Wiping system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiping system for a motor vehicle comprising: a wiping blade comprising: a wiping blade configured to rest on a surface to be cleaned; at least one stiffening element configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade; a first connecting element and at least a second connecting element each being configured to be mounted on at least one stiffening element, respectively on a first portion of at least one stiffening element and on a second portion of at least one stiffening element;a first arm and at least a second arm comprising respectively a first fixing element and a second fixing element, the first fixing element being configured to be mounted on the first connecting element, and the second fixing element being configured to be mounted on the second connecting element, the first arm and the second arm comprising respectively a first return element and a second return element, and in that the first return element is configured to apply a first pressure on the first connecting element and the second return element is configured to apply a second pressure on the second connecting element. Abbreviated figure: Fig 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping system for a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a wiping system for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Wiping systems for a motor vehicle are known, comprising: - a wiping mop including a wiping blade; - a stiffening element configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade; - a first and a second connector, the first and second connectors being integral with the stiffening element in half the length of the wiper blade, - a central mount articulated on the first and second connectors, respectively via a first pivot link and a second pivot link; - a single arm connected by a third pivot joint to a driver, the single arm and the driver being fixed together in movement in the direction of the back-and-forth movement induced by a motor connected to the driver.

[0003] In such systems, the single arm includes a mounting element configured to be mounted on a receiving element of the central mount. This implies that if the pressure distribution on the stiffening member is to be optimized, the distances between the first, second, and third pivot joints, as well as between the first and second connectors, must be precisely defined. More specifically, the first, second, and third pivot joints, on the one hand, and the first and second connectors, on the other, create torsional couples in the wiping system that must be precisely positioned if the pressure distribution on the stiffening member is to be modified.

[0004] Such a wiping system is not only complex because of its structure, including an intermediate part such as the central mount, but does not offer flexibility to adjust the pressure to be applied to the stiffening element.

[0005] There is a need to improve state-of-the-art wiping systems by proposing a wiping system with a simplified structure and which offers flexibility to adjust the pressures to be applied to the stiffening element.

[0006] The invention remedies the aforementioned technical problem by proposing a wiping system for a motor vehicle comprising: - a wiping mop including: • a wiping blade configured to rest against a surface to be cleaned; • at least one stiffening element configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade; • a first connection element and at least a second connection element each being configured to be mounted on at least one stiffening element, respectively on a first portion of at least one stiffening element and on a second portion of at least one stiffening element; - a first arm and at least a second arm comprising respectively a first fixing element and a second fixing element, the first fixing element being configured to be mounted on the first connecting element, and the second fixing element being configured to be mounted on the second connecting element, the first arm and the second arm comprising respectively a first return element and a second return element, and in that the first return element is configured to apply a first pressure on the first connecting element and the second return element is configured to apply a second pressure on the second connecting element.

[0007] The wiping system of the invention has the advantage of being structurally simple and offering flexibility to adjust the pressures to be applied to the stiffening element.

[0008] According to one feature of the invention, the wiping mop comprises a single wiping blade. This feature offers the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0009] This feature also allows for good coverage of the surface to be cleaned by the wiping blade.

[0010] Having a single wiping blade eliminates the need for multiple wiping blades to cover the entire surface being cleaned. It also prevents the cleaning problems often encountered at the edges of wiping blades, namely, poor contact between the blade and the surface. This feature thus prevents potential surface cleaning defects.

[0011] This feature is advantageous because in case of wear, the user will only have to change one wiping blade, which saves time for the user.

[0012] In the case of a single wiping blade configured to project a cleaning liquid through projection orifices of the wiping blade (such as in an Aquablade type system), only one cleaning liquid supply circuit will be required, therefore the structure of the wiping system will be simplified and will have a small footprint.

[0013] Furthermore, such a wiping system comprising a single wiping blade, a first arm, and a second arm exhibits improved resistance to mechanical stress and a better distribution of mechanical stress along the wiping blade due to the presence of the first and second arms. This feature improves the wiping blade's resistance to breakage.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the first fastening element is configured to be mounted directly on the first connecting element. This feature contributes to the advantages mentioned above. In particular, it is understood that with such a structure, no intermediate element is positioned between the first connecting element and the first fastening element, which allows the first arm to apply the initial pressure directly to the first connecting element.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the second fastening element is configured to be mounted directly on the second connecting element. This feature contributes to the advantages mentioned above. In particular, it is understood that with such a structure, no intermediate element is placed between the second connecting element and the second fastening element, which allows the first arm to directly apply the second pressure to the second connecting element.

[0016] According to one option, at least one stiffening organ comprises at least one vertebra.

[0017] According to one option, the at least stiffening organ comprises a first vertebra and a second vertebra.

[0018] According to one option, the first and second pressures are different. This feature allows a specific pressure to be applied to the relevant connecting element so that the wiping blade conforms to the shape of the surface to be cleaned. This feature also allows, for example, the use of two vertebrae of different lengths and shapes. Indeed, the pressure applied to each vertebra of the at least one stiffening element can be adapted according to the geometry of the vertebra to ensure good cleaning efficiency.

[0019] According to one option, the first and second presses are identical. This feature ensures uniform pressure along the entire length of the wiper blade.

[0020] According to one option, the first pressure is between 14N / m and 20N / m.

[0021] According to one option, the second pressure is between 14N / m and 20N / m.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the wiping system includes a drive unit configured to be driven by a motor in a back-and-forth motion, at least the first arm being configured to be mounted on the drive unit.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the wiping system includes a drive unit configured to be driven by a motor in a back-and-forth motion, the second arm being configured to be mounted on the drive unit.

[0024] According to one option, the trainer and the first arm are joined in movement in the direction of the back-and-forth movement.

[0025] According to one option, the trainer and the second arm are joined in movement in the direction of the back-and-forth movement.

[0026] According to a feature of the invention, the trainer cooperates with the first arm via a first pivot joint.

[0027] For example, the trainer includes a first articulation element and the first arm includes a second articulation element, the first articulation element and the second articulation element cooperate by complementary shape to form the first pivot joint.

[0028] For example, the first articulation element includes a first bore and the second articulation element includes a articulation axis configured to be inserted into the first bore.

[0029] For example, the first articulation element includes the first bore and the second articulation element includes a second bore, the first bore and the second bore being configured to receive a removable articulation pin.

[0030] According to a feature of the invention, the first arm cooperates with the second arm according to a second pivot joint.

[0031] For example, the second arm includes a third articulation element.

[0032] For example, the second articulation element and the third articulation element cooperate by complementary shape to form the second pivot joint.

[0033] For example, the second articulation element includes a second bore and the third articulation element includes the articulation axis configured to be inserted into the second bore.

[0034] For example, the second articulation element includes the second bore and the third articulation element includes a third bore, the second bore and the third bore being configured to receive the removable articulation axis.

[0035] For example, the second pivot joint includes the articulation axis configured to fit into the second bore and the third bore.

[0036] For example, the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint have the same axis of rotation.

[0037] According to one feature of the invention, the second arm cooperates with the driver via a third pivot joint.

[0038] For example, the first articulation element and the third articulation element cooperate by complementary shape to form the third pivot joint.

[0039] For example, the first articulation element includes the first bore and the third articulation element includes the articulation axis configured to be inserted into the first bore.

[0040] For example, the first articulation element includes the first bore and the third articulation element includes the third bore.

[0041] For example, the third pivot joint includes the articulation axis configured to fit into the first bore and the third bore.

[0042] For example, the first pivot joint and the third pivot joint have the same axis of articulation.

[0043] For example, the first pivot joint, the second pivot joint and the third pivot joint have the same axis of rotation.

[0044] For example, the cleaning system includes at least one locking element configured to hold the removable pivot pin within the first bore, and / or the second bore, and / or the third bore. It is understood that at least one locking element prevents the removable pivot pin from coming out of the first bore, and / or the second bore, and / or the third bore.

[0045] According to a first embodiment, the drive unit and at least the first arm and / or the second arm are superimposed on at least a portion of the length of the second arm in a longitudinal direction along which the wiping brush extends. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this feature has the advantage of allowing for a reduced overall size of the wiping system.

[0046] According to the first embodiment, the first arm overlaps the second arm over at least a portion of the second arm's length in a longitudinal direction along which the wiping brush extends. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this feature has the advantage of allowing for a reduced overall size of the wiping system.

[0047] According to one option, the first return element is configured to return the first arm towards the drive so that the wiping blade rests against the surface to be cleaned. This feature contributes to the advantages previously mentioned and also improves the cleaning efficiency of the surface by the wiping system.

[0048] According to one option, the second return element is configured to return the second arm towards the drive, so that the wiping blade comes to rest against the surface to be cleaned. This feature offers the same advantages as the previous feature.

[0049] For example, the first return element is a helical spring.

[0050] According to an option of the first embodiment, the first arm includes a first upper wall that is wider than a second upper wall of the second arm over at least a portion of the length of the first arm.

[0051] According to an option of the first embodiment, the first and second return elements are offset from each other along a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. This feature has the advantage of reducing the overall size of the wiping system. It is understood from this feature that the first and second return elements are not superimposed.

[0052] For example, the first return element and the second return element are arranged on either side of a median plane of the wiping system comprising the longitudinal direction along which the wiping brush extends.

[0053] According to one option, the first return element is mounted on a first internal face of the first upper wall.

[0054] According to one option, the second return element is mounted on a second internal face of the second upper wall.

[0055] According to one option, the first recall element includes a first hook configured to be hooked on the hinge axis or the removable hinge axis and a second hook configured to be hooked on a first hooking element mounted on the first inner face.

[0056] According to one option, the second retaining element includes a third hook configured to be hooked on the hinge axis or the removable hinge axis and a fourth hook configured to be hooked on a second hooking element mounted on the second inner face.

[0057] According to a second embodiment, the second arm extends in line with the first arm, the second arm being connected to the first arm by the second pivot joint. This feature contributes to the advantages previously mentioned.

[0058] According to a feature of the second embodiment, the first return element is mounted between the drive and the first arm. This feature contributes to the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0059] According to a feature of the second embodiment, the second return element is mounted between the first arm and the second arm. This feature contributes to the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0060] For example, the second return element is a helical spring.

[0061] According to an option of the second embodiment, the first arm or the second arm is formed by a return element. This feature contributes to the advantages previously mentioned.

[0062] For example, the first arm or the second arm is formed of a flexible blade. It is understood that the flexible blade is elastically deformable.

[0063] For example, the flexible blade is made of steel, or composite materials, or plastic materials, bio-based materials, or recycled materials.

[0064] For example, the flexible blade has an evolving geometry over at least a portion of its length so as to ensure suppleness and flexibility of said wiping blade.

[0065] For example, the evolving geometry of the flexible blade has a serrated shape along at least a portion of its length. Serrated means that the flexible blade is provided with tooth-shaped or saw-tooth-shaped cutouts. This feature allows the flexible blade to deform regardless of the material used.

[0066] According to a third embodiment, the second connection element is located at one end of the wiper blade.

[0067] According to an option of the third embodiment, the fixing element of the second arm is mounted on an end cap.

[0068] According to an option of the third embodiment, the second arm is an extension of the end piece which extends along the longitudinal direction.

[0069] According to an option of the third embodiment, the extension of the tip acting as a second arm cooperates with the driver according to the third pivot link.

[0070] According to an option of the third embodiment, the tip acting as a second arm is similar to the flexible blade described previously.

[0071] According to an option of the third embodiment, the extension of the end piece is a portion of at least one vertebra of the stiffening organ.

[0072] The invention will be better understood in light of the detailed description in the figures. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. - Presentation of the figures [Fig. 1]: perspective view of a wiping system according to a first embodiment - [Fig. 2]: View from below of a trainer, a first arm and a second arm of the first embodiment - [Fig.3]: Perspective view of a wiping system according to a second embodiment

[0073] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a wiping system according to a first embodiment.

[0074] In this figure, the wiping system 1 comprises a wiping brush 2, the wiping brush 2 comprising: • a wiping blade 3 allowing it to rest on a surface to be cleaned (not shown); • at least one stiffening element 4 (see [Fig.2]) generating a curvature of the wiping blade 3; • a first connecting element 5 and at least a second connecting element 6 each being mounted on at least one stiffening member 4, respectively on a first portion pl of at least one stiffening member 4 and on a second portion p2 of at least one stiffening member 4.

[0075] The wiping system 1 also includes a first arm 8 and at least a second arm 9 comprising respectively a first fixing element 10 and a second fixing element 1.

[0076] The first fixing element 10 is mounted on the first connecting element 5, and the second fixing element 11 is mounted on the second connecting element 6.

[0077] Here, the wiping system 1 comprises a single wiping blade 3.

[0078] The first fixing element 10 and the second fixing element 11 are respectively mounted directly on the first connecting element 5 and the second connecting element 6.

[0079] The wiping system 1 also includes a drive 25 on which the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 are mounted.

[0080] More specifically, the trainer 25 includes a first joint element A1, the first arm 9 includes a second joint element A2 and the second arm 9 includes a third joint element A3.

[0081] The first articulation element A1 and the second articulation element A2 cooperate to form a first pivot joint PL

[0082] The second articulation element A2 and the third articulation element A3 cooperate to form a second pivot joint P3.

[0083] The third articulation element A3 and the first articulation element Al cooperate to form a third pivot joint P3.

[0084] In other words, the trainer 25 cooperates with the first arm 8 according to a first pivot link P1, the first arm 8 cooperates with the second arm 9 according to a second pivot link P2 and the second arm 9 cooperates with the trainer 25 according to a third pivot link P3.

[0085] Here, the first articulation element A1 comprises the first bore A1, the second articulation element A2 comprises a second bore A2, the third articulation element A3 comprises a third bore A3. The first bore A1, the second bore A2 and the third bore A3 are arranged so as to receive the same removable articulation axis L9.

[0086] In this configuration, the cleaning system 1 includes at least one locking element B configured to hold the articulation axis 19 within the first bore al, the second bore a2 and the third bore a3.

[0087] In this first embodiment, the drive 25, the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 are superimposed. In other words, the first arm 8 covers the second arm 9 over at least a portion of the length of the second arm 8 along a longitudinal direction L along which the wiping brush 2 extends.

[0088] Fig. 2 represents a bottom view of the trainer 25, the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 of the first embodiment.

[0089] In this figure, the first arm 8 and the second arm 9 respectively comprise a first return element 12 and a second return element 13. The first return element 12 allows a first pressure to be applied to the first connecting element 5 and the second return element 13 allows a second pressure to be applied to the second connecting element 6.

[0090] Here, the first return element 12 and the second return element 13 are helical springs.

[0091] The first arm 8 comprises a first upper wall 14 wider than a second upper wall 15 of the second arm 9 over at least a portion of the first arm 8.

[0092] The first return element 12 and the second return element 13 are offset from each other along a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L along which the wiping brush 2 extends.

[0093] The first retaining element 12 is mounted on a first internal face 16 of the first upper wall 14 (see [Fig.1]) and the second retaining element 13 is mounted on a second internal face 17 of the second upper wall 15.

[0094] Here, the first retaining element 12 includes a first hook 18 which is hooked on the articulation axis 19 and a second hook 20 being hooked on a first hooking element 21 mounted on the first internal face 16.

[0095] The second retaining element 13 includes a third hook 22 being hooked on the articulation axis 19 and a fourth hook 23 being hooked on a second hooking element 24 mounted on the second inner face 17.

[0096] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wiping system 1.

[0097] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second arm 9 extends in line with the first arm 8, and in that the second arm 9 is connected to the first arm 8 by the second pivot joint P2.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first return element 12 is mounted between the driver 25 and the first arm 8, while the second return element 13 is mounted between the first arm 8 and the second arm 9.

Claims

Demands

1. Wiping system for a motor vehicle comprising: - a wiper blade comprising: • a wiper blade configured to bear against a surface to be cleaned; • at least one stiffening member configured to generate a curvature of the wiper blade; • a first connecting element and at least a second connecting element each being configured to be mounted on at least one stiffening member, respectively on a first portion of at least one stiffening member and on a second portion of at least one stiffening member;- a first arm and at least a second arm comprising respectively a first fixing element and a second fixing element, the first fixing element being configured to be mounted on the first connecting element, and the second fixing element being configured to be mounted on the second connecting element, characterized in that the first arm and the second arm comprise respectively a first return element and a second return element, and in that the first return element is configured to apply a first pressure on the first connecting element and the second return element is configured to apply a second pressure on the second connecting element.;

2. Wiping system according to claim 1 wherein the wiping brush comprises a single wiping blade.

3. Wiping system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first fixing element and the second fixing element are configured to be mounted directly on the first connecting element and the second connecting element respectively.

4. Wiping system: any one of the preceding claims, the wiping system comprising a drive configured to be driven by a motor in a back-and-forth motion, at least the first arm being configured to be mounted on the drive.

5. Wiping system according to the preceding claim in which the driver cooperates with the first arm according to a first pivot joint.

6. Wiping system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first arm cooperates with the second arm according to a second pivot joint.

7. Wiping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the second arm cooperates with the driver via a third pivot joint.

8. Wiping system according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the drive and at least the first and / or second arm are superimposed on at least a portion of the length of the second arm in a longitudinal direction along which the wiping brush extends.

9. Wiping system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first arm or the second arm is formed of a flexible blade.

Images