End cap for a wiper blade

Abstract

End piece for a wiper blade The invention relates to an end piece (15) configured to be mounted at one end of a wiper blade (10) provided with a mount (14) carrying a wiper blade which extends along the wiper blade (10), the end piece (15) comprising: a body (19) configured to be mounted in the longitudinal extension of the mount (14) of the wiper blade (10), and comprising a housing (20) configured to receive one end of the mount (14) of the wiper blade (10), this body (19) having a flank (21), an air channel (22) having an air inlet and an air outlet, this air channel (22) being formed on the flank (21) of the body (19), the air inlet (23) being oriented so as to take the air which strikes the sidewall (21) and the air outlet (24) being oriented to project the air having been guided by the air channel (22) to generate a jet of air which extends longitudinally beyond the tip (15).Figure for abstract: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: End piece for a wiper blade

[0001] The invention relates in particular to an end piece configured to be mounted at one end of a wiper blade, in particular for a vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle may be of the land, sea, or air type. The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle for the road.

[0003] Nowadays, car manufacturers are trying to hide cameras under the windshield. In the case of an infrared camera, it is necessary to insert a pad into the windshield, for example made of germanium which is transparent to infrared radiation. This pad is integrated into the window, which can create a protrusion (for example, the pad is not level with the glass of the window, or a seal can create a relief compared to the surface of the window) and, when a wiper blade passes over it, this pad can seriously damage the wiper blade which is for example made of rubber.

[0004] In this case, it is recommended to have specific camera washing systems because, after cleaning, drops often remain on the camera. Drops are also present when it rains.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to improve camera washing systems.

[0006] The invention thus proposes an end piece configured to be mounted at one end of a wiper blade provided with a mount carrying a wiper blade which extends along the wiper blade, the end piece comprising: - a body configured to be mounted in the longitudinal extension of the wiper blade mount, and comprising a housing configured to receive one end of the wiper blade mount, this body having a side, - an air channel having an air inlet and an air outlet, this air channel being formed on the side of the body, the air inlet being oriented so as to take air which strikes the side and the air outlet being oriented to project the air having been guided by the air channel to generate a jet of air which extends longitudinally beyond the tip.

[0007] The invention is advantageous in that it allows the area of interest (for example the pad) to be cleaned without contact by projecting air. It is not necessary to pass a wiping blade over this area to be cleaned (this avoids damaging it). The invention makes it possible, thanks to the jet of air, to expel droplets or debris which may be present in this area to be cleaned, and which may disrupt the operation of the sensor which is opposite.

[0008] This ensures that this optical surface is sufficiently clean to allow it to function properly.

[0009] This optical device forms an infrared sensor for example. This optical device could also be arranged as an electromagnetic wave transmitter, for example an infrared transmitter.

[0010] The invention also makes it possible to take advantage of the wiping blade to add this additional function of cleaning the optical surface of the optical device.

[0011] The cleaning permitted by the invention is of the contactless type between the wiper and the optical surface to be cleaned. This is particularly advantageous when the optical device is assembled with the glass, protruding from this glass.

[0012] The generation of unwanted noise by the passage of the wiper over the optical device protruding from the glass, or premature wear and the deposition of rubber material from the blade on the optical device, is also avoided.

[0013] The invention is also advantageous in that no specific active apparatus, for example requiring a pump or an electric compressor, is required to generate the accelerated air flow. In the invention, the nozzle with the air channel operates passively, simply with the movement of the wiper blade.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical device is assembled with a vehicle window, in particular a windshield. In particular, the optical device projects from the windshield.

[0015] In the present invention, the flank of the body of the end piece designates in particular a side of this body which extends between the top and the bottom of the end piece. The bottom of the end piece is the side where the wiper blade projects and the top of the end piece corresponds to the region of the end piece which is furthest from the window when the wiper blade is in position on the window.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the air channel is produced on the side of the body of the end piece, side which is opposite an air deflector of the wiper blade.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the air deflector is configured to improve the aerodynamics of the wiper blade during wiping movements.

[0018] The deflector is called a “spoiler” in English.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector comprises an aerodynamic profile on one side of the blade, for example the descending side of the blade, namely the side of the blade which attacks the air during a downward movement of the blade.

[0020] In other words, the aerodynamic profile of the deflector is facing the air flow that hits it when the blade is in a downward movement. This allows the blade to be pressed against the window.

[0021] The sidewall according to the invention is advantageously positioned on the side opposite the aerodynamic profile of the deflector.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the side on which the air inlet is located is chosen on the side where the air inlet attacks the air during an upward movement of the wiper blade.

[0023] Thus the air jet occurs when the wiper blade rises, making it possible to blow the air jet onto an area to be cleaned of a sensor, this area to be cleaned being, for example, a face of a pellet transparent to the radiation with which the sensor operates.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the air channel is formed by an extension on the end piece.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, this extension extends behind the body of the end piece.

[0026] In other words, this extension extends in the opposite direction from the free end of the end piece.

[0027] In other words, this extension extends towards the center of the wiper blade.

[0028] Thus this extension does not add longitudinal bulk to the end piece, but takes advantage of the space available at the rear of the end piece to accommodate the air inlet.

[0029] Thus the air inlet of the air channel is behind the body of the end piece when the end piece is mounted on the wiper blade.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the air inlet is positioned at an area of the deflector which is usually free in conventional wiper blades.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the extension which serves to provide the air inlet of the air channel has a generally U-shaped wall.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, this U-shape has two branches, in particular parallel ones, which connect to the rest of the body of the end piece.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the two branches extend onto the body respectively by two facing ribs.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, these facing ribs extend towards each other as one approaches the air outlet.

[0035] Thus these two facing ribs which delimit the air channel are configured to produce a Venturi effect at the air outlet to enable the air having circulated along the air channel to be accelerated.

[0036] The air jet obtained by the Venturi effect thus has a satisfactory speed allowing the area to be cleaned to be freed of water droplets or debris, for example.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the air outlet is positioned substantially at the free end of the nozzle.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the air channel is uncovered between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0039] In other words, the air channel is delimited by ribs on each side but is not covered by a wall which would form a hood over the ribs.

[0040] In other words, the air channel does not have a tunnel section.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the air channel may have a tunnel section, i.e. a section which is closed around its circumference, i.e. on the sides and with a cover between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the extension may be formed by facing branches and the extension has no bottom wall.

[0043] In this case, the deflector can serve as a bottom for the air channel at the extension.

[0044] In another embodiment, the extension comprises a bottom wall which is applied to the deflector when the end piece is fixed to the wiper blade.

[0045] In this case, the air hits the bottom wall of the air channel. Then the air is directed into the air channel.

[0046] In the example of the invention, the air arrives through the air inlet and then the air makes a turn substantially at a right angle to then travel through the air channel before picking up speed through the Venturi effect at the air outlet.

[0047] The end piece may be made as a single piece, for example by molding a plastic material.

[0048] Alternatively, the end piece is made of several pieces which are assembled, for example by snap-fastening or by welding the pieces together.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the end piece may comprise a separate nozzle configured to supply a cleaning liquid and spray it onto the area to be cleaned.

[0050] The invention also relates to a system for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor, this cleaning system comprising a wiper blade for wiping a window, this wiper blade being provided with an end piece as described above, configured to blow a jet of air onto the area of the sensor to be cleaned.

[0051] The invention also relates to a method for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor, using a wiping blade provided with an end piece as described above.

[0052] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which:

[0053] - [Fig.l] illustrates, schematically and partially, a cleaning system according to an example of implementation of the invention;

[0054] - [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, the optical device making protrusion on the windshield;

[0055] - [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically and partially, in side view, the end of the test brush of [Fig.l];

[0056] - [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically and partially, the tip of [Fig.3], in view from the front.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 show a cleaning system 1 for an optical surface 3 of a sensor 2, this cleaning system 1 comprising a wiper blade 10 for a window 4 (here a windshield of a motor vehicle).

[0058] The sensor 2 is an infrared camera arranged to participate in the autonomous driving assistance system of the vehicle. In [Fig. 2], the part of the camera 2 which is housed in the thickness of the window 4 is a lens, for example made of germanium, of the sensor 2. This lens projects from the face of the window 4, on the outside where the wiper blade 10 is located. Other types of sensor may be provided.

[0059] The wiper blade 10 is arranged to wipe a wiping zone 6 of the windshield 4 distinct from the optical surface 3.

[0060] As visible in [Fig. 3], this wiper blade 10, which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis X, comprises a wiper blade or scraper blade 12, a longitudinal mount 14 to which the wiper blade 12 is secured. The wiper blade 10 further comprises an end piece 15 according to the invention, assembled to a longitudinal end of the mount 14 (end which is on the outer periphery of the wiping zone 6).

[0061] This frame 14 is notably produced by extrusion of a plastic material.

[0062] The wiper blade 10 may be of the “flat blade” type (or “Fiat blade” in English) in which the mount may be formed only by a single flexible stiffening vertebra.

[0063] This blade 10 is mounted on a windshield wiper arm 16 by means of a connection device 17 configured to securely fix the windshield wiper blade 10 to the windshield wiper arm 16.

[0064] An electric motor 18 is provided to operate the arm 16.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the end piece 15 comprises a body 19 configured to be mounted in the longitudinal extension (along the axis X) of the mount 14 of the wiper blade 10, and comprising a housing 20 configured to receive the end of the mount 14.

[0066] The body 19 has a flank 21 and comprises an air channel 22 having an air inlet 23 and an air outlet 24, this air channel 22 being formed on the flank 21 of the body 19.

[0067] The air inlet 23 is oriented so as to take air which strikes the sidewall 21 and the air outlet 24 is oriented to project the air having been guided by the air channel 22 to generate an air jet AS which extends longitudinally beyond the end piece 15, as can be clearly seen in [Fig.3].

[0068] It can be seen in [Fig.3] that the air can strike the sidewall 21 in a perpendicular orientation (see arrows F1) before being directed along the air channel 22 to the air outlet 24 (see arrows F2).

[0069] In the present invention, the flank 21 of the body 19 of the end piece 15 designates in particular a side of this body which extends between the top and the bottom of the end piece. The bottom of the end piece is the side where the wiper blade 12 projects and the top of the end piece corresponds to the region of the end piece which is furthest from the window 4 when the wiper blade 10 is in position on the window 4.

[0070] In the example described, the flank 21 corresponds in particular to a face of the end piece 15 which is generally parallel to a median plane MP which longitudinally intersects the wiper blade 12, as can be seen in [Fig. 4]. In other words, the flank 21 is substantially perpendicular to the window 4.

[0071] The flank 21 of the body 19 of the end piece 15 is opposite an air deflector 25 of the wiper blade 10, as can be seen in [Fig.4]. The deflector 25 is called a “spoiler” in English.

[0072] The air deflector 25 is configured to improve the aerodynamics of the wiper blade 10 during wiping movements.

[0073] The deflector 25 comprises an aerodynamic profile on one side of the wiper blade 10, for example the descending side of the wiper blade 10, namely the side of the blade which attacks the air during a downward movement of the blade.

[0074] In other words, the aerodynamic profile of the deflector 25 faces the air flow which strikes it when the blade 10 is in a downward movement. This allows the blade 10 to be pressed against the window. 4

[0075] The side 21 according to the invention is advantageously positioned on the side opposite the aerodynamic profile of the deflector 25.

[0076] The side 21 is placed on the side where the air inlet 23 attacks the air during an upward movement of the wiper blade 10.

[0077] Thus the air jet AS occurs when the wiper blade 10 rises, making it possible to blow the air jet onto an area to be cleaned, which is the optical surface 3 of the sensor 2.

[0078] The air channel 22 is formed by an extension 30 on the end piece 15.

[0079] This extension 30 extends behind the body 19 of the end piece 15.

[0080] In other words, this extension 30 extends in the opposite direction (longitudinally) from the free end of the end piece 15.

[0081] This extension 30 extends towards the center of the wiper blade 10.

[0082] Thus this extension 30 does not add longitudinal bulk to the end piece 15, but takes advantage of the space available at the rear of the end piece 15 to provide the air inlet 23.

[0083] Thus the air inlet 23 of the air channel 22 is behind the body 19 of the end piece 15 when the end piece 15 is mounted on the wiper blade 10.

[0084] The air inlet 23 is positioned at an area of the deflector which is usually free in conventional wiper blades.

[0085] The extension 30 which serves to arrange the air inlet 23 of the air channel 22 has a wall 31 in the general shape of a U.

[0086] This U-shape has two parallel branches 32 which connect to the rest of the body 19 of the end piece 15.

[0087] The two parallel branches 32 extend onto the body 19 respectively by two facing ribs 33.

[0088] These facing ribs 33 extend towards each other as one approaches the air outlet 24. This produces a convergent Venturi effect.

[0089] Thus these two facing ribs 33 which delimit the air channel 22 are configured to produce a Venturi effect at the air outlet 24 to enable the air having circulated along the air channel 22 to be accelerated.

[0090] The air jet AS obtained by the Venturi effect thus has a satisfactory speed allowing the area to be cleaned to be freed of water droplets or debris, for example.

[0091] The air outlet 24 is positioned substantially at the free end of the nozzle 15.

[0092] The air channel 22 is uncovered between the air inlet 23 and the air outlet 24.

[0093] In other words, the air channel 22 is delimited by ribs on each side but is not covered by a wall which would form a cover over the ribs.

[0094] In other words, the air channel 22 does not have a tunnel section.

[0095] Alternatively, the air channel 22 may have a tunnel section, i.e. a section which is closed around its circumference, i.e. on the sides and with a cover between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0096] In the example described, the extension 30 is formed by facing branches 32 and the extension 30 has no bottom wall.

[0097] In this case, the deflector 25 serves as a bottom for the air channel 22 at the level of the extension 30.

[0098] In another exemplary embodiment, the extension 30 comprises a bottom wall which is applied to the deflector 25 when the end piece 15 is fixed to the wiper blade 10.

[0099] In this case, the air strikes the bottom wall of the air channel 22. Then the air is directed into the air channel 22.

[0100] The end piece 15 can be produced as a single piece, for example by molding a plastic material.

[0101] Alternatively, the end piece 15 is made of several pieces which are assembled, for example by snap-fastening or by welding the pieces together.

[0102] The end piece 15 may comprise a separate nozzle, not shown, configured to supply a cleaning liquid and spray it onto the area to be cleaned. The air jet AS then serves to blow the residual washing liquid onto the optical surface 3.

[0103] The invention thus makes it possible to effectively clean the optical surface 3, without contact between the brush 10 and this optical surface 3, thanks to the air flow accelerated by the Venturi effect.

[0104] The air channel 22 is arranged at one end of the wiper blade 10, one end of the blade, among its two opposite ends, which passes closest to the optical surface 3 during scanning.

[0105] The sidewall 21 may be provided in the upward direction or, alternatively, in the downward direction of the wiper blade 10.

[0106] The invention thus makes it possible to implement a method for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor, using the wiping blade 10 provided with an end piece 15 as described above.

Claims

Claims

1. End piece (15) configured to be mounted at one end of a wiper blade (10) provided with a mount (14) carrying a wiper blade which extends along the wiper blade (10), the end piece (15) comprising: - a body (19) configured to be mounted in the longitudinal extension of the mount (14) of the wiper blade (10), and comprising a housing (20) configured to receive one end of the mount (14) of the wiper blade (10), this body (19) having a flank (21), - an air channel (22) having an air inlet and an air outlet, this air channel (22) being formed on the flank (21) of the body (19), the air inlet (23) being oriented so as to take air which strikes the flank (21) and the air outlet (24) being oriented to project the air having been guided by the air channel (22) to generate an air jet which extends longitudinally beyond the nozzle (15).

2. End piece (15) according to the preceding claim, in which the air channel (22) is produced on the flank (21) of the body (19) of the end piece, flank (21) which is opposite an air deflector (25) of the wiper blade.

3. End cap (15) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the air channel (22) is formed by an extension on the end cap, and this extension extends in particular behind the body (19) of the end cap.

4. End piece (15) according to the preceding claim, in which the extension which serves to provide the air inlet (23) of the air channel has a generally U-shaped wall, and this U-shape has two branches (32), in particular parallel, which connect to the rest of the body (19) of the end piece.

5. End piece (15) according to the preceding claim, in which the two branches (32) extend on the body respectively by two facing ribs (33), and these facing ribs extend towards each other when approaching the air outlet.

6. End cap (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet (23) is positioned substantially at the free end of the cap.

7. An end cap (15) according to any preceding claim, wherein the end cap (15) is made as a single piece, for example by molding from a plastic material.

8. Cleaning system (1) for an optical surface of a sensor, this cleaning system comprising a wiper blade (10) for wiping a window, this wiper blade (10) being provided with an end piece (15) according to one of the preceding claims, configured to blow a jet of air onto an area of the sensor to be cleaned.

9. Cleaning system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the air channel (22) of the end piece (15) is formed on the flank (21) of the body (19) of the end piece, flank (21) which is opposite an air deflector (25) of the wiper blade, and the deflector (25) has an aerodynamic profile on one side of the blade, for example the descending side of the blade, namely the side of the blade which attacks the air during a downward movement of the blade, and the flank (21) of the end piece (15) is positioned on the side opposite the aerodynamic profile of the deflector.

10. Method for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor, using a wiping blade provided with an end piece (15) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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