Windshield wiper fluid line system

Abstract

TITLE: Windshield Washer Fluid Conduit Device A windshield washer fluid conduit device (10), including a wiper arm (12), comprising: a vehicle-arm interface (30) for receiving washer fluid from a source (22), a wiper arm-blade interface (40) for supplying washer fluid to a wiper blade (14), a conduit (50, 60) for supplying washer fluid from the interface (30) to the interface (40), and a heating wire (26) within the conduit (50, 60). The conduit (50) has a first segment (51), a second segment (52), and an intermediate segment (53), and an outlet (54) from the end (27) of the heating wire (26). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Windshield wiper fluid conveying device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid conveying device for a windshield wiper, in particular a wiper arm comprising:

[0002] - a vehicle-arm interface for receiving windshield washer fluid from a source,

[0003] - a wiper arm-blade interface for supplying windshield washer fluid to a wiper blade windshield wipers,

[0004] - at least one line to supply windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface at the wiper arm-blade interface, and

[0005] - a heating wire installed at least in the liquid line to heat the windshield washer fluid. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Windshield wipers are known to have a washer fluid line running along the wiper arm. Such lines are often equipped with a heating wire to prevent the washer fluid from freezing, especially in winter and at low ambient temperatures, or to thaw frozen washer fluid.

[0007] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a fluid delivery device for a windshield wiper, in particular a wiper arm comprising: a vehicle-arm interface for receiving windshield washer fluid from a source, an arm-wiper blade interface for supplying windshield washer fluid to the wiper blade, at least one line for supplying windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface to the arm-wiper blade interface and a heating wire installed at least in the fluid line for heating it, this delivery device being characterized in that the line has a first segment, a second segment and an intermediate segment between the first and second segments, the intermediate segment having at least one outlet for bringing at least one end of the heating wire out of the line.

[0009] In other words, the invention relates to a windshield washer fluid delivery device, in particular for a wiper arm comprising a vehicle-arm interface receiving windshield washer fluid from a source and an arm / wiper blade interface supplying windshield washer fluid to the wiper blade and at least one line to supply windshield washer fluid from the vehicle / arm interface to the arm / wiper blade interface and a heating wire in the line to heat the windshield washer fluid.

[0010] According to the invention, the liquid conduit has a first segment, a second segment and an intermediate element between the first and second segments. The intermediate element has at least one outlet for exiting at least one end of the heating wire from the liquid line.

[0011] According to the invention, a windshield wiper is provided, for example, for cleaning a window, in particular the windshield or rear window of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, an airplane and / or a boat / ship, advantageously a passenger vehicle or a utility vehicle, to remove rainwater and / or dirt.

[0012] In particular, the windshield wiper is connected to a vehicle wiper system, including at least one wiper motor to drive the wiper in a wiping motion, including a pivoting motion. The wiper includes a wiper blade. The wiper blade is equipped with a wiping blade, including a wiping rubber or a unit for retaining such a wiping blade; the wiping blade is in direct contact with the windshield. The wiper further includes a wiper arm for attaching the wiper blade to the vehicle, including the vehicle's wiper system.

[0013] The windshield washer fluid source is, for example, a pump that transfers the windshield washer fluid from a reservoir and supplies the vehicle-arm interface. Alternatively, the supply source may be limited to a reservoir, for example, a reservoir with pressurized air installed at a certain height above the fluid delivery device (i.e., a gravity-fed installation).

[0014] The vehicle-arm interface includes, for example, a predominantly rigid component. In particular, the vehicle-arm interface is made of plastic, especially a thermosetting material. The vehicle-arm interface includes, for example, at least one inlet port for connection to the power supply, in particular via at least one liquid supply line, for example, a hose. The line is thus installed primarily inside the vehicle, in particular behind the bodywork, for example, under the hood. The vehicle-arm interface includes at least one outlet port for connection to the line, for example, via at least one connection by shape or material. The vehicle-arm interface may have an angled shape, advantageously allowing the liquid flow to be diverted.

[0015] The wiper arm-blade interface is made, for example, in the form of a predominantly rigid component. In particular, the wiper arm / blade interface is made of a plastic material, especially a thermosetting material. The wiper blade has at least one nozzle for spraying windshield washer fluid onto the windshield. The wiper arm / blade interface includes at least one inlet port for connection to the fluid line, at least by a connection through shape or material. The wiper arm / blade interface includes, in particular, at least one outlet port. To allow the outlet of at least one nozzle line connected to the nozzle. The wiper arm / blade interface may have an angled shape and advantageously deflect the fluid flow.

[0016] The fluid line or the lines segments are, for example, hoses, in particular flexible hoses. In particular, the first and second lines of the fluid line are made of a material, in particular a flexible or formable material, in particular a composite material or a rubber. In particular, the material of the first and second lines is distinct from the material of the vehicle-arm interface or the wiper arm-blade interface. The fluid line preferably has a predominantly circular cross-section. The fluid line is installed or fixed, for example, along at least a large portion, in particular at least 50%, at least 80%, and preferably at least 90% of the length of the fluid line device, of the wiper arm.

[0017] For example, the first segment of the fluid line connects the vehicle-arm interface to the intermediate element, and the second segment connects the intermediate element to the wiper arm-interface. The fact that two elements of the fluid line are "coupled" or "connected" to each other means, for example, that they are connected at least by a fluid connection and preferably also by a mechanical connection. This fluid connection is at least designed to be practically leak-proof.

[0018] The intermediate element may be made of a different material than the first and second segments of the fluid line. The intermediate element may also be made of the same material as the vehicle-arm interface and / or the wiper arm-blade interface. The intermediate element has an inlet port for connection to the first segment of the line. The intermediate element has an outlet port for connection to the second segment of the line.

[0019] Alternatively, the intermediate element is made in one piece with the first and / or second segment. In particular, the intermediate element is reduced to the connecting bead / weld bead between the first and second segment.

[0020] The heating wire is a resistance heating element. Advantageously, the heating wire is at least practically straight, in particular without twisting, or at least practically parallel to the path of the fluid line as it passes through the fluid line, as this ensures, in particular, even heating. Alternatively, the heating wire has a spiral path within the fluid line. The heating wire may include an insulating layer that protects it against corrosion and / or the passage of electricity into the windshield washer fluid, which could cause a short circuit. Preferably, the heating wire has a practically constant conductivity along its entire length. The heating wire prevents the windshield washer fluid from freezing. in the driving system, especially in winter or at low ambient temperatures, or allows frozen windshield washer fluid to thaw in the driving system.

[0021] The heating wire is connected at its output to a power supply line or is intended to be connected to a power supply line that has a significantly higher conductivity than the heating wire and that connects the heating wire to the power supply electronics. In particular, the output is provided with a sealing means, such as silicone or adhesive, to prevent the windshield washer fluid from escaping. Alternatively, the heating wire passes through the output and is remotely coupled to a power supply line from the intermediate element to the power supply electronics.

[0022] The expression "designed for" means that it is a means specifically designed, made or equipped to perform a certain function. The fact that an element is designed to perform a certain function means, for example, that the function is performed in at least one state, particularly in the fully installed state.

[0023] The implementation of the fluid conveying device according to the invention corresponds to a particularly simple construction. The device according to the invention can be retrofitted into any fluid conveying devices that supply windshield washer fluid, and at the same time, the fluid conduit is opened to introduce the heating wire, with the intermediate element closing the opening. For example, vehicle-arm interfaces and wiper arm-blade interfaces can be made up of practically the same components. In particular, for the vehicle-arm interface or the wiper arm-blade interface, components are used that are also available without a heating wire.

[0024] According to another feature, the fluid delivery device has a second conduit for transferring the windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface to the wiper arm-blade interface. The delivery device may have additional conduits for carrying the windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface to the wiper arm-blade interface. The first and second fluid conduits are advantageously at least practically parallel. The second fluid conduit may be composed of segments or be made entirely of a flexible material, in particular one that can be bent or deformed, such as a composite material or a rubber. In particular, the vehicle-arm interface and the wiper arm-blade interface each have separate inlets and outlets for their respective fluid conduits.For example, the vehicle-arm interface or the wiper arm-blade interface have separate fluid channels designed to be connected to one of the fluid lines, respectively. Specifically, the channels of the vehicle-arm interface or the arm-vehicle interface are at least practically parallel. This allows more than one wiper blade washer nozzle to be supplied with washer fluid without causing a drop in pressure. pressure.

[0025] According to another feature, the intermediate element has at least one second outlet to allow at least one second end of the heating wire to exit the liquid line. This corresponds to a simple construction.

[0026] Alternatively, the second liquid line comprises, similarly to the liquid line, a second intermediate element between two segments of the second liquid line and with an outlet for the second end of the heating wire.

[0027] Advantageously, the heating wire passes at least once through all the fluid lines, the vehicle-arm interface, and the wiper arm-blade interface. This ensures that the windshield washer fluid is heated.

[0028] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide for each of the liquid lines, a separate heating wire passing through the respective intermediate element of the liquid line, which allows the installation of a heater as a second-hand installation.

[0029] Preferably, the heating wire passes through all the fluid lines, the vehicle-arm interface, and the wiper arm-blade interface exactly once, and begins and ends at the intermediate element. For example, the heating wire passes from the intermediate element through the second segment to the wiper arm-blade interface, from the wiper arm-blade interface through the second line to the vehicle-arm interface, and from this vehicle-arm interface through the first segment, back to the intermediate element. This ensures a uniform distribution of heating power and, moreover, the construction is simple.

[0030] Alternatively, the heating wire passes more than once, for example, twice or three times, through all the fluid lines, the vehicle-arm interface, and the wiper arm-blade interface. An embodiment with a second intermediate element in the second fluid line allows the heating wire to pass less frequently through all areas of the fluid lines or the vehicle-arm and wiper arm interfaces, so that some areas are heated more than others.

[0031] According to another feature, the intermediate element has at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the windshield washer fluid in the line or for sensing the temperature of the fluid line in the region of the intermediate element. By way of example, the temperature sensor is connected to the vehicle's electronics, in particular by a wired connection or, alternatively, by a wireless connection, to utilize the temperature obtained. The expression "sensing a temperature" means, for example, that the temperature sensor captures the actual temperature value and a characteristic quantity associated with the actual temperature value by appropriate operating electronics. This allows, in particular, for an energy-efficient design and reliable operation. This allows, in particular, for an energy-efficient design and reliable operation because the heating power of the wire heating will be regulated according to an entered temperature and not be heated earlier than necessary or less than necessary compared to regulation which is, for example, based on a temperature determined externally at another location.

[0032] According to another development, the intermediate element is closer to the vehicle-arm interface than to the wiper arm-blade interface. This allows for short cable lengths for the connection between the intermediate element and the vehicle.

[0033] According to another feature, the vehicle-arm interface and the wiper arm-blade interface have the same shape and are, in particular, identical. Specifically, the vehicle-arm interface and the wiper arm-blade interface are manufactured using the same process, resulting in cost savings and / or ease of assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, the intermediate element comprises an electrical interface connected to a connector. The electronic interface comprises, for example, contacts, advantageously plug-in contacts, alternatively, friction contacts for connection to contacts of a vehicle interface and for connecting the heating wire or the temperature sensor to the vehicle electronics. This facilitates assembly.

[0035] According to another characteristic, the heating wire is composed of a single continuous wire, which allows for regular heating.

[0036] Alternatively, the heating wire consists of several cords in parallel or the length of the heating wire is composed of several pieces connected together by a bond by shape, force or material.

[0037] The invention also proposes a wiper arm equipped with a liquid conduit device as described above, as well as a wiper equipped with such a liquid conduit device.

[0038] The liquid conduction device according to the invention or the windshield wiper according to the invention are not limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the liquid conduction device or the windshield wiper according to the invention may have a number of components, elements or units different from the number described above. Furthermore, the value ranges given in the description are only non-limiting examples. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments of the liquid conveying device shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] [Fig. 1] Schematic representation of a windshield wiper with a fluid conveying device according to the invention,

[0041] [Fig.2] Schematic representation of a windshield washer fluid transport system with a liquid conveying device,

[0042] [Fig.3] schematic cross-sectional view along section line AA of [Fig.2] of the liquid conduit of the liquid conduit device,

[0043] [Fig.4] Schematic perspective view of the wiper arm-blade interface of the liquid conveying device,

[0044] [Fig.5] Schematic cross-sectional representation along the cutting line BB of the wiper arm-blade interface of [Fig.4],

[0045] [Fig.6] schematic representation of the cross-sectional view along the cutting line CC of the wiper arm-blade interface of [Fig.4], and

[0046] [Fig.7] Schematic cross-sectional view of the wiper arm-blade interface of the [Fig.4] along the DD cutting line.

[0047] By convention in the description, the conjunction or is in an inclusive sense.

[0048] DESCRIPTION OF A MODE OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0049] [Fig.l] shows a windshield wiper 10. The windshield wiper 10 has a wiper arm 12. The windshield wiper 10 has a wiper blade 14. The wiper arm 12 has a wiper blade adapter 16 for connecting the wiper blade 14 to the wiper arm 12. The wiper arm 12 further has an attachment piece 18 for connecting the wiper arm 12 to a vehicle (not detailed). The windshield wiper 10 further has a liquid conducting device 20 for transferring the washer fluid along the windshield wiper arm 12. The liquid conducting device 20 passes along the windshield wiper arm 12. The liquid conducting device 20 is attached at least one attachment point to the windshield wiper arm 12.

[0050] The liquid line device 20 has a vehicle-arm interface 30 for receiving washer fluid from a supply source 22. The supply source 22 is in the form of a pump that takes washer fluid from a reservoir (not detailed). The supply source 22 supplies the washer fluid through the lines 24 to the vehicle-arm interface 30.

[0051] The vehicle-arm interface 30 is mounted directly on the wiper arm 12 or on the vehicle.

[0052] The fluid delivery device 20 has a wiper arm interface 30 to supply windshield washer fluid to the wiper blade 14. The wiper arm interface 40 is mounted directly on the wiper arm 12 or the wiper blade 14.

[0053] The fluid conduit device 20 has a conduit 50 for transferring the windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface 30 to the wiper arm interface 40.

[0054] At least according to one embodiment in which at least the vehicle-arm interface 30 or the wiper arm-blade interface 40 is not fixed to the wiper arm 12, the liquid line 50 is connected by at least one attachment point directly to the wiper arm 12, advantageously at least two attachment points. Alternatively, an embodiment in which both the vehicle-arm interface 30 and the wiper arm-blade interface 40 are attached directly to the wiper arm 12, eliminates the attachment of the line 50 to the wiper arm 12.

[0055] The liquid supply device 20 comprises a heating wire 26 installed at least in the liquid line 50 to heat the windshield washer fluid therein. The heating wire 26 passes freely in the liquid line 50 (see [Fig. 3]).

[0056] The conduit 50 has a first segment 51, a second segment 52 and an intermediate element 53 between the first and second segments 51, 52. The intermediate element 53 has an outlet 54 for the passage of at least one end 27 of the heating wire 26 and its exit from the liquid conduit 50.

[0057] The liquid conduit device 20 comprises a second liquid conduit 60 for transferring the washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface 30 to the wiper arm-blade interface 40. The second conduit 60 is in one piece. The heating wire 26 passes through the second conduit 60.

[0058] The vehicle-arm interface 30 has an inlet 32. The vehicle-arm interface 30 has an outlet 34. The inlet 32 ​​of the supply line 24 is coupled to the vehicle-arm interface 30. Within the vehicle-arm interface 30 a liquid channel connects the inlet 32 ​​to the outlet 34. The outlet 34 is connected to a first end of the liquid line 50. The outlet 34 is coupled to the first segment 51 of the liquid line 50. The wiper arm-blade interface is coupled to the first segment 51 of the line 50.

[0059] The wiper arm interface 40 has an inlet port 44. The wiper arm interface 40 has an outlet port 42. A second end of the line 50 is coupled to the inlet port 44. Inside the wiper arm interface 40, a fluid channel connects the inlet port 44 to the outlet port 42. The outlet port 42 supplies the wiper blade 14 with windshield washer fluid.

[0060] The vehicle-arm interface 30 has another inlet port 34. The vehicle-arm interface 30 has another outlet port 35. Another conduit 24 is connected to the other inlet port 33 with the vehicle-arm interface 30. Inside the vehicle-arm interface 30, another liquid channel connects the other inlet port 33 to the other outlet port 35. This other outlet port 35 is coupled to the first end of the second liquid conduit 60.

[0061] The wiper arm-blade interface 40 has another inlet port 45. The wiper arm-blade interface 40 has another outlet port 43. A second end of the second conduit 60 is connected to the other inlet port 45. The interior of the wiper arm-blade interface 40 has another liquid channel that connects the other port from inlet 45 to the other outlet 43. This other outlet 43 supplies the washing fluid to the wiper blade 14.

[0062] The intermediate element 53 has a second outlet 54 for causing the second end 27 of the heating wire 26 to exit the conduit 50. The first and second outlets 54 may be constituted by the same orifice which will be closed by a sealing means after the passage of the ends 27. Alternatively, the outlets 54 are in the form of contacts which pass through a wall of the intermediate element 53 to connect the inner side of the intermediate element 53 to the ends 27 of the heating wire 26.

[0063] The heating wire 26 passes exactly once through all the liquid lines 50, 60, the vehicle-arm interface 30 and the arm-wiper blade interface 40. The heating wire 26 begins and ends at the intermediate element 53. The heating wire 26 is made of a continuous wire. The heating wire 26 has an insulation layer. The insulation layer may be a varnish.

[0064] The vehicle-arm interface 30 or the wiper arm-blade interface 40 each have a through-hole, connecting the two liquid channels of the vehicle-arm interface 30 or the wiper arm-blade interface 40 (see Figures 4-7). The heating wire 26 passes through the respective through-hole which is closed by a sealing element 36, 46. The respective sealing element 36, 46 leads the heating wire 26 in a centered or substantially centered position through the respective through-hole. The respective through-hole is substantially in the middle with respect to the length of the liquid channels. The vehicle-arm interface 30 or the wiper arm-blade interface 40 each have an angled shape. The through-hole is in the area of ​​the angle of the vehicle-arm interface 30 or the wiper arm-blade interface 40.

[0065] Alternatively, the vehicle-arm interface and / or the wiper arm-blade interface have outlets through which the heating wire passes to exit the fluid channel and re-enter the other fluid channel from the outside. Alternatively, or in addition, the heating wire has a coupling point in the region of the vehicle-arm interface or the wiper arm-blade interface; this coupling point connects the two segments of the heating wire by another conductor.

[0066] The intermediate element 53 further has a temperature sensor 55 for detecting the temperature of the windshield washer fluid in the pipe 50. The temperature sensor 55 is on the inner side of the intermediate element 53.

[0067] Alternatively, a temperature sensor is provided on the outer side of the intermediate element for capturing the temperature of the liquid line in the region of the intermediate element.

[0068] The intermediate element 53 is installed closer to the vehicle-arm 30 interface than to the wiper arm 40 interface. The intermediate element 53 may be at a distance of only a few centimeters, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle-arm interface 30. The first segment 51 has a length of a few centimeters, in particular a maximum length of 10 centimeters.

[0069] The vehicle-arm interface 30 and the wiper arm-blade interface 40 have the same shape. The vehicle-arm interface 30 and the wiper arm-blade interface 40 are identical in shape. The vehicle-arm interface 30 and the wiper arm-blade interface 40 are arranged for opposite directions of fluid flow. The outlet ports 34, 35 of the vehicle-arm interface 30 correspond to the inlet ports 44, 45 of the wiper arm-blade interface 40. The inlet ports 32, 33 of the vehicle-arm interface 30 correspond to the outlet ports 42, 43 of the wiper arm-blade interface 40.

[0070] The intermediate element 53 further has an electrical interface 57 for connection to a connector not shown. The electrical interface 57 makes the connections to the ends 27 of the heating wire 26 and for the connections 56 of the temperature sensor 55.

[0071] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0072] 10 Windshield wiper

[0073] 12 Windshield wiper arm

[0074] 14 Windshield wiper blade

[0075] 16 Wiper blade adapter

[0076] 18 Fastening piece

[0077] 20 Liquid conveying device

[0078] 22 Power source

[0079] 24 Supply line / other supply line

[0080] 26 Heating wire

[0081] 27 End of heating wire 26 / second end of heating wire

[0082] 30 Vehicle-arm interface

[0083] 32 Entry point

[0084] 33 Other inlet port of the vehicle-arm interface

[0085] 34 Exit port

[0086] 35 Other outlet

[0087] 40 Wiper arm interface

[0088] 42 Wiper arm-blade interface exit port

[0089] 43 Other outlet

[0090] 44 Interface input port 40

[0091] 45 Other inlet port

[0092] 50 Liquid line / second end of the line

[0093] 51 First segment of driving 50

[0094] 52 Second segment of the drive

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] 53 Intermediate element 54 Second output 60 Second drive

Claims

Claims

1. A liquid conduction device for a windshield wiper (10), in particular a wiper arm (12) comprising: - a vehicle-arm interface (30) for receiving washer fluid from a source (22), - a wiper arm-blade interface (40) for supplying the washer fluid to a wiper blade (14), - at least one conduit (50, 60) for supplying the washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface (30) to the wiper arm-blade interface (40) and, - a heating wire (26) installed at least in the liquid conduit (50, 60) for heating the washer fluid, the conduit (50) has a first segment (51), a second segment (52) and an intermediate element (53) between the first and second segments (51, 52), and * the intermediate element (53) having at least one outlet (54) to cause at least one end (27) of the heating wire (26) to exit from the conduit (50),characterized in that the heating wire (26) passes at least once through all the liquid lines (50, 60), the vehicle-arm interface (30) and the arm-wiper blade interface (40).,

2. A liquid conduction device according to claim 1, characterized by a second liquid conduit (60) for conducting the windshield washer fluid from the vehicle-arm interface (30) to the wiper arm-blade interface (40).

3. Liquid conduit device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) has at least one second outlet (54) for leading at least one second end (27) of the heating wire (26) out of the liquid conduit (50).

4. Liquid conduction device according to one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the heating wire (26) passes exactly once through all the liquid lines (50, 60), the vehicle-arm interface (30) and the wiper arm-blade interface (50) and begins and ends with the inter- mediator (53).

5. Liquid line device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) has at least one temperature sensor (55) for detecting the temperature of the washing liquid in the liquid line (50) or the temperature of the liquid line (50) in the area of ​​the intermediate element (53).

6. Liquid conduction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) is located closer to the vehicle-arm interface (30) than to the arm-wiper blade interface (40).

7. Liquid conduction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle-arm interface (30) and the arm-wiper blade interface (40) have the same shape and in particular they are identical.

8. Liquid conduction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) has an electrical interface (57) connected to a connector.

9. Liquid conduction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating wire (26) is formed from a single, continuous wire.

10. A windshield wiper comprising a liquid conduction device according to one of claims 1 to 9.

Images