Abstract:
The invention relates to a motor vehicle windshield wiper, comprising: a windshield wiper blade ( 42 ) that is hinged onto a windshield wiper arm ( 41 ) by means of an arm/blade connector ( 43, 44, 45, 51 ); and a washing liquid-spraying device ( 47 ) that is arranged on the windshield wiper blade and connected by means of a Connecting device ( 49, 53, 57 ) to a washing liquid delivery channel ( 46 ) that extends at least partially along the windshield wiper arm. Said windshield wiper is characterized in that the Connecting device is built into the arm/blade connector so as to automatically connect the spraying device to the delivery channel when Connecting the windshield wiper blade onto the windshield wiper arm and so as to automatically detach the spraying device from the delivery channel when disconnecting the windshield wiper blade from the windshield wiper arm.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the US National Stage under 36 U.S.C. §371 of International App. No. PCT/FR2010/052825 filed Dec. 20, 2010, and which claims priority to French App. No. 1050447 filed Jan. 25, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a windshield wiper device comprising a windshield wiper blade moveably attached to a windshield wiper arm through an arm-blade connector, and more specifically, a windshield wiper device comprising a device for projecting washer fluid on the windshield wiper blade. The present invention is applied specifically in the automotive field. 
     The windshield of a vehicle is commonly wiped by arms equipped with blades that sweep over the glass surface of the windshield.  FIG. 1  shows a windshield wiper arm  1  disconnected from its windshield wiper blade  2 . To ensure the connection between the arm and the blade, an arm-blade connector includes a first part  3  integral with the arm, and a second part  4  integral with the blade. One of the parts of the arm-blade connector is a female element while the other part of the connector is a male element, so that the assembly of these two parts forms the windshield wiper blade arm. The first female part  3  is hollow and defines an opening  5  on one of its faces. The second male part  4  comprises a fixed part  6  integral with the blade  2 , and a mobile part  7  which fits inside the female part and is provided with a latch  8  intended to cooperate with the opening  5  to lock the two male and female parts together ensuring the arm-blade connection.  FIG. 1   b  only shows the arm-blade connector after connecting together the two parts, male  4  and female  3 . The latch  8  of the male part is then positioned in the opening  5  of the female part. 
     The windshield is normally washed by separate nozzles. However, some recent systems offer a wash directly integrated in the wiper blade. This type of washing reduces the consumption of washer fluid and is more effective in washing. One such example is known from document EP 0 810 133 which discloses a windshield wiper device.  FIG. 2  shows a windshield wiper blade  16  moveably attached about a transverse axis of rotation A 1  at the free end of a windshield wiper arm. The blade  16  includes a device  20  for projecting washer fluid which is linked through a channel  26  by a washer fluid supply device, whereby channel  26  extends along the windshield wiper arm  12 . The arm and the blade are moveable with respect to each other about the transverse axis A 1  by a connection device, which is not shown. The channel  26  and projection device  20  are connected by a coupler  28  which comprises a part integral with arm  12  and a part integral with the blade  16 , whereby the two parts of the coupler  28  are connected automatically by the pivoting blade  16  around its axis of rotation A 1  relative to the arm  12 . The objective of the coupler  28  is to guarantee the supply of the washer fluid to the projection device as long as at least a portion of the end piece of the coupler is housed inside the cavity  36 . It is therefore necessary to provide an end piece of large enough dimensions with respect to the variations of the relative inclination between blade  16  and the arm  12  when the windshield wiper goes through its glass wiping movements. However, in order to limit the length of the end piece, it is important to arrange the coupler  28  as close as possible to the free end  14  of arm  12 . 
     Nevertheless, a windshield wiper device with integrated projection device such as defined in document EP 0 810 133 has a certain number of disadvantages. Indeed, since the arm and the blade are considered two distinct parts, it is generally expected that the arm will remain on the vehicle throughout the vehicle&#39;s life while the windshield wiper blade is a wear component requiring regular replacement. When changing a worn wiper blade, the user must initially mount the blade on the arm about the axis of rotation through the connection mechanism provided for this purpose at the end of the free extremity  14  of the arm. At the same time, the user must ensure the exact orientation of the connecting part, which is secured to the arm, in order to accomplish the connection by rotating the blade around its axis. Any gap between the end piece  34  and the cavity can cause assembly difficulties when making the connection. Furthermore, the coupler is either at a distance from the axis of rotation and in this case the end piece  34  must be relatively long, making its orientation less precise and therefore its insertion in cavity  36  more difficult, or the coupler is arranged in the proximity of the axis of rotation and in this case the end piece  34  can be shorter but consequently will be more rigid requiring very precise orientation to ensure easy insertion in cavity  36 . Finally, the principle of a mobile connection in the context of its utilization, by pivoting the end piece in the cavity, results in accelerated mechanical wear of the parts involved, including on the side of the arm, and risk of detachment or fluid leaks between the two parts. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention remedies the different disadvantages of the prior art documents mentioned above and in particular, provides a windshield wiper device with a simple, robust and reliable integrated projection device. 
     To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a windshield wiper of an automotive vehicle comprising a windshield wiper blade moveably attached to a windshield wiper arm by an arm-blade connector, and a washer fluid projection device arranged on the windshield wiper blade and connected by a coupling device to a washer fluid supply channel extending at least partially along the windshield wiper arm, wherein the coupling device is integrated in the arm-blade connector to automatically connect the projection device with the supply channel during the connection of the windshield wiper blade to the windshield wiper arm and to automatically disconnect the projection device from the supply channel during the disconnection of the windshield wiper blade from the windshield wiper arm. The integration of the coupler in the arm-blade connector simplifies assembly and disassembly of the blade to and from the arm, which requires only one single connection/disconnection operation of the arm-blade connector. Such a coupling is also robust and reliable to the extent that no mechanical stress is placed on the coupler during the distribution of fluid when the windshield wiper blade is in use. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the arm-blade connector is used to lock the coupling device during the connection. Such a system reinforces the robustness of the coupling device and prevents any risk of detachment between the projection device and the supply channel. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the arm-blade connector comprises a first part integral with the arm and a second part integral with the blade and the coupling device comprises a first part integral with the arm and a second part integral with the blade, the first part of the coupling device is integrated in the first part of the arm-blade connector and the second part of the coupling device is integrated in the second part of the arm-blade connector, making the coupling device integral with the arm-blade connector. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, in which the first part of the arm-blade connector comprises an opening and the second part of the arm-blade connector includes a latch-lever suitable for being positioned in the opening to ensure the connection between arm and blade, the latch-lever is used to lock the first and second part of the coupling device. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the latch-lever is pin-shaped comprising an upper zone with a large opening for passage of the first part of the head-shaped coupling device and a lower zone with a narrow opening to prevent the passage of this same first part of the coupling device. The latch-lever moves between a high position and a low position. In the low position, the latch-lever allows the head of the coupling device to pass during the connection of the arm-blade connector. In the high position, the latch-lever locks the coupling device once the head has passed through the latch-lever after connection of the arm-blade connector. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the first head-shaped part of the coupling device is suitable for locating inside the opening of the second part of the coupling device. Preferably, a ring-shaped seal installs in the opening. 
     According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an automotive vehicle equipped with a windshield wiper according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. 
     According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for assembling a windshield wiper blade on a windshield wiper arm comprising a step of connecting the first part of the arm-blade connector, which is integral with the arm, with a second part of this arm-blade connector, which is integral with the blade, wherein it comprises a simultaneous step of automatically coupling, during the connection step of the arm-blade connector, the first part of a coupling device integrated in the first part of the arm-blade connector, with the second part of the coupling device integrated in the second part of the arm-blade connector. Preferably, a locking step of the coupling device is also simultaneously taking place during the connection of the two parts of the arm-blade connector. 
     According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for disassembling a windshield wiper blade from a windshield wiper arm, comprising the step of disconnecting a first part of the arm-blade connector, which is integral with the arm, from a second part of this arm-blade connector, which is integral with the blade, wherein it comprises a simultaneous step of automatically separating during the disconnect step of the arm-blade connector, the first part of a coupling device integrated in the first part of the arm-blade connector from a second part of the coupling device integrated in the second part of the arm-blade connector. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the attached drawing, in which: 
       In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view according to prior art of an arm-blade connector in a disconnected position; 
         FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view according to prior art of the arm-blade connector of  FIG. 1   a  in a connected position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view according to prior art of a windshield wiper device incorporating a projection device; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective schematic view in of an arm-blade connector incorporating a coupling according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an overhead view of the arm-blade connector in the disconnected position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an overhead view of the arm-blade connector in the connected position; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the connector according to line A-A of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an overhead schematic view of the arm-blade connector in the connected position during the operation of the projection device; 
         FIG. 8  is an overhead schematic view of the arm-blade connector during the disconnection step; 
         FIG. 9  is a section view of the connector according to line B-B of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an overhead schematic view of the arm-blade connector following the connection step; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the connector according to line C-C of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     One of the main goals of the present invention is to be able to connect and disconnect a windshield wiper blade equipped with a projection device, such as for instance, a washing ramp, in one single, simple, reliable and robust manual operation instead of two operations. 
     To this end, starting from an arm-blade quick coupling as shown in  FIG. 3 , similar to the one shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the concept includes integrating a coupling device through which the supply channel, integrated in the arm, connects with the channel connected to the blade to supply in this way the projection device mounted on the blade.  FIG. 3  shows a windshield wiper blade  42  mounted an a windshield wiper arm  41  by means of an arm-blade connector comprising a first part  43  integral with the arm and a second part  44  integral with the blade. A supply channel  46  associated with arm  41  connects to a washer fluid supply device (not shown) which supplies one or more washer fluid projection devices  47  arranged on the blade. The projection device connects to the supply channel  46  of the arm with a coupling device  48  integrated in the arm-blade connector. 
     In the following description, we will describe a preferred embodiment of the coupling device integrated in the arm-blade connector. First of all, we will refer to  FIG. 4  showing a view of the arm-blade connector in a position in which the parts linked to the arm (not visible) on the one side and linked to the blade  42  on the other side are disconnected. The arm-blade connector comprises a first part  43  integral with the arm inside which the supply channel  46  is integrated. The first part  43 , which is selected female, is hollow and defines an opening  45  on one of its faces. The supply channel  46  comprises in its extremity, situated on the side of the arm inside the arm-blade connector, a head  49  intended to interlock inside a corresponding opening on the blade side. 
     The arm-blade connector comprises a second part  44 , selected male, integral with blade  42 . This second part comprises a fixed part  50   a  and a movable part  50   b  attached to the fixed part about an axis of rotation  56  and interlocking inside the female part  43  of the arm-blade connector, which is integral with the arm. This movable part  50   b  is equipped with a latch-lever  51  intended to cooperate with the opening  45  to lock the two male and female parts  44 , 43  together ensuring the arm-blade connection. Inside the second part  44  of the arm-blade connector is integrated a part  57  of the coupling device with the supply channel  46 , in the form of a coupling channel  52  linked with the projection devices  47  arranged on the blade, and of which the opposite extremity has an opening  53  intended to receive the head  49  of the supply channel. 
       FIG. 5  shows a view of the arm-blade connector in a position in which the arm-blade connector is assembled, whereby the first part  43  integral with the arm connects to the second part  44  integral with the blade. In this Figure, we note that latch-lever  51  fits inside the opening  45  while at the same time the head  49  of the male part  44  of the coupling device moves automatically inside the opening  53  of the female part  43  of the coupling device, so that the projection device can be supplied with washer fluid. To ensure perfect sealing of the coupling device, it is advantageous to place a seal ring (not shown) in the opening  53 . 
     To arrive at this locked position, the user must push the blade (not visible in this Figure) in the direction of the arm (also not shown in this Figure) to assemble the blade on the arm. There is no need to apply pressure on the latch-lever  51 . When pushing, the supply channel  46  and the coupling channel  52  assemble together thanks to the quick coupling device (opening and head) provided for this purpose. At the same time, when pushing, the blade assembles to the arm thanks to the arm-blade connector provided for this purpose, by assembling together the two parts, male  43  and female  44 , of the connector. 
       FIG. 6  is a view of the connector according to section A-A of  FIG. 5 . This Figure shows that latch-lever  51  preferably has a flat upper surface  51   a  and a lower pin shaped part  51   b  with an upper zone  54  with a large opening and a lower zone  55  with a narrow opening. When the blade is pushed towards the arm, the head  49  of the supply channel passes through the upper zone  54  of the latch-lever  51  with the large opening. Then when the head  49  has completely traversed the latch-lever  51 , the head  49  inserts in the opening  45  of the female part  43  of the arm-blade connector, going up one notch so that the head locates opposite the lower opening  55  with the narrow opening. In this position the head  49 , which is integrated with the extremity of the supply channel  46 , is locked by the latch-lever  51  and therefore remains in position in the opening. 
       FIG. 7  shows a view of the arm-blade connector in its connected position, and with the projection device  47  working. The washer fluid  58  is supplied from a (not shown) reservoir situated on the vehicle through the supply channel  46  up to the coupling device (opening  53  and head  49 ) automatically locked by the latch-lever  51  during the connection of the arm-blade connector (male part  43  and female part  44 ), then from this coupling device up to the projection device  47  either directly or with a coupling channel  52 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a view of the arm-blade connector during its disconnection. To do this, the user must depress the system which allows for the separation of the arm and the blade, in other words latch-lever  51 . When depressed, the latch-lever  51  will go down while rocking to release the male part  43  of the arm-blade connector from the female part  44 . At the same time, as shown in section B-B ( FIG. 9 ), the downward movement of the latch-lever  51  entails a displacement of the opening zones  54  and  55  relative to the coupling device, so that the head  49  is positioned opposite the upper zone  55  with the large opening. The quick coupling device is then in an open position, in other words, not locked by the latch-lever, so that the supply channel  46  and the coupling channel  52  can be released. 
       FIG. 10  shows a view of the arm-blade connector following its disconnection by the user. To this end, the user must simply pull the blade in the opposite direction of the arm to separate on the one hand the blade from the arm, and on the other hand the projection device from the supply channel. Note on this Figure that the latch-lever  51  is no longer housed in opening  45 , since the male and female parts  43  and  44  of the arm-blade connector are separated, so that the blade is separated from the arm, while at the same time, head  49  automatically passes through the upper zone  54  with large opening of latch-lever  51  as shown in section C-C ( FIG. 11 ). 
     It is understood that various modifications and/or improvements, evident for a person skilled in the art, can be made to the different implementation modes of the invention described in the present description, without exceeding the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims. In particular, the present invention was presented on the basis of a bayonet type arm-blade connection, although it is possible to provide an automatic system for simultaneous connection of the blade to the arm and to the projection device with the washer fluid reservoir, with other types of arm-blade connectors. 
     Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.