Heated windshield wipers

Abstract

TITLE: Heated Windshield Wiper Blade (2) for a windshield wiper (2), the wiper blade (2) comprising: - at least one fluid channel (4a), and - at least one heating element (6), * the channel (4a) being designed to be connected to a fluid supply; * the heating element (6) being designed to be electrically connected to the power supply; - the fluid channel (4a) having at least one orifice for spraying a fluid, and * the heating element is in the channel (4a) and / or on a wall of the channel (4a). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Heated windshield wiper FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a heated windshield wiper. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Current windshield wiper systems consist of a wiper arm, a wiper blade, and nozzles for spraying windshield washer fluid onto the vehicle's windshield. The washer fluid is first sprayed over a large area of ​​the windshield and then wiped away with the wiper blade. During the interval between the spraying and removal of the washer fluid, the driver's visibility is limited by the washer fluid on the windshield.

[0003] Current systems have, for example, a nozzle for spraying windshield washer fluid through the wiper arm, which reduces the interval between the application and removal of windshield washer fluid from the windshield.

[0004] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a wiper blade for a windshield wiper, the wiper blade comprising: at least one liquid channel and at least one heating element, the channel being made to be connected to a liquid supply; the heating element being made to be electrically connected to the power supply; the liquid channel having at least one orifice for spraying a liquid and the heating element is in the channel and / or on a wall of the channel.

[0006] In other words, the windshield wiper blade according to the invention comprises at least one channel and at least one heating element. The channel is designed to receive the windshield washer fluid without allowing the fluid to escape from the channel. Preferably, the channel is designed to receive different windshield washer fluids. In particular, the channel is designed to receive windshield washer fluid used to clean the surface of the glass, such as, for example, the surface of a vehicle window. The channel can be installed on the elastic rail of the windshield wiper blade. In particular, the windshield wiper blade has an elastic rail along its entire length. The heating element can have different external geometries and different cross-sectional profiles. The windshield wiper blade is designed to be mechanically connected to the wiper arm.

[0007] Preferably, the channel is connected fluidically and the heating element electrically. The channel can be connected by a fluidic link at one or more points. The heating element can be connected electrically at one or more points. The possibility of fluidic connection of the channel allows the channel to be connected The fluid flows to the supply channel and receives the windshield washer fluid. The heating element's electrical connection allows it to be linked to the power supply line, ensuring a power supply from the power line. The heating element is designed to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and transfer this thermal energy directly to its surroundings.

[0008] The channel has at least one orifice for spraying the fluid. In particular, the channel has several orifices for spraying the windshield washer fluid. The orifices have a closed and an open state. By applying a certain pressure in the channel, the openings change from a closed position to an open position, and by exceeding the predetermined pressure in the channel again, the orifices will change from the open state to the closed state. These orifices can also change from the open state to the closed state and vice versa via a signal. In particular, the orifices are designed so that the windshield washer fluid exiting the orifices is sprayed directly onto the vehicle's windshield. This arrangement allows the windshield wiper blade to apply the windshield washer fluid as precisely as possible to the windshield. Preferably, the windshield wiper blade allows the windshield washer fluid to be applied just before it is wiped off the windshield again.Thus, the entire area swept by the windshield wiper will be covered by the windshield washer fluid, but the reduction in visibility caused by the windshield washer fluid applied to the windshield will be reduced for the vehicle's driver.

[0009] Preferably, the heating element is provided on a wall of the channel and / or within the channel. Thus, the heating element may be provided exclusively within the channel and not directly in contact with the wall. Similarly, the heating element may be provided partly or entirely on the inner side of the wall. Preferably, the heating element is partly on the outer side of the wall. The heating element may also be provided partly on the wall. Preferably, the heating element is provided both on the outer and inner sides of the wall and also within the inner volume of the channel enclosed by the wall, passing through it. In particular, the heating element is provided within the wall, on the inner side of the wall, and within the inner volume of the channel. Furthermore, the heating element is provided in a recess on the inner side of the channel wall.In each embodiment, the heating element is at least partially within the channel so that the heating element is in direct contact with the windshield washer fluid during normal wiper operation.

[0010] This arrangement allows the channel and the windshield washer fluid it contains to directly receive some of the thermal energy radiated by the heating element. This allows the windshield washer fluid to be heated by the operation of the heating element to reach a certain temperature.

[0011] In particular, the heating element is designed to apply its thermal energy to thaw the windshield washer fluid from a frozen to a liquid state. Specifically, the heating element thaws frozen windshield washer fluid due to an outside temperature, for example -20°C, and the same ambient temperature, thus thawing it into a liquid state. The channel's orifices then allow the windshield washer fluid to be sprayed onto surfaces such as a vehicle window, even in sub-zero outside temperatures.

[0012] The arrangement of the heating element within the channel is particularly advantageous. This arrangement allows all the thermal energy generated by the heating element to be exchanged with the windshield washer fluid in the channel. This results in very high energy efficiency for heating the windshield washer fluid. Similarly, the windshield washer fluid can be heated in this embodiment in a particularly short time to reach the desired temperature. The heating element is thus provided on and / or within the channel wall and / or within the channel itself, so that the wall's sealing, particularly its sealing for the washer fluid, is not negatively affected.

[0013] In a particularly preferred configuration, the heating element is a heating wire. A heating wire is simple to manufacture and shape; its manufacturing process is straightforward. Furthermore, a heating wire is insensitive to unwanted vibrations, unlike any other heating element. Preferably, the heating wire is straight. Alternatively, the heating wire is wound along the longitudinal axis of the channel, in particular, in a spiral or rectangular shape. Alternatively, the heating wire is wound along the longitudinal axis of the channel, adapted to the channel.

[0014] Preferably, the wiper blade has at least one support element. This support element is housed in the channel and guides the heating element. Guiding the heating element reduces or prevents any undesirable movement of the heating element within the channel. This reduces any damage to the heating element from dynamic stresses generated by unwanted oscillation. Furthermore, it reduces any possible damage to the channel wall from impacts of the oscillating heating element. This increases the service life of both the heating element and the channel. The reduction of troublesome vibrations of the heating element results in a consistent flow of windshield washer fluid and thus even spraying of the fluid. The support element can bear against the wall at one or more points. In particular, there may be several support elements in the channel.The support elements are designed so that the cleaning fluid can pass through the channel onto the support elements.

[0015] In a particularly preferred manner, the support element comprises at least one hook and / or at least one pin and / or at least one hole. The support element subdivides the heating element, preferably into a first segment and a second segment. The heating element is guided around the hook and / or the pin and / or the hole so that the first and second segments are guided side by side in the longitudinal direction of the channel. The return of the second segment along the first segment in the channel moves the electrical connection of the second segment closer to the electrical connection of the first segment. The reduced distance between the first electrical connection of the first segment and the second electrical connection of the second segment simplifies the electrical connection of the heating element. In particular, the heating element surrounds the hook of the support element with one or more turns.

[0016] Preferably, the support element has a raised pin extending in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the channel and positioned around the heating element. Advantageously, the support element has two or more hooks and / or two or more pins. In particular, the first and second segments pass through a bore in the support element. This results in bend points in the heating element where the first segment meets the second segment; thus, this bend point is larger than the diameter of the bore in the support element. This prevents the bend point from causing the heating element to protrude from the support element. Preferably, the first and second segments pass through a bore and around one or more hooks and / or pins.In particular, the support element has two holes, the first segment passing through the first hole and the second segment passing through the second hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the channel can receive several support elements. Only at the outermost support element is the heating element subdivided into a first segment and a second segment. Thus, the support elements located further inside can subdivide the first segment into further first sub-segments and the second segment into further second sub-segments. However, these further first sub-segments are not adjacent to each other, and the further second sub-segments are not adjacent to each other. The remaining first and second sub-segments are in the longitudinal continuity of the channel. In a preferred embodiment, the further support elements further inside have one or two holes.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the support element guides the heating element so that it does not touch the inner wall of the channel. This avoids thermal stress on the wall, resulting in a longer service life. the wall. Furthermore, the efficiency of the windshield washer fluid heating is greater because more thermal energy radiated by the heating element is transferred to the washer fluid. Specifically, the support element guides the heating element so that it is located in the middle of the channel's cross-section. Thus, a larger portion of the washer fluid in the channel will be heated more evenly than with a centrally positioned, unguided heating element.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the support element seals the channel in a watertight manner. This results in a simple and economical channel fabrication and simplified assembly. The heating element and the support element(s) can be inserted through the open end of the channel, which is then sealed by the outermost support element.

[0020] According to another development, the wiper blade has another channel. The heating element is provided both in the first channel and in the other channel. In this other channel, the heating element is guided by at least one other support element. This other channel has at least one spray orifice and may have the same properties as the first channel; as the other channel is arranged on the elastic rail on either side of the wiper blade, this allows the windshield washer fluid to be sprayed.

[0021] Preferably, the support element has at least one hole, and the other support element has another hole. The heating element passes through the hole and the other hole. The support element subdivides the heating element into a first segment and a second segment. The support element subdivides the first and second segments such that the first and second segments are not directly adjacent to each other. The other support element subdivides the heating element into a second and a third segment. Thus, the support element guides the third and second segments so that the first and second segments are not adjacent to each other. This other support element will have the same properties as the support element as described above. Furthermore, in the other channel, several support elements may be provided according to an embodiment as described above.

[0022] In particular, the other support element seals the other channel. If there are several other support elements in the other channel, only the outermost support element seals that other channel. This allows for simple assembly and economical manufacturing, as with the single-channel embodiment.

[0023] Preferably, the invention also relates to a vehicle windshield wiper comprising a wiper blade as defined above and a wiper arm. The wiper arm and the wiper blade are mechanically connected. In particular, the wiper arm comprises the power supply line and the supply channel and the supply line is electrically connected to the heating element and the supply channel is connected by a fluidic link to the channel. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to windshield wiper embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] Schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a windshield wiper blade according to a example of an implementation of the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] Schematic perspective view of a windshield wiper blade with a channel according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.3] Schematic view of a support element equipped with a heating wire according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0028] [Fig.4] Schematic view of a windshield wiper blade with two channels according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0029] [Fig.5] Schematic view of a support element with a heating wire according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a wiper blade 2 and a wiper arm 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The wiper blade 2 is connected by a mechanical linkage to the wiper arm 3. The wiper blade 2 follows the movement of the wiper arm 3. The wiper blade 2 is applied against a window of the vehicle 1. This could be either the windshield or the rear window. In particular, there may be more than one wiper 2, 3 per window of the vehicle. A first fluid channel 4 (referred to for short as the channel) of the wiper blade 2 is connected by a fluid connection to a supply channel. The supply channel is designed to supply the first channel of the wiper blade 2 with a fluid, in particular windshield washer fluid.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a wiper blade 2 comprising a first channel 4a according to an embodiment of the invention. The wiper blade comprises a claw 4, an elastic rail 10, and a wiping lip 11. The claw 4 includes a first channel 4a with a first heating wire 6 and a first support element 5a, as well as a second support element 5b. An electrical connection point 9 connects the first heating wire 6 to the power supply line 9. A mechanical linkage 7 mechanically connects the wiper blade 2 to the wiper arm 3. A fluidic connection point 8 connects the first channel 4a to the power supply channel 8. The claw 4 is designed to engage the elastic rail 10 so that the elastic rail 10 follows the movement of the claw 4. The elastic rail 10 is equipped to receive the wiper blade 11 so that the wiper blade 11 follows the movement of the elastic rail 10. The first heating wire 6 of the wiper arm 2 is electrically connected to a power supply line. The first heating wire 6 is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply line. The power supply channel and the power supply line are provided on the wiper arm 3.

[0033] The channel 4a has several orifices 12 for spraying the cleaning fluid. The orifices 12 can be evenly distributed along the length of the channel 4a. Furthermore, the orifices 12 are designed to spray the windshield washer fluid onto the vehicle window against which the wiper blade 2 rests. The first channel 4a extends along the entire length of the claw 4. Alternatively, the first channel 4a occupies only a portion of the entire length of the claw 4. The first channel 4a can have any cross-section and any cross-sectional shape.

[0034] In the example of [Fig. 2], the first channel 4a has a circular cross-section. The cross-section of the first channel 4a does not vary along its entire length, remaining constant. Alternatively, the first channel 4a may have an elliptical cross-section. The first channel 4a is made of at least one plastic material, or at least one metal, or a combination of a plastic and a metal. This arrangement allows the wiper blade 2 to efficiently scrape the windshield washer fluid from the windshield. In addition, the wiper blade 2 is able to heat the windshield washer fluid via the first heating wire 6. This allows the frozen windshield washer fluid in the first channel 6 to be heated, enabling it to be sprayed through the nozzles 12.

[0035] At one end, the first channel 4a has a first support element 5a, and at its opposite end, it has a second support element 5b. The first support element 5a and the second support element 5b ensure the sealing of the first channel 4a. To this end, the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b have a shape that corresponds to the cross-section of the first channel 4a at the locations of the first and second support elements 5b. In the embodiment shown, the first channel 4a has a round cross-section (circular cross-section) at both locations of the first and second support elements 5a and 5b. Consequently, the first and second support elements 5a and 5b have a round or circular cross-section. In particular, the first and second support elements 5a and 5b are spherical.The first support element 5a and the second support element 5b are located at the same distance from the respective end of the first channel 4a.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b have different shapes and are at different distances from the respective end of the first channel 4a. The first support element 5a a first hook 5h, 5g; the second support element 5b has a second hook 5i identical to the first hook 5h, 5g. The first hook 5h, 5g and the second hook 5i of the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b are facing each other.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment, only the first support element 5a is placed in the channel 4a and the opposite end of the channel 4a is closed in another way so that the first support element 5a is arranged so that the first hook 5g, 5h is turned towards the first channel 4a and is surrounded by the cleaning fluid in operation of the first channel 4a.

[0038] Alternatively, the first hook 5g, 5h and the second hook 5i may be different. In particular, the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b may have a different bore or a different pin or any combination of these three elements. This embodiment of the first support element 5a and the second support element 5b allows the first heating wire 6 to be guided in the first channel 4a. This enables efficient heating of the windshield washer fluid in the first channel 4a because all the thermal energy radiated by the first heating wire 6 is transferred to the windshield washer fluid.

[0039] The first heating wire 6 forms a closed electrical circuit by passing through the first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, allowing current to flow through the first heating wire 6. The first heating wire 6 is connected via the electrical connection point or junction point 8 to the power supply line. The power supply line provides the first heating wire with electrical energy, which is converted into thermal energy by the first heating wire 6. The thermal energy of the first heating wire 6 is exchanged with the immediate environment, which, in [Fig. 2], is the windshield washer fluid, via the first heating wire 6. The first heating wire 6 is conducted from the first electrical contact to the first support element 5a and then back to the first hook 5g, 5h. Thus, the first hook 5h divides the first heating wire 6 into a first segment 6a and a second segment 6b.

[0040] The first segment 6a extends from the first electrical contact to the first hook 5g, 5h. The second segment 6b of the first heating wire 6 extends from the first hook 5g, 5h to the second hook 5i of the second support element 6b. The first segment 6a and the second segment 6b are thus adjacent to each other. The current flowing through the first heating wire 6 passes through the first segment 6a in the opposite direction to the current flowing through the second segment 6b. The first heating wire 6 is deflected at the second hook. The second hook 5i subdivides the first heating wire 6 into a second segment 6b and a third segment 6c. The third segment 6c is adjacent to the second segment 6b. The current flows through the third segment 6c in the opposite direction to the current flowing through the second segment 6b. segment 6b. The current flows through the first segment 6a and the third segment 6c in the same direction. The third segment 6c is conducted by the second hook to the second electrical contact and closes the electrical circuit of the first heating wire 6. The first heating wire 6 is held taut by the first hook 5g, 5h and the second hook 5i so that the first heating wire 6 does not touch the inner surface of the wall of the first channel 4a.

[0041] In particular, the first heating wire 6 is tensioned by the first hook 5g, 5h and the second hook 5i of the support elements so that the first heating wire 6 does not touch the wall under the intended operating conditions of the wiper blade 2 and the foreseeable vibrations and shocks generated by the vehicle 1. In particular, the first heating wire 6 passes through the center of the cross-section of the first channel 4a. This embodiment ensures a consistent emission of thermal energy to the windshield washer fluid. Furthermore, this minimizes any damage to the wall and the first heating wire 6 caused by mechanical stress. In addition, this embodiment minimizes the number of electrical contacts, which reduces the complexity of the component and the cost of the wiper 2.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first segment 6a of the first heating wire 6 extends from the first electrical contact to the first hook 5h, 5g. The first heating wire 6 is routed around the first hook 5h, 5g of the first support element 5a. The second segment 6b is located, as described for the preceding embodiment, next to the first segment 6a and has the same length as the first segment 6a. The second segment 6b extends from the first hook 5h, 5g of the first support element 5a to the second electrical contact. The second electrical contact is next to the first electrical contact, so that the first half of the first heating wire 6, as shown in [Fig. 2], corresponds to the right half of the first channel 4a.

[0043] In the second half, which in [Fig. 2] corresponds to the left half of the first channel 4a, there is a second heating wire (not shown). This second heating wire has the same properties as the first heating wire 6. The second heating wire is arranged similarly to the first heating wire in the second half of the first channel 4a; it is routed to the second hook 5i. The second hook 5i subdivides the second heating wire into a fourth and a fifth segment. The fifth segment is adjacent to the fourth segment. The fourth segment extends from a third electrical contact to the second hook 5i, and the fifth segment extends from the second hook 5i to a fourth electrical contact. The third and fourth electrical contacts are connected to the electrical connection point so that the second heating wire is also supplied with electrical energy from the power supply line.

[0044] As in the previous embodiment example, there is regular heating of the windshield washer fluid and damage to the wall and to the first heating wire 6 and to the second heating wire is minimized.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manufacturing of the wiper 2, 3, and thus the cost of the wiper 2, is reduced because the first heating wire 6 is mounted with the first support element 5a and the second heating wire with the second support element 5b, independently of each other in the first channel 4a. This embodiment simplifies the mounting of the heating wires 6 and the support elements 5a, 5b, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the wiper blade 2.

[0046] The structure shown in [Fig. 2] illustrates the wiper blade 2 and the wiper assembly 2, 3, which allow the windshield washer fluid to be distributed as precisely as possible on the vehicle's windshield. Preferably, the wiper blades 2, 3 and the wiper blade 2 are suitable for applying the windshield washer fluid only briefly before it is wiped from the vehicle's windshield. Thus, the entire area swept by the wiper blades 2, 3 will be covered by the windshield washer fluid, thereby reducing the reduction in visibility for the driver of vehicle 1 caused by the application of the windshield washer fluid.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the support element 5a with the first heating wire 6. The spherical shape of the support element 5a has a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the wall of the first channel 4a. In this way, the first support element 5a seals the first channel 4a. The first hook 5g and 5h has a first hook element 5g that is directed radially from the spherical shape of the first support element 5g. This first hook element 5g continues as a second hook element 5h on the side of the first support element 5a not facing the spherical shape. The second hook element 5h forms a right angle, or less than a right angle, with the first hook element 5g. The first support element 5a is housed in the channel 4a such that this element 5g is oriented axially with respect to the first channel 4a.The second hook element 5h extends transversely to the first channel 4a because this second hook element 5a forms a right angle with the first hook element 5g. This arrangement of the support elements 5a, 5b ensures the sealing of the first channel 4a and guides the heating element centrally within the first channel 4a, thus reducing damage to the wall and the heating element 6.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first support element 5a includes a third hook element (not shown). This third hook element is connected to the second hook element 5h and to the spherical shape of the first support element 5a such that the first hook element 5g, the second hook element 5h, and the third hook element form a closed shape. The first Support element 5a and each other support element of the wiper blade 2 are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of plastic and metal. This design allows the heating wire 6 to be installed with minimal means and without risk of slipping into channel 4a.

[0049] In particular, the first element 5g, 5h is made of a heat-resistant material and / or is coated with a heat-resistant material. In particular, only the second hook element 5h is coated with a heat-resistant layer and / or the second hook element is made of a heat-resistant material. This reduces temperature-related wear on the support elements 5a, 5b.

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a windshield wiper blade 2 with a first channel 4a and a second channel 4b according to an embodiment of the invention. The wiper blade 2 of [Fig. 4] has a claw 4 with the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b. The claw 4 grips an elastic rail 10 such that the elastic rail 10 follows the movement of the claw 4; the elastic rail 10 grips the wiper blade 11. The elastic rail 10 grips the wiper blade 11 so that the blade follows the movement of the elastic rail. The first channel 4a and the second channel 4b extend along the entire length of the claw 4 or at least a portion of its length. The first channel 4a and the second channel 4b have the same length, cross-section, and cross-sectional profile. In [Fig.4], the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b have a round section (circular section) extending over the entire length of the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b in a constant manner.The first channel 4a and the second channel 4b have, on their opposite side, orifices 12 for spraying the windshield washer fluid.

[0051] The first channel 4a and the second channel 4b are both fluidically connected to the fluidic linkage element (connector). The fluidic linkage element allows the supply channel to supply the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b with windshield washer fluid. This arrangement of the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b allows the wiper blade to distribute windshield washer fluid in both directions during the wiping operation, and this fluid is directly scraped away after application by the wiper blade, thus improving the efficiency of windshield cleaning.

[0052] The first channel 4a has a third support element 5c and a fourth support element 5d; the second channel 4b has a fifth support element 5e and a sixth support element 5f. The third support element 5c and the fourth support element 5d are respectively provided at opposite ends of the first channel 4a. The fifth support element 5e and the sixth support element 5f are respectively provided at opposite ends of the second channel 5b. The fourth through sixth support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the channel 4a, 4b at the location where the fourth through sixth support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f are positioned.

[0053] In [Fig. 4], the fourth to sixth support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f are spherical (ball-shaped). The diameter of the spherical shape of the fourth to sixth support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f is greater than the diameter of the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b. Thus, the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b are sealed. The fourth to sixth support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f each have a through hole through which the first heating wire 6 passes. This arrangement seals the first channel 4a, 4b, while also guiding the heating wire 6 along the entire length of both the first and second channels 4b. This ensures even heating of the entire wash liquid in both the first and second channels 4b.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first heating wire 6 connects the first electrical contact in the first channel 4a to the first support element 5c. The third support element 5c subdivides the first heating wire 6 into a fourth segment 6d and a fifth segment 6e. The fifth segment 6e is conducted by the third support element 5c to the fifth support element 5e in the second channel b. The fifth segment 6e is not adjacent to the fourth segment 6d, but the fifth segment 6e is perpendicular to the fourth segment 6d. The first heating wire 6 is subdivided by the fifth support element 5e into a fifth segment 6e and a sixth segment 6f. The sixth segment 6f is not adjacent to the fifth segment 6e, but the sixth segment 6f is parallel to the fourth segment 6d and perpendicular to the fifth segment 6e.The sixth segment 6f runs from the fifth support element 5e through the second channel 4b to the sixth support element 5f.

[0055] The sixth support element 5f subdivides the first heating wire 6 into a sixth segment 6f and a seventh segment 6g. The seventh segment 6g is not adjacent to the sixth segment 6f, but rather adjacent to the seventh segment 6g, perpendicular to the sixth segment 6f and parallel to the fifth segment 6e. The seventh segment 6g runs from the sixth support element 5f to the fourth support element 5d. The fourth support element 5d subdivides the first heating wire 6 into a seventh segment 6g and an eighth segment 6h. The eighth segment 6h is not adjacent to the seventh segment 6g. In particular, the eighth segment 6h is perpendicular to the seventh segment 6g and parallel to the sixth segment 6f. The eighth segment 6h runs inside the first channel 4a to the second electrical contact, which is located adjacent to the first electrical contact. Thus, the electrical circuit is closed by the first heating wire 6.This arrangement ensures even heating of all the windshield washer fluid in the first channel 4a and in the second channel 4b with only one heating wire 6 and two electrical contacts. This reduces the complexity of the parts and thus the manufacturing cost of the windshield wiper.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sixth segment 6f passes through the second channel 4b to the second electrical contact. The sixth segment 6f and the fourth segment 6d are the same length. The wiper blade 2 has a third heating wire. The third heating wire is routed similarly to the first heating wire 6 in the half of the wiper blade 2 where the first heating wire 6 is not located. Thus, for example, in [Fig. 4], the first heating wire 6 can pass through the left half of the first channel 4a and the left half of the second channel 4b; a third heating wire can pass through the right half of the first channel 4a and the right half of the second channel 4b. The first heating wire 6 and the third heating wire each have their own electrical contact and are connected to the electrical connection point. Thus, the first heating wire 6 and the third heating wire are supplied with electrical energy by the power supply line.This design facilitates the assembly of wiper blade 2 and thus reduces the manufacturing cost of wiper blade 2.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the sixth support element 5e with the first heating wire 6. The through-hole 5j is designed to provide a watertight transition between the first heating wire 6 and the sixth support element 5e by passing the first heating wire 6 through the through-hole 5j. The through-hole 5j may have a heat-resistant coating. Alternatively, or in addition, the support element 5e may be made of a heat-resistant material. This embodiment allows the heating wire 6 to pass centrally through the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b. Furthermore, this embodiment provides a watertight seal for the first channel 4a and the second channel 4b. In addition, the durability of the support elements 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f is increased by the use of heat-resistant materials.

[0058] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0059] 1 Vehicle

[0060] 2 Windshield wiper blade

[0061] 3 Windshield wiper arms

[0062] 4 Wiper blade channel

[0063] 4 Claw

[0064] 4a First channel

[0065] 5 Elastic rail

[0066] 5a Support element

[0067] 5b Support element

[0068] 5g First hook

[0069] 5h First hook

[0070] 5i Second hook

[0071] 6 Heating wire

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] 7 Mechanical linkage 8 Fluidic connection point / fluidic fitting 9 Electrical connection point / power supply line 11 Wiping lip 12 Spray orifice

Claims

Demands

1. Wiper blade (2) for a wiper (2, 3), the wiper blade (2) comprising: - at least one fluid channel (4a; 4b), - at least one heating element (6), the channel (4a; 4b) being designed to be connected to a fluid supply, the heating element (6) being designed to be electrically connected to the power supply, the fluid channel (4a; 4b) having at least one orifice (12) for spraying a fluid, the heating element being in the channel (4a; 4b) and / or on a wall of the channel (4a; 4b), - at least one support element (5c; 5d), the support element (5c; 5d) being in the channel (4a; 4b) and guiding the heating element (6), - another fluid channel (4b; 4a), the heating element (6) being in the channel (4a; 4b) and in the other channel (4b; 4a), the heating element (6) is guided in the other channel (4b; 4a) by at least one other support element (5e; 5f), the support element (5c;5d) includes at least one hole (5g) and the other support element (5e; 5f) includes at least one other hole (5j), the heating element (6) being guided in the hole (5g) and in the other hole (5j), the support element (5c; 5d) subdividing the heating element (6) into a third segment (6d) and a fourth segment (6e), the third segment (6d) and the segment (6e) are not next to each other, and the other support element (5e; 5f) subdivides the heating element (6) into a fourth segment (6e) and a fifth segment (6f) and the fifth segment (6f) and the fourth segment (6e) are not next to each other.;

2. Wiper blade (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element (6) is a heating wire (6).

3. Windscreen wiper blade (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support element (5c; 5d) has at least one hook (5g; 5h; 5i) and / or at least one pin and / or at least one bore (5j), - the support element (5c; 5d) dividing the heating element into a first segment (6a) and a second segment (6b) and the heating element is conducted around the hook (5g) and / or the pin and / or the bore (5j), - the first segment (6a) and the second segment (6b) are conducted next to each other in the longitudinal direction of the channel (4a; 4b).

4. Wiper blade (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support element (5c; 5d) guides the heating element (6) so that this heating element does not touch the inner wall of the channel (4a; 4b) in particular so that the heating element (6) is in the middle of the channel section.

5. Wiper blade (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support element (5c; 5d) seals the channel tightly.

6. Wiper blade (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support element (5c; 5d) seals the channel (4a) and the other support element (5e; 5f) seals the other channel (4b).

7. Windscreen wiper (2, 3) for a vehicle (1) comprising: - a wiper blade (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and - a wiper arm (3), * the wiper arm (3) and the wiper blade (2) being mechanically connected to each other.

Images