System for connecting a wiper blade for a motor vehicle windscreen wiper system

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

[0002] As is well known, motor vehicles are equipped with wiping systems to wash and / or wipe the vehicle's glass surface, such as a windshield. These wiping systems consist of one or two wiper blades, each mounted on an articulated drive arm. This arm presses the wiper blade against the glass surface to scrape away water and / or particles.

[0003] As is known, the drive arm is configured to press the wiper blade against the glass surface to ensure sufficient application force for effective wiping. The force exerted by the drive arm on the wiper blade, and ultimately on the glass surface, is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the glass. Optionally, the wiper blade may be equipped with features—such as at least one longitudinal vertebra—that increase its rigidity and help maintain contact between the wiper blade and the glass surface despite the vehicle's speed. Typically, the required force is between 14 and 20 Newtons per linear meter of the wiper blade against the vehicle's glass.The well-known objective is to achieve optimized pressure distribution along the wiper blade: either uniform across the entire blade or varying according to the area and / or shape of the windshield. There is a need to optimize pressure distribution along the wiper arm. Furthermore, longer wiper blades are increasingly in demand. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the pressure exerted on the windshield along the wiper blade for these longer blades. To reduce carbon footprint, there is also a need to reduce the weight and size of the wiper arms and blades, and to optimize the aerodynamic profile of the entire wiper arm and blade assembly.

[0004] To this end, the present invention relates to a system for connecting a windshield wiper blade to a connecting arm for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, the connection system comprising:

[0005] - an upper flexible arm comprising an upper connection end configured to be mounted on a connecting arm, the upper flexible arm comprising a free upper end opposite the upper connection end, the free upper end being configured to be fixed to the wiper blade; - a lower flexible arm comprising a lower connection end configured to be mounted on the connecting arm, the lower flexible arm comprising a free lower end opposite the lower connection end, the free lower end being configured to be fixed to the wiper blade,

[0006] the lower flexible arm incorporating an additional return element,

[0007] the upper and lower flexible arms being configured to generate a normal force on the windshield.

[0008] It is understood that the upper and lower flexible arms are elastically deformable and are configured to be put under stress when in operation so as to generate the normal force on the windshield.

[0009] It is understood that the additional return element is configured to generate the normal force by generating an additional normal force.

[0010] For example, the additional reminder element is positioned at a distance from the lower connection end and / or the lower free end.

[0011] Thanks to these features, the structure is lightweight and compact, and allows sufficient normal force to be applied to the windshield.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm are configured to together generate a normal force so that the wiper blade exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lower flexible branch comprises a first segment proximal to the lower connecting end and extending in a first direction and a second segment, proximal to the lower free end and extending in a second direction, the return element being located between the first segment and the second segment.

[0014] The first and second directions may be intersecting or parallel. The first and second segments may overlap in a direction normal to the first direction. The first and second segments may overlap in a direction normal to the windshield in an operating position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the return element of the lower flexible branch includes an elbow.

[0016] It is understood that the return element is formed by an elbow or a fold of the lower flexible arm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connection system includes at least one intermediate flexible arm, the at least one intermediate flexible arm comprising an intermediate connection end connected to the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm, and an intermediate free end configured to be attached to the wiper blade.

[0018] The present exposition further relates to a windshield wiper comprising a connection system according to any of the aforementioned characteristics, comprising a support arm and a scraper blade, the scraper blade being carried by the support arm and in which the support arm is fixed to the upper and lower free ends of the upper and lower flexible arms respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support arm is formed from the same material as the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support arm is attached securely and preferably removable to the upper flexible arm and / or to the lower flexible arm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wiper blade includes an upper connector configured to mate with the upper free end of the upper flexible arm and a lower connector configured to mate with the lower free end of the lower flexible arm.

[0022] It is understood that the free upper and / or lower ends can be attached to the wiper blade via a wiper blade connector. The connector may comprise a first connector part fixedly mounted on the support arm, and a second connector part rotatably mounted on the first connector part around an axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the wiper blade.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support arm carrying the scraper blade extends beyond the free upper and lower ends of the flexible upper and lower arms respectively.

[0024] The present exposition further relates to a windshield wiping system for a motor vehicle, the wiping system comprising: a wiper blade according to any of the aforementioned characteristics; a connecting arm; an actuator configured to generate a rotational movement of the connecting arm so as to drive the wiper blade in a back-and-forth movement on the windshield.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection system comprises:

[0026] - a high flexible arm extending from the connecting arm and extending along its own elongation axis, the high flexible arm comprising a flexible element configured to generate a normal force on the windscreen, a free end of said high flexible arm being attached to a scraper blade of a wiper blade of the wiping system;

[0027] - a lower flexible arm extending from the connecting arm and extending along its own elongation axis, the lower flexible arm having a flexible hinge configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end of said lower flexible arm being attached to the scraper blade.

[0028] For example, the connection system includes a connecting arm to the wiping system, the connecting arm having coupling means for the wiping system. The connection system according to the invention forms a lightweight structure whose dimensions, shape, geometry, and sizing are such that it allows a force to be exerted normal or substantially normal to the surface of the windshield with which it is intended to interact.

[0029] For example, the connecting branch forms a base sleeve for the connection system according to the invention. It is understood that the connecting branch is the one from which the upper flexible branch and the lower flexible branch extend. For example, the connecting branch is further configured to be connected to the coupling system by any coupling means. Here, the connecting branch preferably extends in a straight or substantially straight line along its own elongation axis. For example, the connecting branch is more rigid than the upper flexible branch and the lower flexible branch.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "flexible" is used to designate the elastic deformation of a part. More specifically, the elastic deformation of the part takes the form of a bending deformation, oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the windshield. Thus, the flexible behavior of the part in question makes it possible to generate a force oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the windshield. In the upper flexible arm and in the lower flexible arm, the flexible element makes it possible to generate such a force. It is understood that the upper and lower flexible arms behave as restoring elements which, when subjected to stress, exert a restoring force so as to press the windshield wiper blade against the windshield.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the upper flexible arm extends towards an opposite edge of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the upper flexible arm is intended to extend from the side of the associated wiper blade located on the side of an upper edge of the windshield. The upper flexible arm extends in line with the connecting arm. The upper flexible arm – via its flexible element – ​​is configured to generate a normal force relative to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. To this end, the upper flexible arm – and its flexible element – ​​have a curved extension towards the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lower flexible arm extends towards a proximal edge of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the lower flexible arm can be designed to extend from the side of the associated wiper blade located on the side of a lower edge of the windshield. The lower flexible arm can extend in line with the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm. The lower flexible arm—via its flexible element—is configured to generate a normal force with respect to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. To this end, the lower flexible arm includes an additional return element, the flexible hinge, one axis of rotation of which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the overall extension of the connection system according to the invention.Thus, the flexible hinge allows the lower flexible arm to rotate around an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to collaborate.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connecting arm, the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm are all made of material, that is to say, they are all made from the same manufacturing process and together form a single monolithic piece, so that they cannot be detached from one another without at least one of them being damaged or broken.

[0034] Thus, the connection system solves the technical problems mentioned previously. Its ingenious design reduces the bulk of existing wiper systems and optimizes windshield wiping. Therefore, the connection system, conforming to the first aspect of the invention, improves environmental performance, both in terms of its manufacture and during use, and even in the aftermarket.

[0035] The connection system may include one of the optional features below; these optional features may be taken alone or in combination:

[0036] The upper and lower flexible arms are configured to jointly generate a normal force on the wiper blade, which is designed to work with the connection system, so that the blade exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield. This advantageous configuration ensures optimal windshield wiping by the wiper blade during vehicle operation; the connection arm can contribute to generating this normal force.

[0037] – According to a first embodiment, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm are formed from a composite material, such as, for example, one containing glass fibers and / or a carbon filler. In this case, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm are formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties analogous to those described by reference to the embodiment with a metallic core. In particular, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm have a composite reinforcement embedded in a composite matrix. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm have a metallic body.For example, the connecting arm and / or the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm comprise a pre-stressed metal core configured to generate the normal force on the windshield and a plastic sleeve overmolded over the metal core. In other words, the flexible element of the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm comprises the metal body or the metal core. In the context of the present invention, the metal body or core forms a longitudinal elongation vertebra for the connection system according to the invention. In other words, the metal body or core forms a thin metal profile that stretches along its own elongation axis.Along a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the body or metal core, a transverse profile of the metal core is, for example, rectangular in order to facilitate a bending movement favorable to pressing against the windshield and generating a normal force on said windshield. However, depending on the requirements, the invention provides that the transverse profile of the body or core can take any shape.

[0038] - depending on the magnitude of the normal forces sought along the elongation axis of the connection system, the transverse profile of the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm can be invariant along the elongation axis or it can be variable in order, for example, to reinforce its rigidity near its free ends and to promote a pressing of the wiper blade on the lateral edges of the windshield;

[0039] – the additional return element, which can also be called a flexible hinge, of the lower flexible arm includes a bend formed by the lower flexible arm, said lower flexible arm having a first proximal segment of the connecting arm extending from the free end of the upper flexible arm and a second segment extending from the connecting arm, the flexible hinge being located between the first and second segments. In other words, the bend forming the flexible hinge of the lower flexible arm creates a folding zone for the lower flexible arm. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to produce a “spring effect” oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to work;

[0040] - A transverse profile of the lower flexible arm and / or the upper flexible arm can take the form of a profile known as an inverted airplane wing. The transverse profile is defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis of natural extension of the lower flexible arm and / or the upper flexible arm. More specifically, the transverse profile is defined by the NACA standard. This advantageous configuration facilitates the positioning of the connection system according to the invention against the windshield, and in particular the subsequent positioning of the wiper blade intended to clean the windshield;

[0041] - according to a first embodiment in which the connection system takes the form of a connecting piece to a drive arm of the wiper system, the connection system being configured to couple to an axial end of a drive arm of the wiper system. According to this embodiment, the connection system can be connected to the axial end of a drive arm via the connecting branch, which is then an intermediate element. In particular, the coupling means of the connecting branch include coupling means to the drive arm of the wiper system, the coupling means including retention means on the drive arm. In this first embodiment, the connection system according to the invention takes the form of an interface piece for coupling a wiper blade to a drive arm.Thus, the interface piece formed by the connection system according to the invention makes it possible to axially pre-stress the windshield wiper blade, by applying a force normal or substantially normal to the surface of the windshield on which it is intended to be applied;

[0042] - according to a second embodiment in which the connecting branch forms the drive arm of the wiping system. According to this embodiment, the connecting branch is configured to couple to an actuator of the wiping system directly or via a linkage. In particular, the coupling means of the connecting branch include coupling means to the actuator of the wiping system, the coupling means including retention means on the actuator or on the linkage;

[0043] The connection system includes a support arm linking the free end of the lower flexible arm to the free end of the upper flexible arm. In other words, the support arm connects the upper flexible arm to the lower flexible arm at their free ends. The support arm may be formed from the same material as the upper and lower flexible arms; or the support arm may be attached and fixed rigidly to the upper and lower flexible arms. The support arm may optionally include a metal core similar to that described previously with reference to the upper and / or lower flexible arms. In other words, the support arm may optionally include a flexible element that generates a normal force on the windshield surface at the level of said support arm.Alternatively, the support arm can be formed from a composite material, such as, for example, one containing glass fibers and / or carbon fillers. In this case, the support arm is formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties analogous to those described with reference to the embodiment with a metallic core.

[0044] - more particularly, according to a first embodiment, the support arm is formed from the same material as the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, the support arm forming the wiper blade. According to a second embodiment, the support arm is attached to the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, the support arm being fixed rigidly at the free ends of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, said support arm forming a wiper blade comprising the wiper blade;

[0045] - In this second embodiment, the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm have a connector configured to couple to the wiper blade forming the support arm. The connector can be of any type. By way of non-limiting example, the connectors of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm can couple to the support arm by snap-fit, by press-fit, or by engagement of complementary shapes;

[0046] - According to a first alternative, in either of the embodiments mentioned above, the free ends of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm cooperate with axial terminations of the support arm. In other words, the support arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm. Thus, in the case where the support arm is formed from the same material as the upper and lower flexible arms, the scraper blade forming the flexible arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm.Similarly, in the case where the support arm is attached and fixed securely to the free end of the upper flexible arm and to the free end of the lower flexible arm, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm;

[0047] Alternatively, according to a second alternative compatible with either of the embodiments mentioned above, the support arm extends beyond the free ends of the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm. In other words, the support arm comprises a central section extending only between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm, and end sections extending in line with the central section and respectively beyond the free end of the upper flexible arm and beyond the free end of the lower flexible arm.Thus, in the case where the support arm is formed from the same material as the upper and lower flexible arms, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm on the one hand, and beyond each free end of the upper and lower flexible arms on the other. Similarly, in the case where the support arm is attached and fixed rigidly to the free end of the upper and lower flexible arms, the wiper blade forming the flexible arm extends both between the free end of the upper flexible arm and the free end of the lower flexible arm, but also beyond the free end of said upper and lower flexible arms.

[0048] The connection system includes an intermediate flexible arm extending from the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm, with one free end of the intermediate arm working with the support arm. The intermediate flexible arm allows the support arm to be stiffened and / or provides a specific distribution of normal forces on the wiper blade intended to work with the connection system according to the invention, such as greater forces or more homogeneous forces along the wiper blade's scraper edge. In the context of the present invention, the intermediate flexible arm extends between, on the one hand, the upper flexible arm and / or the lower flexible arm, and, on the other hand, the support arm or the wiper blade intended to work with the connection system according to the invention.One free end of the intermediate flexible branch is substantially aligned with the free ends of the upper and lower flexible branches. In other words, the intermediate flexible branch is in an intermediate position between the upper and lower flexible branches.

[0049] - the intermediate flexible arm advantageously includes a flexible element similar to that described previously for the upper or lower flexible arm. Thus, the intermediate flexible arm is configured to generate a normal force relative to the surface of the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact;

[0050] - The intermediate flexible arm comprises a proximal flexible elbow of the upper flexible arm and a terminal portion extending in the direction of the lower flexible arm. The flexible elbow has an axis of rotation perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the overall elongation of the connection system according to the invention. Thus, the flexible elbow of the intermediate flexible arm allows the intermediate flexible arm to pivot around an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact. In other words, the flexible elbow of the intermediate flexible arm forms a self-folding zone for the intermediate flexible arm. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to produce a "spring effect" oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield with which the connection system is intended to interact;

[0051] - the intermediate flexible arm is configured to generate, with the upper flexible arm and the lower flexible arm, a normal force on the scraper blade intended to collaborate with the connection system so that the latter exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield.

[0052] The intermediate flexible arm comprises a pre-stressed metal core configured to generate the normal force on the windshield and a plastic sleeve overmolded over the metal core. In other words, the flexible element of the intermediate flexible arm includes the metal core. In the context of the present invention, the metal core forms a longitudinal elongation vertebra for the connection system according to the invention. In other words, the metal core forms a thin metal profile that stretches along its own elongation axis. Along a plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the metal core, a transverse profile of the metal core is, for example, rectangular to facilitate a bending movement favorable to pressing against the windshield and generating a normal force on said windshield. However, as required, the invention provides that the transverse profile of the core can take any shape.Alternatively, the intermediate flexible branch can be formed from a composite material, such as, for example, one containing glass fibers and / or carbon fillers. In this case, the intermediate flexible branch is formed by a matrix and a reinforcement, both made of composite material, in order to obtain the required mechanical properties analogous to those described with reference to the embodiment with a metallic core.

[0053] - a transverse profile of the intermediate flexible arm takes the form of a profile known as an inverted airplane wing. The transverse profile is defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis of natural elongation of the intermediate flexible arm. More specifically, the transverse profile is defined by the NACA standard. This advantageous configuration facilitates the positioning of the connection system according to the invention against the windshield, and in particular the subsequent positioning of the scraper blade intended to wipe the windshield;

[0054] - In cases where the support arm is attached to both the upper and lower flexible arms, a free end of the intermediate flexible arm has a connector configured to mate with the wiper blade forming the support arm. This advantageous configuration facilitates the attachment of a wiper blade—which now includes the support arm—by providing multiple attachment points that exert pressure against the windshield. This configuration also promotes the application of a specific pressure profile to the wiper blade, particularly the scraper blade.

[0055] According to a second aspect of the invention, a wiping system for a motor vehicle windshield is proposed, the wiping system comprising:

[0056] - a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements;

[0057] - an actuator configured to generate a rotational movement of the connection system on the windshield, the connection branch of the connection system being coupled to the actuator.

[0058] Various embodiments of the invention are envisaged, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features described herein.

[0059] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0060] illustrates a profile view of a first example of the realization of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0061] illustrates a schematic profile view of a second example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0062] illustrates a schematic profile view of a third example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0063] illustrates a schematic profile view of a fourth example of an embodiment of a connection system conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0064] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0065] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with each other if there are no technical obstacles to this combination.

[0066] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0067] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the invention relates to a connection system 1 for a windshield wiper blade 16 for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle. The connection system 1 can take several forms of integration, more or less complete depending on the intended use. In particular, and without limitation, the connection system 1 according to the invention can take the form of:

[0068] – a drive arm for a wiper blade 16, the drive arm comprising coupling means – connectors 131 – with a wiper blade 16. This embodiment is illustrated through several examples of embodiments in FIGURES 2 to 4;

[0069] – a wiper blade 16 that can be associated with a drive arm;

[0070] – a complete wiper arm system comprising both the drive arm and the wiper blade 16, in a monolithic manner.

[0071] It is recalled at this stage that a drive arm is a coupling element of a wiper blade 16 to a drive motor of a wiping system, the drive arm allowing the wiper blade 16 to be pressed against the surface of the windshield, by imposing a normal or substantially normal force on it to ensure good scraping of a scraper blade 141 of the wiper blade 16 against the windshield.

[0072] As for the wiper blade 16, it supports the scraper blade 141 at its lower end to bring the latter into contact with the windshield. As mentioned previously, simple contact is not sufficient because the aerodynamic pressure exerted by the movement of the motor vehicle would cause the wiper blade 16 to detach. The wiper blade 16 has longitudinal extension and supports a scraper blade 141 at its lower end. The scraper blade 141 can, according to various embodiments, be stiffened by one or more longitudinal extension vertebrae, not shown in the FIGURES. In this case, the connection system 1 is complementary to the constraints imposed by the vertebra(s) of the wiper blade 16. In some other cases, the wiper blade 16 does not have such vertebrae and it is directly and exclusively the connection system 1 that stiffens the scraper blade 141.

[0073] For these purposes, the connection system 1 according to the invention cleverly allows the scraper blade 141 intended to collaborate with it to be pre-stressed by applying a force perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the windshield over its entire length.

[0074] To achieve this, connection system 1 includes:

[0075] - a connection branch 11 to the wiping system, the connection branch 11 comprising means for coupling to the wiping system;

[0076] - a high flexible arm 12 extending from the connecting arm 11 and extending along its own elongation axis, the high flexible arm 12 comprising a flexible element configured to generate a normal force on the windscreen, a free end 122 of said high flexible arm 12 being integral with a scraper blade 141 of a wiper blade 16 of the wiping system;

[0077] - a lower flexible arm 13 extending from the connecting arm 11 and extending along its own elongation axis, the lower flexible arm 13 having a flexible hinge 130 configured to generate a normal force on the windshield, a free end 122 of said lower flexible arm 13 being integral with the scraper blade 141.

[0078] In general, the connection system 1 is longitudinally elongated. The upper flexible branch 12, the lower flexible branch 13, and the connecting branch 11 of the connection system 1 all extend substantially in the same plane. In other words, the transverse distribution of the upper flexible branch 12 and the lower flexible branch 13 relative to the connecting branch 11, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal elongation of the connection system 1, is small or zero. By small, we understand that the width of the connection system 1 is on the order of the width of the connecting branch 11 itself. In other words, the upper flexible branch 12 extends predominantly in the direct continuation of the connecting branch 11; and / or the lower flexible branch 13 extends vertically above the connecting branch 11, as can be seen in particular in the figure.Optionally, in a variant not shown, the upper flexible branch 12 and / or the lower flexible branch 13 and / or the connecting branch 11 are distributed adjacently or substantially adjacently along a direction perpendicular to the main elongation direction of the connection system 1 according to the invention.

[0079] As shown in the FIGURES, the connecting arm 11 forms a base sleeve for the connection system 1: the connecting arm 11 is intended to be attached, directly or indirectly, to the actuator of the wiping system. In Figure 1, the connecting arm 11 is intended to be coupled directly to the actuator, which is not shown in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 3, the connecting arm 11 can be connected to a drive arm, with the connection system 1 then forming one end of said drive arm, or the connecting arm 11 can be connected to the actuation system, with the connection system 1 then also forming the drive arm.

[0080] The connecting arm 11 may include a flexible element – ​​not shown in the FIGURES – configured to generate a normal force on the windshield. More generally, the connecting arm 11 is more rigid than the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in order to efficiently transmit movement and force to the scraper blade 141, via the lower flexible arm 13 and the upper flexible arm 12.

[0081] The upper flexible arm 12 extends in the axial continuation of the connecting arm 11. As seen in FIGURES 1 to 4, the upper flexible arm 12 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its upper free end 122, i.e. the one located away from the actuator rotating the connection system 1. In other words, the upper flexible arm 12 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its axial termination 142 located on the side of an upper edge of the windshield.

[0082] The upper flexible arm 12 is made flexible by integrating a flexible element embedded within it. This flexible element is configured to generate a downward force directed towards the connection system 1, i.e., towards the scraper blade 141. The flexible element of the upper flexible arm 12 is not shown in the figures. The flexible element may, for example, take the form of a metal core, for example, prestressed, i.e., having a flexed and curved profile, encased in a plastic body overmolded with the metal core. Optionally, the upper flexible arm 12 is made flexible by using a composite material that forms both a matrix and a reinforcement embedded within the matrix, so as to provide the upper flexible arm 12 with its mechanical and elastic properties as described above.

[0083] The lower flexible arm 13 extends from the upper flexible arm 12 and / or from the connecting arm 11. As seen in FIGURES 1 to 4, the lower flexible arm 13 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its lower free end 122, i.e. the one located on the side of the actuator rotating the connection system 1. In other words, the lower flexible arm 13 supports the scraper blade 141 and / or the wiper blade 16 at its axial termination 142 located on the side of a lower edge of the windshield.

[0084] The lower flexible arm 13 is made flexible by integrating a flexible element embedded within it. This flexible element is configured to generate a downward force directed towards the connection system 1, i.e., towards the scraper blade 141. The flexible element of the lower flexible arm 13 is not shown in the figures. The flexible element may, for example, take the form of a metal core, for example, prestressed, i.e., having a flexed and curved profile, encased in a plastic body overmolded with the metal core. Optionally, the lower flexible arm 13 is made flexible by using a composite material that forms both a matrix and a reinforcement embedded within the matrix, so as to provide the lower flexible arm 13 with its mechanical and elastic properties as described above.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated on the, the lower flexible branch 13 forms a bend 134 located directly at the level of the upper flexible branch 12. On the other hand, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the lower flexible branch 13 forms a bend 134 located at a distance from the upper flexible branch 12, the lower flexible branch 13 then comprising a first segment 135 and a second segment 133 located on either side of the bend 134.

[0086] More generally, the lower flexible arm 13 is articulated relative to the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the connecting arm 11. This articulation allows a normal force to be applied to the wiper blade 141 and ensures that it remains firmly pressed against the windshield despite the windshield's curvature. The articulation is achieved by a flexible hinge 130 associated with the lower flexible arm 13. Advantageously, the flexible hinge 130 is mounted directly on the lower flexible arm 13. In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, without limitation, the flexible hinge 130 necessitates an axial reversal of the lower flexible arm 13: it extends in a direction ultimately opposite to that of the lower flexible arm 13, in order to support the wiper blade 16 and / or the wiper blade 141 at an opposite axial termination 142.

[0087] More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the lower flexible arm 13 extends vertically from the connecting arm 11. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the second segment 133 of the lower flexible arm 13 extends in a direction similar to that of the upper flexible arm 12, at a distance from the connecting arm 11; while the first segment 135 of the lower flexible arm 13 extends in a different direction from that of the second segment 133, towards the connecting arm 11. This folding configuration of the lower flexible arm 13 allows for a degree of flexibility in the scraper blade 141, which is very useful for its application on the windshield.

[0088] In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the connection system 1 further includes a support arm 14 connecting the free end 122 of the lower flexible arm 13 to the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12. In other words, the support arm 14 connects the upper flexible arm 12 to the lower flexible arm 13 at their free end 122. The support arm 14 may be formed from the same material as the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the lower flexible arm 13, as illustrated in the example, or attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the lower flexible arm 13, as illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support arm 14 supports the wiper blade 141 and transfers the normal forces exerted by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in particular, to the wiper blade 141. In contrast, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4, the support arm 14 forms a wiper blade 16 attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, making it replaceable in case of wear and interchangeable. Naturally, such a wiper blade 16 also supports the wiper blade 141 and transfers the normal forces exerted by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, in particular, to the wiper blade 141.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the connection system 1 forms a monolithic arm-brush assembly. In other words, in this embodiment, the connecting arm 11, the upper flexible arm 12, the lower flexible arm 13, the support arm 14, and the scraper blade 141 are all produced in a single manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without being damaged. The scraper blade 141 is held by its two axial ends 142 at the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, respectively. In this embodiment, the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 forms a wide retaining area for the scraper blade 141, which extends below.

[0091] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 2 to 4, the connection system 1 forms an assembly with the wiper blade 16. In other words, in these embodiments, the wiper blade 16 is attached to the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. More specifically, the wiper blade 16 is held by its two axial terminations 142 – the end caps – to the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, respectively. In these embodiments, the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 each has a connector 131 for quickly and robustly interfacing the wiper blade 16.By way of non-limiting example, the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 include means for fixing the wiper blade 16, such as for example by snap-fit.

[0092] The connection system 1 according to the invention is particularly interesting because it can adapt to different sizes of wiper blade 16 or scraper blade 141:

[0093] – in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the axial terminations 142 of the scraper blade 141 coincide with the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the scraper blade 141 is held by the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 by its axial terminations 142. Of course, according to an embodiment not shown, the scraper blade 141 of such a monolithic arm-brush assembly could extend beyond the free end 122 of the upper flexible arm 12 and / or the free end 122 of the lower flexible arm 13, depending on the windshield dimensions considered.

[0094] – in the embodiment illustrated on the, the axial terminations 142 of the wiper blade 16 coincide with the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the wiper blade 16 is held by the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 at the level of its axial terminations 142.

[0095] – In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, the axial ends 142 of the wiper blade 16 are located beyond the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the wiper blade 16 is held by the connectors 131 of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 at a central portion located between its two axial ends 142. By way of non-limiting example, the central portion represents approximately two-thirds of the length of the wiper blade 16. This advantageous configuration allows for the application of an optimized normal force along the scraper blade 141 of the wiper blade 16.

[0096] To reinforce the normal force applied at the central portion of the wiper blade 16, i.e., between the two connectors 131 associated respectively with the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13, the connection system 1 according to the invention may include an intermediate flexible arm 15, as shown in the figure. The intermediate flexible arm 15 incorporates all or part of the technical characteristics of the lower flexible arm 13 as described above. The intermediate flexible arm is located in an intermediate position between the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13. At its free end 122, the intermediate flexible arm 15 has a connector 131 for coupling with the wiper blade 16, in the case where the wiper blade 16 is attached to the flexible arms 12, 13, and 15.In the case where the connection system 1 is monolithic, as in the embodiment illustrated on the, the intermediate flexible branch 15 is fixed at its free end 122 to the support branch 14 and to the scraper blade 141 which extends between the free ends of the lower flexible branch 13 and the upper flexible branch 12.

[0097] In summary, the invention relates to a hybrid connection system 1 for more effectively applying a normal force from the wiper blade 141 to the surface of a motor vehicle windshield. The connection system 1 comprises flexible arms 12, 13, 15 which—by spring effect—allow such a normal force to be applied to the associated wiper blade 141. More specifically, the connection system 1 includes an upper flexible arm 12 and a lower flexible arm 13 forming a flexible hinge 130. Free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 support—directly or indirectly—the wiper blade 141. The wiper blade can be formed from the material of the connection system 1 or attached via a wiper blade 16 coupled to the free ends of the upper flexible arm 12 and the lower flexible arm 13 by means of connectors 131.

[0098] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Connection system (1) of a windshield wiper blade (16) on a connecting arm for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, the connection system (1) comprising: - an upper flexible arm (12) including an upper connecting end configured to be mounted on a connecting arm, the upper flexible arm including an upper free end opposite the upper connecting end, the upper free end being configured to be fixed on the windshield wiper blade;- a lower flexible arm (13) comprising a lower connecting end configured to be mounted on the connecting arm, the lower flexible arm comprising a lower free end opposite the lower connecting end, the lower free end being configured to be fixed on the windshield wiper blade, the lower flexible arm (13) comprising an additional return element (130), the upper and lower flexible arms being configured to generate a normal force on the windshield.; Connection system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13) are configured to together generate a normal force such that the wiper blade exerts a linear support force of between 14 N / m and 20 N / m on the windshield. Connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower flexible arm (13) comprises a first segment (135) proximal to the lower connecting end and extending in a first direction and a second segment (133), proximal to the lower free end and extending in a second direction, the return element (130) being located between the first segment (135) and the second segment (133). Connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return element (130) of the lower flexible arm (13) has an elbow (134). Connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one intermediate flexible arm (15), at least one intermediate flexible arm comprising an intermediate connection end connected to the upper flexible arm (12) and / or the lower flexible arm (13), and an intermediate free end (122) configured to be fixed to the wiper blade. Wiper blade comprising a connection system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support arm and a scraper blade, the scraper blade being carried by the support arm and wherein the support arm is fixed to the upper and lower free ends of the upper and lower flexible arms (13) respectively. Wiper blade (16) according to claim 6, wherein the support arm (14) is made of material with the upper flexible arm (12) and the lower flexible arm (13). Wiper blade (16) according to any one of the claims, claim 6, wherein the support arm (14) is attached in a fixed and preferably removable manner to the upper flexible arm (12) and to the lower flexible arm (13). Wiper blade (16) according to any one of claims 6 or 8, wherein the support arm comprises an upper connector configured to mate to the upper free end (122) of the upper flexible arm (12) and a lower connector configured to mate to the lower free end (122) of the lower flexible arm (13). Wiper blade (16) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the support arm (14) carrying the scraper blade extends beyond the upper and lower free ends of the upper (12) and lower (13) flexible arms respectively. Wiping system for a motor vehicle windshield, the wiping system comprising: - a wiper blade according to any one of claims 6 to 10; A connecting arm - an actuator configured to generate a rotational movement of the connecting arm so as to drive the wiper blade in a back-and-forth movement on the windshield.

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