EP3188938A1

EP3188938A1 - Device for supplying liquid for a windshield washer

Info

Publication number: EP3188938A1
Application number: EP15767221.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yvan Busson
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
Current assignee: PSA Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Also published as: FR3025472A1; CN106604852A; FR3025472B1; WO2016034817A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for supplying liquid for a windshield washer, including a barrel (1), a first flexible pipe (3), a second flexible pipe (5A-5B), a first coupling (2) and second coupling (4A-4B), characterized in that the barrel (1) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (50), and in that said first (2) and second couplings (4A-4B) are configured such as to enable a fluid connection between the first flexible pipe (3) and the second flexible pipe (5A-5B), and between the second flexible pipe (5A-5B) and the barrel (1), respectively, such that, when the barrel (1) rotates about the axis of rotation (50), the second flexible pipe (4A-4B) moves along a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation (50), and the second flexible pipe (5A-5B) moves along a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (50). The invention also relates to a windshield washer device including such a liquid supply device.

Description

LIQUI CONDUIT FITTING DEVICE FOR WINDOW WASHERS

[001] The invention relates to windshield wiper devices, of the type comprising an arm-scraper, in particular for washing / wiping windows of land vehicles. [002] The invention relates more particularly to a liquid conduit device that is not easily visible from the outside and to improved durability.

[003] The present invention is thus intended for this type of windscreen washer device comprising a combination of flexible pipes and fittings not visible from the outside, and whose particular arrangement improves the quality of the device. [004] Currently, to route windshield washer fluid from a tank to jets embedded on a squeegee arm-wiper device, it is known to use a liquid conduit that passes through any element located between said reservoir and said window washer, including an awning grille, to then join the arm-squeegee and finally the nozzles. To bring the windshield washer fluid to the sprinklers, it is absolutely necessary to pass the liquid from a fixed element, for example the awning grid to which the liquid conduit is connected, to a movable element, namely the arm-squeegee of the windscreen washer device.

Currently, to implement the connection between the fixed element which is connected to the liquid conduit and the arm-squeegee, it is known to use simple flexible hoses. [006] These known flexible hoses have the disadvantage of being visible to the user, which degrades the perceived quality of the device, and therefore of the vehicle on which it is mounted. In addition, according to the state of the art, it is necessary to ensure that said flexible hoses used do not become pinched, in order to prevent the windshield washer fluid from reaching the sprinklers. For this purpose, these pipes are generally configured so as not to have a radius of curvature greater than 40 millimeters. This layout constraint generates an increased size and a certain complexity, which further reinforces the first disadvantage explained above, relating to the poor perceived quality.

[007] In addition, the flexible pipes for conveying windshield washer fluid being, in the known devices, visible from the outside, they are subjected to the weather. If they are, for example, blocked by frozen snow, said flexible hoses deteriorate or are torn off or disconnected from the tank connections when the user operates the windshield washer. However, it is obvious that an unplugged pipe removes any efficiency washing.

[008] Devices to partially correct the disadvantages explained above have been developed. In particular, US Pat. No. 5,327,614 A discloses a mechanism with a hollow shaft and a lid containing fluidic connection means for supplying windscreen washer fluid to nozzles integrated into scraper arms.

[009] However, the factory mounting conditions of this type of pipe are particularly tedious. The number of operations is indeed very high and also requires setting up a pipe connection on the lid before mounting the cover.

In this context, the invention proposes, alternatively, to replace the exposed flexible pipes of the known devices by masked window washer pipe elements. In particular, the present invention provides the use of a particular combination of flexible hoses and suitable fittings, arranged under the awning grid, for conveying the windshield washer fluid to the inside of a drum. arranged at the interface between the support bearing of the arm trainer and said arm trainer, in order to allow the passage of the awning grid, the windscreen washer fluid then continuing its path to the jets, either via the inside of the arm-squeegee, after passing through passages arranged in the arm trainer, or via another flexible hose attached to said arm-squeegee.

[001 1] For this purpose, the invention relates to a liquid pipe device for windshield washer, comprising a fut, a first flexible pipe, a second flexible pipe, a first connection and a second connection. The drum is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, and said first and second couplings are configured to fluidically connect the first flexible hose and the second hose, respectively, and the second flexible hose. on the other hand, so that when it is rotated about the axis of rotation, the second coupling moves in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation, and the second flexible pipe moves in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation. According to one embodiment, it comprises an upstream portion and a complementary downstream portion, the upstream portion of the portion having a fluid inlet connected to the second flexible hose via the second connector, and the downstream portion of the hose having a liquid outlet.

Advantageously, the first connection is bent.

Advantageously, the second connector has a T-shaped shape. The invention also relates to a windscreen washer device for a vehicle, comprising an arm trainer rotatably mounted relative to a bearing-support around a axis of rotation corresponding to an axis of revolution of the support bearing, and a squeegee arm adapted to be rotated by the arm trainer, and further comprising a liquid conduit device briefly described above. Advantageously, the is adapted and intended to be positioned at the passage of an awning grille of a front hood of a motor vehicle.

Advantageously, the fut is disposed between the support bearing and the arm trainer.

[0018] Advantageously, the first flexible hose is in fluid connection with the second flexible hose via the first fitting near the support bearing, such that said second flexible hose extends along said support bearing to the second coupling ensuring the fluid connection of said second flexible pipe and the fut, so that the rotation of the is causes the displacement of the second connection in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation and causes the displacement of the second flexible pipe in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the film is clipped onto the arm trainer.

Advantageously, the vehicle windshield washer device further comprises a bearing cap adapted to the wiper arm arm trainer and adapted to mask said arm trainer. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings which show:

• Figure 1, the diagram of a windscreen washer pipe device to a scraper arm, according to the state of the art; FIG. 2, the three-dimensional diagram of an exemplary windshield washer fluid conduit device according to the invention;

• Figure 3, the three-dimensional diagram of the same example of windshield washer fluid conduit device according to the invention, according to another angle of view. In what follows, the described embodiments focus more particularly on an implementation of the invention within a motor vehicle. However, any implementation in a different context, in particular in any type of vehicle, is also covered by the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a device of the state of the art windshield washer fluid pipes to a 20A-20B arm-scraper, partially shown, a windscreen washer device 10, also partially shown, for cleaning the windshield 70. The windscreen washer device 10 is disposed at a front hood of the vehicle. Two types of flexible hoses, of different diameter, are shown in FIG. 1, respectively 51 A-51 B and 52A-52B, in two different positions in each case, corresponding to the two extreme positions of the squeegee arm 20A-20B, Due to its deflection D. The arm-scraper 20A-20B is rotatably mounted on the arm trainer 40, fixed at the level of the awning grid 60. In a low position, the arm-scraper is represented under the reference 20A; in a high position, the arm-scraper is represented under the reference 20B. When in the low position, the arm-scraper 20A is supplied with windshield washer fluid by the pipe as shown at 51 A or reference 52A, depending on the type of flexible hose used. Indeed, the flexible pipe 51 A-52A then winds slightly around the arm trainer 40 and is substantially tensioned.

Conversely, when the arm-scraper 20B is in the upper position, the latter is supplied with windshield washer fluid by the pipe as shown at 51 B or reference 52B, depending on the type of flexible hose used. Indeed, the flexible pipe 51 B-52B is then slightly compressed due to the rotation of the arm trainer 40 and has a wave shape, with a risk of pinching.

Such an implementation of a washer fluid pipe, which corresponds to the state of the art, has the disadvantages mentioned above. Indeed, the hose 51 A-51 B; 52A-52B is, in the first place, partly visible from the outside. The quality perceived is low, and the efficiency and durability are reduced, since said hose 51 A-51 B; 52A-52B is susceptible to rapid wear, due to the movements to which it is subjected when the scraper arm 20A-20B is active, and because it is subjected to the weather and unprotected from any external aggression. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the present invention resides in particular in the replacement of the flexible pipe 51 A-51 B; 52A-52B, apparent, by the combination of a rotatably mounted 1, as the arm trainer 40, about the X axis of the support bearing 50, said 1 being disposed at the interface formed by the grid awning 60, and a set of flexible pipes 2, 4A-4B and connectors 3, 5A-5B not visible from the outside. The window washer device 10 is indeed constituted, as in the state of the art, a support bearing 50 on which is rotatably mounted an arm trainer 40 adapted to ensure the movement of the arm-squeegee 20A-20B. According to the state of the art, as shown in Figure 1, a windshield washer fluid pipe, in the form of a flexible pipe 51 A-51 B; 52A-52B ensures the supply of windshield washer fluid from a tank located under the hood, up to nozzles which is provided with the arm-scraper 20A-20B. The support bearing 50 is located under a canopy grille 60 while the arm trainer 40 and the arm-scraper 20A-20b are of course above. The hose 51 A-51 B; 52A-52B allows in particular the crossing of the awning grid 60.

According to the invention, an embodiment of which is shown in Figures 2 and 3, a was 1 is disposed between the support bearing 50 and the arm trainer 40, the interface that forms the grid of Awning 60.

The was 1 is thus shod on the axis of the support bearing 50 of the windshield washer device 10. The was 1 is further attached to the arm trainer 40, with which it is consequently rotatable around the X axis of the support bearing 50. Thus, the 1 can for example be clipped onto the arm trainer 40. A seal, commonly used at the axis of the support bearing 50, to the interface with the arm trainer 40, is adapted to the diameter of the liquid transfer shaft 1.

The was 1 has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet of the former is connected to a second flexible hose 5A-5B via a second downstream connector 4A-4B. The second flexible hose 5A-5B is further connected to a first flexible hose 3 via a first connector 2. The first flexible hose 3 is adapted to lead to the second flexible hose 5A-5B of the washing liquid. window stored in a tank (not shown) under the hood of the vehicle. The was 1 thus ensures the function of was transfer of liquid from the part of the device located under the awning grid 60 to the part of the device located above.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first flexible pipe 3 terminates substantially at the axis of the support bearing 50, X axis around which the arm trainer 40 and was 1 are rotatably mounted. The connection 2, preferably bent, ensures the connection and the fluidic connection of the first flexible pipe 3 and the second flexible pipe 5A-5B. Said second flexible hose 5A-5B extends along the axis of the support bearing 50 and is connected to a liquid inlet of the fut 1. The second flexible pipe 5A-5B is thus placed in fluid relation with the pipe 1 via a second connection 4A-4B, which can be T-shaped. In this way, when the pipe 1 is rotated around the axis X of the support bearing 50, following the movement of the arm-scraper between its lower position 20A and its upper position 20B, the second flexible pipe evolves between a position 5A and a position 5B, moving in a substantially vertical plane and parallel to the axis of rotation of the fut 1. In other words, between its two extreme positions represented under the references 5A and 5B, the second flexible pipe remains in a plane parallel to the axis X of rotation of the arm trainer 40, which is also the axis of revolution of the bearing -support 50. Depending on the position in which the second flexible pipe 5A-5B is located, the second connection connecting it to the fut is also represented in its two extreme positions referenced respectively 4A and 4B; the second connection 4A-4B moves in turn in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation X.

Due to this particular arrangement, with a first flexible pipe 3 bringing the window-washing liquid up to the axis of the support bearing 50, connected in fluidic connection, via a suitable coupling, with a second flexible hose 5A-5B, itself put in fluid connection with the fut 1, via a suitable connection, said second flexible hose 5A-5B being able to move in a plane parallel to the X axis of rotation of the 1, the movements imposed on the flexible pipe 5A-5B, providing the connection between a fixed element and a movable element, are reduced and do not generate a risk of pinching. In addition, the set of flexible hoses is completely hidden because arranged under the awning 60.

In addition, the was 1 is disposed at the level of the awning grid 60 and allows the windshield washer fluid to pass through. The windshield washer fluid exits the tank 1 via a liquid outlet, and is then conveyed by a flexible pipe or by a channel arranged in the mass of the scraper arm to the nozzles provided along said scraper arm 20A-20B.

In addition, according to one embodiment, in particular with a view to its clipping on the arm trainer, the 1 may comprise two parts, male and female, forming an upstream portion having the liquid inlet and a portion downstream showing the liquid outlet.

FIG. 3 shows another point of view making it possible to illustrate the embodiment of the device according to the invention as in FIG. 2.

As can be deduced from the foregoing description, the present invention also aims at the particular arrangement of the windshield washer fluid pipe as such, comprising two flexible pipes 3, 5A-5B, two connections 2, 4A. -4B and was 1, that the windshield wiper device in its entirety, including in particular the support bearing 50, the arm trainer 40, and the scraper arm 20A-20B, in addition to the liquid conduit device. It should be noted, moreover, that the present invention is not limited to the examples described above and is capable of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims:

1. Windshield washer fluid conduit device comprising a casing (1), a first flexible pipe (3), a second flexible pipe (5A-5B), a first coupling (2) and a second coupling (4A-4B) , characterized in that the tube (1) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (X), and in that said first (2) and second (4A-4B) connectors are configured to fluidically connect respectively the first flexible hose (3) and the second flexible hose (5A-5B), on the one hand, and the second flexible hose (5A-5B) and the other (1), on the other hand, so that, when it was (1) rotates about the axis of rotation (50), the second connector (4A-4B) moves in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation (X), and the second flexible hose (5A- 5B) moves in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (X).

2. Device for liquid conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that the fut (1) comprises an upstream portion and a complementary downstream portion, the upstream portion of the fut having a fluid inlet connected to the second flexible pipe (5A-5B ) via the second connector (4A-4B), and the downstream portion of the (1) having a liquid outlet.

3. Device for liquid conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connector (2) is bent.

4. Device for liquid conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connector (4A-4B) has a T-shape.

Windscreen washer device, comprising an arm trainer (40) rotatably mounted relative to a support bearing (50) about an axis of rotation (X) corresponding to an axis of revolution of the support bearing (50). , and a scraper arm (20A-20B) adapted to be rotated by the arm trainer (40), characterized in that it comprises a liquid conduit device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Screenwashing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the fut (1) is adapted and intended to be positioned at the passage of a cowl grille (60) of a front hood of a motor vehicle.

Windscreen washer according to one of Claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the blank (1) is arranged between the support bearing (50) and the arm trainer (40).

Windscreen washer according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first flexible pipe (3) is fluidically connected to the second flexible pipe (5A-5B) via the first coupling (2) close to the support bearing (50), such that said second flexible hose (5A-5B) extends along said support bearing (50) to the second coupling (4A-4B) providing the fluidic connection of said second flexible pipe (5A-5B) and of the pipe (1), so that the rotation of the pipe (1) causes the displacement of the second coupling (4A-4B) in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation (X) and causes the displacement of the second flexible pipe (5A-5B) in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (X).

9. Screenwashing device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the fut (1) is clipped onto the arm trainer (40).

10. Screenwashing device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a bearing cap adapted on the arm trainer (40) and able to hide said arm trainer (40). .