to a drive arm (2) of the wiping system (1), the connector (7) comprising a cleaning fluid conveying circuit delimited within the connector (7) and extending between a fluid inlet configured to cooperate with a cleaning fluid supply hose and at least one fluid outlet configured to communicate with a cleaning fluid projection channel within the wiper blade (5), the cleaning fluid conveying circuit comprising at least one distribution duct (23) extending longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector (7) to the other and a conveying duct (22) opening into the distribution duct (23) forming a distribution node (40), the at least one fluid outlet longitudinally extending said distribution duct (23),characterized in that the distribution node (40) comprises an opening (28) on an external face (250) of the connector which is closed by a cover (29), the cover (29) comprising at least one projection orifice (26b)., Connector (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one projection orifice (26b) is advantageously provided in the cover (29) in a direction which, when the cover is assembled to the connector, is substantially parallel to a main axis of elongation of the routing conduit (22). Connector (7) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one projection orifice (26b) has a diameter which is between 0.05 and 0.6 mm. Connector (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (7) comprises at least one distribution zone (25) arranged at least partially along the distribution conduit (23) and in which at least one projection hole (26a) is formed, the cover (29) being arranged in the longitudinal extension of this at least one distribution zone (25). Connector (7) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover (29) is arranged so as to be flush with the external face (250) of the connector in the at least one distribution zone (25). Connector (7) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that two distribution zones (25) are formed on either side of the cover (29) within which the at least one projection orifice (26b) is formed, projection holes (26a) being formed in each of the distribution zones. Connector (7) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the external face (250) of the at least one distribution zone (25) is formed by a flat (27) which extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction parallel to a projection axis (30) of the projection orifice (26b). Connector (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 4, characterized in that each projection means (26, 26a, 26b) formed in the at least one distribution zone (25) and the cover (29) is distant from a neighboring projection means (26, 26a, 26b) by a spacing distance of between 0.2 and 20 mm. Connector (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the at least one distribution zone (25) is of constant thickness. Wiper blade (5) of a wiping system (1) of a vehicle comprising at least one connector (7) according to one of the preceding claims and intended to connect the wiper blade (5) to a drive arm (2) of the wiping system (1).

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