Windshield wiper fluid linkage device

Abstract

TITLE: Windshield Wiper Fluid Connection Device A fluid connection device for a windshield wiper system (100) comprising: - a first connecting tube (1) connected to a first fluid line (21), - a second connecting tube (2) connected to a second fluid line (22), - a spacer (3) holding the first connecting tube (1) and the second connecting tube (2), and - a heating wire (6), which is a single continuous cord passing through the first connecting tube (1), the second connecting tube (2), and the spacer (3). Figure 1

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid connection device for a windshield wiper device, as well as a windshield wiper device and a method for producing such a fluid connection device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Windshield wiper devices are known which are equipped with spray nozzles for applying a windshield washer fluid to the windshield of the vehicle. Windshield wiper devices are also known in which the spray nozzles are provided on the wiper blade or in the vicinity thereof. Typically, the washer fluid is supplied via a fluid line which runs along the wiper arm. The front connection point of the wiper arm and the wiper blade is frequently equipped with a fluid connector which connects the fluid line to the fluid nozzles or other liquid lines. Often, the fluid connector includes a non-return valve. The known fluid connectors thus have a geometry which is subject to complex and bulky stress.

[0003] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a fluid connection device for a windshield wiper device comprising: a first connection tube for being connected to a first fluid line, a second connection tube for being connected to a second fluid line, a spacer holding the first connection tube and the second connection tube relative to each other and, a heating wire, the heating wire being a single continuous cord and passing through the first connection tube, the second connection tube and the spacer.

[0005] The fluid connection device as defined above has, compared to the state of the art, a particularly compact, simple and economical construction which is also optimally applicable to windscreen wiper devices for offers of reduced available space. Thus it can be applied to windscreen wiper devices for available spaces of reduced dimensions and which, in addition, has a heating function. For this, the fluid connection device comprises a first connecting tube, a second connecting tube, a spacer and a heating wire. Since the first heating tube is designed to be connected to a first liquid line, the second heating tube is provided to be connected to a second fluid line. In particular, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are designed to conduct fluid. The spacer holds one by relative to each other the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube; in particular, it holds them in a predefined relative position. The spacer preferably connects the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube, in particular mechanically, to each other, preferably without a fluid connection between the two connecting tubes. Alternatively, preferably, the spacer can also provide a fluid connection between the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube. The heating wire is designed as a single continuous cord and extends through the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube.

[0006] The single wire bead is considered to be the single continuous bead as is, for example, unwound from a reel. In particular, the heating wire is considered to be a single continuous component, i.e. without any connection or branch point in the region of the spacer connection.

[0007] Preferably, the heating wire releases heat through its electrical power supply. This makes it possible, for example, to provide a heating function to the fluid connection device, in particular preventing the fluid from freezing in the part of the connection device.

[0008] In other words, a fluid connector is produced for connecting pipes of a system composed of two fluid pipes. Preferably, the fluid connector composed of the first connecting tube, the second connecting tube and the spacer is a single-piece component. This means that the fluid connector is a monolithic component. The fact that a single heating wire is provided for both connecting tubes allows for a particularly simple, economical and space-saving construction. This allows better use of the available volume for the passage of the fluid or, in addition, for the components necessary for this passage such as non-return valves or similar means.

[0009] Preferably, each connecting tube has a fluid channel. The heating wire is thus provided in the fluid channel of the respective connecting tube. The fluid channel is the hollow inner volume of the connecting tube through which the fluid passes. This means that the heating wire is located in the connecting tube, directly in the fluid passage section. This allows particularly efficient heating, for example, to prevent the fluid from freezing because the heating wire heats the fluid directly.

[0010] Particularly preferably, each connecting tube has a fluid channel. The heating wire is thus fixed in the wall of the respective connecting tube which delimits the fluid channel. For example, the heating wire can, in this case, be integrated into the wall. This is particularly advantageous from the point of view economical if the connecting tubes are made of plastic, to make them by injection. This allows a defined positioning of the heating wire.

[0011] Preferably, the two connecting tubes are parallel. The spacer holds the two connecting tubes relative to each other so that the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube as well as the spacer define a common U-shaped gap between them. The heating wire thus passes in a U-shape through the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube and the spacer. A U-shape is a configuration with two practically parallel branches, connected to each other; this definition also encompasses a deviation from an exactly parallel arrangement, for example, a shape similar to a V-shape. Preferably, the heating wire is on the inner side of the first connecting tube, facing the gap, that of the second connecting tube and that of the spacer.This enables a particularly space-saving and material-saving construction because, for example, only one short loop of heating wire is inserted into the fluid connection device.

[0012] According to another preferred feature, the spacer has a groove on its side facing the gap. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube have a groove on their side facing the gap. The heating wire is thus fixed in the groove. The heating wire can be fixed, for example, by clamping it in the groove or alternatively, for example, using an additional fixing means. This construction with a groove in which the heating wire is fixed is a particularly simple embodiment of the fluid connection device because the heating wire can thus be simply put in place retrospectively.

[0013] Preferably, the heating wire is fixed using a closure element, closing the groove. This allows reliable and simple fixing of the heating wire in the groove. For example, the closure element is an additional part which closes the groove by a forceful or form-fitting connection, for example, by clamping or clipping.

[0014] Preferably, the closure element makes a material connection, preferably welding or gluing. This guarantees low weight and compact construction for the fluid connection device with particularly reliable fixing of the heating wire.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the fluid connection device further comprises a non-return valve per connecting tube. In particular, the non-return valve is in fluid connection with the respective fluid channel of the corresponding connecting tube. Preferably, the non-return valve is arranged and designed to allow the passage of fluid in one direction from the fluid line toward the connecting tube and to block this passage of fluid in the opposite direction.

[0016] Preferably, the fluid connection device further has a respective nozzle per connecting tube. The nozzles may be provided directly on the fluid connector in a single piece consisting of the first connecting tube, the second connecting tube and the spacer, in particular a part thereof. Alternatively, the nozzles may preferably be connected respectively to another fluid line by the fluid connector.

[0017] The invention also relates to a windshield wiper device comprising a wiper arm, a wiper blade and the fluid connection device as described above. The windshield wiper device comprises a first fluid line connected to the first connection tube of the fluid connection device and a second fluid line connected to the second connection tube of the fluid connection device.

[0018] The windscreen wiper device may further comprise at least one nozzle and preferably two nozzles, for example, on either side of the windscreen wiper blade for distributing windscreen washer fluid during wiping in both directions, respectively upstream of the windscreen wiper blade.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for producing a fluid connection device which comprises the following steps consisting of:

[0020] - provide a fluid connection device composed of a first tube of connection and a second connection tube as well as a spacer,

[0021] * the spacer holding the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube connection to each other,

[0022] - providing a heating wire, and

[0023] - fix the heating wire in the fluid connection device.

[0024] The heating wire is thus provided in the form of a single, continuous cord and is fixed in the fluid connection device so that the heating wire passes through the first connection tube, the second connection tube and the spacer. This means that the heating wire will only be fixed in the fluid connection device after the production, for example, by injection of this fluid connection device.

[0025] Preferably, the two connecting tubes are parallel to each other and each connecting tube has a fluid channel. The spacer holds the two connecting tubes relative to each other so that the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube as well as the spacer surround their U-shaped gap. The spacer has a groove in its side facing the gap. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the first tube connecting tube or the second connecting tube have a groove in the side facing the gap. The heating wire is thus fixed because in the fixed state it passes through the two fluid channels of the two connecting tubes and through the groove of the spacer. Alternatively, preferably, the first connecting tube or the second connecting tube have a groove so that the heating wire can pass through the groove of the respective connecting tube.

[0026] In a particularly preferential manner, the two connecting tubes respectively have a slot on their side facing the gap, this slot passing through the wall of the corresponding connecting tube. The method thus consists of carrying out the step according to which before fixing the heating wire:

[0027] The heating wire is placed in the groove of the spacer by introducing it along the slot of the connecting tubes. This means that the heating wire will be fixed in that it is introduced along the slot towards the groove while the heating wire passes through the respective slot. This allows a single continuous bead forming the heating wire in a U-shape around the gap inside the groove and inside the fluid channels to be installed in a simple manner.

[0028] Preferably, the placement of the heating wire consists of holding it and introducing it with a U-shaped configuration using two holding rods which hold the heating wire. For example, the holding rods can be introduced along and inside the fluid channels, the heating wire being held at the end of each of the holding rods. Preferably, the heating wire is then held in place by the two holding rods while the heating wire is fixed, preferably by welding the groove. Then, the holding rods can be extracted, alone, that is to say without the heating wire from the fluid connector.

[0029] Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps consisting of:

[0030] - close the slot of the two connecting tubes using a sealing element which extends respectively over at least a partial area of ​​the slits, and

[0031] - close the groove of the spacer at least in a predefined partial area of ​​the groove with the help of another closing element. This means that if the heating wire is in the predetermined position, the groove and the slots at the periphery of the gap are closed. The closing affects at least partial areas of the periphery; alternatively, it is done over the entire periphery of the gap. This ensures in a simple and effective way that the heating wire is held reliably in the fluid connector.

[0032] Particularly preferably, to close the gap of the two connecting tubes, each connecting tube is compressed radially. This compression causes the wall areas of the corresponding connecting tube to touch, delimits the slot. This means that the connecting tube will be pinched to close the slot; especially in this state, the slot is closed by welding. This makes it possible to simply seal the connecting tubes. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of fluid connection devices of a windscreen wiper device shown in the accompanying drawings in which the same components have the same references, thus:

[0034] [Fig-1] simplified view of a windscreen wiper device comprising a device of fluid connection according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

[0035] [Fig.2] view of the fluid connection device of [Fig.l],

[0036] [Fig.3] sectional view of the fluid connection device of [Fig.2] along the line of AA cup,

[0037] [Fig.4] another sectional view of the fluid connection device of [Fig.2] according to the cutting line AA,

[0038] [Fig.5] sectional view of the fluid connection device of [Fig.2] along the line of BB cut,

[0039] [Fig.6] another sectional view of the fluid connection device of [Fig.2] according to the BB cutting line,

[0040] [Fig.7] simplified front view of a step of a method of producing the device of fluid connection of [Fig.2],

[0041] [Fig.8] simplified front view of another step in the process of producing the fluid connection device of [Fig.2],

[0042] [Fig.9] simplified view of another step in the method of producing the device of fluid connection of [Fig.2] and,

[0043] [Fig. 10] simplified view of another step in the method of producing the device of fluid connection of [Fig.2].

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0045] [Fig.l] is a simplified schematic view of a windshield wiper blade device 100. The windshield wiper blade device 100 comprises a wiper arm 101 to which a wiper blade 102 is movably attached in the connection area 104. The wiper blade 102 comprises a wiping lip 103 preferably made of wiper rubber for wiping a vehicle window, for example, of a passenger vehicle.

[0046] The windshield wiper device 100 further comprises a windshield washer installation 105 which makes it possible to apply a windshield washer liquid, hereinafter referred to as “fluid”, to the window. of the vehicle. For example, water can be applied as a fluid to the vehicle window.

[0047] The windshield washer installation 105 comprises two nozzles 9 for spraying fluid onto the window, for example, in the form of a spray. The two nozzles 9 are installed in the region of the connecting zone 104 and they are oriented so that this fluid arrives sprayed onto the window on each of the sides of the windshield wiper blade 102. Thus, in both directions in which the windshield wiper blade 102 moves, there will be fluid upstream of the wiping lip 103 applied to the window, which allows effective cleaning of the window.

[0048] The windshield washer system 105 comprises two fluid lines 21, 22 and a fluid connection device 10. The fluid lines 21, 22 are connected to the fluid connection device 10. The fluid lines 21, 22 are preferably made of an elastic material, for example, EPDM rubber (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). The fluid connection device 10 is also provided in the connection region 104.

[0049] The fluid connection device 10 functions as a connecting element between the fluid lines 21, 22 and the downstream components such as the nozzles 9. The precise construction and the realization of the fluid connection device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 10.

[0050] The fluid connection device 10 of this preferred embodiment is shown schematically, in a simplified manner in [Fig. 2]. The fluid connection device 10 comprises a first connecting tube 1 which can be connected to the first fluid line 21 and a second connecting tube 2 which can be connected to the second fluid line 22. Preferably, the connecting tubes 1, 2 comprise a respective engagement cone 23a, adjacent to each inlet orifice 23 through which the fluid of the fluid lines 21, 22 arrives; this engagement cone facilitates the engagement of the respective connecting tube 1 in the corresponding fluid line 21, 22.

[0051] The two connecting tubes 1, 2 are hollow tubes each having a fluid channel 11, 12 (see also Figures 3 and 4) through which the fluid coming from the fluid lines 21, 22 passes.

[0052] One end of the connecting tube 1, 2 facing the inlet orifice 23 has a non-return valve 8 and in the direction downstream of the stop valve 8 there is one of the two nozzles 9. The stop valves 8 thus prevent the return of the fluid into the connecting tube 1, 2.

[0053] The fluid connection device 10 further comprises a spacer 3 mechanically connecting the first connection tube 1 and the second connection tube. 2. The spacer 2 and the two connecting tubes 1, 2 together form a single component which will hereinafter be called the fluid connector 15.

[0054] The two connecting tubes 1, 2 are parallel; more precisely, they are parallel to the longitudinal direction 20. The spacer 30 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 20 between the two connecting tubes 1, 2. Thus, the fluidic connector 15 has a U-shape. In other words, the first connecting tube 1 and the second connecting tube 2 as well as the spacer 3 constitute a U-shaped gap 5. Preferably, the open sides of the gap 5 at the height of the inlet orifices 23 define a virtual limitation 50 of the gap 5.

[0055] The fluid connection device 10 comprises a heating wire 6. The heating wire 6 is in the form of a single continuous cord passing through the first connection tube 1 and the second connection tube 2 as well as through the spacer 3. The heating wire 6 is designed to release heat and thus heat the fluid connector 15, when electric current passes through the heating wire 6. By heating the fluid connector 15 using the heating wire 6, the risk of freezing of the fluid in the fluid connection device 10 is avoided.

[0056] Preferably, the heating wire 6 passing through the inlet orifices 23 continues through the two connecting pipes 21, 22 to be able to heat them.

[0057] In the fluid connector 15, the heating wire 6 is inside the fluid channels 11, 12 and inside the spacer 3 (see Figures 2 to 6). For simple and economical manufacture of the fluid connection device 10, the two connecting tubes 1, 2 are split. In more detail, a slot 42 is made in the side of each connecting tube 1, 2 facing the gap 5; this slot passes through the wall which delimits the fluid channels 11, 12 respectively (see [Fig. 3]).

[0058] In particular, the slot 42 is made so that in the unstressed state of the respective connecting tube 1, 2, this slot has a predefined width 42b at least equal to the thickness of the heating wire 6.

[0059] As shown in [Fig. 3], the connecting tubes 1, 2 have wall areas 42a adjacent to the respective slot 42, which are oriented parallel to each other and radially outwards to form a kind of flange. This simplifies the closing of the slot 42 as will be described later.

[0060] The spacer 3 further comprises a groove 41 in its side facing the gap 5; this groove extends in particular between the first connecting tube 1 and the second connecting tube 2, over the entire length of the spacer 3 (see [Fig. 5]). The groove preferably reaches the inside of the fluid channels 11, 12. The spacer 3 may also comprise a wall zone 41a in a manner analogous to the wall zone 42a; the wall zone 42a is adjacent to the groove 41 and extends radially outwards to form, in particular in the closed state, a sort of flange.

[0061] The production of the fluid connection device 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0062] First, a fluid connector 15 is provided; the slot 42 and the groove 41 are each open as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, the fluid connector 15 is produced by injection.

[0063] The single cord of the heating wire 6 is held using two rods 25 as shown in [Fig.7]. The heating wire 6 then takes on a practically U shape on the respective ends of the rods 25; the rods 25 are kept at a distance from each other. Preferably, the distance corresponds, essentially, to the distance between the respective median axis of the two connecting tubes 1, 2.

[0064] With the two rods 25 which are engaged in the longitudinal direction 20 in the two connecting tubes 1, 2, the heating wire 6 is engaged in the direction of the spacer 3 in the fluid connector 15. The heating wire 6 is thus inserted along and through the two slots 42 of the connecting tubes 1, 2 in the direction A in [Fig. 8]. The heating wire 6 is thus inserted until it is inside the groove 41 of the spacer 3 (see [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 8]). In this configuration, the heating wire 6 passes through the fluid channels 11, 12 (see [Fig. 3]) and furthermore it passes through the groove 41 of the spacer (see [Fig. 5]).

[0065] Then, and while the heating wire 6 is still held by the rods 25, the groove 41 and the slots 42 are closed using a closing element 7. The closing element 7 extends respectively over a partial area of ​​the respective length of the groove 41 or the slots 42.

[0066] The closure element 7 is a weld. To produce the closure element 7, before welding, each of the connecting pipes 1, 2 is compressed so that the wall regions 42a are adjacent to the slot 42. This compresses the respective connecting tube 1 in the radial direction, which reduces the diameter 17 in the unstressed state to a smaller diameter 18 in the welded state (see and compare Figures 3 and 4).

[0067] Before and during welding, the wall zones 41a which delimit the groove 41 in the spacer 3 are compressed.

[0068] The closure element 7 blocks the heating wire 6 in its corresponding position inside the groove 41 and inside the connecting tubes 1, 2. In addition, the closure elements 7 provide a fluid seal of the fluid channels 11, 12 on the connecting pipes 1, 2.

[0069] After the production of the closure element 7, the rods 25 can be removed, for example, by extracting them in the direction B shown in [Fig. 10].

[0070] The fluid connection device 10 thus has the advantage of allowing optimum placement of the heating wire 6, unique in terms of its effectiveness, in a simple and economical. In particular, the fluid connection device 10 allows particularly simple and economical manufacturing and a compact and space-saving geometry.

[0071] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0072] 1 Connecting tube

[0073] 2 Connecting tube

[0074] 3 Spacer

[0075] 5 U-shaped interval

[0076] 6 Heating wire

[0077] 8 Check valve / non-return valve

[0078] 9 Nozzle

[0079] 10 Fluid connection device

[0080] 11 Fluid channel

[0081] 12 Fluid channel

[0082] 15 Fluidic connector

[0083] 20 Longitudinal direction

[0084] 21 First fluid line

[0085] 22 Second fluid line

[0086] 23 Inlet orifice

[0087] 23a Entrance cone

[0088] 25 Stem

[0089] 41 Groove

[0090] 41a Wall region

[0091] 42 Crack in the wall

[0092] 42a Wall region

[0093] 42b Predefined width

[0094] 50 Virtual delimitation

[0095] 100 Windshield wiper device

[0096] 101 Windshield wiper arm

[0097] 102 Windshield wiper blade

[0098] 103 Wiper lip

[0099] 104 Linking region

[0100] 105 Windshield washer installation

Claims

Claims

1. A method for producing a fluid connection device (10) comprising the following steps: - providing a fluid connector (15) comprising a first connecting tube (1) and a second connecting tube (2) each having a fluid channel (11, 12) and a spacer (3), which holds the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube (2) relative to each other, * the two connecting tubes (1, 2) are parallel, * the spacer (3) holds the two connecting tubes (1, 2) relative to each other such that the first connecting tube (1) and the second connecting tube (2) as well as the spacer (3) surround a U-shaped gap (5), * the spacer (3) or the first connecting tube (1) or the second connecting tube (2) have a groove (41) in their side facing the gap (5), and the two connecting tubes (1, ... connection (1, 2) have on their side turned towards the interval (5),a slot (42) passing through the wall of the connecting tube (1,2), - providing a heating wire (6) in the form of a single, continuous bead, and - arranging the heating wire (6) in the groove (41) of the spacer (3) by inserting the heating wire (6) and passing it along the two slots (42), - fixing the heating wire (6) in the fluid connector (15) so that the heating wire (6) passes through the first connecting tube (1), the second connecting tube (2) and the spacer (3). - method according to which the positioning of the heating wire (6) is carried out by holding and engaging the heating wire in a U-shaped configuration with two rods (25) which hold the heating wire (6).,

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: - closing the gap (42) of the two connecting tubes (1, 2) with each time a closing element (7) which extends respectively over at least a predefined partial area of ​​the gap (42), and - closing the groove (41) of the spacer on at least a predefined partial area of ​​the groove (41) using another closing element (7).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein to close the gap (42) of the two connecting tubes (1, 2) the respective connecting tube (1, 2) is radially compressed so that the wall areas (42a) which delimit the gap (42) touch.

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