Wiping mop and associated wiping device

Abstract

Wiper blade and associated wiping device. Wiper blade for a motor vehicle wiping device comprising, the wiper blade including a device for projecting cleaning fluid towards a peripheral area of ​​a wiping area of ​​the wiper blade, said projection device comprising a first and a second projection nozzle and a Y-type valve configured to selectively supply the first projection nozzle and / or the second projection nozzle depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid supplied at the inlet of the Y-type valve, at least one of the first or second projection nozzles is associated with a Venturi effect device configured to incorporate air bubbles into the cleaning fluid projected by the associated projection nozzle. Abbreviated figure: Fig. 5a

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping mop and associated wiping device

[0001] The present invention is part of the field of cleaning devices for motor vehicle equipment.

[0002] Motor vehicles increasingly include optical detection devices such as cameras or Lidars which are, for example, placed on the roof, on the pillars on either side of the windshield or behind the windshield outside the wiping area.

[0003] However, in order to ensure optimal operation of these detection devices, they should be cleaned regularly.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to use cleaning devices, for example cleaning liquid projection devices such as projection nozzles arranged adjacent to the detection device and oriented towards the detection device.

[0005] However, with the multiplicity of detection devices, it becomes difficult to integrate all these cleaning devices and their supply of cleaning fluid due to the limited space in the vehicle and it also becomes costly to multiply these cleaning devices.

[0006] It is therefore necessary to find a solution that reduces the cost and size of cleaning devices for optical detection devices while ensuring effective cleaning.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a wiper blade for a motor vehicle wiping device comprising: - a wiping blade, - a generally elongated support frame configured to receive the wiping blade and including a central connector configured to secure the brush to a wiping arm of the wiping device, characterized in that the mop comprises a device for projecting cleaning fluid onto a peripheral area of ​​the mop's wiping area, said projection device comprising a first and a second projection nozzle and a Y-type valve configured to selectively supply the first projection nozzle and / or the second projection nozzle depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid supplied at the inlet of the Y-type valve, and in that at least one of the first or second projection nozzles is associated with a device for Venturi configured to incorporate air bubbles into the cleaning liquid projected by the associated projection nozzle.

[0008] The use of a Venturi effect device to incorporate air bubbles into the cleaning liquid creates a cleaning foam, which improves the distribution of the cleaning liquid over the entire surface to be cleaned and the wetting of the residues to be cleaned, for example, the surface of an optical device located in the area surrounding the wiper blade's wiping zone, particularly a Lidar-type device located on the vehicle's roof above the windshield. Furthermore, the use of a Y-type valve allows for the use of two spray nozzles with different characteristics, thus combining foam spraying with conventional spraying, or using two nozzles with different orientations to reach a larger area, or even using one spray nozzle for washing and another for rinsing.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the projection device is disposed in an end connector located at a first end of the support frame and the blade and configured to ensure the connection between the wiping blade and the support frame.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the projection device is disposed in an intermediate element located between an end connector and the central connector.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the intermediate element is a bridge configured to connect two parts of the support frame.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the projection device is arranged in a protective cover for the wiper blade, for example a hybrid type wiper blade comprising lifting arms covered by a protective cover.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second projection nozzles are oriented substantially along the longitudinal direction of the wiping brush.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the support frame includes at least one cleaning fluid distribution channel configured to supply the cleaning fluid projection device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, the cleaning fluid distribution channel is configured to supply a first plurality of spray nozzles configured to project cleaning fluid onto the wiping area of ​​the wiper brush.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first plurality of spray nozzles is configured to project cleaning liquid in a first direction of movement of the wiping mop and a second plurality of spray nozzles is configured to project cleaning fluid in a second direction of movement of the wiping brush.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a wiping device comprising at least one wiping arm including a cleaning fluid supply channel, at least one wiping brush as described above associated with the wiping arm, a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the supply channel of the wiping arm and a pump configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir and transmit said cleaning fluid to the supply channel of the wiping arm.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the wiping device comprises an additional cleaning fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the supply channel of the wiping arm and an additional pump configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the additional reservoir and transmit said cleaning fluid to the supply channel of the wiping arm.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0020] [Fig-1] represents a schematic perspective view of a front part of a motor vehicle;

[0021] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of a windshield wiper blade;

[0022] [Fig.3] represents a perspective and cross-sectional view of the windshield wiper blade of the [Fig.2];

[0023] [Fig.4] shows a perspective and cross-sectional view of an end connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.5a] represents a stopping device in a first position;

[0025] [Fig.5b] represents a stopping device in a second position;

[0026] [Fig.5c] represents a stopping device in a third position;

[0027] [Fig.6] represents a variant embodiment of the wiping device of the [Fig.1].

[0028] In these figures, identical elements bear the same references.

[0029] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0030] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle wiping device and a wiping brush for such a wiping device.

[0031] Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of the front part of a motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a windshield 3 surrounded by pillars 5 connecting a hood 7 to the roof 9 of the motor vehicle 1. The windshield 3 is equipped with a windshield wiper 11 comprising two pivoting arms 13a, 13b on which are mounted respective wiper blades 20a, 20b so as to wipe a wiper area of ​​the windshield 3 when the pivoting arms 13a, 13b are driven in rotation, for example by an electric motor located under the hood 7. Mirrors 15 are also positioned on either side of the windshield 3, for example on the pillars 5.

[0032] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 also includes a Lidar type device 17 located on the roof 9 of the motor vehicle 1 and more specifically above the windscreen 3. The Lidar device 17 is configured to detect elements located in the environment of the motor vehicle 1 and in particular in front of the motor vehicle 1 in order to help the driver of the motor vehicle 1 adapt his driving to the elements of the environment of the motor vehicle 1.

[0033] The present invention relates to at least one of the wiping brushes 20a, 20b, for example wiping brush 20a or wiping brush 20b. The wiping brush(s) 20a, 20b of the present invention is / are configured so as to be able to clean an optical device disposed on a peripheral element on the surface of the wiping brushes 20a, 20b.

[0034] In the example of [Fig. 1], the optical device is the Lidar device 17 and the peripheral element to the windshield 3 is the roof 7. However, the present invention also applies to other optical devices such as cameras, optical detectors, or lighting such as headlights. These optical devices can also be arranged on other peripheral areas to the wiping area of ​​the wiper blade(s), such as the pillars 5, the rearview mirrors 15, the windshield 3 (outside the wiping area), or even the hood 7.

[0035] Figures 2 to 4 show a mop 20a according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mop 20a comprises a generally elongated support frame 21 configured to receive a mop blade 23. The support frame 21 is, for example, made of plastic or composite material, and the mop blade 23 is, for example, made of rubber. The mop blade 23 is, for example, configured to be received in a longitudinal recess in the support frame 21. The support frame 21 may also receive one or more vertebrae extending along the length of the mop 20a. The wiping brush 20a includes a first end connector 25a disposed at one end of the wiping blade 23 and the support frame 21. The first end connector 25a is configured to provide the connection between the wiping blade 23 and the frame support 21. The wiper blade 20a also includes a second end connector 25b arranged at a second end opposite to the first end of the wiper blade 23 and the support frame 21. The second end connector 25b is configured to provide the connection between the wiper blade 23 and the support frame 21.

[0036] The wiper brush 20a also includes a central connector 27 configured to secure the wiper brush 20a to the wiper arm 13a of the wiper device 11.

[0037] The wiper blade 20a may also include at least one intermediate element 29 disposed between the central connector 27 and one of the end connectors 25a, 25b. In the example of [Fig. 2], the wiper blade 20 comprises four intermediate elements 29: two intermediate elements 29 disposed between the central connector 27 and the first end connector 25a, and two intermediate elements 29 disposed between the central connector 27 and the second end connector 25b. The intermediate elements 29 are, for example, connecting brackets for the support frame 21 or elements configured to be attached, for example by snapping, to the support frame 21.

[0038] The wiping brush 20a can also be a hybrid brush comprising, for example, lifting arms and a protective cover over the lifting arms.

[0039] The wiping mop 20a includes a projection device 30 configured to project cleaning liquid towards a peripheral area of ​​the wiping area of ​​the wiping mop 20a. The projection device is, for example, disposed on at least one of the end connectors 25a, 25b and / or on one of the intermediate elements 29 or integrated into the protective cover in the case of a hybrid mop.

[0040] In the following description, the projection device 30 will be arranged on the end connector 25a but the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an end connector 25a comprising a spray device 30. The spray device 30 comprises a first spray nozzle 31 and a second spray nozzle 31' configured to spray cleaning fluid towards a peripheral area of ​​the wiping area of ​​the wiper blade 20a. The first 31 and second 31' spray nozzles are, for example, oriented substantially along the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 20a. The first 31 and second 31' spray nozzles may have different characteristics. The first 31 and / or second 31' spray nozzles may be adjustable. The first 31 and second 31' spray nozzles may have different orientations.

[0042] The wiping brush 20a also comprising means for supplying the cleaning liquid between the central connector 27 and the projection nozzles 31, 31' of the projection device 30.

[0043] These means for supplying the cleaning fluid include, for example, at least one supply channel 33 (visible in [Fig. 3]) integrated into the support frame 21. In the example of [Fig. 3], the frame includes two supply channels 33 to supply, for example, on the one hand, the projection device 30 and, on the other hand, orifices or spray nozzles of the wiper blade 23 to project cleaning fluid onto the wiping surface of the windshield 3 (or to supply another projection device 30). One supply channel 33 can be used for projecting cleaning fluid in a first direction of movement of the wiper blade 20a (for example, the upward direction) and the other supply channel 33 can be used for projecting cleaning fluid in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement (for example, the downward direction).

[0044] Alternatively, the supply means may include pipes in place of the supply channels 33 or a combination of supply channels 33 and pipes.

[0045] The projection device 30 also includes a Y-type valve 35 (visible in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c) configured to permit or block the transmission of the cleaning fluid from the supply channel 33 to the first 31 and / or the second 31' projection nozzles depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 35a of the Y-type valve 35.

[0046] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c represent an example of an embodiment of such a Y 35 valve.

[0047] The Y valve 35 comprises an inlet 35a configured for fluidic communication with the supply channel 33, a first outlet 35b configured for fluidic communication with the first spray nozzle 31, and a second outlet 35c configured for fluidic communication with the second spray nozzle 31'. The inlet 35a is connected to the first outlet 35b via a first channel 37a. The inlet 35a is connected to the second outlet 35c via a second channel 37b. Both channels 37a and 37b are in fluidic communication.

[0048] The first channel 37a includes a first stop device 39 and the second channel 37b includes a second stop device 39. The stop devices 39 include a ball 41 constrained in an obstruction position corresponding to a rest position by an elastic element 43a, 43b. The elastic element 43a, 43b is, for example, a helical spring. The helical springs 43a and 43b of the first and second stop devices 39 have, for example, different stiffnesses (the balls 41 being, for example, identical). The stiffnesses of the helical springs 43a, 43b can be chosen according to the desired pressure ranges for the projection of cleaning liquid by the first 31 and second 31' projection nozzles (and according to the capacity of the pump 47).

[0049] Furthermore, the projection device 30 includes a Venturi effect device 46 associated with at least one of the first 31 and second 31' projection nozzles, here the second projection nozzle 31' associated with the outlet 35c. The Venturi effect device 46 is configured to accelerate the fluid velocity in the second channel 37b, which will cause outside air to be drawn in via the duct 46b and thus lead to the integration of air bubbles into the cleaning liquid projected by the associated second projection nozzle 31'. For this purpose, the second channel 37a includes a constricted portion 46a in fluidic communication with the outside air via a duct 46b allowing air to enter the constricted portion 46a. The Venturi effect device 46 thus enables, by the introduction of air, the formation of a foam which is projected by the second projection nozzle 31'.

[0050] Figure 5a represents the shut-off device 39 in its rest position, i.e., when the pressure P of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 35a of the shut-off device 39 is less than a first predetermined pressure PI (P <P1). Les billes 41 du premier et du deuxième dispositif d’arrêt 39 bloquent le passage du liquide de nettoyage vers la première ou la deuxième sortie 35a, 35b de sorte qu’aucun liquide de nettoyage n’est projeté par les buses de projection 31,31’.

[0051] Figure 5b represents the shut-off device 39 in a first active position in which the pressure P of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 35a of the shut-off device 39 is between the first predetermined pressure P1 and a second predetermined pressure P2 (P1 <P<P2). Le ressort hélicoïdal 43a du premier dispositif d’arrêt 39 est comprimé de sorte que la bille 41 est déplacée vers une section plus large du premier canal 37a permettant le passage du liquide de nettoyage vers la première sortie 35b tandis que le deuxième dispositif d’arrêt 39 est toujours dans sa position de repos. Ainsi, le liquide de nettoyage est projeté seulement par la première buse de projection 31 associée à la première sortie 35b de la vanne Y 35.

[0052] Figure 5c shows the stop device 39 in a second active position in which the pressure P of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 35a of the stop device 39 is greater than the second predetermined pressure P2 (P>P2). The helical spring 43a of the first stop device 39 is further compressed so that the ball 41 is moved towards a narrower section of the first channel 37a, thus blocking the passage of the cleaning fluid to the first outlet 35b. The helical spring 43b of the second stop device 39 is, conversely, compressed so that the ball 41 is moved towards a wider section of the second channel 37b, allowing the passage of the cleaning fluid to the second outlet 35c. Thus, the cleaning fluid under The foam form is projected only by the second projection nozzle 31' connected to the second outlet 35c of the Y valve 35.

[0053] Thus, depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 35a of the Y valve, the cleaning fluid is projected from the first spray nozzle 31 or from the second spray nozzle 31' in the form of foam. The stiffnesses of the helical springs 43a, 43b can also be chosen so as to project cleaning fluid from both spray nozzles 31 simultaneously within a chosen pressure range. Since foam is more volatile, the selection of the first 31 or the second 31' spray nozzle can be made according to the speed of the motor vehicle 1. For example, when the speed of the motor vehicle 1 is below a predetermined speed, the cleaning fluid is projected from the second spray nozzle 31' in the form of foam, and when the speed of the motor vehicle 1 is above the predetermined speed, the cleaning fluid is projected from the first spray nozzle 31.

[0054] Other Y 35 valve configurations are also possible such as Y 35 valves based on solenoid valve(s) or check valve(s).

[0055] The present invention also relates to a wiping device 11 comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir 45, one or more wiping arms 13a, 13b, and at least one wiping brush 20a, 20b as described above. The wiping device 11 also includes fluidic linking elements between the reservoir 45 and the central connector 27 of the wiping brush 20a, 20b. The fluidic linking elements are, for example, pipes 49 or supply channels and are arranged, in particular, in the wiping arm 13a, 13b to allow fluidic communication between the cleaning fluid reservoir 45 and the central connector 27 of the wiping brush 20a, 20b.

[0056] The wiping device 11 also includes a pump 47 configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 45 to the wiping brush 20a, 20b and in particular to the projection device 30.

[0057] The reservoir 45 and the pump 47 can be located, for example, under the hood 7 of the motor vehicle 1. The control of the pump 47 used for supplying cleaning fluid thus makes it possible to select the pressure P at the inlet 35a of the valve Y 35 in order to control the projection of cleaning fluid onto the Lidar device 17. The control of the pump 47 is, for example, carried out by a central processing unit of the motor vehicle 1.

[0058] The pump 47 can thus be configured to project cleaning fluid between a first angular position A1, A1' of the first 20a and second 20b wiping arms (shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 1]) and a second angular position A2, A2' of the first 20a and second 20b wiping arms. This angular interval This corresponds to the orientation of the projection nozzles 31 along the axis of the Lidar device 17. For example, the cleaning liquid is projected by the second projection nozzle 31' in the upward direction of the wiper brush 20a and by the first projection nozzle 31 in the downward direction of the wiper brush 20a. The two projection nozzles 31, 31' can also project in both directions of wiper movement within the selected angular range.

[0059] According to a second embodiment shown in [Fig.6], the wiping device 11 comprises a first reservoir 45 and a first pump 47 associated with the first reservoir 45 to supply a first projection device 30 disposed on the first wiping brush 20a and an additional reservoir 45 and additional pump 47 associated with the second reservoir 45 to supply a second projection device 30 disposed on the second wiping brush 20b.

[0060] The reservoir 45 contains, for example, a first cleaning fluid, and the additional reservoir 45 contains a second cleaning fluid, for example, a rinsing fluid. The pump 47 and the additional pump 47 are, for example, configured to spray the first cleaning fluid when the first brush 20a moves upwards between angular positions A1 and A2 (visible in [Fig. 1]) and to spray the second cleaning fluid when the second brush 20b moves downwards between angular positions A2' and A1' (visible in [Fig. 1]). Other positionings of the spray devices 30 and other controls of the pumps 47 are also possible. The two spray devices 30 can also be used to cover different surfaces of the Lidar device 17. Several angular intervals can also be selected to clean several optical devices.

[0061] The wiping devices 30 may also be similar to the wiping device previously described.

[0062] Alternatively, the two reservoirs 45 can be fluidly connected to the same projection device 30 to project two different cleaning liquids through the same projection device 30.

[0063] When the wiping device comprises several wiping brushes 20a, 20b, these wiping brushes 20a, 20b may be similar or may have different characteristics. For example, only one of the wiping brushes 20a, 20b may be equipped with an end connector 25a, 25b comprising a projection device 30.

[0064] Thus, the use of an end connector 25a of an intermediate element 29 or of a protective cover comprising a projection device 30 whose projection nozzles 31, 31' are directed towards a peripheral area of ​​the wiping area of ​​the wiper brush 20a, 20b makes it possible to project cleaning liquid towards this The peripheral zone is thus cleaned, and an optical device located within it, such as a Lidar device 17, a camera, or a headlight mounted on the roof 9, on a rearview mirror 15, or on a pillar 5, or in front of or behind the windshield 3 of the motor vehicle 1, is cleaned outside the wiping zone, for example. Furthermore, the use of a projection device 30, including a Y-valve 35, allows for the selective feeding of two projection nozzles 31, 31', which may have different orientations and / or properties. The use of a Venturi effect device 46, associated with at least one of the projection nozzles 31, 31', creates a foam projection to improve cleaning quality.

Claims

Demands

1. Wiper blade (20a, 20b) for a motor vehicle (1) wiping device (11) comprising: - a wiping blade (23), - a support frame (21) of generally elongated shape configured to receive the wiping blade (23) and comprising a central connector (27) configured to secure the wiping blade (20a, 20b) to a wiping arm (13a, 13b) of the wiping device (H), characterized in that the wiping blade (20a, 20b) comprises a device for projecting cleaning fluid towards a peripheral area of ​​a wiping area of ​​the wiping blade (20a, 20b),said projection device (30) comprising a first (31) and a second (31') projection nozzle and a Y-type valve (35) configured to selectively supply the first projection nozzle (31) and / or the second projection nozzle (31') depending on the pressure of the cleaning fluid supplied at the inlet of the Y-type valve (35), and wherein at least one of the first (31) or the second (31') projection nozzle is associated with a Venturi effect device (46) configured to incorporate air bubbles into the cleaning fluid projected by the associated projection nozzle (31, 31').

2. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to claim 1 in which the projection device (30) is disposed in an end connector (25a) disposed at a first end of the support frame (21) and the wiping blade (23) and configured to ensure the connection between the wiping blade (23) and the support frame (21).

3. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to claim 1 in which the projection device (30) is disposed in an intermediate element (29) disposed between an end connector (25a, 25b) and the central connector (27).

4. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to the preceding claim in which the intermediate element (29) is a bridge configured to connect two parts of the support frame (21).

5. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first (31) and the second (31') projection nozzles are oriented substantially along the longitudinal direction of the wiping brush (20a, 20b).

6. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the support frame (21) includes at least one cleaning fluid distribution channel (33) configured to supply the cleaning fluid projection device (30).

7. Wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to the preceding claim in which the cleaning fluid distribution channel (33) is configured to supply a first plurality of spray nozzles configured to project cleaning fluid onto the wiping area of ​​the wiping brush (20a, 20b).

8. Wiping mop (20a, 20b) according to the preceding claim wherein the first plurality of spray nozzles is configured to project cleaning liquid in a first direction of movement of the wiping mop (20a, 20b) and a second plurality of spray nozzles is configured to project cleaning liquid in a second direction of movement of the wiping mop (20a, 20b).

9. Wiping device (11) comprising at least one wiping arm (13a, 13b) including a cleaning fluid supply channel, at least one wiping brush (20a, 20b) according to any one of the preceding claims associated with the wiping arm (13a, 13b), a cleaning fluid reservoir (45) fluidly connected to the supply channel (33) of the wiping arm (20a, 20b) and a pump (47) configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (45) and transmit said cleaning fluid to the supply channel of the wiping arm (13a, 13b).

10. Wiping device (11) according to the preceding claim comprising an additional reservoir (45) of cleaning fluid connected fluidly to a feed channel of a wiping arm (13a, 13b) and an additional pump (47) configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the additional reservoir (45) and transmit said cleaning fluid to the feed channel of the wiping arm (13a, 13b).

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