Wiper blade, vehicle and production method

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper blade for wiping a window of a motor vehicle, comprising: a central mounting (15), and side covers hingedly connected to the central mounting, the central mounting and the side covers defining an internal space; a longitudinal channel (22), separate from the internal space, the channel being supported by the central mounting and the side covers, the channel being at least partially open towards the window; and lines (36) for circulating cleaning fluid, the lines extending in the channel, openings being provided along the lines for spraying cleaning fluid onto the window, the openings being permanently open. The invention also relates to a vehicle and to a method for producing the blade. The invention enables optimal spraying.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Wiper blade, vehicle and manufacturing method Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a wiper blade, a vehicle with the blade and a method of manufacturing the blade. State of the art

[0002] Document JP2006-335323 shows a wiper blade having a means for supplying a cleaning liquid to a wiping surface. The blade has a supply pipe for discharging and supplying the cleaning liquid supplied by a washing pump from discharge ports provided on a wiper blade. The discharge ports of the supply pipe in the form of elastic pipes are cut into slits along the longitudinal direction of a blade.

[0003] The disadvantage of this wiper blade is that significant liquid pressure is required to deform the supply hose to open the slots and allow the liquid to flow onto the glass. In other words, existing wiper blade structures do not allow for optimal glass irrigation along the length of the blade.

[0004] There is a need for a broom that allows for optimal watering along the length of the broom. Statement of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, the invention comprises a wiper blade for an automobile window, the blade extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a window wiping blade and at least one vertebra for stiffening the blade; a central mount and, at each end of the central mount, side covers articulated to the central mount, the central mount and the side covers defining an internal space for receiving the blade and the at least one vertebra; a longitudinal channel, separate from the internal space, the channel being supported by the central mount and the side covers, the channel being at least partly open towards the window; and circulation pipes of cleaning fluid, the pipes extending into the channel, along the pipes, orifices for spraying cleaning fluid onto the glass, the orifices being permanently open.

[0006] Such a broom is advantageous in that it incorporates pipes for the circulation and projection of a cleaning fluid, so that the resistive torque of said pipes is minimized, and with maximum protection of said pipes. In addition, such a broom allows a configurable distribution of the nozzles in order to obtain an optimal distribution.

[0007] In particular, the fact that the pipe is continuous at the connection between the hood and the central mount makes it possible to position one or more of the projection orifices at the joint between the hood and the central mount, thus ensuring good distribution of the cleaning fluid.

[0008] Optionally, the broom may include one or more of the elements described below, alone or in combination:

[0009] Advantageously, the broom further comprises a cannula for supplying the pipes with cleaning fluid, the cannula being at the level of the central mount or one of the two side covers.

[0010] Advantageously, the side covers are hinged to the central mount by pivots, the pipes extending into the channel at the height of the pivots.

[0011] Advantageously, the pipes have a capped end at the side covers.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the pipes have one end blocked by a plug, the blocked end of the pipes is free in translation relative to the channel supported by the side covers.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the pipes have one end plugged by the channel at the respective hood.

[0014] Advantageously, the broom further comprises an additional longitudinal channel supported by the central mount and one of the side covers, and an additional cleaning fluid circulation pipe extending in the additional channel, the additional pipe being connected to a nozzle at its end at the side cover.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the additional channel is along one face of the brush in the longitudinal direction of the brush or in line with at least one vertebra.

[0016] Advantageously, the channel and the pipes extend along both faces of the brush in the longitudinal direction of the brush, on either side of the brush.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the invention comprises a motor vehicle with a wiper blade as described above.

[0018] Advantageously, the vehicle comprises a window, one area of which is swept by the wiper and an optical surface outside the area swept by the wiper, the central mount and one of the side covers supporting an additional longitudinal channel, an additional pipe for circulating cleaning fluid extending in the additional channel, the additional pipe comprising a nozzle at its end at the side cover, the wiper being capable of projecting cleaning fluid towards the optical surface via the nozzle.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the invention comprises a method for manufacturing a wiper blade as described above, comprising a step of providing a central mount and side covers, the side covers being hinged to the central mount, the central mount and the side covers defining an internal space for receiving a window wiping blade of at least one stiffening vertebra of the blade, the central mount and the side covers supporting a longitudinal channel, the channel being at least partly open towards the window, the channel comprising a central section supported by the central mount and a side section supported by each a side cover, a step of providing a first pipe and a second pipe; a step of introducing one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section;and a step of drilling cleaning fluid projection holes once the pipe is in place in the channel, the drilling taking place through the opening(s) of the channel.;

[0020] Preferably, the central section is open at its two ends and the lateral sections are open at their two distal and proximal ends, the method comprising, prior to the introduction of one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, a step of the introduction of the first pipe and the second pipe respectively into the lateral section of each lateral cover via the distal end of the lateral sections, then after the introduction of the two pipes into the central section, each via an open end of the central section, a step of assembling the two pipes on either side of a T-shaped cannula, the T-shaped cannula being supported substantially in the middle of the central section.

[0021] Preferably, the central section is open at its two ends and the lateral sections are open at their two distal and proximal ends, the method comprises, prior to the introduction of one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, a step of assembling the first pipe and the second pipe on either side of a T-shaped cannula, a step of introducing the second pipe into the first lateral section through the distal end, then into the central section, then into the second lateral section until the second pipe reaches the distal end of the second lateral section, the T-shaped cannula being substantially in the middle of the central section and the first pipe being introduced into the first section; and a step of pivoting the T-shaped cannula through 180°.

[0022] Preferably, the central section is open at its two ends and the lateral sections are open at their proximal end, the method comprises, prior to the step of introducing one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, a step of introducing each pipe into the respective lateral section through the proximal end to the distal end, assembling the pipes at the distal end of the lateral sections blocking the pipes, then after the introduction of the two pipes into the central section, each through an open end of the central section, a step of assembling the two pipes on either side of a T-shaped cannula, the T-shaped cannula being supported substantially in the middle of the central section.

[0023] All of the preferred embodiments and all of the advantages of the wiper blade according to the invention are transposed mutatis mutandis to the present windshield wiper device, vehicle and manufacturing method. The different embodiments can be taken in combination or considered in isolation. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures:

[0025] [Fig 1], Figure 1 is a view of a window wiper blade;

[0026] [Fig 2], Figure 2 is a view of a central mount;

[0027] [Fig 3], Figure 3 is a view of a side cover;

[0028] [Fig 4], Figure 4 shows an example step in the broom manufacturing process;

[0029] [Fig 5], Figure 5 shows an example step in the broom manufacturing process;

[0030] [Fig 6], Figure 6 shows an example step in the broom manufacturing process;

[0031] [Fig 7], Figure 7 shows the drilling of the projection holes;

[0032] [Fig 8], Figure 8 is a view of the broom with an additional channel;

[0033] [Fig 9], Figure 9 shows a nozzle in detail;

[0034] [Fig 10], Figure 10 shows an additional channel;

[0035] [Fig 11] Figure 11 shows cannulas in detail.

[0036] The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. For the purposes of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0037] The invention provides a wiper blade for a window of a motor vehicle, the blade extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a window wiping blade, at least one vertebra for stiffening the blade, a central mount, and, at each end of the central mount, hoods lateral hinged to the central mount, the central mount and the side covers defining an internal space for receiving the blade and the at least one vertebra. The wiper further comprises a longitudinal channel, separate from the internal space, the channel being supported by the central mount and the side covers, the channel being at least partly open towards the window. Cleaning fluid circulation pipes extend in the channel, and, along the pipes, orifices for projecting cleaning fluid onto the window are permanently open. This makes it possible to project cleaning fluid in such a way as to allow optimal watering along the wiper.

[0038] In the following, an element close to or facing the center of the brush is called "proximal" and an element far from or facing away from the center of the brush is called "distal".

[0039] Figure 1 shows a wiper blade 10 for wiping a window. It may be a front window (windshield) or a rear window (rear window) of a motor vehicle. The blade 10 may be driven by an arm performing an angular back-and-forth movement. The blade may comprise an interface 11 for fixing the arm. The blade extends in a longitudinal direction. The blade has a generally elongated shape. The blade 10 comprises a blade 12 for wiping the window, rubbing against an area of the window and evacuating the water by bringing it outside the driver's field of vision and preventing the driver's vision of his environment from being disturbed. The blade 12 is for example made of rubber. The blade 10 may also comprise one or more vertebrae 14 for stiffening the blade 12.

[0040] The wiper 10 also comprises a central mount 15, of generally elongated shape. Figure 2 shows a view of the central mount. The central mount 15 comprises the interface 11 for connection with the arm. The wiper 10 may also comprise a first side cover 16 (or top cover) and a second side cover 17 (or bottom cover), also of elongated shape. Figure 3 shows a view of a side cover (the second side cover 17). A side cover 16, 17 is at each end of the central mount 15. The side covers 16, 17 are configured to be fixed longitudinally on either side of the central mount 15. The first and second side covers 16, 17 are for example connected to the central mount 15 via a pivot connection (pivots 19) whose axis of rotation is oriented in a transverse direction and is configured to adjust to the curved shape of the blade 12. The pivots 19 allow the side covers 16, 17 to pivot relative to the central mount 15.

[0041] The central mount 15 and the side covers 16, 17 define an internal space 18 for receiving the blade 12 and the at least one vertebra 14. The central mount 15 and the side covers 16, 17 may also, optionally but preferably, comprise fixing hooks 20 configured to receive and fix the blade 12 and the vertebra(s) 14. The covers and central mount are parts made of plastic material resulting from an injection or additive manufacturing process.

[0042] The broom 10 may be in a so-called "hybrid" version in which the central mount and the side covers form a rigid fairing on which the arm is fixed on the one hand and on which the blade and the vertebrae(s) are fixed (forming a semi-rigid assembly) on the other hand. The hybrid version allows for increased robustness as well as a reduction in vibrations. The hybrid broom 10 also allows only the blade 12 to be changed when the latter is worn.

[0043] The wiper blade 10 also comprises a longitudinal channel 22, distinct from the internal space 18. The channel 22 is supported by the central mount 15 and the side covers 16, 17. The channel 22 is at least partly open towards the window to be wiped. The channel 22 may comprise along its length one longitudinal opening or several longitudinal openings. The opening(s) are in the form of a longitudinal groove and are continuous or discontinuous. In the case of a plurality of longitudinal openings, the openings are spaced from each other along the length of the channel 22. The channel 22 may project from a wall of the central mount 15 and the side covers 16, 17, said wall delimiting the internal space 18. The channel 22 may also be arranged inside said wall, in a longitudinal cavity of the wall - while being distinct from the internal space 18.The channel 22 comprises sections - all of the sections may be continuous or preferably disjointed from one another. In particular, the channel 22 may comprise a central section 25 and lateral sections 26 and 27. The sections are arranged in line with one another. The central section 25 may be supported by the central mount 15 and a lateral section 26, 27 may be supported by each of the lateral covers 16, 17. The first lateral cover 16 supports the first lateral section 26 and the second lateral cover 17 supports the. second lateral section 27. The sections may be disjointed at the articulation zones of the side covers to the central mount. The channel 22 in the form of disjointed sections does not hinder the articulation of the side covers relative to the central mount.

[0044] The wiper 10 further comprises pipes 36, 37 for circulating cleaning fluid. The pipes 36, 37 are visible in FIGS. 6 to 8 for example. The pipes 36, 37 are supplied with cleaning fluid via a cannula 28 (visible in FIG. 2). The pipes are connected to the cannula 28 for holding and sealing in the mount. The cannula 28 may have the shape of an inverted T, the cannula being assembled on the one hand by the main branch of the T (or inlet cannula) to a supply pipe coming from the arm and assembled on the other hand by the lateral branches of the T to the pipes 36, 37. The cannula 28 for supplying the pipes is for example at the level of the central mount 15 - in a central region of the central mount 15. This makes it possible to supply the pipes substantially through the center of the wiper, which makes it possible to better distribute the fluid along the wiper.However, in other embodiments the cannula may be located on the lower cover 17, with the arrangement of the pipes adapted accordingly.

[0045] The pipes 36, 37 extend in the channel 22. The pipes 36, 37 are located inside the channel 22, along the latter. The pipes 36, 37 extend respectively in one of the side sections and in a part of the central section. The first pipe 36 extends in the first side section 26 and in a part of the central section 25 - where the first pipe 36 is connected to the cannula 28. The second pipe 37 extends in the second side section 27 and in a part of the central section 25 - where the second pipe 37 is connected to the cannula 28. The pipes 36, 37 extend from a side section to the central section. The pipes may be mounted with sufficient clearance in channel 22 to limit the resistive torque at the joint between the first cover (top cover) and the central mount and at the joint between the central mount and the second cover (bottom cover).

[0046] Along the pipes 36, 37, the wiper 10 has orifices for spraying cleaning fluid onto the window. The orifices are spray holes for the watering function, through the pipes 36, 37. The orifices are oriented towards the window. The orifices are opposite the longitudinal opening(s) of the channel 22. The orifices allow the cleaning fluid to pass through the longitudinal opening(s) of the channel 22 to be sprayed onto the window. The orifices of the pipes 36, 37 are permanently open. This allows for an optimal and continuous watering function along the length of the wiper. This allows easy management of the pressure imparted by a fluid circulation pump in the hydraulic circuit (particularly in the pipes), and therefore simplifies the operation of the assembly. It is not necessary to provide for deformation of the pipes to cause the orifices to open. This also allows the service life of the assembly to be extended. Furthermore, the orifices are located along the entire length of the wiper, so that the watering function is continuous and distributed along the length of the wiper structure.

[0047] The pipes 36, 37 extend along the length of the wiper. Preferably, the pipes 36, 37 are at the height of the pivots 19 for articulating the side covers to the central mount. In other words, the channel 22 extends along the length of the wiper and is located at the height of the pivots 19 in a direction transverse to the window to be wiped. Thus, the interior of the channel 22 is at the height of the pivots, which makes it possible to arrange the pipes 36, 37 at the height of the pivots. Such positioning makes it possible not to hinder the articulation of the side covers 16, 17 relative to the central mount 15. Positioning the passage of the pipes at the point closest possible to the articulations / pivots between the mount and the covers makes it possible to reduce the resistive torque created by the pipes between the mount and the covers.

[0048] The cleaning fluid circulates in the pipes 36, 37 via the cannula 28. The pipes may have one end plugged at the side covers 16, 17. The distal end (opposite the cannula 28) of the pipes is plugged to close the hydraulic circuit. For example, the pipes have one end plugged by a plug 30. The plugged (distal) end of the pipes is free in translation relative to the channel 22 supported by the side covers 16, 17. In other words, the pipes 36, 37 fixed by their proximal end to the cannula 28 and having the plug 30 at their other distal end are also free to slide in the channel 22 - and, more generally, relative to the structure of the wiper. This makes it possible not to hinder the movement of the wiper or the articulation of the side covers 16, 17 to the central mount 15. This contributes to reduce the resistive torque with respect to the joints between the central mount 15 and each of the side covers 16, 17.

[0049] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the pipes 36, 37 have one (distal) end plugged by the channel 22 at the respective cover. In other words, it is possible to directly integrate the plugs at the end of the channel at the side covers. The distal end of the first pipe 36 is connected to the first cover 16 in order to plug the pipe 36 and the distal end of the second pipe 37 is connected to the second cover 17 in order to plug the pipe 37. This makes it possible to limit the movements of the pipes in the structure of the broom as well as the detached parts.

[0050] The wiper may further comprise an additional longitudinal channel 32. Figure 8 is a view of the wiper with the additional channel 32. The additional channel 32 is integrated into the wiper. The additional channel 32 may be supported by the central mount 15 and one of the side covers 16, 17. The additional channel 32 may be supported by the channel 22. The additional channel 32 may project from the wall of the central mount 15 and one of the side covers 16, 17, said wall delimiting the internal space 18. The additional channel 32 may also be arranged inside said wall, in a longitudinal cavity of the wall - while being distinct from the internal space 18 - in the same way as the channel 22. The additional channel 32 may be on one face (or side) of the wiper, according to the longitudinal direction of the wiper, corresponding to the face (or side) where the channel 22 is located or on the other face of the wiper.The wiper may further comprise an additional pipe 34 for circulating cleaning fluid extending into the additional channel 32. The additional pipe 34 may be connected to a nozzle 38 at its (distal) end at the side cover 16, 17. The nozzle 38 may produce at least one jet 44 for washing a sensor (of the LIDAR type, possibly in the roof). The nozzle 38 may be free relative to the side cover 16, 17 (which reduces the resistive torque at the articulation between the central mount and the side cover) or be integrated into the side cover (so as to limit the movement of the additional pipe 34 and reduce the number of spare parts). The additional pipe 34 may be connected by its proximal end to an additional cannula 29 for the sensor washing function. Figure 11 shows in detail the cannulas 28, 29 and the connection and sealing of the pipes on the cannulas. The additional cannula 29 may have one. bent shape (possibly in one piece with the additional channel 32), the additional cannula 29 being assembled on the one hand to a supply pipe coming from the arm and assembled on the other hand to the additional pipe 34. The additional cannula 29 supplying the additional pipe 34 is for example at the level of the central mount 15 - or even in a central region of the central mount 15. However, and similarly to the cannula 28, in other embodiments the cannula 29 may alternatively be provided on the lower cover 17.

[0051] The additional channel 32 and the additional pipe 34 make it possible to carry and project the fluid from one end of the wiper. For example, the fluid can be projected from the upper end of the wiper (in particular when the wiper is moved over the window to be cleaned to a position opposite the rest position of the wiper). This makes it possible to project fluid towards a sensor outside the sweeping plane of the wiper on the window, or even outside the plane entirely outside the window. The projection can also be from the lower end of the wiper.

[0052] The additional channel 32 may be along a face of the brush in the longitudinal direction of the brush or in line with at least one vertebra 14.

[0053] The channel 22 and the pipes 36, 37 can extend along one face (or side) of the wiper, in the longitudinal direction, or along both faces (or sides) of the wiper in the longitudinal direction of the wiper, on either side of the wiper. This is then a single-ramp version (distribution of the liquid on one side of the wiper) or dual-ramps (distribution on each side of the wiper) with or without integration of the additional ramp (the additional channel 32) with nozzle 38 at the end to ensure washing of the roof sensor (LIDAR type).

[0054] The invention also relates to a wiping device (or windshield wiper system) for wiping or sweeping and cleaning or washing a window (for example the windshield or rear window) and preventing the driver's vision of his surroundings from being disturbed. The device comprises the wiper blade 10 driven by an arm performing a back-and-forth movement on the window. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, with the wiper blade 10 - or in other words, with the wiping device comprising the wiper blade 10. The vehicle comprises a window (for example front or rear), an area of which is swept by the blade 10. The swept area can be described as the sweeping pattern of the wiper on the window. The swept area is the area allowing the driver to have a correct view of the exterior of the vehicle. The swept area is an area watered by the orifices of the pipes 36, 37 through the channel 22 to clean the window. Then the wiper allows this area to be swept and wiped. The vehicle may include a sensor with an optical surface, the sensor allowing vision of the surroundings of the vehicle and driving assistance. The sensor is for example a LIDAR, possibly on the roof. The sensor - and the optical surface - can be positioned on the periphery of the window, or even on the roof of the vehicle. The optical surface can therefore be outside the area swept by the wiper.Assuming the presence of the additional channel 32, supported by the central mount 15 and a lateral channel, as well as the presence of the additional pipe 34 supplying the nozzle 38, the wiper is able to project cleaning fluid towards the optical surface by the nozzle. The wiper can therefore spray an optical surface outside the scanning area. This makes it possible to clean the sensor (roof for example) efficiently and simply - without for example providing a hydraulic circuit specific to the sensor. Thus, the wiper 10, possibly of hybrid structure, offers an integrated (or on-board) spraying function allowing an optimal and continuous spraying function over the length of the wiper in conjunction with washing a sensor outside the wiping or scanning area (the sensor may be a roof LIDAR).

[0055] The invention also relates to methods. In particular, the invention may relate to a method of watering an optical surface of a vehicle sensor, the sensor being outside a scanning zone of the blade. The invention may also relate to a method of manufacturing the wiper blade 10. The method may comprise providing a central mount 15 and side covers 16, 17, the side covers being hinged to the central mount. The central mount 15 and the side covers 16, 17 define the internal space 18 for receiving the window wiping blade 12 and at least one vertebra 14 for stiffening the blade. The central mount and the side covers support the longitudinal channel 22, the channel 22 being at least partly open towards the window. The channel 22 comprises a central section 25 supported by the central mount 15 and a lateral section 26, 27 each supported by a lateral cover. 16, 17. The method may include providing the first pipe 36 and the second pipe 37.

[0056] The manufacturing method is characterized by the introduction of one of the pipes into the central section 25 through an open end of the central section 25. The pipe is inserted and slid along the channel 22. Then, the cleaning fluid projection orifices are drilled once the pipe is in place in the channel, the pipe drilling taking place through the opening(s) of the channel 22. This allows the creation of fluid projection orifices at a desired spacing, along the length of the wiper structure, for optimal watering of the window.

[0057] Figure 7 shows the drilling of the projection orifices. Figure 7 shows the pipe 36 inserted into the central section 25 of the channel 22. Once in place, the pipe 36 is drilled according to the arrow 40 to create the fluid projection orifices. The drilling is carried out through the longitudinal opening(s) of the channel. The drilling is carried out, for example, by laser, which makes it possible to make precise openings, at precise intervals, with a precise diameter, all to ensure optimal watering by the brush.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method may comprise the following steps, for example according to Figures 4 to 6 which show an example of different steps of the method for manufacturing the broom. The first side cover 16 and the second side cover 17 are hinged to the central mount 15 (according to Figure 4). The sections 25, 26, 27 of the channel 22 are open at their two ends. The sections of the channel 22 are in the extension of each other. The first pipe 36 is introduced and slid into the lateral section 26 of the first side cover 16 by the distal end of the lateral section 26 and the second pipe 37 is introduced and slid into the lateral section 27 of the first side cover 17 by the distal end of the lateral section 27 (according to Figure 5). The pipes are introduced according to the arrows 42 into the channel 22. The pipes 36, 37 are then introduced into the central section 25, each through an open end of the central section 25.The pipes are slid into the central section 25 up to the cannula 28. The two pipes 36, 37 are then assembled on either side of the T-shaped cannula 28, the T-shaped cannula being supported substantially in the middle of the central section 25, or in other words, in a central region of the central section 25 (according to. Figure 6). The pipes 36, 37 are connected by their proximal end to the cannula 28. A sealed connection of the two pipes is created on the cannula. The pipes 36, 37 can (preferably) be provided with a plug 30 each at their distal end before introduction into the channel 22 or after assembly with the cannula 28. This creates the hydraulic circuit of the wiper. The pipes 36, 37 can remain free in translation in the channel 22 - the pipes being secured to the wiper only by their proximal end. The pipes 36, 37 are then drilled according to the description above, in particular in connection with Figure 7. Figures 4-6 show a single-ramp wiper; the steps can be reproduced on the other face of the wiper, to obtain a dual-ramp wiper.

[0059] According to another exemplary embodiment, not shown in the figures, the method may comprise the following steps. The first side cover 16 and the second side cover 17 are hinged to the central mount 15 (according to FIG. 4). The sections 25, 26, 27 of the channel 22 are open at their two ends. The sections of the channel 22 are in the extension of each other. The first pipe 36 and the second pipe 37 are assembled on either side of the T-shaped cannula 28 (the T-shaped cannula 28 being in this embodiment a single piece independent of the mount 25), before introduction of the pipes into the sections of the channel 22. The pipes 36, 37 are connected by their proximal end to the cannula 28. A sealed connection of the two pipes is created on the cannula.Then the second pipe 37 is introduced into the first lateral section 26 through the distal end of the section, then the second pipe 37 is introduced into the central section 25 through an open end of the central section 25, then the second pipe 37 is introduced into the second lateral section 27 through the proximal end of the second section 27 until the second pipe 37 reaches the distal end of the second lateral section 27. In this final position of the second pipe 37, the T-shaped cannula 28 is substantially in the middle of the central section (in a central region of the central section 25) and the first pipe 36 is introduced into the first section 26 and into the central section 25 through an open end of the central section 25. During the sliding of the second pipe 37, the cannula 28 has its main branch of the T (or inlet cannula) facing downwards. The main branch of the T is slid along the longitudinal opening of channel 22 (continuous bleeding).Once the second pipe 37 is in the final position, the cannula 28. in T is pivoted 180°. The main branch of the T is oriented upwards, as can be seen in Figure 6 for example. The pipes 36, 37 can be provided with a plug 30 each at their distal end before or after introduction into the channel 22. This creates the hydraulic circuit of the brush. The pipes 36, 37 can remain free in translation in the channel 22 - the pipes being secured to the brush only by their proximal end. The pipes 36, 37 are then drilled according to the description above, in particular in connection with Figure 7. This is done on one face of the brush to create a single-ramp brush; the steps can be reproduced on the other face of the brush, to obtain a dual-ramp brush.

[0060] According to another exemplary embodiment, the method may comprise the following steps, not shown in the figures. The central section 25 is open at its two ends and the lateral sections 26, 27 are open at their proximal end. Before assembling the covers to the central mount, each pipe 36, 37 is introduced (by its distal end) into the respective lateral section 26, 27 through the proximal end of each lateral section up to the distal end of each lateral section. The assembly of the pipes 36, 37 at the distal end of the respective sections 26, 27 closes the pipes. The pipes 36, 37 are then introduced into the central section 25, each through an open end of the central section 25. The proximal end of each pipe 36, 37 is introduced through an open end of the central section 25. Then, the pipes are slid into the central section 25 up to the cannula 28.The two pipes 36, 37 are then assembled on either side of the T-shaped cannula 28, the T-shaped cannula being supported substantially in the middle of the central section 25, or in other words, in a central region of the central section 25 (according to FIG. 6). The pipes 36, 37 are connected by their proximal end to the cannula 28. A sealed connection of the two pipes is created on the cannula. This creates the hydraulic circuit of the wiper. The first side cover 16 and the second side cover 17 are then hinged to the central mount 15 (according to FIG. 4). The pipes 36, 37 are then drilled according to the description above, in particular in connection with FIG. 7. This is done on one face of the wiper to create a single-ramp wiper; the steps can be repeated on the other face of the wiper, to obtain a dual-ramp wiper.

[0061] The manufacturing method may also include steps of manufacturing the wiper in a configuration with the additional channel 32, the additional pipe 34 and the nozzle 38. The additional pipe may be introduced into the additional channel 32 through the distal (open) end of the additional channel 32 and then slid towards the center of the wiper or vice versa through the proximal (open) end of the additional channel 32 towards the distal end of the additional channel 32. The nozzle may be assembled before or after assembly of the additional pipe 34 to the wiper.

[0062] Figure 9 shows the detail of the nozzle 38 (and a plug 30). The nozzle 38 is at the end of the brush for the sensor washing function. The nozzle 38 may have one or more outlets. The nozzle 38 may be cylindrical in shape, or may have an adjustable ball, allowing the adjustment of the spraying and therefore the improvement of the watering near the end of the brush. Figure 9 shows the jet 44 in the direction of a sensor outside the sweeping plane. Figure 10 shows the additional channel 32, for the sensor washing function. The additional channel 32 may be on the same ascending or descending side of the brush, or in a central position above (in line with) the vertebrae(s) 14.

[0063] Optionally, the cap 30 could also include fluid spray orifices. Such a configuration makes it possible to improve the watering near the end of the brush. Preferably, in the event that the pipe is directly connected to the cover to form a plug at the former, the cover may also include channels and spray orifices. This also makes it possible to improve the watering at the end of the brush.

[0064] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples illustrated and / or described above, but that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims introduced below.

Claims

Claims

1. A wiper blade (10) for wiping a window of a motor vehicle, the blade extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising • A window wiping blade (12) and at least one vertebra (14) for stiffening the blade; • A central mount (15), and, at each end of the central mount, side covers (16, 17) hinged to the central mount, the central mount and the side covers defining an internal space (18) for receiving the blade and the at least one vertebra; • A longitudinal channel (22), separate from the internal space, the channel being supported by the central mount and the side covers, the channel being at least partly open towards the window; • Pipes (36, 37) for circulating cleaning fluid, the pipes extending into the channel; and • Along the pipes, there are holes for spraying cleaning fluid onto the glass, the holes being permanently open.

2. The broom (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a cannula (28) for supplying the pipes with cleaning fluid, the cannula being at the level of the central mount or one of the two side covers.

3. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the side covers are articulated to the central mount by pivots (19), the pipes (36, 37) extending into the channel at the height of the pivots.

4. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pipes (36, 37) have a plugged end at the side covers.

5. The broom (10) according to claim 4, in which the pipes (36, 37) have one end blocked by a plug (30), the blocked end of the pipes is free in translation relative to the channel supported by the side covers.

6. The broom (10) according to claim 4, wherein the pipes (36, 37) have one end plugged by the channel at the respective cover (16, 17).

7. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising • an additional longitudinal channel (32) supported by the central mount and one of the side covers; and • an additional pipe (34) for circulating cleaning fluid extending in the additional channel, the additional pipe being connected to a nozzle (38) at its end at the side cover.

8. The broom (10) according to the preceding claim in which the additional channel is along a face of the broom in the longitudinal direction of the broom or in line with at least one vertebra.

9. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the channel (22) and the pipes (36, 37) extend along both faces of the broom in the longitudinal direction of the broom, on either side of the broom.

10. A motor vehicle with the wiper blade (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. The vehicle according to the preceding claim, the vehicle comprising: • A window, one area of which is swept by the broom, • An optical surface outside the area swept by the wiper, The central mount (15) and one of the side covers (16) supporting an additional longitudinal channel (32), an additional pipe (34) for circulating cleaning fluid extending in the additional channel, the additional pipe comprising a nozzle (38) at its end at the side cover, The wiper being capable of projecting cleaning fluid towards the optical surface through the nozzle.

12. A method of manufacturing a wiper blade according to one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the central mount (15) and side covers (16, 17), the side covers being hinged to the central mount; the central mount and the side covers defining an internal space (18) for receiving a window wiping blade (12) and at least one vertebra (14) for stiffening the blade, the central mount and the side covers supporting a longitudinal channel (22), the channel being at least partly open in the direction of the window, the channel comprising a central section supported by the central mount and a side section each supported by a side cover, - providing a first pipe (36) and a second pipe (37); - insert one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section; and - drill cleaning fluid projection holes once the pipe is in place in the channel, the drilling taking place through the channel opening(s).

13. The method according to claim 12, the central section is open at its two ends and the lateral sections are open at their two distal and proximal ends, The method comprising, prior to the introduction of one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, the steps of: - introduce the first pipe and the second pipe respectively into the lateral section of each side cover through the distal end of the lateral sections, then, after introducing the two pipes into the central section, each through an open end of the central section, - assemble the two pipes on either side of a T-shaped cannula (28), the T-shaped cannula being supported approximately in the middle of the central section.

14. The method according to claim 12, in which the central section is open at its two ends and the lateral sections are open at their two distal and proximal ends, The method comprising, prior to the introduction of one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, the steps of: - assemble the first pipe and the second pipe on either side of a T-shaped cannula (28); - inserting the second tube into the first lateral section via the distal end, then into the central section, then into the second lateral section until the second tube reaches the distal end of the second lateral section; the T-shaped cannula being substantially in the middle of the central section and the first tube being introduced into the first section; and - rotate the T-cannula 180°.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the central section is open at both ends and the lateral sections are open at their proximal ends, The method comprising, prior to the step of introducing one of the pipes into the central section through an open end of the central section, the steps of: - inserting each pipe into the respective lateral section from the proximal end to the distal end, the assembly of the pipes at the distal end of the lateral sections blocking the pipes, then, after the introduction of the two pipes into the central section, each through an open end of the central section, - assemble the two pipes on either side of a T-shaped cannula (28), the T-shaped cannula being supported approximately in the middle of the central section.

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