Wiping system for a vehicle's glass panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiping system (1) for a glazed panel (2) of a motor vehicle, the wiping system (1) comprising a wiping blade (11) attached to a drive arm (121) by means of a connector (13), a drive device (12) for rotating the drive arm (121) and the wiping blade (11) on the glazed panel (2), and a glass-breaking element (14) integral with the drive arm (121) or the wiping blade (11) and located opposite the glazed panel (2), the glass-breaking element being shaped to present a minimum surface area opposite the glazed panel (2) in order to generate a pressure greater than the resistance of the glazed panel (2) in the event of an impact against the wiping system (1), said impact causing the wiping system (1) and the glass-breaking element (14) in the direction of the glass wall (2), so that the glass-breaking element (14) acts like a hammer or punch on said glass wall (2).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping system for a motor vehicle window

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of safety systems for motor vehicles, and in particular those designed to reduce damage caused to a pedestrian or cyclist who is struck or collides with a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a wiping system for a motor vehicle window.

[0002] In an accident involving a motor vehicle and an adult pedestrian or cyclist, for example, a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, the impact causes the cyclist's body to move towards the motor vehicle. In particular, the impact of the pedestrian's or cyclist's head against the motor vehicle is especially traumatic for the pedestrian or cyclist. Indeed, upon impact, the head strikes areas of the motor vehicle that are particularly rigid, causing significant injuries to the pedestrian or cyclist.

[0003] Devices are known that reduce the rigidity of the opposing surfaces when the head impact is localized against the front hood of a motor vehicle. This known solution thus reduces the accelerations experienced by the head during the impact, and thereby reduces the injuries inflicted.

[0004] A known drawback of these devices is that they are limited to the front hood. Therefore, these devices are only suitable for small pedestrians or cyclists, such as children. Indeed, for taller adults or cyclists, the head impact may occur beyond the hood, rendering the aforementioned devices ineffective. Furthermore, these known devices are not installed on the rear of motor vehicles.

[0005] The present invention aims to propose a new wiping system in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0006] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the risk of injury to a pedestrian or cyclist impacted by a motor vehicle.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to offer a complementary solution to existing devices.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to enhance the safety of rear parts of motor vehicles and parts located behind the front hood.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a wiping system for a motor vehicle window, the system wiping kit including:

[0010] - a wiping brush configured to be placed against the glass wall, the brush wiping being fixed securely to a drive arm of the wiping system;

[0011] - a drive device configured to rotate the arm drive and wiping brush on the glass wall, the drive arm being coupled to the drive device.

[0012] According to the invention, the wiping system includes a glass-breaking element located opposite the glass wall.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the glazed wall is more particularly a front windshield of a motor vehicle or a rear window of a motor vehicle.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the wiping brush is a mechanical device for wiping liquids or particles present on the surface of the glass wall. The wiping brush comprises a scraping blade resting against the glass wall and coupled to a drive arm via a connector.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the drive device comprises a motor and a transmission element from the motor to the drive arm, so as to generate and control a rotational movement of the scraper blade on the surface of the glass wall, thus making it possible to clean said glass wall.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the glass-breaking element is a striking element for the glass pane. The glass-breaking element typically takes the form of a hammer or punch oriented towards the glass pane to which the wiping system according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be connected. The glass-breaking element is located opposite the glass pane, even—and especially—when the wiping system is not in use, that is, when the wiping system is in its resting position. The glass-breaking element is integral with the wiping system.

[0017] The glass-breaking element is configured to generate localized pressure on the glass panel in the event of an impact on the wiping system, that is, when, following an impact, a force is applied to the wiping system such that the drive arm is moved towards the glass panel. In other words, in the event of an impact against the wiping system, the glass-breaking element is designed to be moved towards the glass panel.

[0018] In a normal operating configuration of the wiping system, that is, when the wiping system is used to wipe the glass panel, the glass-breaking element is located at a distance from the glass panel, so that it is not in contact with said glass panel. However, in the event of an impact on the wiping system, it is moved towards the glass panel and the glass-breaking element then strikes said glass panel. The concentration of stress at a localized point on the glass panel generates a very high pressure on the glass panel, which gives way under the effect of the pressure.

[0019] Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the wiping system allows the glass panel to break under the effect of the impact, drastically reducing the apparent rigidity perceived by the pedestrian, and more specifically their skull, upon impact with the glass panel. Therefore, the wiping system according to the first aspect of the invention reduces the risk of injury to a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a motor vehicle.

[0020] The wiping system according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0021] - the glass-breaking element has a generally conical shape. More specifically, The glass-breaking element comprises a base configured to collaborate with the wiping system and a pointed end forming a distal end, the pointed end being oriented towards the glass surface. In the context of the present invention, the base forms a mounting and fixing interface for the glass-breaking element on the wiping system, i.e., on the wiper blade or the drive arm. The pointed end forms a striking element against the opposite glass surface when the wiping system is struck by the head of a pedestrian or cyclist, for example;

[0022] - the pointed end has a conical shape. At its free end, The pointed end has a minimum radius of curvature. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce and minimize the contact surface between the pointed end and the glass wall, so as to maximize the pressure and mechanical stresses applied to said glass wall, in order to make it break more easily;

[0023] - the window-breaking element is aligned with the drive arm or with the wiper wiping. In other words, the glass-breaking element is located in line with the wiper blade. Alternatively, the glass-breaking element is offset from the drive arm or the wiper blade. In other words, the glass-breaking element is located opposite the wiper blade, relative to an axis transverse to said blade;

[0024] - according to a first embodiment, the glass-breaking element is located on the arm of the drive system. More specifically, the window-breaking element is located near the wiper blade. By proximity, we understand that the window-breaking element is located at a distance from the wiper blade that is less than the distance separating the window-breaking element from an actuation motor of the drive system. By way of a limiting example, the window-breaking element is located within one-third of the proximal drive arm of the wiper blade, for example, less than 10 cm from said wiper blade;

[0025] - according to a second embodiment, the glass-breaking element is located on the wiper blade wiping. More specifically, the glass-breaking element is located near the drive arm. By proximity, we understand that the glass-breaking element is located at a distance from the drive arm that is less than the distance separating the glass-breaking element from a free end of the wiper blade. By way of limiting example, the glass-breaking element is located in the proximal third of the wiper blade of the drive arm, for example, less than 10 cm from said drive arm;

[0026] - according to a first embodiment, the window-breaking element is attached to the wiping system and securely fixed to said wiping system by fastening means. More specifically, the glass-breaking element is attached to the drive arm or to the wiping blade and securely fixed to it by fastening means;

[0027] - according to a first example of the first variant embodiment, the means of The fixings include at least one fixing screw allowing the window breaker to be secured to the wiping system. More specifically, at least one fixing screw allows the breaker to be secured to the wiper blade or to the drive arm;

[0028] - according to a second example of the first embodiment, the base of The window-breaking element comprises a thread configured to cooperate with a tapped hole formed on the wiping system. More particularly, the tapped hole is formed on the wiper blade or on the drive arm. In the context of the present invention, the thread and the tapped hole constitute the means for attaching the window-breaking element to the wiping system;

[0029] - according to a third example of the first embodiment, the base of The window-breaking element comprises a thread configured to cooperate with a nut crimped onto the wiping system. More specifically, the nut comprises a tap complementary to the thread of the base, the nut being crimped onto the wiper blade or the drive arm. In the context of the present invention, the thread and the crimped nut constitute the means for attaching the window-breaking element to the wiping system;

[0030] - according to a fourth example of the first embodiment, the base of The breaking element is glued to the wiping system. More specifically, the base is glued to the wiper blade or the drive arm. In the context of the present invention, gluing the base to the wiper blade or the drive arm constitutes the means of attaching the glass-breaking element to the wiping system;

[0031] - according to a fifth example of the first embodiment, the base of The breaking element is crimped onto the wiping system. More specifically, the wiper blade or drive arm has an opening through which the base is engaged, the base having a retaining device located opposite the pointed end relative to the wiping brush or the drive arm respectively;

[0032] - in the fifth embodiment, the retaining device comprises by for example, a collar that extends radially beyond the opening. In the context of the present invention, the base, the retaining member and the opening form the means of fixing the window-breaking member to the wiping system;

[0033] - according to a second embodiment, the glass-breaking element is made of material With the wiping system, in the context of the present invention, "made from material" means that the glass-breaking element and the wiping system are formed by the same manufacturing process, so as to form a single monolith. Thus, the glass-breaking element and the wiping system cannot be separated from each other without one and / or the other being partially or totally damaged;

[0034] - according to one or the other of the aforementioned embodiments, the wiping system It includes a protective skirt for the glass-breaking mechanism. This protective skirt prevents a user from being injured by touching the glass-breaking mechanism when it is not in contact with the glass panel;

[0035] - the protective skirt extends around the periphery of the pointed end of the organ window breaker;

[0036] - the protective skirt is made of a flexible material, such as for example comprising a plastic and / or rubber and / or elastomer. This advantageous configuration allows the protective skirt to retract and / or deform upon impact. Furthermore, despite its presence, potentially between the pointed end of the glass-breaking device and the glass pane, the protective skirt does not impede the glass pane's impact and the application of pressure sufficient to shatter it.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a glazed wall and a wiping system conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements, the wiping system being associated with the glazed wall.

[0038] Preferably, the glazed wall is a front windshield of the motor vehicle or a rear window of said motor vehicle.

[0039] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0040] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, on which:

[0041] [Fig.1] illustrates an isometric view of an example of an embodiment of a wiping system conforming to the first aspect of the invention comprising a glass-breaking element;

[0042] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic view of a first variant embodiment of the glass-breaking device mounted on the wiper system;

[0043] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic view of a second embodiment variant of the glass-breaking device mounted on the wiper system;

[0044] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic view of a third embodiment of the glass-breaking device mounted on the wiper system;

[0045] [Fig.5] illustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the glass-breaking device mounted on the wiper system.

[0046] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0047] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0048] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 1], the invention addresses a wiping system 1 for a glazed panel 2 of a motor vehicle, the glazed panel 2 being here either a front windshield of a motor vehicle or a rear window of a motor vehicle; according to the invention, the wiping system 1 comprises:

[0050] - a wiping brush 11 configured to be placed against the glass wall 2, the wiping brush 11 being fixed securely to a drive arm 121 of the wiping system 1 by means of a connector 13;

[0051] - a drive device 12 configured to rotate the arm drive arm 121 and wiping brush 11 on the glass wall 2, the drive arm 121 being coupled to the drive device 12;

[0052] - a glass-breaking element 14 located opposite the glass wall 2. In [Fig. 1], the element The glass breaker 14 is shown schematically. In particular, [Fig. 1] illustrates two possible integrations of the glass breaker element 14 onto the wiping system 1, corresponding to two embodiments of the invention: the glass breaker element 14 can can be mounted on the drive arm 121, near the wiper blade 11, or the window-breaking device 14 can be mounted on the wiper blade, near the drive arm 121.

[0053] The glass-breaking element 14 is always located opposite the glass wall 2, in any configuration of the wiping system 1, and in particular when it is in use or when it is not in use.

[0054] The glass-breaking element 14 is a striking element for the glass wall 2. The glass-breaking element 14 typically takes the form of a hammer or punch oriented towards the glass wall 2 to which the wiping system 1 is associated.

[0055] The glass-breaking element 14 is configured to generate localized pressure on said glass wall 2 in the event of an impact and when the drive arm 121 of the wiping system 1 is carried towards the glass wall 2.

[0056] The window-breaking element 14 is integral with the wiping system 1. More particularly, the window-breaking element 14 is attached to the wiping system 1 and fixed integrally to said wiping system 1 by means of fixing 15, either on the drive arm 121, or on the wiping brush 11.

[0057] With reference to FIGURES 2 to 5, the glass-breaking element 14 has a generally conical shape. More particularly, the glass-breaking element 14 comprises a base 141 configured to collaborate with the wiping system 1 and a pointed end 142 forming a distal end, the pointed end 142 being oriented towards the glass wall 2.

[0058] The base 141 allows the window-breaking element 14 to be securely attached to the wiper blade 11 or the drive arm 121, while the pointed end 142 forms a striking element against the facing glass panel 2 when the wiper system 1 is struck by the head of a pedestrian or cyclist, for example. The base 141 can have varying shapes and dimensions relative to the pointed end 142 of the window-breaking element 14. In particular, the base 141 can have a diameter smaller or larger than that of the pointed end 142.

[0059] The pointed end 142 preferably has a conical shape. At its free end, the pointed end 142 has a minimum radius of curvature.

[0060] FIGURES 2 to 5 illustrate different mounting variants of the glass-breaking element 14 on the wiper system 1, either on the drive arm 121 or on the wiper blade 11. In FIGURES 2 to 5, the glass-breaking element is shown at a distance from the glass wall 2 located opposite, corresponding to a situation of normal use or non-normal use of the wiper system 1, i.e. outside of any circumstance of impact with a pedestrian or cyclist.

[0061] Figure 2 illustrates a first mounting variant in which the glass-breaking element 14 is screwed directly onto the drive arm 121 or onto the wiper blade. 11 of the wiping system 1. In this mounting variant, the base 141 of the window-breaking element 14 has a thread 143 configured to cooperate with a tapped hole 112 provided on the wiping system 1, i.e. on the wiping brush 11 or on the drive arm 121. In this mounting variant, the thread 143 and the tapped hole 112 form the means of fixing 15 of the window-breaking element 14 on the wiping system 1.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates a second mounting variant in which the window-breaking element 14 is screwed onto the drive arm 121 or onto the wiper blade 11 of the wiper system 1 by means of a crimped nut 114. In this mounting variant, the base 141 of the window-breaking element 14 has a thread 143 configured to engage with the nut 114 crimped onto the wiper system 1, i.e., onto the wiper blade 11 or onto the drive arm 121. In this mounting variant, the thread 143 and the crimped nut 114 form the fastening means 15 of the window-breaking element 14 onto the wiper system 1.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates a third mounting variant in which the window-breaking element 14 is bonded to the drive arm 121 or to the wiper blade 11 of the wiper system 1. In this mounting variant, the base 141 of the window-breaking element 14 is connected to the wiper system 1, i.e. to the wiper blade 11 or the drive arm 121, by means of a bed of adhesive 145. In this mounting variant, the bed of adhesive 145 between the base 141 and the wiper blade 11 or the drive arm 121 forms the fastening means 15 of the window-breaking element 14 on the wiper system 1.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates a fourth mounting variant in which the glass-breaking member 14 is crimped onto the drive arm 121 or onto the wiper blade 11 of the wiper system 1. In this mounting variant, the wiper blade 11 or the drive arm 121 has an opening 113 through which the base 141 is engaged, the base 141 having a retaining member located opposite the pointed end 142 relative to the wiper blade 11 or the drive arm 121 respectively. The retaining element includes, for example, a collar 144 which extends radially beyond the opening 113. In this mounting variant, the base 141, the retaining element and the opening 113 form the means of fixing 15 of the glass-breaking element 14 to the wiping system 1.

[0065] As seen in FIGURES 2 to 5, the wiping system 1 also includes a protective skirt 16 for the glass-breaking element 14, the protective skirt 16 totally or partially surrounding the glass-breaking element 14, so as to prevent a user from injuring themselves by touching the glass-breaking element 14 when it is not in contact with the glass wall 2.

[0066] The protective skirt 16 extends around the periphery of the pointed end 142 of the glass-breaking element 14. The protective skirt 16 is fixed securely to the glass-breaking element 14 and / or to the wiping system 1 by any means.

[0067] The protective skirt 16 is formed of a flexible material, such as for example comprising a plastic and / or a rubber and / or an elastomer, so as to be able to be retracted or torn or perforated in the event of impact and contact of the glass-breaking element 14 with the glass wall 2.

[0068] In summary, the invention relates to a wiping system 1 for a glazed wall 2 of a motor vehicle, the wiping system 1 comprising a wiping blade 11 fixed rigidly to a drive arm 121 by means of a connector 13, a drive device 12 for rotating the drive arm 121 and the wiping blade 11 on the glazed wall 2, and a glass-breaking element 14 fixed to the drive arm 121 or to the wiping blade 11 and located opposite the glazed wall 2, the glass-breaking element being shaped to present a minimum surface area opposite the glazed wall 2 in order to generate a pressure greater than the resistance of the glazed wall 2 in the event of an impact against the wiping system 1, said impact causing the wiping system 1 and the glass-breaking element 14 in the direction of the glass wall 2, so that the glass-breaking element 14 acts like a hammer or punch on said glass wall 2.

[0069] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Claims

1. Wiping system (1) for a glass wall (2) of a motor vehicle, the wiping system (1) comprising: - a wiper blade (11) configured to be pressed against the glass wall (2), the wiper blade (11) being fixedly attached to a drive arm (121) of the wiping system (1); - a drive device (12) configured to rotate the drive arm (121) and the wiper blade (11) on the glass wall (2), the drive arm (121) being coupled to the drive device (12); characterized in that the wiping system (1) comprises a window-breaking member (14) located opposite the glass wall (2).

2. Wiping system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the window-breaking member (14) comprises a base (141) configured to collaborate with the wiping system (1) and a pointed end (142) forming a distal end, the pointed end (142) being oriented towards the glass wall (2).

3. Wiping system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the window breaker member (14) is located on the drive arm (121) or on the wiper blade (11).

4. Wiping system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the window-breaking member (14) is attached to the wiping system (1) and fixed securely by fixing means (15).

5. Wiping system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the base (141) of the window-breaking member (14) comprises a thread (143) configured to collaborate with a tapped hole (112) provided on the wiping system (1).

6. Wiping system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the base (141) of the window breaker member (14) comprises a thread (143) configured to collaborate with a nut (114) crimped onto the wiping system (1).

7. Wiping system (1) according to claim 4, in which the base (141) of the breaking member is stuck against the wiping system (1).

8. A wiping system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the base (141) of the break member is crimped onto the wiping system (1).

9. Wiping system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wiping system (1) comprises a protective skirt (16) for the window-breaking member (14).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a glazed wall (2) and a wiping system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the wiping system (1) being associated with the glazed wall (2).

Images