Wiper blade assembly for a wiper with a spray function

Abstract

TITLE: Wiper assembly for a wiper with a spray function. Wiper assembly (14) for a vehicle wiper comprising a wiper assembly (14) that attaches to a wiper arm (12), the wiper assembly (14) comprising a wiper blade (22) and a bracket (24) and optionally a deflector, the wiper assembly (14) comprising a fluid distribution system with a fluid distribution channel, this fluid distribution channel having distribution orifices for distributing cleaning fluid from the distribution channel onto the vehicle windshield. The bracket (24) has an adapter (28) for connecting a fluid supply (30) to the distribution system (26).The adapters (28) installed on the support (24) are designed to connect the power supply (30) only with one or more distribution channels of the distribution system (26), which distributes the fluid to one side or the same side of the wiper blade (22). Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Wiper blade device for a windshield wiper having a spray function FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper blade device for a vehicle windshield wiper comprising a wiper blade device which attaches to an arm of the wiper, the wiper blade device comprising a wiper blade and a holder and optionally a deflector. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Multiple embodiments of vehicle windshield wipers are known. It is also known to equip the windshield wipers with a spray function so as to spray or distribute the cleaning liquid directly from the windshield wiper onto the window to be cleaned. The cleaning liquid is, for example, distributed on one side or both sides of the wiper blade.

[0003] Document DE 10 2008 049 269 A1 describes the connection between a wiper blade and a wiper arm of a vehicle wiper installation by means of a removable attachment with an adapter provided on the wiper blade and which is fixed to the wiper arm; the wiper blade as a flat wiper consists mainly of a wiper blade body in the form of a profiled rail, at least one elastic rail as well as at least one rubber wiping lip and having in at least one longitudinal side of the wiper blade, a distribution and spray channel provided with nozzle-shaped orifices for distributing a cleaning or washing liquid onto the vehicle window;it also comprises at least one liquid connection on the wiper blade adapter for removably connecting the distribution and spray channel(s) with at least one liquid line provided externally over part of the length of the wiper arm, to ensure the supply of washing and cleaning liquid to the distribution and spray channel and this via a coupling unit connected to the liquid line. ;

[0004] The invention relates to a wiper blade device for a vehicle windshield wiper comprising a wiper blade device which attaches to an arm of the wiper, the wiper blade device comprising a wiper blade and a support and optionally a deflector, and a liquid distribution system with a liquid distribution channel, this liquid distribution channel having distribution orifices for distributing cleaning liquid from the distribution channel, onto the vehicle window, this device being characterized in that the support comprises at least one adapter for hydraulically connecting a liquid supply to the liquid distribution system by being fixed thereto, each of the at least one adapter installed on the support being adapted to connect the liquid supply only with one or more such liquid distribution channels of the liquid distribution system, which distributes the cleaning liquid on one side or on the same side of the wiper blade.

[0005] Such a wiper blade device allows for an economical and adaptable production of the vehicle wiper.

[0006] The wiper blade device constitutes in particular a part of a vehicle windshield wiper, such as, in particular, a motor vehicle. The wiper blade device is attached for this purpose to a wiper arm. The wiper arm thus serves in particular to provide the mechanical connection of the wiper blade device to the vehicle and is intended to be pivotally attached in the vicinity of a window of the vehicle. Furthermore, the wiper arm is driven by a wiper motor as is known. The wiper blade device is guided and driven by the wiper arm on the window of the vehicle.

[0007] For this purpose, the windscreen wiper device in its embodiment comprises a wiper blade to which a deflector is attached and a wiper blade which is attached to the wiper blade or the deflector. The wiper blade is, for example, made of metal and mechanically stabilizes the wiper blade device. In addition, the wiper blade holds the deflector and, if applicable, the wiper blade. The deflector serves in a manner known per se to apply the wiper against the window at high speeds and to have good wiping.

[0008] The wiper blade includes, in particular, a rubber lip which slides directly over the glass to remove dirt and liquid.

[0009] Preferably, for the operation of the windscreen wiper or the wiper blade device, the latter sprays cleaning liquid such as a cleaning agent and / or antifreeze with water onto the window. This ensures particularly effective and, above all, rapid cleaning of the window to remove dirt. Spraying the cleaning liquid onto the window by the windscreen wiper blade device, in particular the wiper blade or the deflector, makes it possible to spray the cleaning liquid in the desired manner, precisely in position and over the entire surface on which the windscreen wiper is to clean the window. Applying the cleaning liquid to the window by the wiper blade device provides improved safety. In addition, this saves cleaning liquid for the operation of the windscreen wiper.

[0010] The windscreen wiper device comprises, as indicated above, a wiper blade and a support and, if necessary, a deflector. The wiper blade serves as that has been said, to clean by direct contact, the window of the vehicle. For this, the cleaning liquid is sprayed by the wiper blade device such as a wiper blade or the deflector onto the window; the wiper blade device comprises for this purpose a liquid distribution system having at least one liquid distribution channel; one or more liquid distribution channels are provided in the wiper blade and / or the deflector. The liquid distribution channel(s) have distribution orifices for distributing the cleaning liquid from the liquid distribution channel onto the window of the vehicle. These distribution orifices, also called nozzles, can be distributed in particular along the length of the wiper blade or the deflector and thus ensure that the cleaning liquid will be sprayed next to the wiper blade over its entire length.In particular, the cleaning liquid can be sprayed upstream of the wiper blade according to the direction of movement of the wiper blade.

[0011] The holder is constituted, for example, by the wiper blade described above or another holder which is, for example, attached to the wiper blade. It is important that the holder can receive at least one adapter or preferably that an adapter is attached to the holder. Indeed, for the wiper blade device described here, the holder comprises at least one adapter for making the hydraulic connection between a liquid supply and a liquid distribution system. The adapter is in particular connected to a liquid supply which can be the hose connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir. For this, for example, the adapter comprises a connector as a liquid inlet; this male connector is mounted on the hose. Furthermore, the adapter comprises, for example, precisely a liquid outlet which can also be a male connector and which, using a hose or another liquid line, is connected to the liquid distribution system.In particular, each of the provided adapters has precisely one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet.

[0012] Thus, within the adapter, the channel geometry guides the cleaning liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet.

[0013] One or more adapters are provided on the holder for connecting the liquid supply to one or more such liquid distribution channels of the liquid distribution system through which the cleaning liquid is distributed on the same side of the wiper blade. The term "same side of the wiper blade" means in particular that for movement in a fixed direction of the wiper blade, only the upstream side or the rear side of the wiper blade distributes cleaning liquid.

[0014] Thus, an adapter is provided on the support or several adapters designed and connected from the point of view of connectivity with the liquid distribution system for that each adapter only allows the cleaning fluid to be distributed on one side.

[0015] Thus, it is not intended that the adapter allows distribution of the cleaning liquid on both sides; each adapter conducts the cleaning liquid in such a way that in such a liquid distribution channel, the cleaning liquid arriving from the adapter is sprayed only on one side of the wiper blade on the window.

[0016] Such an embodiment offers significant advantages over solutions according to the state of the art. In particular, this embodiment provides one or more adapters which are adapted to the practical realization of the cleaning mechanism. Thus, the cleaning mechanism provides for the distribution of cleaning liquid on one side and only one adapter is provided for this purpose. If, on the other hand, the cleaning mechanism is to spray cleaning liquid on both sides, two adapters are provided.

[0017] This is a particularly economical solution. In fact, the respective adapters are each adapted to only one spraying system and are therefore smaller and can be produced with less material. The solution is economical in the case where spraying is carried out on one side using a relatively small adapter.

[0018] Furthermore, for the spraying mechanism on one side, the use of an adapter with two liquid outlets, one of which would not be used, is avoided. It would then be necessary to close the liquid outlet as best as possible, but there is a risk that dirt could enter through the open connection, which could deteriorate the good result or block the adapter.

[0019] The unused connection or connection of an adapter because it is not in operation can complicate the operation in the event of replacing a windshield wiper because the user in general or exclusively does not expect such a connection which does not work.

[0020] If the liquid distribution system is intended to distribute cleaning liquid on both sides, two adapters will simply be used to supply cleaning liquid to the corresponding distribution channels.

[0021] This allows for a modular system with simple and economical adaptation of a very suitable design without influencing operation.

[0022] Preferably, the wiper blade device distributes cleaning liquid on one side and in particular it comprises precisely an adapter which connects the single liquid distribution outlet to one or more liquid distribution channels through which the cleaning liquid is distributed on one side which is the same as the wiper blade and to allow only the unilateral distribution of cleaning liquid. In such an embodiment which is only used for the unilateral distribution of the cleaning liquid, the consumption of cleaning liquid is reduced, which is a particularly economical use. This embodiment of the adapter is particularly simple, which reduces the manufacturing means and the cost of the adapter. To manufacture the wiper blade device, it is sufficient to use, if necessary, a more compact adapter, which further simplifies manufacturing and represents a saving.

[0023] The one-sided distribution of the cleaning liquid is achieved in particular in that during the movement of the wiper, the cleaning liquid is sprayed upstream of the moving wiper blade, but due to this one-sided spraying function, it is only in a fixed direction of the wiper or wiper blade.

[0024] Alternatively, preferably, the wiper device is designed to distribute the cleaning liquid on both sides and for this, it comprises two adapters, in particular precisely two adapters each of which is connected precisely to a liquid outlet, connected to the adapter with one or more liquid distribution channels through which the cleaning liquid can be distributed on one side and on the same side of the wiper blade, i.e. to ensure only a unilateral distribution of the cleaning liquid while the liquid distribution channels supplied by the different adapters are designed to distribute cleaning liquid on different sides of the wiper blade. In this embodiment, the cleaning result is particularly advantageous because with each movement of the wiper, i.e. for both directions of movement of the wiper, the cleaning liquid will be sprayed upstream.

[0025] The adapters used can be identical so that regardless of whether the cleaning liquid is distributed on one side or on two sides, it is sufficient to have one type of adapter. This shows that the modular construction of the wiper blade device corresponds to a very high adaptation of the functions.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the adapters is connected directly or indirectly to be fixed by clipping to the support. A clipping connection, also called a snap-on connection, simplifies manufacturing because it allows the adapter to be fixed to the adapter or to be fixed to the support without requiring a tool. In addition, the clipping connections, in particular of the hooking beaks and the undercuts, are easily achieved so that the adapter(s) can be fixed simply at the appropriate location where desired. This embodiment underlines and amplifies the modular nature of the windshield wiper blade device, which will be detailed below.

[0027] The adapter or support is fixed directly, i.e. without the interposition of other components between the support and the adapter, or indirectly, i.e. with at least one component between the adapter and the support.

[0028] According to another preferred feature, a housing is attached to the support and this housing comprises at least one adapter. This embodiment thus describes an indirect attachment of the adapter, i.e. of the adapter to the support. In this embodiment, the adapter and the adapter connections are protected against negative external influences such as mechanical actions. This ensures the safety and reliability of the operation of the wiper blade device.

[0029] It is advantageous if the housing is fixed to the holder by a clip-on connection. This again results in advantages of simplicity and safety of the modular fixing and adaptation of the wiper blade device. In principle, there is one housing for all adapters or one housing for each adapter.

[0030] According to another feature, the liquid distribution system, in particular the liquid distribution channel(s) of the wiper blade or the deflector, are heated. In this embodiment, the wiper blade device comprises a heating device which makes it possible to heat the cleaning liquid in the liquid distribution system. This embodiment, even for temperatures significantly below the freezing point, guarantees the safe operation of the wiper blade device. Advantageously, an electrical connection on the support ensures the electrical connection of the electric heater used to heat the liquid distribution system.

[0031] For other advantages and technical characteristics of the windshield wiper device, reference is made to the description of the windshield wiper device in the figures.

[0032] The description relates to a windshield wiper blade device comprising a windshield wiper arm and a windshield wiper blade device, this device being produced as described in detail above.

[0033] Such a windshield wiper device makes it possible, as has been mentioned, to have a very economical and very adaptable windshield wiper device and thus a windshield wiper device like that described.

[0034] Preferably, the wiper arm carries a heated liquid supply. The liquid supply on the wiper arm is, for example, a hose connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir and the adapter of the wiper blade device. Heating the liquid supply such as the hose ensures reliable operation of the wiper blade device even at temperatures significantly below freezing point. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments of a windscreen wiper blade device according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] [Fig.l] schematic representation of a windshield wiper device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0037] [Fig.2] schematic representation of a windscreen wiper blade device according to a embodiment of the invention,

[0038] [Fig.3] schematic representation of a windscreen wiper device according to another mode of carrying out the invention,

[0039] [Fig.4] schematic representation of a windscreen wiper device according to another mode of carrying out the invention,

[0040] [Fig.5] schematic representation of a windscreen wiper device according to another mode of carrying out the invention,

[0041] [Fig.6] schematic representation of a windscreen wiper device according to another mode of carrying out the invention.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] [Fig.l] shows a windshield wiper device for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. The windshield wiper device 10 comprises a wiper arm 12 and a wiper blade device 14. The wiper arm 12 is pivotally connected at a first end 16 to the vehicle. Electrical connections 18 are shown for the first end 16 for heating the wiper arm 12 or the wiper blade device 14. The figure further shows that the second end 20 of the wiper arm 12 carries the wiper blade device 14.

[0044] The windshield wiper blade device 14 will be presented below, in detail, in the different figures for different embodiments.

[0045] For example, [Fig.2] shows the wiper blade device 14 comprising a wiper blade 22 and a holder 24. The wiper blade 22 is fixed to the holder 24. The holder 24 can also serve to mechanically connect the wiper blade device 14 to its holder 24 of the wiper arm 12.

[0046] To enable the distribution of cleaning liquid onto the vehicle window, the wiper blade device 14 comprises a liquid distribution system 26; in a non-detailed manner, the system comprises a liquid distribution channel. The liquid distribution channel is provided with non-detailed distribution orifices for distributing cleaning liquid from the distribution channel onto the vehicle window.

[0047] The support 24 further comprises at least one adapter 28 for hydraulically connecting a liquid supply 30 to the liquid distribution system. In detail, [Fig. 2] shows two adapters 28 connected to the liquid supply 30. The adapters 28 respectively have a liquid inlet 32 ​​formed by a male connector. The liquid supply 30 comprises a pipe 34; in the embodiment of [Fig.2], these are two pipes 34 connected to a tank containing the cleaning liquid.

[0048] The adapters 28 are connected by a clip-on connection to the housing 36 provided with hooking means 37; the housing 36 is itself connected by a clip-on connection and clipping means 39 to the support 24. A common housing 36 appears for the two adapters 28. The area of ​​the adapter 28 and the housing 36 is covered by a cover 23 as shown in [Fig. 1].

[0049] In the embodiment of [Fig. 2] the wiper blade device 14 ensures the distribution of cleaning liquid on both sides and for this it has two adapters 28; each of the adapters 28 is connected precisely to a liquid outlet 38 for the connection of the adapter 28 and thus to the liquid supply 30 with one or more liquid channels through which the cleaning liquid is always distributed on the same side of the wiper blade 22. The adapters 28 are independent components separate from the others; in principle, they can correspond to each other, be plane symmetrical or be made differently.

[0050] In principle, it is provided that each of the adapters 28 or several adapters 28 provided on the support 24 connect the liquid supply 30 with only one or several liquid distribution channels of the liquid distribution system 28 which distributes cleaning liquid on one side and this on the same side of the wiper blade 22.

[0051] As an example, [Fig. 5] shows a wiper blade device 14 provided for dispensing cleaning liquid to one side. In this embodiment, the wiper blade device 14 has precisely an adapter 28 which connects a liquid outlet 28 to the adapter 28 and thus the liquid supply 30 has one or more liquid dispensing channels through which the cleaning liquid is dispensed to one side, i.e. to the same side of the wiper blade 22.

[0052] It also appears that in the embodiment of [Fig.5], due to the unilateral spraying function, an adapter 28 is eliminated compared to the embodiment of [Fig.2].

[0053] Figures 2 and 5 further show a connection to the electrical connector 40 which is intended to be connected to the electrical connections 18 of the wiper arm 12. This makes it possible to control the heating by the electrical lines 42 (not shown in detail) to heat the wiper arm 12 and, if necessary, the liquid supply 30 and likewise the liquid distribution system 26 such as the channels of the wiper blade 12.

[0054] The other figures show, as will be described below, other embodiments of a windshield wiper blade device, the description mainly focusing on the differences.

[0055] [Fig.3] shows an embodiment in which the wiper blade device 14 distributes cleaning fluid to both sides. Electrical lines 42 heat not only the fluid distribution system 26 but also the wiper arm 12.

[0056] Figures 4 and 6 show embodiments without heating; in [Fig. 4], the wiper blade device 14 distributes cleaning liquid on both sides; in [Fig. 6] the wiper blade device 14 distributes liquid on only one side. Correspondingly, an electrical connection is eliminated.

[0057] In principle, in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 5 as well as in Figures 4 and 6, the modular structure of the windscreen wiper device according to the invention constitutes an economical and suitable solution, allowing unlimited functionality.

[0058] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0059] 10 Windshield wiper device

[0060] 12 Windshield wiper arm

[0061] 14 Windshield wiper blade device

[0062] 16 First end of the wiper arm

[0063] 18 Electrical connection

[0064] 20 Second end of the wiper arm

[0065] 22 Windshield wiper blade

[0066] 24 Support

[0067] 26 Cleaning liquid application system

[0068] 28 Adapter

[0069] 30 Cleaning liquid supply

[0070] 32 Liquid inlet

[0071] 34 Pipe

[0072] 36 Common housing for both adapters

[0073] 37 Clipping means

[0074] 38 Cleaning liquid outlet

[0075] 39 Clipping means

[0076] 40 Electrical connection

[0077] 42 Power line

Claims

Claims

1. A wiper blade device (14) for a vehicle wiper that attaches to an arm (12) of the wiper, - the wiper blade device (14) comprising a wiper blade (22) attached to a support (24) of the wiper arm, optionally a deflector, and a liquid dispensing system with a liquid dispensing channel that has dispensing orifices for dispensing, onto the vehicle window, cleaning liquid from the dispensing channel, characterized in that - the support (24) is a housing (36) connected by clipping means (39) to the support (24) - the housing (36) receiving an adapter (28) connected to a housing (36) by clipping to hooking means (37) - the adapter (28) connecting the liquid supply (30) with one or more liquid dispensing channels of the system liquid distribution (26),which distributes the cleaning fluid to one or both sides of the wiper blade (22).,

2. A wiper blade device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (24) comprises two adapters (28) for hydraulically connecting and securing a liquid supply (30) to the liquid distribution system (26), - each of the adapters (28) installed on the holder (24) being designed to connect the liquid supply (30) with one or more liquid distribution channels of the liquid distribution system (26), which distributes the cleaning liquid to different sides of the wiper blade (22) from each other.

3. Windshield wiper blade device (14) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises electrical lines (42) for heating the liquid distribution system (26).

4. Windshield wiper blade device (14) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (24) comprises an electrical connection (40) for electrically connecting an electric heater for heating the liquid distribution system (26).

5. A windscreen wiper device (10) comprising a windscreen wiper arm (12) and a wiper blade device (14), characterized in that the wiper blade device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Windscreen wiper device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the wiper arm (12) is provided with a heated liquid supply (30).

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