Windshield wiper blade connection system for a motor vehicle's windshield wiping system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid connection system (1) for more effectively applying a normal force from the wiper blade (141) to the surface of a motor vehicle windshield. The connection system (1) comprises flexible arms (12, 13) which – by spring effect – allow such a normal force to be applied to the associated wiper blade (141). More particularly, the connection system (1) comprises an upper flexible arm (12) and a lower flexible arm (13) forming a flexible hinge (130). Free ends of the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13) support – directly or indirectly – the wiper blade (141). The wiper blade can be formed from the material of the connection system (1) or attached via a wiper blade coupled to the free ends of the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13) by means of connectors. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Wiper blade connection system for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of windshield wiper blades for motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a connection system for a windshield wiper blade in a motor vehicle windshield wiping system.

[0002] Motor vehicles are known to be equipped with wiping systems for washing and / or wiping a glazed surface, such as a windshield. Such wiping systems comprise one or two wiper blades, each carried by an articulated drive arm, which presses a wiper blade against the glazed surface to scrape away water and / or particles.

[0003] In a known manner, the drive arm is configured to press the wiper blade against the glass surface to ensure sufficient application force for effective wiping of the glass. The force exerted by the drive arm on the wiper blade and, ultimately, on the glass surface, is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said glass surface. Optionally, the wiper blade is equipped with devices—such as longitudinal supports—that increase its rigidity and help to press the wiper blade against the glass surface despite the vehicle's speed. Typically, the required force is between 14 and 20 Newtons per linear meter of the wiper blade against the glass of the vehicle.The known objective is to achieve an optimized pressure distribution along the wiper blade: either uniform across the entire wiper blade, or varying according to the area and / or shape of the windshield.

[0004] A known drawback of these wiping systems is the weight and bulk of the wiper blades and / or drive arms. Indeed, to apply such force to the glass surface, these components must be sufficiently rigid, which implies the use of large parts—generally made of plastic or metal, such as steel or aluminum—particularly in terms of thickness, and consequently, they are heavy and more expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, such wiping systems have a higher carbon footprint, which is not in line with current national legislative developments.

[0005] Furthermore, the windshield wiper blades carried by the known drive arms have complex and inefficient aerodynamic profiles. Indeed, due to their transverse dimensions, designed to be sufficiently rigid to properly hold the wiper blades to which they are attached, the known drive arms cause the wiper blades they carry to deflect when the motor vehicle is moving. In other words, the presence of the drive arms disrupts the aerodynamic flow around the wiper blades, which can lead to a reduction in their aerodynamic performance in terms of lift and / or drag. In fact, due to their geometry, the drive arms are positioned in front of the wiper blades, relative to a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, or above the wiper blades, relative to a vertical axis.In either case, the geometry of the drive arms leads to significant disturbances in the aerodynamics of the associated wiper blades when the speed of the motor vehicle increases, forcing wiper system designers to make the wiper blades more complex, for example by designing deflectors to regain sufficient support on the windshield and limit the parasitic aerodynamic effects introduced by the drive arm itself.

[0006] These situations are not desirable; and the present invention aims to propose a new wiper blade connection system in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a wiper blade connection system for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, the connection system comprising:

[0008] - a branch connecting to the wiping system, the connecting branch including means for coupling to the wiping system;

[0009] - a tall flexible branch extending from the connecting branch and extending along its own elongation axis, the upper flexible arm comprising a flexible element configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end of said upper flexible arm being attached to a scraper blade of a wiper blade of the wiping system;

[0010] - a lower flexible branch extending from the connecting branch and extending along the proper elongation axis, the lower flexible arm comprising a flexible hinge configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end of said lower flexible arm being integral with the scraper blade.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the connection system is a hybrid device which, according to the embodiments specified below, can be a drive arm for a wiper blade attached to it, or a system an all-in-one unit forming both the drive arm and the wiper blade. In the latter case, the connection system according to the invention may also include the wiper blade; or the latter may be attached separately and fixed securely by any means. Generally, the connection system according to the invention forms a lightweight structure whose dimensions, shape, geometry, and dimensions are such that it allows a force to be exerted normal or substantially normal to the surface of the windshield with which it is intended to interact.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the connecting arm forms a base sleeve for the connection system according to the invention. In other words, the connecting arm is the one from which the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm extend. The connecting arm is further configured to be connected to the coupling system by any coupling means. The connecting arm preferably extends in a straight or substantially straight line along its own elongation axis. The connecting arm is more rigid than the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the term "flexible" is used to designate an elastic deformation of a part. More particularly, the elastic deformation of the part takes the form of a bending deformation, oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the windshield. Thus, the flexible behavior of the part in question makes it possible to generate a force oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the windshield. In the upper flexible arm and in the lower flexible arm, the flexible element makes it possible to generate such a force.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the upper flexible arm extends towards an opposite edge of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the upper flexible arm is intended to extend from the side of the associated wiper blade located on the side of an upper edge of the windshield. The upper flexible arm extends in line with the connecting arm. The upper flexible arm—via its flexible element—is configured to generate a normal force with respect to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. To this end, the upper flexible arm—and its flexible element—have a curved extension towards the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the lower flexible arm extends towards a proximal edge of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the lower flexible arm is intended to extend from the side of the associated wiper blade located on the side of a lower edge of the windshield. The lower flexible arm extends in line with the arm of the connection and / or the upper flexible arm. The lower flexible arm – via its flexible element – ​​is configured to generate a normal force relative to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. To this end, the lower flexible arm includes a flexible hinge whose axis of rotation is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the overall elongation of the connection system according to the invention. Thus, the flexible hinge allows the lower flexible arm to pivot around an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the connecting arm, the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm are all made of material, that is to say, they are all made from the same manufacturing process and together form a single monolithic piece, so that they cannot be detached from one another without at least one of them being damaged or broken.

[0017] Thus, the connection system solves the technical problems mentioned above by providing a pre-tensioning system for a windshield wiper blade in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield with which the connection system is designed to work. Its clever design reduces the size of known wiping systems and optimizes windshield wiping. Therefore, the connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention improves environmental performance, both in terms of its manufacture and during its use, and even in the aftermarket.

[0018] The connection system according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - the connecting branch, the upper flexible branch and the lower flexible branch are configured to generate a normal force on the wiper blade designed to work with the connection system, so that the latter exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield. This advantageous configuration ensures optimal windshield wiping by the wiper blade during vehicle operation;

[0020] - according to a first embodiment, the connecting branch and / or the The upper flexible branch and / or the lower flexible branch are formed from a composite material, such as, for example, one containing glass fibers and / or a carbon filler. In this case, the connecting branch and / or the upper flexible branch and / or the lower flexible branch are formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties analogous to those described with reference to the embodiment comprising a metal core. In particular, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm comprise(s) a composite reinforcement embedded in a composite matrix. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm comprises a pre-stressed metal core configured to generate the normal force on the windshield and a plastic sleeve overmolding the metal core. In other words, the flexible element of the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm comprises the metal core. In the context of the present invention, the metal core forms a longitudinal elongation vertebra for the connection system according to the invention.In other words, the metal core forms a thin metal profile that stretches along its own axis of elongation. Along a plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the metal core, a transverse profile of the metal core is, for example, rectangular to facilitate a bending movement favorable to pressing against the windshield and generating a normal force on said windshield. However, depending on the requirements, the invention provides that the transverse profile of the core can take any shape;

[0021] - depending on the magnitude of the normal forces sought along the elongation axis of the connection system, the transverse profile of the metal core forming the flexible element of the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm can be invariant along the elongation axis or it can be variable in order, for example, to reinforce its rigidity near its free ends and to promote a pressing of the wiper blade on the lateral edges of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to collaborate;

[0022] - the flexible hinge of the lower flexible arm has an elbow formed by the lower flexible arm, said lower flexible arm comprising a first proximal segment of the connecting arm extending from the free end of the upper flexible arm and a second segment extending from the connecting arm, the flexible hinge being located between the first and second segments. In other words, the bend forming the flexible hinge of the lower flexible arm creates a folding zone for the lower flexible arm. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to produce a "spring effect" oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to work;

[0023] - a transverse profile of the lower flexible branch and / or the upper flexible branch It takes the form of a profile known as an inverted airplane wing. The transverse profile is defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis of natural elongation of the lower flexible arm. and / or the upper flexible arm. More specifically, the transverse profile is defined by the NACA standard. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to promote the pressing of the connection system according to the invention against the windshield, and in particular the subsequent pressing of the scraper blade intended to wipe the windshield;

[0024] - according to a first embodiment in which the connection system The connecting arm of the invention takes the form of a connecting piece to a drive arm of the wiper system. The connecting arm is configured to couple to an axial end of the wiper system's drive arm. In particular, the coupling means of the connecting arm include coupling means to the wiper system's drive arm, the coupling means including retention means on the drive arm. In this first embodiment, the connection system according to the invention takes the form of an interface piece for coupling a wiper blade to a drive arm. Thus, the interface piece formed by the connection system according to the invention allows the wiper blade to be axially pre-stressed by applying a force normal or substantially normal to the surface of the windshield on which it is intended to be applied.

[0025] - according to a second embodiment in which the connection system In the form of a drive arm for the wiping system, the connecting branch is configured to couple to an actuator of the wiping system. In particular, the connecting branch is configured to couple directly to an actuator of the wiping system. In this second embodiment, the connecting system is directly a drive arm. In particular, the coupling means of the connecting branch include coupling means to the actuator of the wiping system, the coupling means including retention means on the drive arm;

[0026] - the connection system includes a support arm connecting the free end of The lower flexible arm is attached to the free end of the upper flexible arm. In other words, the support arm connects the upper flexible arm to the lower flexible arm at their free ends. The support arm may be made of the same material as the upper and lower flexible arms; or the support arm may be attached and fixed rigidly to the upper and lower flexible arms. The support arm may optionally have a metallic core similar to that described previously with reference to the upper and / or lower flexible arms. In other words, the support arm may optionally have a flexible element that generates a normal force on the windshield surface at the level of said support arm. Alternatively, the support arm may be made of a composite material, such as, for example, one containing fibers of glasses and / or carbon fillers. In this case, the support arm is formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties similar to those described in reference to the embodiment variant comprising a metallic core;

[0027] - more particularly, according to a first embodiment, the support branch is made of material with the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, the support arm forming the wiper blade. According to a second embodiment, the support arm is attached to the upper flexible arm and to the lower flexible arm, the support arm being fixed securely at the free ends of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, said support arm forming a wiper blade comprising the scraper blade;

[0028] - in this second embodiment, the free end of the high flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm have a connector configured to couple to the wiper blade forming the support arm. The connector can be of any type. By way of non-limiting example, the connectors of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm can couple to the support arm by snap-fit, press-fit, or engagement of complementary shapes;

[0029] - according to a first alternative, in one or the other of the embodiments As mentioned previously, the free ends of the upper and lower flexible arms cooperate with the axial terminations of the support arm. In other words, the support arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm. Thus, if the support arm is formed from a single piece of material along with the upper and lower flexible arms, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm. Similarly, if the support arm is attached and fixed rigidly to the free end of the upper and lower flexible arms, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm.

[0030] - alternatively, according to a second alternative compatible with either one In the embodiments mentioned previously, the support branch extends beyond the free ends of the upper and lower flexible branches. In other words, the support branch comprises a central section extending only between the free ends of the upper and lower flexible branches, and end sections extending in line with the central section and, respectively, beyond the free ends of the upper and lower flexible branches. Thus, in the case where the branch The support arm is formed from the material with the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm; the scraper blade forming the flexible arm extends between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm on one side, and on the other side beyond each free end of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm. Similarly, in the case where the support arm is attached and fixed rigidly to the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends both between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm, but also beyond the free end of said upper flexible arm and the free end of said lower flexible arm;

[0031] - the connection system includes an intermediate flexible branch which extends From the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm, a free end of the intermediate arm interacts with the support arm. The intermediate flexible arm stiffens the support arm and / or provides a specific distribution of normal forces on the wiper blade intended to interact with the connection system according to the invention, such as greater or more homogeneous forces along the wiper blade's scraper blade. In the context of the present invention, the intermediate flexible arm extends between, on the one hand, the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm, and, on the other hand, the support arm or the wiper blade intended to interact with the connection system according to the invention. A free end of the intermediate flexible arm is substantially aligned with the free ends of the upper and lower flexible arms.In other words, the intermediate flexible branch is in an intermediate position between the upper flexible branch and the lower flexible branch;

[0032] - the intermediate flexible branch advantageously comprises a flexible element similar to that described previously for the upper flexible arm or the lower flexible arm. Thus, the intermediate flexible arm is configured to generate a normal force relative to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact;

[0033] - the intermediate flexible branch comprises a proximal flexible elbow of the branch The flexible upper arm has a terminal portion extending in the direction of the flexible lower arm. The flexible elbow has an axis of rotation perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the overall elongation of the connection system according to the invention. Thus, the flexible elbow of the intermediate flexible arm allows the intermediate flexible arm to be rotated around an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the flexible elbow of the intermediate flexible arm forms a folding zone for the intermediate flexible arm. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to produce a "spring effect" oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to collaborate;

[0034] - the intermediate flexible branch is configured to generate, with the branch high flexible arm and low flexible arm, a normal force on the scraper blade intended to collaborate with the connection system so that it exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield.

[0035] - the intermediate flexible branch comprises a prestressed metallic core configured to generate the normal force on the windshield and a plastic sleeve overmolding the metal core. In other words, the flexible element of the intermediate flexible arm includes the metal core. In the context of the present invention, the metal core forms a longitudinal elongation vertebra for the connection system according to the invention. In other words, the metal core forms a thin metal profile that stretches along its own elongation axis. Along a plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the metal core, a transverse profile of the metal core is, for example, rectangular to facilitate a bending movement favorable to pressing against the windshield and generating a normal force on said windshield. However, as required, the invention provides that the transverse profile of the core can take any shape.Alternatively, the intermediate flexible branch can be formed from a composite material, such as, for example, one containing glass fibers and / or carbon fillers. In this case, the intermediate flexible branch is formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties analogous to those described with reference to the embodiment with a metallic core;

[0036] - a transverse profile of the intermediate flexible branch takes the form of a profile said to be in an inverted airplane wing shape. The transverse profile is defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis of natural elongation of the intermediate flexible arm. More specifically, the transverse profile is defined by the NACA standard. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate the pressing of the connection system according to the invention against the windshield, and in particular the subsequent pressing of the scraper blade intended to wipe the windshield;

[0037] - in the case where the support arm is attached to the upper flexible arm and On the lower flexible arm, a free end of the intermediate flexible arm has a connector configured to mate with the wiper blade forming the support arm. This advantageous configuration facilitates the attachment of a wiper blade—which then includes the support arm—by promoting a Multiple fixing points form pressure points against the windshield. This advantageous configuration allows for the application of a specific pressure profile on the wiper blade, and in particular on the scraper blade.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, a wiping system for a motor vehicle windshield is proposed, the wiping system comprising:

[0039] - a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of the any of its improvements;

[0040] - an actuator configured to generate a rotational movement of the system of connection on the windshield, the connection branch of the connection system being coupled to the actuator.

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] illustrates a profile view of a first example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic profile view of a second example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0045] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic profile view of a third example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0046] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic profile view of a fourth example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0049] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0050] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 4, the invention relates to a connection system 1 for a windshield wiper blade 16 for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle. The connection system 1 can take several forms of integration, more or less complete depending on the intended uses. In particular, and without limitation, the connection system 1 according to the invention can take the form of:

[0051] - of a drive arm of a windshield wiper blade 16, the drive arm including coupling means - connectors 131 - with a wiper blade 16. This embodiment is illustrated through several embodiment examples in FIGURES 2 to 4;

[0052] - of a wiper blade 16 that can be associated with a drive arm;

[0053] - of a complete sweeper arm system comprising both the drive arm and the wiper blade 16, in a monolithic manner.

[0054] It is recalled at this stage that a drive arm is a coupling element of a wiper blade 16 to a drive motor of a wiping system, the drive arm allowing the wiper blade 16 to be pressed against the surface of the windshield, by imposing a normal or substantially normal force on it to ensure good scraping of a scraper blade 141 of the wiper blade 16 against the windshield.

[0055] As for the windshield wiper blade 16, it supports the scraper blade 141 at its lower end in order to bring the latter into contact with the windshield. As mentioned previously, simple contact is not sufficient because the aerodynamic pressure imposed by the movement of the motor vehicle would cause the windshield wiper blade 16 to detach. The windshield wiper blade 16 has longitudinal extension and supports a scraper blade 141 at its lower end. The scraper blade 141 can, according to various embodiments, be stiffened by one or more longitudinal extension vertebrae, not shown in the FIGURES. In this case, the connection system 1 is complementary to the constraints imposed by the vertebra(s) of the wiper blade 16. In some other cases, the wiper blade 16 does not have such vertebrae and it is directly and exclusively the connection system 1 that stiffens the scraper blade 141.

[0056] For these purposes, the connection system 1 according to the invention cleverly allows the scraper blade 141 intended to collaborate with it to be pre-stressed by applying a force perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield over its entire length.

[0057] To achieve this, the connection system 1 comprises:

[0058] - a connection branch 11 to the wiping system, the connection branch 11 including means for coupling to the wiping system;

[0059] - a flexible upper branch 12 extending from the connecting branch 11 and extending along its own elongation axis, the upper flexible arm 12 comprising a flexible element configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end 122 of said upper flexible arm 12 being integral with a scraper blade 141 of a wiper blade 16 of the wiping system;

[0060] - a lower flexible branch 13 extending from the connecting branch 11 and extending along its own elongation axis, the lower flexible arm 13 comprising a flexible hinge 130 configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end 122 of said lower flexible arm 13 being integral with the scraper blade 141.

[0061] Generally speaking, the connection system 1 is longitudinally elongated. The upper flexible branch 12, the lower flexible branch 13, and the connecting branch 11 of the connection system 1 all extend substantially in the same plane. In other words, the transverse distribution of the upper flexible branch 12 and the lower flexible branch 13 with respect to the connecting branch 11, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal elongation of the connection system 1, is small or zero. By small, it is understood that the width of the connection system 1 is on the order of the width of the connecting branch 11 itself. In other words, the upper flexible branch 12 extends predominantly in the direct continuation of the connecting branch 11; and / or the lower flexible branch 13 extends vertically below the connecting branch 11, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1].Optionally, in an unrepresented variant, the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the lower flexible arm 13 and / or the connecting arm 11 are distributed adjacently or substantially adjacently along a direction perpendicular to the main elongation direction of the connection system 1 according to the invention.

[0062] As shown in the FIGURES, the connecting arm 11 forms a base sleeve for the connection system 1: the connecting arm 11 is intended to be attached, directly or indirectly, to the actuator of the wiping system. In [Fig. 1], the connecting arm 11 is intended to be coupled directly to the actuator, which is not shown in the FIGURE. In FIGURES 2 and 3, the connecting arm 11 can be connected to a drive arm, with the connection system 1 then forming one end of said drive arm, or the connecting arm 11 can be connected to the actuation system, with the connection system 1 then also forming the drive arm.

[0063] The connecting arm 11 optionally includes a flexible element—not shown in the FIGURES—configured to generate a normal force on the windshield. More generally, the connecting arm 11 is more rigid than the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in order to be able to transmit efficiently a movement and an effort to the scraper blade 141, via the lower flexible arm 13 and the upper flexible arm 12.

[0064] The upper flexible arm 12 extends in the axial continuation of the connecting arm 11. As seen in FIGURES 1 to 4, the upper flexible arm 12 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its upper free end 122, i.e. the end located away from the actuator rotating the connection system 1. In other words, the upper flexible arm 12 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its axial termination 142 located on the side of an upper edge of the windshield.

[0065] The upper flexible arm 12 is made flexible by integrating a flexible element embedded within the upper flexible arm 12. The flexible element is configured to generate a downward force directed towards the connection system 1, i.e., towards the scraper blade 141. The flexible element of the upper flexible arm 12 is not shown in the FIGURES. The flexible element takes, for example, the form of a metal core, for example, prestressed, i.e., having a flexed and curved profile, sheathed by a plastic body overmolded over the metal core. Optionally, the upper flexible arm 12 is made flexible by using a composite material forming both a matrix and a reinforcement embedded within the matrix, so as to provide said upper flexible arm 12 with its mechanical and elastic properties as described above.

[0066] The lower flexible arm 13 extends from the upper flexible arm 12 and / or from the connecting arm 11. As seen in FIGURES 1 to 4, the lower flexible arm 13 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its lower free end 122, i.e. the one located on the side of the actuator rotating the connection system 1. In other words, the lower flexible arm 13 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its axial termination 142 located on the side of a lower edge of the windshield.

[0067] The lower flexible arm 13 is made flexible by integrating a flexible element embedded within the lower flexible arm 13. The flexible element is configured to generate a downward force directed towards the connection system 1, i.e., towards the scraper blade 141. The flexible element of the lower flexible arm 13 is not shown in the FIGURES. The flexible element takes, for example, the form of a metal core, for example prestressed, i.e., having a flexed and curved profile, sheathed by a plastic body overmolding the metal core. Optionally, the lower flexible arm 13 is made flexible by using a composite material forming both a matrix and a reinforcement embedded within the matrix. so as to provide the said lower flexible branch 13 with its mechanical and elastic properties as described above.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the lower flexible branch 13 forms a bend 134 located directly at the level of the upper flexible branch 12. On the other hand, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the lower flexible branch 13 forms a bend 134 located at a distance from the upper flexible branch 12, the lower flexible branch 13 then comprising a first segment 135 and a second segment 133 located on either side of the bend 134.

[0069] More generally, the lower flexible arm 13 is articulated with respect to the upper flexible arm 12 and / or with respect to the connecting arm 11. This articulation allows a normal force to be applied to the wiper blade 141 and ensures that it remains firmly pressed against the windshield despite the curvature of the windshield. The articulation is achieved by means of a flexible hinge 130 associated with the lower flexible arm 13. The flexible hinge 130 is advantageously mounted directly on the lower flexible arm 13. In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, without limitation, the flexible hinge 130 imposes an axial reversal of the lower flexible arm 13: it extends in a direction ultimately opposite to that of the lower flexible arm 13, in order to support the wiper blade 16 and / or the wiper blade 141 at an opposite axial termination 142.

[0070] More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the lower flexible arm 13 extends vertically from the connecting arm 11. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the second segment 133 of the lower flexible arm 13 extends in a direction similar to that of the upper flexible arm 12, at a distance from the connecting arm 11; while the first segment 135 of the lower flexible arm 13 extends in a different direction from that of the second segment 133, towards the connecting arm 11. This folding configuration of the lower flexible arm 13 allows for a degree of flexibility in the scraper blade 141, which is very useful for its application on the windshield.

[0071] In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the connection system 1 further comprises a support arm 14 connecting the free end 122 of the lower flexible arm 13 to the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12. In other words, the support arm 14 connects the upper flexible arm 12 to the lower flexible arm 13 at their free end 122. The support arm 14 may be formed from the same material as the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the lower flexible arm 13, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] for example, or attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the lower flexible arm 13, as illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4.

[0072] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the support arm 14 supports the wiper blade 141 and transfers the normal forces exerted by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in particular, to the wiper blade 141. In contrast, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the support arm 14 forms a wiper blade 16 attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, making it replaceable in case of wear and interchangeable. Naturally, such a wiper blade 16 also supports the wiper blade 141 and transfers the normal forces exerted by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in particular, to the wiper blade 141.

[0073] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the connection system 1 forms a monolithic arm-brush assembly. In other words, in this embodiment, the connecting arm 11, the upper flexible arm 12, the lower flexible arm 13, the support arm 14, and the scraper blade 141 are all produced in a single manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without being damaged. The scraper blade 141 is held by its two axial ends 142 at the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, respectively. In this embodiment, the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 forms a wide retaining area for the scraper blade 141, which extends below.

[0074] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the connection system 1 forms an assembly with the wiper blade 16. In other words, in these embodiments, the wiper blade 16 is attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. More specifically, the wiper blade 16 is held by its two axial terminations 142 – the end caps – to the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, respectively. In these embodiments, the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 each has a connector 131 for quickly and robustly interfacing the wiper blade 16.By way of non-limiting example, the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 include means for fixing the wiper blade 16, such as for example by snap-fit.

[0075] The connection system 1 according to the invention is particularly interesting because it can adapt to different sizes of wiper blade 16 or scraper blade 141:

[0076] - in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the axial terminations 142 of the scraper blade 141 coincide with the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this example of In this embodiment, the scraper blade 141 is held by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 by its axial terminations 142. Of course, according to an example of an embodiment not shown, the scraper blade 141 of such a monolithic arm-brush assembly could extend beyond the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the free end 122 of the lower flexible arm 13, depending on the dimensions of the windshields considered.

[0077] - in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the axial terminations 142 of the wiper blade 16 coincide with the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the wiper blade 16 is held by the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 at its axial terminations 142.

[0078] - in the embodiment examples illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, the terminations The axial ends 142 of the wiper blade 16 are located beyond the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the wiper blade 16 is held by the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 at a central portion located between its two axial ends 142. By way of non-limiting example, the central portion represents approximately two-thirds of the length of the wiper blade 16. This advantageous configuration allows for the application of an optimized normal force along the scraper blade 141 of the wiper blade 16.

[0079] In order to reinforce the normal force applied at the central portion of the wiper blade 16, i.e., between the two connectors 131 associated respectively with the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, the connection system 1 according to the invention may include an intermediate flexible arm 15, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The intermediate flexible arm 15 has all or part of the technical characteristics of the lower flexible arm 13 as described above. The intermediate flexible arm is located in an intermediate position between the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. At its free end 122, the intermediate flexible arm 15 has a connector 131 for coupling with the wiper blade 16, in the case where the wiper blade 16 is attached to the flexible arms 12, 13, 15.In the case where the connection system 1 is monolithic, as in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], the intermediate flexible branch 15 is fixed at its free end 122 to the support branch 14 and to the scraper blade 141 which extends between the free ends of the lower flexible branch 13 and the upper flexible branch 12.

[0080] In summary, the invention relates to a hybrid connection system 1 for more effectively applying a normal force of the wiper blade 141 to the surface of a motor vehicle windshield. The connection system 1 comprises flexible arms 12, 13, 15 which—by spring effect—allow such a normal force to be applied to the associated wiper blade 141. More particularly, the connection system 1 comprises an upper flexible arm 12 and a lower flexible arm 13 forming a flexible hinge 130. Free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 support—directly or indirectly—the wiper blade 141. The wiper blade can be formed from the material of the connection system 1 or attached via a wiper blade 16 coupled to the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 by means of connectors 131.

[0081] 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

Demands

1. Connection system (1) of a windshield wiper (16) for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, the connection system (1) comprising: - a connection arm (11) to the wiping system, the connection arm (11) comprising means for coupling to the wiping system; - an upper flexible arm (12) extending from the connection arm (11) and extending along its own elongation axis, the upper flexible arm (12) comprising a flexible element configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end (122) of said upper flexible arm (12) being integral with a scraper blade (141) of a windshield wiper (16) of the wiping system;- a lower flexible arm (13) extending from the connecting arm (11) and extending along its own elongation axis, the lower flexible arm (13) having a flexible hinge (130) configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end (122) of said lower flexible arm (13) being integral with the scraper blade (141).

2. Connection system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection arm (11), the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13) are configured to together generate a normal force on the scraper blade (141) intended to collaborate with the connection system (1) so that the latter exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield.

3. Connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible hinge (130) of the lower flexible arm (13) has an elbow (134) formed by the lower flexible arm (13), said lower flexible arm (13) having a first segment (135) proximal to the connecting arm (11) and extending from the free end (122) side of the upper flexible arm (12) and a second segment (133) extending from the connecting arm (11), the flexible hinge (130) being located between the first segment (135) and the second segment (133).

4. Connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection system (1) comprises a support arm (14) connecting the free end (122) of the lower flexible arm (13) to the free end (122) of the upper flexible arm (12).

5. Connection system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support arm (14) is formed from material with the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13), the support arm (14) forming the scraper blade (141) of the wiper blade (16).

6. Connection system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support arm (14) is attached to the upper flexible arm (12) and to the lower flexible arm (13), the support arm (14) being fixed securely at the free ends of the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13), said support arm (14) forming a wiper blade (16) comprising the scraper blade (141).

7. Connection system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the free end (122) of the upper flexible arm (12) and the free end (122) of the lower flexible arm (13) have a connector (131) configured to couple to the wiper blade (16) forming the support arm (14).

8. Connection system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the support arm (14) extends beyond the free ends of the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13).

9. Connection system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the connection system (1) comprises an intermediate flexible arm (15) extending from the upper flexible arm (12) and / or from the lower flexible arm (13), a free end (122) of the intermediate arm collaborating with the support arm (14).

10. Wiping system for a motor vehicle windscreen, the wiping system comprising: - a connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; - an actuator configured to generate a rotational movement of the connection system (1) on the windscreen, the connection arm (11) of the connection system (1) being coupled to the actuator.

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