Wiper blade with directional valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wiper blade (130) intended to be moved by a drive arm (105) comprising at least a first nozzle element (140.1) and at least a second nozzle element (140.2), each being able to receive cleaning fluid and to spray the cleaning fluid beyond the wiper blade. The wiper further comprises a directional valve (130) comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, and is suitable for conveying cleaning fluid from the inlet to the first outlet or to the second outlet depending on a pressure of the cleaning fluid in the inlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to the at least one first nozzle element and the second outlet is connected to the at least one second nozzle element.

Description

Wiper blade with directional valve

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiping blade for a system for wiping a glass surface, in particular a glass surface for a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is common for equipment such as a motor vehicle to have a wiping system comprising several spray elements, to perform one or more cleaning functions for sensor surfaces or windows in particular. Such a wiping system with several spray elements is not specific to motor vehicles and may be useful for other equipment comprising one or more surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] It may be possible to use a shared pump to supply cleaning fluid to the nozzle elements of a cleaning system. In order to selectively supply two nozzle elements, in particular to supply one then the other, it is known to use a solenoid valve between each nozzle element and the pump. The solenoid valve can be controlled by an electrical signal in order to distribute or not distribute the cleaning fluid to the nozzle element.

[0004] However, control by electrical signal is not very robust, particularly in the event of an electrical failure or mechanical shock, requires the use of bulky electrical wires, and is expensive.

[0005] Document DE 10 2020 116023 A1 discloses a directional valve for a wiping system.

[0006] There is thus a need for a solution to enable the wiping of a glass surface with at least two spray elements and requiring the use of a single pump, which is robust, compact, lightweight and inexpensive, and above all which allows the watering of these glass surfaces in a variety of positions and configurations, as they can be found on a motor vehicle.

[0007] The present invention improves the situation.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a wiper blade intended to be driven in movement by a drive arm, the wiper blade comprising:

[0009] - at least one first nozzle element and at least one second nozzle element, each being capable of receiving cleaning fluid and of projecting said cleaning fluid outside the wiper blade;

[0010] - a directional valve comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet, and capable of conveying cleaning fluid from the inlet to the first outlet or to the second outlet depending on a pressure of the cleaning fluid in the inlet. The first outlet is connected to said at least one first nozzle element and the second outlet is connected to said at least one second nozzle element.

[0011] This makes it possible to selectively inject cleaning fluid into two nozzle elements without requiring a solenoid valve controlled by electrical wires. Indeed, the directional valve can be passively controlled by varying the pressure of the cleaning fluid. Such a mechanical system is more robust than a wired control, less bulky, less expensive and lighter.

[0012] What is more, such a wiper blade can be integrated into a wiping system comprising a single pump.

[0013] Furthermore, the integration of the directional valve in the wiper blade, rather than in the drive arm, makes it possible to reduce the number of cleaning fluid injection channels between a pump and the wiper blade. Finally, the wiper blade according to the invention can be integrated into a wiping system while retaining an existing arm, pump and fluid reservoir. In certain cases, it is even possible to integrate the valve into a blade according to the prior art, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the wiping system according to the invention.

[0014] According to one aspect, the wiper blade comprises a squeegee, configured to be in contact with a glass surface to be wiped, and a structural element carrying the squeegee, and in which the directional valve is fixedly mounted relative to the structural element.

[0015] According to first and second embodiments, the directional valve can be mounted in a longitudinal end region of the wiper blade.

[0016] Such embodiments are particularly advantageous when at least one of the nozzle elements is also arranged in the longitudinal end region, the size of the distribution channel between the nozzle element and the valve being minimized.

[0017] According to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the directional valve can be mounted in an upper or lower longitudinal end zone, the upper longitudinal end zone occupying higher positions than positions of the lower longitudinal end zone, when the wiper blade is integrated into a motor vehicle glass surface wiping system.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the directional valve is mounted in the lower longitudinal end zone which is generally closest to the pump of a wiping system in which the wiper blade is integrated, which makes it possible to minimize the length of an injection channel between the pump and the directional valve, which limits the space requirement related to the injection channel, avoids having to integrate the injection channel on the drive arm and minimizes the pressure losses of the cleaning fluid. The second embodiment is particularly advantageous when at least one of the nozzle elements is arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone, since a length of a supply channel between the directional valve and this nozzle element is then reduced.According to a third embodiment, the wiper blade may further comprise a fixing device capable of connecting the wiper blade to a drive arm, and the directional valve may be mounted in the fixing device.

[0019] The third embodiment makes it possible to connect an injection channel supplying cleaning fluid to the directional valve, to the arm, which limits the space required by the injection channel.

[0020] Additionally, according to the third embodiment, the fixing device may comprise a connector mounted on a structural element (for example, a stiffening vertebra) of the wiper blade and an adapter, movably mounted on the connector and capable of connecting the wiper blade to the drive arm, and the directional valve may be mounted in the connector.

[0021] Thus, the directional valve is mounted on the connector integral with the wiper blade, which makes the wiper blade compatible with, and facilitates its integration into, many wiping systems. According to embodiments, said at least one first nozzle element may be a first simple nozzle element capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle, or said at least one second nozzle element may be a second simple nozzle element capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle.

[0022] This makes it possible to deliver the cleaning fluid to a precise position on the wiper blade, enabling the performance of wiping functions requiring such precision.

[0023] Additionally, the first spray element or the second spray element may be arranged in a longitudinal end region of the wiper blade and may be capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of a wiper blade of the wiper blade.

[0024] This improves the cleaning efficiency of a glass surface swept by the wiper blade.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, said at least one first nozzle element may be a first simple nozzle element capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle, and said at least one second nozzle element may be a second simple nozzle element capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle.

[0026] This makes it possible to deliver the cleaning fluid to two precise positions on the wiper blade, enabling the performance of wiping functions requiring such precision.

[0027] Further additionally, the first single nozzle element and the second single nozzle element may be arranged in a longitudinal end zone of the wiper blade, wherein the first nozzle element is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of a wiper blade of the wiper blade, in a first sweeping direction, and wherein the second nozzle element is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto the wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of the wiper blade of the wiper blade in a second sweeping direction opposite to the first sweeping direction.

[0028] Thus, the efficiency of cleaning a glass surface swept by the wiper blade is improved, in both directions of sweeping of the wiper blade.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, said first single nozzle element or said second single nozzle element may be arranged in a longitudinal end zone and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside a sweeping zone of the wiper blade.

[0030] This makes it possible to clean a glass surface of a sensor located outside the scanning zone, or to clean the glass surface on which the wiping system is mounted, outside the scanning zone.

[0031] Additionally, the first single nozzle element and the second single nozzle element may be arranged in a longitudinal end region and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside a sweeping region of the wiper blade.

[0032] Thus, the two spray elements are arranged in the longitudinal end zone, which makes it possible to perform the same complementary glass surface cleaning function outside the sweeping zone, or alternatively different functions, such as cleaning two different glass surfaces.

[0033] Additionally, the first single nozzle element may be oriented to spray cleaning fluid into a first area in an upward sweeping direction, and wherein the second single nozzle element may be oriented to spray cleaning fluid into the first area in a downward sweeping direction.

[0034] Thus, the two spray elements perform separate cleaning functions for two different glass surface areas. This could be, for example, two glass surfaces of two different sensors in a vehicle in which the wiping system is installed.

[0035] Alternatively, the first nozzle element may be oriented to spray cleaning fluid into a first given area when the wiper blade occupies a position within a first given set of wiping positions, and the second nozzle element may be oriented to spray cleaning fluid into a second area when the wiper blade occupies a position within a second given set of wiping positions, the first given area being distinct from the second given area.

[0036] This makes it possible to clean the sweeping area on the one hand, and an area outside the sweeping area on the other hand, with a single injection channel connected to the wiper blade.

[0037] According to embodiments, said at least one first spray element or said at least one second spray element may be a ramp extending longitudinally in the wiper blade, said ramp comprising a plurality of spray nozzles,

[0038] This allows cleaning fluid to be sprayed over a large area to be swept.

[0039] Alternatively, said at least one first spray element may be a first ramp extending longitudinally in the wiper blade, said first ramp comprising a first plurality of spray nozzles, and said at least one second spray element may be a second ramp, comprising a second plurality of spray nozzles.

[0040] It is thus possible to spray cleaning fluid over a large area to be swept, in particular in both directions of sweeping of the wiper blade.

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] illustrates elements of a wiping system for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;

[0043] illustrates other elements of a wiping system for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;

[0044] illustrates a directional valve of a wiping system according to embodiments of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0045] illustrates a directional valve of a wiping system according to embodiments of the invention, in a second configuration;

[0046] illustrates a first wiping blade of a wiping system, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0047] illustrates a second wiping blade of a wiping system, according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0048] illustrates a third wiping blade of a wiping system, according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0049] illustrates a fourth wiping blade of a wiping system, according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0050] illustrates a first wiping blade of a wiping system, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0051] illustrates a second wiping blade of a wiping system, according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0052] illustrates a first wiping blade of a wiping system, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0053] illustrates a second wiper blade of a wiping system, according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0054] illustrates a third wiper blade of a wiping system, according to the third embodiment of the invention

[0055] illustrates a fourth wiping blade of a wiping system, according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0056] It should first be noted that while the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, they can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. It should also be noted that, throughout the figures, elements that are similar and / or fulfill the same function are indicated by the same numbering.

[0057] Illustrates elements of a wiping system 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0058] The wiping system 100 is suitable for installation on a glass surface of a vehicle, such as for example a windshield, a rear window or a window.

[0059] The wiping system comprises at least one drive arm 103, a wiper blade 105 attached to the arm by a fixing device 104, and a drive device 101 of the arm 103, connected by a link 115 to the motor vehicle.

[0060] The drive device 101 is configured to set the wiper blade 104 in motion via the arm 103, the wiper blade 105 being in contact with the glass surface. The movement of the arm 103 is typically a back-and-forth movement, preferably a circular movement. For this purpose, the drive device 101 can itself be moved by a motor around a pivot connection 101 making it possible to carry out the circular movement of the wiping system 100. Alternatively, the connection 101 makes it possible to carry out a translational movement of the drive arm. According to another alternative, the connection makes it possible to carry out both a translational and rotational movement of the drive arm 103.

[0061] No restriction is attached to the fixing device 104 which is capable of allowing the mechanical fixing of the wiper blade 105 to the arm 103. The mechanical fixing may in particular be by clamping, by fitting, or by any other means. No restriction is attached to the degrees of freedom permitted by the mechanical connection made by the fixing device 104.

[0062] The fixing device may in particular comprise at least two elements comprising a connector, secured to a structural element (most commonly a stiffening vertebra as known in the prior art) of the wiper blade 105, and an adapter, secured to the arm 103. The connection between the connector and the adapter is thus capable of defining the degrees of freedom permitted between the wiper blade 105 and the arm 103.

[0063] The wiping system 100 further comprises an assembly for injecting a cleaning fluid from a reservoir, not shown in the, but described with reference to the, to at least two spray elements also described below.

[0064] Illustrates other elements of the wiping system 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0065] The system 100 may further comprise a cleaning fluid reservoir 110 storing cleaning fluid, and on which is arranged a pump 120, comprising a pump motor not shown in the.

[0066] The pump 120, when its motor is active, is capable of pumping cleaning fluid from the reservoir 110 in order to inject it into an injection channel 150. The injection channel 150 thus connects the outlet of the pump 120 to an inlet of a directional valve 130, the structure of which will be better understood upon reading the description of figures 3a and 3b.

[0067] In the following, a system with an arm 103 and a wiper blade 105 is described. The invention, however, applies to a system with a first arm 103 and a first wiper blade 105 on the driver's side and a second arm 103 and a second wiper blade 105 on the passenger's side. In this case, the injection channel 150 is split so as to supply cleaning fluid to the driver's side and the passenger's side. The directional valve 130 described in the present description can be integrated in the first wiper blade 105 on the driver's side and in the second wiper blade 105 on the passenger's side. Alternatively, the directional valve 130 is integrated only in one or the other of the first and second wiper blades 105.

[0068] According to the invention, the pump 120 comprises a variable speed motor, expressed in revolutions per minute, and capable of taking values ​​of the order of a few thousand revolutions per minute.

[0069] No restriction is attached to the injection channel, which can be a rigid or flexible channel, having a length depending on the respective locations of the pump 120, the reservoir 110 and the directional valve 130. For example, the length of the injection channel can be between 1 and 10 meters, for example equal to 5 meters.

[0070] The directional valve 130 comprises a first outlet connected to at least one first nozzle element 140.1, via a first distribution channel 160.1 and a second outlet connected to at least one second nozzle element 140.2. The directional valve 130 is capable of conveying cleaning fluid from the inlet of the valve 130 to the first outlet when the cleaning fluid is received at the inlet at a pressure within a first given interval, the first given interval comprising first pressure values. The directional valve 130 is further capable of conveying cleaning fluid from the inlet of the valve 130 to the second outlet when the cleaning fluid is received at the inlet at a pressure within a second given interval, the second given interval comprising second pressure values. A lower limit of the second given interval is greater than or equal to an upper limit of the first interval.In other words, the second pressure values ​​of the second interval are all greater than or equal to the first pressure values ​​of the first interval, with at least one second value strictly greater than a first value.

[0071] The directional valve 130 can thus be controlled passively, and mechanically, so as to select the outlet into which the cleaning fluid is conveyed. Compared to dedicated solenoid valves according to the prior art solution, the use of a directional valve makes it possible to improve the reliability of the control of the valve, since it is then independent of an external control circuit, and makes it possible to avoid the use of electrical control wires and thus reduce the size, weight and costs associated with the cleaning fluid projection system.

[0072] No restrictions are attached to the boundaries of the first and second intervals. The boundaries may be defined by intrinsic characteristics of the directional valve 130 and its components, as will be better understood from the description of Figures 3a and 3b.

[0073] Advantageously, the values ​​of the terminals of the first and second intervals are defined from characteristics of the at least one first nozzle element 140.1 and of the at least one second nozzle element 140.2. In particular, at least one of the first values ​​of the first interval may correspond to an optimal operating value at the input of the at least one first nozzle element 140.1. Similarly, at least one of the second values ​​of the first interval may correspond to an optimal operating value at the input of the at least one second nozzle element.

[0074] The optimal operating values ​​may be respective flow rate values ​​of the at least one first nozzle element 140.1 and of the at least one second nozzle element 140.2. Alternatively, or in addition, the optimal operating values ​​may be pressure values ​​at the inlet of the nozzle elements 140.1 and 140.2. In particular, depending on the respective types of the nozzle elements 140.1 and 140.2, the optimal pressure values ​​at the inlet of the nozzle element and flow rate may vary. For example, each type of nozzle element may define a law between flow rate value and inlet pressure. However, according to the invention, said at least one first nozzle element 140.1 and said at least one second nozzle element 140.2 may be of a single type, in accordance with the different embodiments described in Figures 4 and following.

[0075] Furthermore, when a first directional valve 130 is arranged in the first wiper blade 105 on the driver's side and when a second directional valve 130 is arranged in the second wiper blade 105 on the passenger's side, the terminals of the first and second intervals for the first directional valve 130 may be different from the terminals of the first and second intervals for the second directional valve 130, in particular to compensate for pressure losses between the two cleaning fluid injection circuits (length of the injection channel 150 between the pump and the first valve, length of the injection channel 150 between the pump and the second valve, restriction of the section of the injection channel 150 at certain locations, etc.).

[0076] According to the invention, the directional valve 130, the at least one first nozzle element 140.1 and the at least one second nozzle element 140.2 are all integrated into the wiper blade 103. The integration of the directional valve 130 into the wiper blade 105 rather than into the arm 1053 advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of cleaning fluid injection channels between the pump and the wiper blade, while facilitating the reuse of elements of the wiping system. Indeed, the invention can be integrated into a wiping system while retaining an existing arm, a pump and a fluid reservoir. In certain cases, it is even possible to integrate the valve into a blade according to the prior art, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the wiping system according to the invention.

[0077] Illustrates the structure of a directional valve 130 according to embodiments of the invention, in a first configuration. Illustrates the same directional valve 130 in a second configuration.

[0078] The directional valve 130 comprises an inlet 131, a first outlet 132.1 capable of being connected to the first distribution channel 160.1 previously described, and a second outlet 132.2 capable of being connected to the second distribution channel 160.2 previously described. Such an inlet and such outlets may be formed by a body 138 of the valve, which may be in one piece or several pieces assembled together.

[0079] Depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the inlet 131, the directional valve 130 is able to connect the inlet to the first outlet 132.1 or to the second outlet 132.2. For this purpose, the directional valve 130 may comprise a piston 134 and a spring 135, the cleaning fluid 139 applying a pressure on the piston 134 which is transmitted to the spring 135 and which leads to obtaining an equilibrium position of the piston 134 which is a function of the pressure exerted by the cleaning fluid at the inlet, and of the constant of the spring 135 and its position.

[0080] In the example of Figures 3a and 3b, the spring 135 is capable of exerting a compressive force on the piston. On the other hand, a tension spring can be positioned at the inlet 131 of the valve to retain the piston 134.

[0081] The inner surface of the valve body 138 may be predominantly cylindrical, in which case the piston 134 is also predominantly cylindrical so as to be slidable within the directional valve 130. The radius of a circular section of the piston 134 is equal to the radius of a circular section of the inner wall of the body 138, or between 95% and 100%, preferably between 98% and 100% of said radius, so as to be snugly inserted into the directional valve 130.

[0082] The piston 134 comprises an inlet conduit 136 adapted to receive cleaning fluid 139 at the inlet 131 of the directional valve 130, the inlet conduit 136 being adapted to convey cleaning fluid to a fluid delivery portion 137. The piston 134 is adapted to slide inside the directional valve 130 according to the pressure of the inlet fluid so that the fluid delivery portion 137 is at least partially opposite the first outlet 132.1 when the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid is in the first interval and so that the fluid delivery portion 137 is at least partially opposite the second outlet 132.2 when the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid is in the second interval.

[0083] The fluid delivery portion 137 may be a cylindrical area comprised between the cylindrical inner wall of the body 138 and a hollow portion of the outer wall of the piston 134 as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Such a cylindrical area may partially or completely surround the piston 134. In particular, the fluid delivery portion 137 is in fluid communication with the inlet 136 and is capable of being opposite the first outlet 132.1 and the second outlet 132.1, depending on the position of the piston 134 in the valve body 138.

[0084] In the first configuration of the, the cleaning fluid 139 is received at a first pressure included in the first interval, and, consequently, the fluid delivery part 137 is opposite the first outlet 132.1. The cleaning fluid is thus conveyed towards said at least one first nozzle element 140.1.

[0085] In the second configuration of the, the cleaning fluid 139 is received at a second pressure included in the second interval, and, consequently, the fluid delivery portion 137 is opposite the second outlet 132.2. The cleaning fluid is thus conveyed to said at least one second nozzle element 140.2.

[0086] Figures 4a to 4d illustrate wiper blades 105 of a wiping system 100.1, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the invention, the directional valve 130 is arranged in a lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 of the wiper blade 105, the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 being closer to the arm 103 than an opposite upper longitudinal end zone 400.1. In other words, the arm being generally mounted in a lower part of a windshield or below the windshield of a motor vehicle, the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 is positioned lower than the lower longitudinal end zone 400.1, when the wiping system 100 is mounted on a glazed surface of the motor vehicle.

[0088] The term "longitudinal end zone" of the wiper blade 105 means a portion of the wiper blade 105 closer to a longitudinal end than to a longitudinal central position of the wiper blade 105, and preferably a portion of the wiper blade 3 times, or even 5 times, or even 10 times closer to the longitudinal end than to the longitudinal central position. A longitudinal end zone of a wiper blade includes in particular a longitudinal end of the wiper blade. The longitudinal central position generally corresponds to a position of the fixing device 104 connecting the wiper blade 105 to the arm 103.

[0089] The wiping system 100.1 according to the first embodiment thus comprises a directional valve 130 arranged in the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2.

[0090] Illustrates a first wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.1, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0091] In the first wiper blade 105 according to the first embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element 140.1 is a single nozzle element 140.1 arranged in the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 and capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the first wiper blade 105 or in front of a wiper blade of the wiper blade 105 in a first wiping direction among a downward wiping direction or an upward wiping direction. Illustrates the case of a projection in front of the wiper blade, substantially parallel to the first wiper blade 105. Alternatively, to spray cleaning fluid directly onto the wiper blade, an outlet of the first nozzle element 140.1 may be oriented towards the first wiper blade 105 rather than parallel to the first wiper blade 105.

[0092] Symmetrically, said at least one second nozzle element 140.2 is a single second nozzle element 140.2 arranged in the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 and capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the first wiper blade 105 or in front of a wiper blade of the first wiper blade 105 in a second wiping direction, different from the first wiping direction. As for the first nozzle element 140.1, the second nozzle element 140.2 shown in the is capable of spraying cleaning fluid in front of the wiper blade of the first wiper blade 105. Alternatively, to spray cleaning fluid directly onto the wiper blade, an outlet of the second nozzle element 140.2 may be oriented towards the first wiper blade 105 rather than parallel to the first wiper blade 105.

[0093] Illustrates a second wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.1, according to the first embodiment, comprising a directional valve 130 in the lower longitudinal end 400.2 as well as a first nozzle element 140.1 identical to the first nozzle element 140.1 presented for the first wiping system 100.1 of the.

[0094] Unlike the first wiper blade 105 of the, the at least one second nozzle element 140.2 of the second wiper blade 105 according to the first embodiment, is a ramp extending longitudinally in the second wiper blade 105, the ramp comprising a plurality of projection nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the projection nozzles of the ramp 140.2 being oriented so as to project cleaning fluid in front of the second wiper blade 105 in the second wiping direction, different from the first wiping direction in which the first nozzle element 140.1 projects cleaning fluid. The second direction is indicated by left-pointing arrows on the, for illustrative purposes, the second direction being able to be alternatively oriented to the left.

[0095] Illustrates a third wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.1, according to the first embodiment.

[0096] In the third wiper blade 105 according to the first embodiment, the third wiper blade 105 comprises the differential valve 130 arranged in the lower longitudinal end area 400.2. Said at least one first nozzle element is a first ramp 140.1 and said at least one second nozzle element is a second ramp 140.2.

[0097] The first ramp 140.1 extends longitudinally in the third wiper blade 105. The first ramp comprises a plurality of first spray nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the first spray nozzles of the first ramp 140.1 being oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid in front of the third wiper blade in a first wiping direction among an upward wiping direction and a downward wiping direction. The first direction is indicated by right-facing arrows on the , for illustration purposes, the first direction being alternatively oriented to the left.

[0098] The second ramp 140.2 also extends longitudinally in the third wiper blade 105. The second ramp 140.2 comprises a plurality of second spray nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the second spray nozzles of the second ramp 140.2 being oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid in front of the blade in a second sweeping direction, different from the first sweeping direction.

[0099] Illustrates a fourth wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.1, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0100] The fourth wiper blade according to the first embodiment comprises the differential valve 130 arranged in the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2.

[0101] Said at least one first spray element is a bar 140.1 extending longitudinally in the fourth wiper blade 105. The bar 140.1 comprises a plurality of spray nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the spray nozzles of the bar 140.1 being oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid in front of the blade in a first scanning direction among an upward scanning direction and a downward scanning direction. The first direction is indicated by right-facing arrows on the , for illustrative purposes, the first direction being able to be alternatively oriented to the left. The first direction may be different from the scanning direction in which the second spray element 140.2, described below, sprays cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the first direction is identical to the scanning direction in which the second spray element 140.2 sprays cleaning fluid.

[0102] Said at least one second nozzle element is a second nozzle element 140.2 arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1, supplied by the second distribution channel 160.2, and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside a sweeping zone of the wiper blade. The sweeping zone is constituted by all the positions that the wiper blade 105 is able to travel when it is driven in movement by the arm 103.

[0103] In particular, the second nozzle element 140.2 may be capable of cleaning a portion of the windshield of the motor vehicle which is outside the wiping zone. Alternatively, the second nozzle element 140.2 is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a glass surface of a sensor of the vehicle, not shown in the figures. Such a sensor may be installed above the windshield of the vehicle for example and may be a Lidar type sensor or a camera behind the windshield for example. The second nozzle element 140.2 may be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid onto such a sensor, in a given wiping direction among an upward or downward wiping direction.

[0104] The first, second, third and fourth wiper blades 105 described in Figures 4a to 4d are non-limiting alternatives of the first embodiment.

[0105] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate alternatives of wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.2, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0106] According to the second embodiment, the directional valve 130 is arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1 of the wiper blade 105, and not in the lower longitudinal end zone 400.2 as for the first embodiment.

[0107] Illustrates a first wiper blade of a wiping system 100.2, according to the second embodiment.

[0108] In the first wiper blade 105 according to the second embodiment, said at least one first spray element is a first spray element 140.1 arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1 and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside the wiping zone of the first wiper blade.

[0109] In particular, the first nozzle element 140.1 may be capable of cleaning a portion of the windshield of the motor vehicle which is outside the wiping zone. Alternatively, the first nozzle element 140.1 is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a glass surface of a sensor of the vehicle, not shown in the figures. As for the previous embodiment, such a sensor may be installed above the windshield of the vehicle for example and may be a Lidar type sensor or a camera behind the windshield for example. The first nozzle element 140.1 may be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid onto such a sensor, in a given wiping direction among an upward or downward wiping direction.

[0110] Said at least one second spray element is a ramp 140.2 extending longitudinally in the first wiper blade 105. The ramp 140.2 comprises a plurality of spray nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the spray nozzles of the ramp 140.2 being oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid in front of the blade in a first scanning direction among an upward scanning direction and a downward scanning direction. The first direction is indicated by right-pointing arrows on the , for illustrative purposes, the first direction being able to be alternatively oriented to the left. The first direction may be different from the given scanning direction in which the first spray element 140.1 sprays cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the first direction is identical to the given scanning direction in which the first spray element 140.1 sprays cleaning fluid.

[0111] On the, the injection channel 150 connects the injection pump to the directional valve 130 by being connected to the wiper blade 105 by its central part, namely by a junction at the level of the fixing device 104.

[0112] Alternatively, the junction of the injection channel 150 with the first wiper blade 105 can be integrated into the lower longitudinal end region 400.2.

[0113] Illustrates a second wiper blade of a wiping system 100.2, according to the second embodiment.

[0114] In the second wiper blade 105 according to the second embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element is a first nozzle element 140.1 arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1 and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside the wiping zone of the second wiper blade 105, as for the first wiper blade 105 of the.

[0115] Said at least one second nozzle element is a second nozzle element 140.2 arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1, close to the first nozzle element 140.1, and also oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside the sweeping zone of the second wiper blade 105.

[0116] The first nozzle element 140.1 can be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into a first zone in an upward wiping direction and the second nozzle element can be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into the first zone in a downward wiping direction. Thus, the first nozzle element 140.1 and the second nozzle element 140.2 perform the same function in a complementary manner, and such a function is performed whether the second wiper blade 105 sweeps in an upward or downward direction. The function can be the cleaning of a first zone of the windshield which is located outside the wiping zone of the second wiper blade. Alternatively, the first zone is an area of ​​a glass surface of a sensor of the vehicle.

[0117] According to a variant, the first nozzle element 140.1 can be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into a first given zone, when the second wiper blade 105 occupies a position included in a first given set of positions, and the second nozzle element 140.2 can be oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into a second zone, when the second wiper blade 105 occupies a position included in a second given set of positions, distinct from the first set of positions, the first zone being distinct from the second zone. The first zone can be an area of ​​the windshield outside the wiping zone. In this case, the second zone can be another area of ​​the windshield outside the wiping zone or can be an area of ​​a glazed surface of a sensor of the vehicle.Alternatively, the first area may be an area of ​​a glass surface of a first sensor of the vehicle, and the second area may be an area of ​​the windshield outside the scanning area or may be an area of ​​a glass surface of a second sensor of the vehicle.

[0118] On the, the injection channel 150 connects the injection pump to the directional valve 130 by being connected to the second wiper blade 105 by its central part, namely by a junction at the level of the fixing device 104.

[0119] Alternatively, the junction of the injection channel 150 with the second wiper blade 105 can be integrated into the lower longitudinal end region 400.2.

[0120] The first and second wiper blades 105 described in FIGS. 5a and 5b are non-limiting alternatives of the second embodiment.

[0121] Figures 6a to 6d illustrate alternatives of wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.3, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0122] According to the third embodiment, the directional valve 130 is arranged in a central zone of the wiper blade 105, in particular in the connector of the fixing device 104. As a reminder, a connector is a part of the fixing device 104 which is integral with a structural element of the wiper blade 105, unlike an adapter which is a part integral with the arm 103. The connector is connected to an adapter by a link allowing at least one degree of freedom of movement between the arm 103 and the wiper blade 105.

[0123] Illustrates a first wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.3, according to the third embodiment.

[0124] In the first wiper blade 105 according to the third embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element is a first ramp 140.1 and said at least one second nozzle element is a second ramp 140.2.

[0125] The first ramp 140.1 extends longitudinally in the first wiper blade 105. The first ramp comprises a plurality of first projection nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the first projection nozzles of the first ramp 140.1 being oriented so as to project cleaning fluid in front of the first wiper blade 105 in a first scanning direction among an upward scanning direction and a downward scanning direction.

[0126] The second ramp 140.2 also extends longitudinally in the first wiper blade 105. The second ramp 140.2 comprises a plurality of second projection nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the second projection nozzles of the second ramp 140.2 being oriented so as to project cleaning fluid in front of the first wiper blade 105 in a second sweeping direction, different from the first sweeping direction.

[0127] Since the differential valve 130 is in a central position in the first wiper blade 105, the first ramp 140.1 comprises an upper part and a lower part, connected to a common part itself connected to the first outlet 132.1 of the differential valve 130. The common part of the first ramp 140.1 may be a T-junction, as shown in the.

[0128] Likewise, the second ramp 140.2 comprises an upper part and a lower part, connected to a common part itself connected to the second outlet 132.2 of the differential valve 130. The common part of the second ramp 140.2 can also be a T-junction, as shown in the.

[0129] Illustrates a second wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.3, according to the third embodiment.

[0130] In the second wiper blade 105 according to the third embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element is a first ramp 140.1 and said at least one second nozzle element is a second ramp 140.2, as in the first wiper blade 105 according to the third embodiment.

[0131] However, the first ramp 140.1 comprises a first upper part 141.1 and a second lower part 141.2 capable of projecting cleaning fluid from two different sides of the second wiper blade 105.

[0132] Thus, at least one first projection nozzle arranged in the first upper part 141.1 is capable of projecting cleaning fluid in front of the second wiper blade 105 in a first scanning direction among an upward scanning direction and a downward scanning direction, and at least one second projection nozzle arranged in the second lower part 141.2 is capable of projecting cleaning fluid in front of the second wiper blade 105 in a second scanning direction, opposite to the first scanning direction.

[0133] Furthermore, the second ramp 140.2 comprises a first upper part 142.1 and a second lower part 142.2 capable of projecting cleaning fluid from two different sides of the second wiper blade 105.

[0134] Thus, at least one first projection nozzle arranged in the first upper part 142.1 is capable of projecting cleaning fluid in front of the second wiper blade 105 in the second scanning direction, and at least one second projection nozzle arranged in the second lower part 142.2 is capable of projecting cleaning fluid in front of the second wiper blade 105 in the first scanning direction.

[0135] The first manifold 140.1 further comprises a common portion connecting the first portion 141.1 and the second portion 141.2 to the first outlet 132.1 of the differential valve 130. The common portion of the first manifold 140.1 may also be a T-junction, as shown in the.

[0136] The second manifold 140.2 further comprises a common portion connecting the second portion 142.1 and the second portion 142.2 to the second outlet 132.2 of the differential valve 130. The common portion of the second manifold 140.2 may also be a T-junction, as shown in the.

[0137] Illustrates a third wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.3, according to the third embodiment.

[0138] In the third wiper blade according to the third embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element is a first ramp 140.1 and said at least one second nozzle element is a second ramp 140.2, as in the first and second wiper blades 105 according to the third embodiment.

[0139] However, the first ramp 140.1 comprises a first upper portion 141.1 and a second upper portion 141.2, the second upper portion 141.2 being connected to the first outlet 132.1 of the directional valve 130 via the first upper portion 141.1. The first upper portion 141.1 comprises at least one first projection nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid in a first scanning direction among an upward and downward scanning direction, while the second upper portion 141.2 comprises at least one first projection nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid in a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction.

[0140] Furthermore, the second ramp 140.2 comprises a first lower portion 142.1 and a second lower portion 142.2, the second lower portion 142.2 being connected to the second outlet 132.2 of the directional valve 130 via the first lower portion 142.1. The first lower portion 142.1 comprises at least one second projection nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid in a first scanning direction among an upward and downward scanning direction, while the second lower portion 142.2 comprises at least one second projection nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid in a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction.

[0141] Illustrates a fourth wiper blade 105 of a wiping system 100.3, according to the third embodiment.

[0142] In the fourth wiper blade 105 according to the third embodiment, said at least one first nozzle element is a first nozzle element 140.1 arranged in the upper longitudinal end zone 400.1 and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside the wiping zone of the fourth wiper blade 105. The first nozzle element 140.1 may be capable of spraying cleaning fluid into an area of ​​the windshield distinct from the wiping zone, or onto a glass surface of a sensor, in an upward and / or downward wiping direction.

[0143] In the fourth wiper blade 105 according to the third embodiment, said at least second spray element is a ramp 140.2 extending longitudinally in the fourth wiper blade 105. The ramp 140.2 comprises a plurality of projection nozzles at several distinct longitudinal positions, the projection nozzles of the ramp 140.2 being oriented so as to project cleaning fluid in front of the blade in a given sweeping direction among an upward sweeping direction and a downward sweeping direction.

[0144] The first, second, third and fourth wiper blades 105 described in Figures 6a to 6d are non-limiting alternatives of the third embodiment.

[0145] The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

A wiper blade (105) intended to be driven in movement by a drive arm (103), the wiper blade comprising:- at least one first nozzle element (140.1) and at least one second nozzle element (140.2), each being capable of receiving cleaning fluid and of projecting said cleaning fluid outside the wiper blade; and- a directional valve (130) comprising an inlet (131), a first outlet (132.1) and a second outlet (132.2), and capable of conveying cleaning fluid from the inlet to the first outlet or to the second outlet depending on a pressure of the cleaning fluid in the inlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to said at least one first nozzle element and the second outlet is connected to said at least one second nozzle element. Wiper blade according to claim 1, comprising a squeegee, configured to be in contact with a glass surface to be wiped, and a structural element carrying the squeegee, and in which the directional valve (130) is mounted fixed relative to the structural element. Wiper blade according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the directional valve (130) is mounted in a longitudinal end zone (400.2) of the wiper blade (105). Wiper blade according to claim 3, wherein the directional valve (130) is mounted in an upper (400.1) or lower longitudinal end zone, the upper longitudinal end zone occupying higher positions than positions of the upper longitudinal end zone, when the wiper blade is integrated into a motor vehicle glass surface wiping system. Wiper blade according to one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a fixing device (104) capable of connecting the wiper blade (105) to a drive arm (103), and in which the directional valve (130) is mounted in the fixing device. Wiper blade according to claim 5, in which the fixing device (104) comprises a connector mounted on the structural element of the wiper blade and an adapter, movably mounted on the connector and capable of connecting the wiper blade (105) to the drive arm (103), and in which the directional valve (130) is mounted in the connector. Wiper blade according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first nozzle element is a first single nozzle element (140.1) capable of spraying cleaning fluid through a single spray nozzle, or wherein said at least one second nozzle element is a second single nozzle element (140.2) capable of spraying cleaning fluid through a single spray nozzle. Wiper blade according to claim 7, wherein the first spray element or the second spray element is arranged in a longitudinal end zone (400.2) of the wiper blade (105) and is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of a wiper blade of the wiper blade. Wiper blade according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein said at least one first nozzle element is a first single nozzle element (140.1) capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle, and wherein said at least one second nozzle element is a second single nozzle element (140.2) capable of projecting cleaning fluid through a single projection nozzle. Wiper blade according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the first nozzle element and the second nozzle element are arranged in a longitudinal end zone (400.2) of the wiper blade (105), wherein the first nozzle element is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto a wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of a wiper blade of the wiper blade, in a first sweeping direction, and wherein the second nozzle element is capable of spraying cleaning fluid onto the wiper blade of the wiper blade or in front of the wiper blade of the wiper blade in a second sweeping direction opposite to the first sweeping direction. A wiper blade according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said first single nozzle element or said second single nozzle element is arranged in a longitudinal end zone (400.1) and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside a sweeping zone of the wiper blade. A wiper blade according to claims 9 and 11, wherein the first single nozzle element and the second single nozzle element are arranged in a longitudinal end region and oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid outside a sweeping region of the wiper blade. A wiper blade according to claim 12, wherein the first nozzle element (140.1) is oriented to spray cleaning fluid into a first area in an upward sweeping direction, and wherein the second nozzle element (140.2) is oriented to spray cleaning fluid into the first area in a downward sweeping direction. Wiper blade according to claim 12, wherein the first nozzle element (140.1) is oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into a first given zone, when the wiper blade (105) occupies a position included in a first set of given wiping positions, and wherein the second nozzle element (140.2) is oriented so as to spray cleaning fluid into a second zone, when the wiper blade occupies a position included in a second set of given wiping positions, the first given zone being distinct from the second given zone. Wiper blade according to one of claims 1 to 8 or 11, wherein said at least one first spray element or said at least one second spray element is a ramp (140.1) extending longitudinally in the wiper blade (105), said ramp comprising a plurality of spray nozzles.

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