Vehicle windshield wiper blade with two connectors and a spraying device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a windshield wiper blade (1) for a vehicle (2), - at least one wiping strip (10) configured to wipe the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2), - a reinforcement member (11) comprising a birdie blade support (12.1) and at least one birdie blade (12) configured to reinforce the wiping strip, - a central mounting part (13) configured to be connected to the drive arm (3) of the windshield wiper blade, - an air deflector (14) connected to the birdie blade support, - two connectors (15) firmly connected to at least one of the birdie blades, and the windshield wiper blade - comprises a spraying device (16) configured to spray washer fluid (L) onto the glass surface and having a spraying orifice (160), - and a washer fluid distribution device (17) configured to distribute the washer fluid to the spraying device (16). The windshield wiper blade is characterized by comprising the above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper for a vehicle. The present invention is particularly applicable to automobiles, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Those skilled in the art are familiar with a windshield wiper for a vehicle, - a wiper blade configured to wipe the glass surface of the vehicle, - a reinforcing member including a birdie blade support and a birdie blade, - two connectors fixed to the birdie blade, - a central mounting portion pivotally joined to each of the two connectors and configured to be fastened to the drive arm of the windshield wiper, - an air deflector connected to the birdie blade support, and a windshield wiper blade including the above components is well known.

[0003] The windshield wiper is responsible for wiping the glass surface of the vehicle, such as the windshield. The air deflector can improve the force pressing the windshield wiper against the glass surface of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle is provided with a spray nozzle in the hood area for spraying washer fluid onto the glass surface so as to clean the glass surface with the washer fluid.

[0004] The drawback of this prior art is that when the curvature of the glass surface to be cleaned is very prominent, or when the glass surface is panoramic as in the case of vehicles such as trucks and buses, the cleaning of this type of glass surface is not effective.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Against such a background, an object of the present invention is to propose a windshield wiper for a vehicle that can solve the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0006] For this purpose, the present invention provides a windshield wiper for a vehicle, the windshield wiper comprising: - at least one wiper blade configured to wipe the glass surface of the vehicle; - a reinforcement member including a birdie blade support and at least one birdie blade configured to reinforce at least one of the wiper blades; - at least two connectors fixed to at least one of the birdie blades; - a central mounting portion pivotally joined to each of the two connectors and configured to connect to the drive arm of the windshield wiper; - an air deflector connected to the birdie blade support; The windshield wiper further comprises: - a spraying device configured to spray washer fluid onto the glass surface, the spraying device having a spraying orifice; - a distribution device for the washer fluid, the distribution device being configured to distribute the washer fluid to the spraying device. The windshield wiper is characterized by the above features. Furthermore, by using the combination of the two connectors, the central mounting portion and the integrated spraying device as described in detail below, the pressure locally applied to the glass surface can be more favorably dispersed, so that the entire glass surface can be wiped and cleaned more favorably. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the windshield wiper may have one or more of the following additional features, either alone or in any technically possible combination.

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

[0010] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device is configured to spray the washer fluid along the entire length of the windshield wiper. ​​According to one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device comprises at least one hydraulic manifold.

[0011] According to one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the at least one hydraulic manifold comprises a spraying orifice in at least one of its parts.

[0012] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a supply pipe connected to at least one of the two connectors, and the air deflector comprises the spraying device.

[0013] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the supply pipe is connected to the two connectors via two respective transport pipes for the washer fluid.

[0014] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the supply pipe is directly connected to a single connector.

[0015] According to one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the connectors comprises at least one hydraulic channel for supplying washer fluid to at least one part of the spraying device.

[0016] According to one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the at least one hydraulic manifold of the spraying device comprises spraying orifices in two of its parts.

[0017] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a supply pipe connected to the central mounting part.

[0018] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the air deflector comprises the spraying device, and the dispensing device further comprises a transport pipe connected to the central mounting part and at least one of the two connectors.

[0019] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting part comprises all or part of the spraying device.

[0020] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the air deflector comprises a part of the spraying device, and the spraying device comprises at least one main hydraulic manifold forming a part of the central mounting portion and at least one secondary hydraulic manifold forming a part of the air deflector, and the dispensing device further comprises a conveying pipe connected to at least one of the central mounting portion and the two connectors.

[0021] According to one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the two connectors comprises a hydraulic channel for supplying washer fluid to at least one of the secondary hydraulic manifolds.

[0022] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting portion comprises an air deflector surface.

[0023] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the reinforcing member comprises at least two bird billers, and the bird billers are arranged with their end portions facing each other through their longitudinal end portions.

[0024] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two bird billers have different lengths.

[0025] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two bird billers have different radii of curvature.

[0026] According to one non-limiting embodiment, each connector is disposed substantially at the center of each bird biller.

[0027] According to one non-limiting embodiment, each connector is fixed to the bird biller.

[0028] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two conveying pipes are connected to the supply pipe via a hydraulic connector.

[0029] According to one non-limiting embodiment, one of the two connectors does not have an inlet for the washer fluid.

[0030] According to one non-limiting embodiment, one of the two connectors further comprises a cannula configured to be closed by a plug.

[0031] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the main hydraulic manifold and the secondary hydraulic manifold extend on the same side of the windshield wiper.

[0032] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device comprises two main hydraulic manifolds and two secondary hydraulic manifolds.

[0033] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two main hydraulic manifolds each extend along each side surface of the central mounting portion.

[0034] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two secondary hydraulic manifolds each extend along each side surface of the air deflector.

[0035] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two main and secondary hydraulic manifolds operate alternately in response to the movement of the windshield wiper.

[0036] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device comprises two hydraulic manifolds that form part of the air deflector.

[0037] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two hydraulic manifolds each extend along each side surface of the air deflector.

[0038] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the two hydraulic manifolds operate alternately in response to the movement of the windshield wiper.

[0039] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the air deflector is composed of at least three parts.

[0040] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the air deflector comprises a lower part, a central part, and an upper part.

[0041] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the lower part extends from the lower end of the windshield wiper to the first connector, the central part is located between the two connectors, and the upper part extends from the second connector to the upper end of the windshield wiper.

[0042] The present invention and its various application examples will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

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Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0044] For elements having the same structure or function that appear in different drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned unless otherwise specified.

[0045] The windshield wiper 1 for the vehicle 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 34 according to non-limiting embodiments. In one non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is an automobile. An automobile is understood to mean any type of motor vehicle. This embodiment is given as a non-limiting example in the following description. Therefore, in the following description, the vehicle 2 is also referred to as the automobile 2.

[0046] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal (direction)" or "lateral (direction)" are based on the windshield wiper 1. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main axis along which the windshield wiper extends, and the lateral orientation corresponds to a simultaneous straight line, that is, a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction axis in the plane in which the windshield wiper 1 rotates, particularly in the plane that intersects the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The automobile 2 has a glass surface 20 that requires wiping and cleaning. In one non-limiting embodiment, the glass surface 20 is the windshield of the automobile 2.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the windshield wiper 1. The windshield wiper 1 is a flat windshield wiper also referred to as a "flat blade".

[0049] The windshield wiper 1 is - At least one wiper blade 10, - A reinforcing member 11 comprising a birdie blade support 12.1 and at least one birdie blade 12, - Two connectors 15 fixed to at least one said birdie blade 12, - A central mounting part 13 articulated to each of the two connectors 15, - An air deflector 14 connected to the birdie blade support 12.1, - A spraying device 16, - A dispensing device 17 for washer fluid L, are provided.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the windshield wiper 1 is defined by a lower end 1.1 also referred to as the bottom end 1.1 and an upper end 1.2 also referred to as the top end 1.2. These two ends form the ends of the wiper blade 10. The ends 1.1 and 1.2 are end pieces that enable the parts 14 and 12 to be fixed together and also enable the two ends of the hydraulic manifold 16a (described later) of the spraying device 16 to be closed.

[0051] The wiper blade 10 is configured to wipe the glass surface 20 of the vehicle 2. It is generally composed of an elastomer and is held along its entire length. The windshield wiper 1 is generally fastened to a drive arm 3 that is driven by a motor to reciprocate with an angle as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, during such an angled reciprocating movement, the wiper blade 10 rubs against the glass surface 20 to wipe it and at the same time can carry the washer fluid L from the driver's field of view of the vehicle 2 and remove it.

[0052] The wiper blade 10 can be reinforced by the reinforcing member 11 having the birdie blade support 12.1 and at least one of the birdie blades 12, which can promote the contact of the wiper blade 10 with the glass surface 20. The reinforcing member 11 disperses the endurance against the drive arm 3 along the wiper blade 10. Therefore, it can be transmitted by dispersing the pressure of the drive arm 3 along the length of the windshield wiper 1. At least one of the birdie blades 12 is a longitudinal birdie blade. It has a radius of curvature. Therefore, it is not flat. Further, the birdie blade 12 is bent, and due to the bending, a curved shape can be given to the wiper blade 10 while it is pressed against the glass surface 10. In other words, it is the birdie blade 12 that causes the curvature of the wiper blade 10. Therefore, the reinforcing member 11 ensures that the wiper blade 10 follows the curved shape of the glass surface 20, which is, for example, the windshield of the automobile 2 in a non-limiting example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the birdie blade 12 is made of metal. Thereby, the wiper blade 10 can be curved while being reinforced. The birdie blade support 12.1 is configured to support at least one of the birdie blades 12 and the wiper blade 10.

[0053] In one non-limiting embodiment, the reinforcement member 11 includes two wiper blades 12. Accordingly, the wiper blade support 12.1 is configured to support the two wiper blades 12. They are arranged with their longitudinal ends facing each other. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two wiper blades 12 have different radii of curvature, so that different forces can be exerted along the wiper blade 10. In a variant of one non-limiting embodiment, the first wiper blade 12, referred to as the lower wiper blade 12, is flatter than the second, more curved wiper blade 12, referred to as the upper wiper blade 12. The lower wiper blade 12 is the one closest to the drive arm 3. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two wiper blades 12 have different lengths. In a variant of one non-limiting embodiment, the lower wiper blade 12 is longer than the shorter upper wiper blade 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two wiper blades 12 are aligned in the wiper blade support 12.1.

[0054] The central mounting portion 13 is configured to be fastened to the drive arm 3. The central arm 13 is joined to the end part 30 (shown in FIG. 1) of the drive arm 3 via a central pivot axis. In one non-limiting embodiment, the drive arm 3 includes an end part 30 that is crimped to a rod 31 connected to the casing 32. Accordingly, the end part 30 functions as a connection part between the rod 31 and the central mounting portion 13. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the central pivot axis is configured to provide a rotation of plus or minus 15° between the windshield wiper 1 and the drive arm. In another non-limiting embodiment, the drive arm 3 includes an end part 30 that is integral with the casing 32. In this case, the rod 31 does not exist.

[0055] In one non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting portion 13 is articulated to each of the connectors 15 via a swivel connection portion. The swivel connection portion extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the windshield wiper 1. In one non-limiting example, the swivel connection portion is realized by the cooperation of a pin 151 (shown, for example, in FIG. 1 or FIG. 12) that protrudes laterally from either side of the connector 15 and an opening 131 (shown, for example, in FIG. 4) of the central mounting portion 13 configured to receive the pin 151. By means of the swivel connection portion, the central mounting portion 13 can rotate relative to the connector 15 in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the windshield wiper 1. By having two connectors 15, the pressure locally applied to the bird blade 12 can be more favorably dispersed.

[0056] In one non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting portion 13 comprises an air deflection surface 130. By means of this air deflection surface 130, the aerodynamic forces generated on the windshield wiper 1 can be converted into a downward force that presses the windshield wiper 1 against the glass surface 20 to ensure the effectiveness of wiping and cleaning at high speeds. Also, the central mounting portion 13 is configured to hold two connectors 15. The air deflector 14 is an aerodynamic deflector. The aerodynamic deflector increases the force with which the wiper blade 10 contacts the glass surface 20 to be wiped using the relative wind of the vehicle 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in one non-limiting embodiment, the air deflector 14 is composed of at least three parts. Thus, it includes a lower part 14.1, also referred to as the bottom part 14.1, a central part 14.2, and an upper part 14.3, also referred to as the top part 14.3. The lower part 14.1 extends from the lower end 1.1 of the windshield wiper 1 to the first connector 15. The central part 14.2 is located between the two connectors 15. The upper part 14.3 extends from the second connector 15 to the upper end 1.2 of the windshield wiper 1. A cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 shows a part of the elements of the windshield wiper 1 according to one non-limiting embodiment. The shape of the air deflector 14, the birdie blade 12 that can apply force to the wiper blade 10, and the birdie blade support 12.1 can be seen. The air deflector 14 is connected to this so as to mechanically hold the birdie blade support 12.1 and is connected to a hydraulic channel 15.1 (described later) for the hydraulic function of distributing the washer fluid L. More specifically, the air deflector is fastened to the upper part of the birdie blade support 12.1 and surrounds the birdie blade 12.

[0057] The connectors 15 are spaced apart from each other, and the central mounting portions 13 are articulated to each of the connectors 15. The connectors 15 are associated with the wiper blades 12. Each connector 15 is fixed to the wiper blade 12. Each connector 15 is disposed substantially at the center of each wiper blade 12. Accordingly, since the pressure exerted by the drive arm 3 connected to the central mounting portion 13 is distributed across the two connectors 15, the pressure can be uniformly distributed along the wiper blade 10 via the reinforcing member 11. This exerted pressure is a force perpendicular to the plane of the windshield wiper 1. Specifically, due to the curvature of the windshield wiper 10 and the fact that the central mounting portions 13 are articulated to at least two spaced-apart connectors 15, the pressure exerted from the drive arm 3 on the central mounting portion 13 is split in two. Accordingly, the two connectors 15 each transmit half of the pressure exerted by the drive arm 3 to the wiper blade 10, particularly via the reinforcing member 11 and each wiper blade 12. It should be noted that each connector 15 is disposed substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12 to which it is fastened. Accordingly, half of the pressure is transmitted to the center in the longitudinal direction of each of the wiper blades 12 of the reinforcing member 11. For this reason, the pressure of the drive arm 3 is uniformly distributed along the wiper blade 10 via the connectors 15 and the reinforcing member 11. In particular, pressure is applied to the wiper blade 12 such that the wiper blade 12 transmits a constant force to the glass surface 20 of the vehicle 2.

[0058] Since the wiper blade 12 is curved, when it is placed on the glass surface 20, it is constrained on the glass surface 20. Accordingly, forces are applied to the center of each wiper blade 12 by the two connectors 15, so there is a uniform pressure distribution. The two connectors 15 provide two connection points for the wiper blade 10 and the reinforcing member 11, thus avoiding the need to address the lateral clearance called scaling at the end of the wiper blade 10. The need for addressing arises when there is only one connector 15, and thus only one connection point. If there is only one connection point, excessive force is applied to this connection point, resulting in scaling. Scaling is a lateral movement that causes vibration and thus noise on the glass surface 20. Therefore, the two connectors 15 avoid vibration and thus eliminate noise. It should be noted that this lateral movement increases with the length of the wiper blade 10, particularly in one non-limiting example where the wiper blade 10 has a length equal to 1 m.

[0059] Also, it should be noted that the two connectors 15 can more effectively follow the curvature of the glass surface 20 than a single connector 15. For this purpose, they are connected to each other via a secondary pivot axis (not shown). The secondary pivot axis enables displacement at an angle of plus 5 degrees to minus 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal plane of the windshield wiper 1. Thereby, sufficient contact between the wiper blade 10 and the glass surface 20 is obtained. For this reason, more effective cleaning is obtained, particularly in the case of a panoramic glass surface 20. Specifically, in this example, the end of the windshield wiper 1 follows the end of the glass surface 20. Therefore, the two connectors 15 make the cleaning more effective and there is no risk of obstructing the driver's view.

[0060] With two connectors 15 and two bird lips 12, pressure can be exerted along the entire length of the windshield wiper 1. The distribution of the force on the two bird lips 12 is improved. The wiping quality is maintained as compared to a windshield wiper 1 having only one bird lip 12 and only one connector 15.

[0061] The spraying device 16 is configured to spray the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20, more specifically along the entire length of the windshield wiper. It is provided with spraying orifices 160. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device 16 comprises at least one hydraulic manifold 16a, also referred to as a spraying manifold 16a. In one non-limiting embodiment, at least one said hydraulic manifold 16a comprises at least a part of the spraying orifices 160 configured to be able to spray the washer fluid L.

[0062] In one non-limiting embodiment, the hydraulic manifold 16a has a substantially cylindrical shape. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device 16 comprises only one hydraulic manifold 16a extending along one side surface of the windshield wiper 1. Thus, this is a single-type manifold device. In another non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device 16 comprises two hydraulic manifolds 16a extending along each side surface of the windshield wiper 1. Thus, this is a dual-type manifold device. By the combination of the operations of spraying the washer fluid L and the sweeping movement of the wiper blade 10, specific particles that may adhere to the glass surface 20, such as in a non-limiting example, splashed mud, dust, crushed insect remains, etc., can be removed.

[0063] The dispensing device 17 for the washer fluid L is configured to dispense the washer fluid L to the spraying device 16. The dispensing device 17 includes a supply pipe 170. This is connected to the drive arm 3 and is also connected to a pump (not shown) that connects the windshield wiper 1 to a tank (not shown) of the washer fluid L that is usually disposed below the hood of the motor vehicle 2. Accordingly, the supply pipe 170 supplies the washer fluid L to the spraying device 16.

[0064] Various embodiments of the windshield wiper 1 will be described below.

[0065] According to a first non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the air deflector 14 is responsible for the spraying function. It should be noted that in this first non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting portion 13 does not perform the spraying function. It does not play any role in spraying the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20. Accordingly, it does not have a spray orifice 160.

[0066] For this purpose, according to a first non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the dispensing device 17 includes a supply pipe 170 that connects to at least one of the two connectors 15, and the air deflector 14 includes the spraying device 16. Accordingly, the air deflector 14 includes at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a of the spraying device 16, and the supply pipe 170 is connected to at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a of the air deflector 14 via at least one of the two connectors 15.

[0067] The supply pipe 170 is connected indirectly or directly to at least one connector 15. Accordingly, at least one of the connectors 15 is configured to convey the washer fluid L to at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a of the spraying device 16.

[0068] A non-limiting example of an embodiment of a single hydraulic manifold 16a in the spraying device 16 will be given below.

[0069] According to the first non-limiting embodiment modification shown in FIG. 3, the supply pipe 170 is connected to the two connectors 15 via two respective conveyance pipes 18 for the washer fluid L. Thus, these conveyance pipes 18 are each connected to the supply pipe 170 and each connector 15, respectively. In other words, the windshield wiper 1 includes two conveyance pipes 18 for the washer fluid L, which are each connected to the supply pipe 170 and each connector 15, respectively. In this example, each connector 15 conveys the washer fluid L directly to the air deflector 14, particularly to the hydraulic manifold 16a. As shown in FIG. 4, the two conveyance pipes 18 are connected to the supply pipe 170 via a hydraulic connector 18.1. Thus, the hydraulic connector 18.1 has one inlet and two outlets.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each connector 15 is connected to the conveyance pipe 18. FIG. 5 shows the first connector 15, also referred to as the lower connector 15 or the bottom connector 15, and FIG. 6 shows the second connector 15, also referred to as the upper connector 15 or the top connector 15. The lower connector 15 is connected to a conveyance pipe 18, also referred to as the lower conveyance pipe 18. The upper connector 15 is connected to a conveyance pipe 18, also referred to as the upper conveyance pipe 18.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each connector 15 includes a hydraulic channel 15.1 for supplying the washer fluid L to at least a portion of at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a, respectively. In one non-limiting embodiment modification, the lower connector 15 has two hydraulic channels 15.1, namely, - Another hydraulic channel 15.1 connected to the lower portion 16a.1 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and configured to convey the washer fluid L to the lower portion 16a.1, - A hydraulic channel 15.1 that connects to the central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and is configured to convey the washer fluid L to this central portion 16a.2, is provided.

[0072] In one non - limiting embodiment, the upper connector 15 includes two hydraulic channels 15.1, namely, - A hydraulic channel 15.1 configured to convey the washer fluid L to the upper portion 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a, - Another hydraulic channel 15.1 that connects to the central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and is configured to convey the washer fluid L to this central portion 16a.2, is provided.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the lower connector 15 further includes a cannula 15.2 configured to connect to the lower transport pipe 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper connector 15 further includes a cannula 15.2 configured to connect to the upper transport pipe 18.

[0074] In one non - limiting embodiment, the hydraulic manifold 16a has spray orifices 160 in two of its parts. The hydraulic manifold 16a includes a lower part 16a.1 (shown in FIG. 7), also referred to as the bottom part 16a.1, a central part 16a.2 (shown in FIG. 9), and an upper part 16a.3, also referred to as the top part 16a.3 (shown in FIG. 8).

[0075] In one non - limiting embodiment, the lower part 16a.1 and the upper part 16a.3 have spray orifices 160. For the sake of brevity, only some of the spray orifices 160 are labeled with reference numerals in FIGS. 7 and 8. In one non - limiting embodiment, the central part 16a.2 does not have spray orifices 160.

[0076] The lower connector 15 is configured to convey the washer fluid L, particularly to the lower portion 16a.1 of the hydraulic manifold 16a. The upper connector 15 is configured to convey the washer fluid L, particularly to the upper portion 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a. Although the two connectors 15 convey the washer fluid L to the central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a, it should be noted that this central portion 16a.2 is not used for the fog function application because it does not have the spray orifice 160. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment, each connector 15 may include only one hydraulic channel 15.1 for supplying to only a part of the hydraulic manifold 16a that is responsible for the spray function, that is, only to the part having the spray orifice 160.

[0077] Therefore, according to the first non-limiting embodiment variation, the washer fluid L is distributed at two locations via the two connectors 15. With this first non-limiting embodiment variation, the washer fluid L can be well dispersed in the windshield wiper 1.

[0078] According to the second non-limiting embodiment variation shown in FIG. 10, the supply pipe 170 is directly connected to a single connector 15. In other words, the windshield wiper 1 does not include the intermediate conveyance pipe 18 for the washer fluid L. In this example, a single connector 15 directly distributes the washer fluid L to the air deflector 14, that is, to the hydraulic manifold 16a. As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 11, the supply pipe 170 is directly connected to the first connector 15 which is the lower connector 15 in this example.

[0079] Similar to the case of the first non-limiting embodiment variation, in one non-limiting embodiment, the hydraulic manifold 16a is provided with the spray orifice 160 at two of its parts, that is, the lower part 16a.1 and the upper part 16a.3.

[0080] In this example, the single connector 15, which is the lower connector 15, includes a hydraulic channel 15.1 for supplying washer fluid L to at least one portion 16.1 of at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a.

[0081] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the lower connector 15 is configured to convey the washer fluid L to the lower portion 16a.1, the central portion 16a.2, and the upper portion 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a. For this purpose, the lower connector 15 includes two hydraulic channels 15.1. That is, - a hydraulic channel 15.1 that connects to the lower portion 16.1 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and is configured to convey the washer fluid L to this lower portion 16a.1, - another hydraulic channel 15.1 that connects to the central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and is configured to supply the washer fluid L to the central portion 16.2 and the upper portion 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a, and includes.

[0082] It should be noted that in this example, a pump (not shown) having sufficient power to convey the washer fluid L to the upper portion 16a.3 is required. Such a pump is located below the bonnet of the motor vehicle 2 and is connected to a tank.

[0083] In one non-limiting embodiment, the lower connector 15 further includes a cannula 15.2 configured to be directly connected here to the supply pipe 170.

[0084] FIG. 12 shows a second connector 15 referred to as an upper connector. The upper connector 15 includes two hydraulic channels 15.1 that are respectively connected to the central portion 16a.2 and the upper portion 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a. The two hydraulic channels 15.1 are configured to send the washer fluid L conveyed to the central portion 16a.2 via the lower connector 15 from the central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a to the upper portion 16a.3. Therefore, the washer fluid L is sent from one part of the hydraulic manifold 16a to another part via the hydraulic channels 15.1. Specifically, the washer fluid L is sent from the central portion 16a.2 to the upper portion 16a.3 via the two hydraulic channels 15.1 of the upper connector 15.

[0085] In one non-limiting embodiment, the upper connector 15 does not have an inlet for the washer fluid L. For this purpose, in one non-limiting embodiment variant, the upper connector 15 further includes a cannula 15.2 configured to be closed by a plug 15.4. Thereby, leakage of the washer fluid L to the outside is prevented, and the same standard parts can be used for the lower connector 15 and the upper connector 15.

[0086] Therefore, according to a second non-limiting embodiment variant, the washer fluid L is distributed at a single location via one of the two connectors 15, in this example the lower connector 15. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment, it may be the upper connector 15 that conveys the washer fluid L to the central portion 16.1 and the upper portion 16.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a. In this case, the supply pipe 170 is directly connected to this upper connector 15.

[0087] According to a second non-limiting embodiment, the central mounting part 13 assumes all or part of the function of spraying the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20. For this purpose, according to this second non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 28, the distribution device 17 includes a supply pipe 170 connected to the central mounting part 13, and the central mounting part 13 includes all or part of the spraying device 16. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 14, the enlarged view of FIG. 15, and the enlarged views of FIGS. 21 and 27, the supply pipe 170 is connected to the central mounting part 13 via a cannula 13.1.

[0088] According to a first non-limiting embodiment modification shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the central mounting part 13 assumes all of the spraying function. For this purpose, the central mounting part 13 includes the entire spraying device 160. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the central mounting part 13 includes at least one hydraulic manifold 16a having a spraying orifice 16. For the sake of simplicity, reference numerals are only attached to a part of the spraying orifice 160 in FIGS. 16 and 17. As shown in FIG. 17, in one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a has a spraying orifice 16 along its entire length. Thereby, the washer fluid L can be sprayed along the entire length of the hydraulic manifold 16a through all of its portions 16.1, 16.2, and 16.3.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the air deflector 14 does not have a spraying orifice 160 in its lower part 14.1 (shown in FIG. 18), its central part 14.2 (shown in FIG. 18), or its upper part 14.3 (shown in FIG. 19). Therefore, it does not assume the spraying function.

[0090] According to a second non-limiting embodiment modification shown in FIGS. 20 to 28, the central mounting portion 13 undertakes part of the spraying function, and the air deflector 14 undertakes part of the spraying function. Therefore, the central mounting portion 13 includes a part of the spraying device 16, and the air deflector 14 includes a part of the spraying device 16. The spraying device 16 includes at least one main hydraulic manifold 16a forming a part of the central mounting portion 13 and at least one sub-hydraulic manifold 16b forming a part of the air deflector 14.

[0091] In the first embodiment shown in the drawings of this second non-limiting embodiment modification, the spraying device 16 includes one main hydraulic manifold 16a forming a part of the central mounting portion 13 and a sub-hydraulic manifold 16b forming a part of the air deflector 14. In one non-limiting embodiment, the main hydraulic manifold 16a and the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b extend on the same side of the windshield wiper 1. Therefore, there are a single-manifold central mounting portion 13 and a single-manifold air deflector 14.

[0092] In a second non-limiting embodiment (not shown) of this second non-limiting embodiment modification, the spraying device 16 includes two main manifolds 16a and two sub-hydraulic manifolds 16b, and the supply pipe 170 is connected to a central mounting portion 13 configured to convey washer fluid L to the two sub-hydraulic manifolds 16b of the air deflector 14 via two connectors 15 respectively. Therefore, there is a central mounting portion 13 called a dual-manifold central mounting portion. Similarly, there is an air deflector 14 called a dual-manifold air deflector. Thereby, the cleaning of the glass surface 20 can be improved. The two main hydraulic manifolds 16a each extend along each side surface of the central mounting portion 13, and the two sub-hydraulic manifolds 16b each extend along each side surface of the air deflector 14.

[0093] In one non-limiting embodiment, the two main hydraulic manifolds 16a operate alternately in response to the movement of the windshield wiper 1. As a result, the cleaning time of the glass surface 20 can be shortened, and the cleaning effect can be improved by spraying more washer fluid L. By "operation" is meant that the main hydraulic manifold 16a sprays the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20. When the operation is released, the washer fluid L is not sprayed. Therefore, when the movement of the windshield wiper 1 is upward, one of the main hydraulic manifolds 16a operates, and when the movement of the windshield wiper 1 is downward, the other main hydraulic manifold 16a operates. The same applies to the auxiliary hydraulic manifolds 16b. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two auxiliary hydraulic manifolds 16b operate alternately in response to the movement of the windshield wiper 1. As a result, the cleaning time of the glass surface 20 can be shortened. By "operation" is meant that the auxiliary hydraulic manifold 16b sprays the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20. When the operation is released, the washer fluid L is not sprayed. Therefore, when the movement of the windshield wiper 1 is upward, one of the auxiliary hydraulic manifolds 16b operates, and when the movement of the windshield wiper 1 is downward, the other auxiliary hydraulic manifold 16b operates.

[0094] The single-form manifold central mounting portion and the single-form manifold air deflector 14 are given as non-limiting examples in the following description.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the distribution device 17 also includes a transport pipe 171. The transport pipe 171 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 and is connected to at least one of the two connectors 15. In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, this connector 15 is the lower connector 15. Therefore, the washer fluid L is distributed by the lower connector 15 in the auxiliary hydraulic manifold 16b. For this reason, the central mounting portion 13 conveys the washer fluid L to the auxiliary hydraulic manifold 16b of the air deflector 14 via the lower connector 15.

[0096] In other words, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 27, the central mounting portion 13 includes at least one of the main hydraulic manifolds 16a that includes a spray orifice 160. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals are attached only to a part of the spray orifice 160 in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 27, in one non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a includes a spray orifice 16 along its entire length. Thereby, the washer fluid L can be sprayed along the entire length of the hydraulic manifold 16a through all of its portions 16a.1, 16a.2, and 16a.3.

[0097] In other words, as shown in FIGS. 21, 25, and 26, the air deflector 14 includes at least one of the auxiliary hydraulic manifolds 16b that includes a spray orifice 160. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals are attached only to a part of the spray orifice 160 in the drawings.

[0098] As shown enlarged in FIG. 21, the supply pipe 170 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 via a cannula 13.1. As shown in FIG. 22, the transfer pipe 171 is connected to a connector 15 that is used to deliver the washer fluid L to the auxiliary hydraulic manifold 16b via a cannula 15.3. As shown in FIG. 21, the transfer pipe 171 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 via a cannula 13.3. Therefore, the washer fluid L is sent from the central mounting portion 13 to the connector 15 via this transfer pipe 171.

[0099] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 23 and 24, the cannula 15.3 is followed by a hydraulic channel 15.4 that connects to at least one other hydraulic channel 15.1.

[0100] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, this other hydraulic channel 15.1 is configured to supply the washer fluid L to the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b. Therefore, at least one of the connectors 15 used to convey the washer fluid L, which is the lower connector in this example, includes at least one hydraulic channel 15.1.

[0101] As shown in a non-limiting example, the spraying device 16 includes one sub-hydraulic manifold 16a, and the supply pipe 170 is connected to a central mounting portion 13 configured to convey the washer fluid L to the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b of the air deflector 14 through one of the two connectors 15. Therefore, there is an air deflector 14 called a single-unit manifold air deflector.

[0102] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, the air deflector 14 includes a first portion of the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b, also referred to as the lower portion 16b.1. As shown in FIG. 26, the air deflector 14 includes a second portion of the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b, also referred to as the upper portion 16b.3. As shown in FIG. 25, the lower portion 16b.1 includes a spray orifice 160 that extends from the lower end portion 1.1 of the windshield wiper 1 to the lower connector 15. Therefore, the lower portion 16b.1 is part of the lower component 14.1 of the air deflector 14. As shown in FIG. 26, the upper portion 16b.3 includes a spray orifice 160 that extends from the upper end portion of the windshield wiper 1 to the upper connector 15. Therefore, the upper portion 16b.3 is part of the upper component 14.3 of the air deflector 14. For this reason, the lower portion 16b.1 can spray the washer fluid L within the lower component of the windshield wiper 1, and the upper portion 16b.3 can spray the washer fluid L within the upper component of the windshield wiper 1. As shown in FIG. 22, at least one of the connectors 15 includes a first hydraulic channel 15.1 configured to supply the washer fluid L to the lower portion 16b.1 of the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b and a second hydraulic channel 15.1 configured to supply the washer fluid L to the upper portion 16b.3 of the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b.

[0103] In this non-limiting embodiment variation, as shown in FIG. 28, it should be noted that the air deflector 14 includes a central component 14.2 having a portion 16b.2 of the sub-hydraulic manifold, and the central component 14.2 does not have a spray orifice 160. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment variation, a central portion 16b.2 of the sub-hydraulic manifold 16b having a spray orifice 160 may exist.

[0104] In a third non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 to 34, the air deflector 14 takes on all of the spraying functions. In this example, the central mounting portion 13 does not take on the spraying function. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the central mounting portion 13 does not include a spray orifice 160. It should be noted that FIGS. 22 to 24 are also applicable to this non-limiting embodiment by replacing reference numeral 16b.1 with 16.1 and 16b.3 with reference numeral 16.3.

[0105] For this purpose, the air deflector 14 includes a spraying device 16, and the dispensing device 17 - a supply pipe 170 connected to the central mounting portion 13, - a conveying pipe 171 connected to at least one of the central mounting portion 13 and the two connectors 15. is provided.

[0106] In other words, as shown in FIGS. 31, 32, and 33, the air deflector 14 includes at least one hydraulic manifold 16a having a spray orifice 160.

[0107] In a first variant of the third embodiment shown in the drawings, the spraying device 16 includes one hydraulic manifold 16a that forms part of the air deflector 14, and the supply pipe 170 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 configured to convey the washer fluid L to the hydraulic manifold 16a of the air deflector 14 via one of the two connectors 15. Therefore, there is an air deflector 14 called a single-manifold air deflector.

[0108] In a modification of the second embodiment (not shown) of the third embodiment, the spraying device 16 includes two hydraulic manifolds 16a that form part of the air deflector 14, and the supply pipe 170 is connected to a central mounting portion 13 configured to convey the washer fluid L to the two hydraulic manifolds 16a of the air deflector 14 via two connectors 15 respectively. Thus, similarly, there is an air deflector 14 called a compound manifold air deflector. Thereby, the cleaning of the glass surface 20 can be improved. The two hydraulic manifolds 16a extend along each side surface of the air deflector 14 respectively. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two hydraulic manifolds 16a operate alternately according to the movement of the windshield wiper 1.

[0109] The single manifold air deflector 14 is given as a non-limiting example in the following description.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 30, the distribution device 17 further includes a conveyance pipe 171 connected to at least one of the central mounting portion 13 and the two connectors 15. In the non-limiting example shown, this connector 15 is the lower connector 15. Thus, the washer fluid L is distributed by the lower connector 15 in at least one of the hydraulic manifolds 16a. Thus, the central mounting portion 13 conveys the washer fluid L to the hydraulic manifold 16a of the air deflector 14 via the lower connector 15.

[0111] As shown enlarged in FIG. 30, the supply pipe 170 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 via a cannula 13.1. As shown in FIG. 22, the conveyance pipe 171 is connected to a connector 15 used to convey the washer fluid L to the hydraulic manifold 16a via a cannula 15.3. As shown in FIG. 30, the conveyance pipe 171 is connected to the central mounting portion 13 via a cannula 13.3. Thus, the washer fluid L is sent from the central mounting portion 13 to the connector 15 via this conveyance pipe 171.

[0112] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 23 and 24, the cannula 15.3 is followed by a hydraulic channel 15.4 that connects to at least one other hydraulic channel 15.1.

[0113] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, this other hydraulic channel 15.1 is configured to supply the washer fluid L to the hydraulic manifold 16a. Accordingly, at least one of the connectors 15, which is the lower connector in this example and is used to convey the washer fluid L, includes at least one hydraulic channel 15.1.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 32, the air deflector 14 includes a first part 16a.1 of the hydraulic manifold, also referred to as the lower part 16a.1. As shown in FIG. 33, the air deflector 14 includes a second part 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold, also referred to as the upper part 16a.3. As shown in FIG. 32, the lower part 16a.1 includes a spray orifice 160 that extends from the lower end 1.1 of the windshield wiper 1 to the lower connector 15. Accordingly, the lower part 16a.1 is part of the lower component 14.1 of the air deflector 14. As shown in FIG. 33, the upper part 16a.3 includes a spray orifice 160 that extends from the upper end 1.2 of the windshield wiper 1 to the upper connector 15. Accordingly, the upper part 16a.3 is part of the upper component 14.3 of the air deflector 14. Accordingly, the lower part 16a.1 can spray the washer fluid L within the lower component of the windshield wiper 1, and the upper part 16a.3 can spray the washer fluid L within the upper component of the windshield wiper 1. As shown in FIG. 22, at least one of the connectors 15 includes a first hydraulic channel 15.1 configured to supply the washer fluid L to the lower part 16a.1 of the hydraulic manifold 16a and a second hydraulic channel 15.1 configured to supply the washer fluid L to the upper part 16a.3 of the hydraulic manifold 16a.

[0115] In this non-limiting embodiment variant, as shown in FIG. 31, it should be noted that the air deflector 14 is a central component 14.2 having a portion 16b.2 of the sub-hydraulic manifold, and the central component 14.2 does not have a spray orifice 160. Of course, in another non-limiting embodiment variant, there may be a central portion 16a.2 of the hydraulic manifold 16a that includes a spray orifice 160.

[0116] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the above-described fields. Therefore, in another non-limiting embodiment of the second non-limiting embodiment variant of the second non-limiting embodiment, a combination of a compound manifold central mounting portion and a single manifold deflector may exist, and vice versa. For this reason, in another non-limiting embodiment, the reinforcing member 11 includes three bird dividers having three connectors integrally connected by an intermediate mounting portion. In this example, the air deflector 14 is composed of more than three parts.

[0117] Therefore, the present invention described above has the following advantages in particular. - By incorporating the spraying device 16 into the windshield wiper 1, the wiping function and the cleaning function with the washer fluid L can be combined within a single structure. - The two connectors 15 and the spraying device 16 incorporated in the windshield wiper 1 can improve the cleaning effect compared to the prior art in which the spraying device is incorporated in the area of the bonnet of the automobile 2. - While spraying the washer fluid L onto the glass surface 20, it can follow well due to the curvature of the glass surface 20. - A more robust long windshield wiper 1 can be obtained. - The pressure of the drive arm on the windshield wiper 1 can be well dispersed. As a result, it can be adapted to a complex glass surface having a very large curvature, for example, in a non-limiting example, a supercar or a truck in which the curvature of the glass surface 20 is very prominent. - By generating pressure at the end of the windshield wiper 1, it becomes possible to contact the end of the glass surface 20, and for small or large glass surfaces 20, especially for panoramic windshields, it can follow the curvature. Therefore, cleaning becomes more effective. - According to the various embodiments described, the replacement of the components of the windshield wiper 1 becomes easier, and the connection of the supply pipe 170 becomes easier.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper (1) for a vehicle (2), wherein the windshield wiper (1) comprises: - at least one wiper blade (10) configured to wipe the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2); - a reinforcement member (11) comprising a birdie blade support (12.1) and at least one birdie blade (12) configured to reinforce at least one of the wiper blades (10); - at least two connectors (15) fixed to at least one of the birdie blades (12); - a central mounting portion (13) articulated to each of the two connectors, the central mounting portion (13) being configured to connect to the drive arm (3) of the windshield wiper (1); - an air deflector (14) connected to the birdie blade support (12.1); characterized in that: the windshield wiper (1) further comprises: - a spraying device (16) configured to spray washer fluid (L) onto the glass surface (20), the spraying device (16) having a spraying orifice (160); - a distribution device (17) for the washer fluid (L), the distribution device (17) being configured to distribute the washer fluid (L) to the spraying device (16); A windshield wiper (1) characterized by the above.

2. The spraying device (16) comprises at least one hydraulic manifold (16a, 16b). The windshield wiper (1) according to Claim 1.

3. At least one of the hydraulic manifolds (16a, 16b) has a spraying orifice (160) in at least one part thereof. The windshield wiper (1) according to Claim 2.

4. The distribution device (17) comprises a supply pipe (170) connected to at least one of the two connectors (15). The air deflector (14) comprises the spraying device (16). The windshield wiper (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The supply pipe (170) is connected to the two connectors (15) via two conveying pipes (18) for the washer fluid (L) respectively. The windshield wiper (1) according to Claim 4.

6. The supply pipe (17) is directly connected to a single connector (15). The windshield wiper (1) according to Claim 4.

7. At least one of said connectors (15) comprises at least one hydraulic channel (15.1) for supplying washer fluid (L) to at least one part of said spraying device (16). The windshield wiper (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. At least one hydraulic manifold (16a, 16b) of said spraying device (16) comprises spraying orifices (160) at two of its parts (16a.1, 16a.3, 16b.1, 16b.3). The windshield wiper (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

9. Said distribution device (17) comprises a supply pipe (170) connected to said central mounting part (13). The windshield wiper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. Said air deflector (14) comprises said spraying device (16). Said distribution device (17) further comprises a conveying pipe (171) connected to said central mounting part (13) and at least one of said two connectors (15). The windshield wiper (1) according to claim 9.

11. Said central mounting part (13) comprises all or part of said spraying device (16). The windshield wiper (1) according to claim 9.

12. Said air deflector (14) comprises a part of said spraying device (16). Said spraying device (16) comprises at least one main hydraulic manifold (16a) forming a part of said central mounting part (13) and at least one secondary hydraulic manifold (16b) forming a part of said air deflector (14). Said distribution device (17) further comprises a conveying pipe (171) connected to said central mounting part (13) and at least one of said two connectors (15). The windshield wiper (1) according to claim 11.

13. At least one of said two connectors (15) comprises a hydraulic channel (15.1) for supplying washer fluid (L) to at least one of said secondary hydraulic manifolds (16b). The windshield wiper (1) according to claim 12.

14. Said reinforcing member (11) comprises at least two bird lips (12). Said bird lips (12) are arranged with their longitudinal ends facing each other end to end. [[ID=

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