WO2024089222A1

WO2024089222A1 - Wiping system with heating element in a longitudinal end region of the wiper blade

Info

Publication number: WO2024089222A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/080022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Caillot; Jean-Michel Jarasson; Vincent Izabel
Original assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
Priority date: 2022-10-28
Filing date: 2023-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-02
Also published as: FR3141420A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wiping system comprising a wiper blade (105) and an arm capable of rotating the wiper blade. The wiper blade comprises a vertebra (201) extending in a longitudinal direction, at least one nozzle element (120) mounted in a longitudinal end area of the rigid vertebra. The nozzle element comprises at least one spray nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid outside the wiping system. The wiper blade comprises at least one resistive heating element (310) arranged in the longitudinal end area of the vertebra.

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping system with heating element in a longitudinal end zone of the wiping blade

[1] The present invention relates to a wiping system, in particular for a motor vehicle, and in particular a wiping system with a spray element in a longitudinal end zone of the wiper blade.

[2] It is known in the field of wiping systems for glass surfaces, in particular for the windshield or rear window of a motor vehicle, to provide a longitudinal channel in the wiping blade in order to project cleaning fluid from a spray element located at a longitudinal end of the wiper blade, the spray element comprising at least one spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid outside the wiper blade.

[3] Such a spray element in the extreme longitudinal position can in particular be used to project cleaning liquid onto the top of the windshield of a vehicle, or towards sensors located at the junction between the roof and the windshield of the vehicle. vehicle.

[4] At low temperatures, especially negative temperatures, the viscosity of the cleaning fluid increases and the projection on the windshield or other sensors is deteriorated. The projection nozzle can even freeze, preventing any projection.

[5] Such a problem is critical in the nozzle element located at the longitudinal end of the wiper blade, since the cleaning fluid travels longitudinally from the wiper blade to the nozzle element, which leads to strong cooling when the outside temperature is low or even negative.

[6] It is thus necessary to allow the projection of cleaning fluid by a nozzle element in the extreme position in a wiper blade, including in the event of low temperatures. [7] The present invention improves the situation.

[8] A first aspect of the invention relates to a wiper blade for a vehicle wiper system, the wiper blade being able to be rotated by an arm.

The wiper blade comprises at least one vertebra extending in a longitudinal direction, at least one nozzle element arranged in a longitudinal end zone of said at least vertebra and at least one distribution channel capable of conveying cleaning liquid along the vertebra towards the nozzle element, the nozzle element comprising at least one projection nozzle capable of projecting cleaning fluid outside the wiping system.

The wiper blade comprises at least one resistive heating element arranged at least partly in the longitudinal end zone of the at least one vertebra.

[9] It is thus made possible to heat the nozzle element while allowing its mounting in an end zone of said at least one vertebra. It is thus possible to ensure the projection of the cleaning fluid in an extreme longitudinal position in the event of low or negative temperatures.

[10]It is understood that the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra is the zone in which the resistive heating element is arranged and in which the nozzle element is mounted.

[1 l]Longitudinal end zone of a vertebra means a part of the vertebra closer to a longitudinal end of the vertebra than to a central longitudinal position of the vertebra, and preferably a part of the vertebra at least 3 times, or even 5 times, or even 10 times closer to the longitudinal end than to the central longitudinal position.

[12] For example, the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra includes the longitudinal end of the vertebra. According to one embodiment, the nozzle element can be shaped so as to define at least one space between at least one surface of said at least one vertebra and the nozzle element, and said at least one resistive heating element can be arranged in said at least one space between the surface of the vertebra and the nozzle element.

[13] Thus, the manufacturing and assembly of the wiping system are facilitated.

[14] According to one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle element arranged in the longitudinal end zone can be shaped so as to form a first space with a first surface of the end zone of the vertebra, a second space with a second surface of the end zone of the vertebra and the resistive heating element can be arranged on the first surface and on the second surface so as to partially surround the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra.

[15] Thus, the heating power is maximized by distributing the resistive heating element over several surfaces of the vertebra. It is therefore permitted to spray cleaning fluid, even when temperatures are low.

[16]The nozzle element may be shaped to form a third space with a third surface of the end region of the vertebra, and the resistive heating element may further be arranged on the third surface.

[17] According to embodiments, the end zone of said at least one vertebra may comprise a notch capable of fixing the nozzle element on the end zone of said at least one vertebra.

[18] Thus, the assembly of the elements of the wiping system is facilitated, which reduces its manufacturing cost.

[19]In addition or alternatively, one of the first and second surfaces may be a surface of the notch and the resistive heating element may partially surround the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra around the notch.

[20]Thus, the positioning and mounting of the resistive heating element on the vertebra are facilitated.

[21]In addition, the nozzle element can be shaped so as to further form a third space with a third surface of the end zone of the vertebra and the resistive element can comprise a first part, a second part and a third part connecting the first part to the second part, the third part having a width less than the notch of the vertebra and being arranged on the second surface, the second surface being an interior surface of the notch.

[22] Thus, the resistive element can be manufactured in planar form, then be folded around the vertebra and in the notch, when it is arranged on the rigid vertebra. In addition, the second part can be symmetrical to the first part, which facilitates the mounting of the resistive element on the longitudinal end zone of said at least one vertebra.

[23] According to embodiments, the wiping system may further comprise a conductive track arranged longitudinally along the vertebra, and the resistive heating element may be electrically connected to the conductive track or form an integral part of the track driver.

[24]Thus, the use of a conductive track makes it possible to power the resistive heating element with a small footprint. The resistive element can in particular be integrated into the conductive track, thus forming a single part, which facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the wiping system.

[25]Depending on embodiments, the conductive track may be a resistive heating track capable of heating the distribution channel.

[26]Thus, the resistive track performs a dual function of conducting the current to the resistive heating element and of heating the distribution channel, which ensures a lower viscosity of the cleaning fluid arriving in the nozzle projection, in the event of low or even negative outside temperature.

[27]In addition, the resistive heating element can have a surface heating power greater than that of the longitudinal conductive track.

[28]Thus, the heating power is increased near the projection nozzle, thus reducing the viscosity of the cleaning fluid before its projection and thus ensuring better projection.

[29] Alternatively, the wiping system may further comprise two electrical wires extending longitudinally along the wiping blade to the end zone of the vertebra and in contact with the element resistive heating element so as to supply current to said resistive heating element.

[30] Thus, it is made possible to power the resistive heating element without a conductive track on the vertebra.

[31]Depending on embodiments, the resistive heating element may be a resistive heating film.

[32]Thus, the compactness of the wiping system is improved. Its assembly is also easy.

[33] This presentation also concerns a wiping system comprising:

- a wiper blade conforming to any of the above-mentioned characteristics;

- an arm capable of rotating said wiping blade.

[34] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear further through the description which follows on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand , on which ones :

[35][fig 1] Figure 1 illustrates elements of a wiping system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[36] [f ig 2a] Figure 2a is view of a longitudinal end zone comprising a nozzle element of a wiping system according to embodiments of the invention;

[37] [fig 2b] Figure 2b illustrates a resistive heating element in the extreme longitudinal position of a vertebra of a wiping system according to a first embodiment;

[38] [fig 2c] Figure 2c illustrates a cross section of a longitudinal end zone of a wiper blade according to the first embodiment;

[39] [fig 3a] Figure 3a illustrates a front view of a resistive heating element according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[40] [fig 3b] Figure 3b illustrates a resistive heating element in the extreme longitudinal position of a vertebra of a wiping system according to the second embodiment; [41] [fig 3c] Figure 3c illustrates a cross section of a longitudinal end zone of a wiper blade according to the second embodiment.

[42] It should first be noted that if the figures present the invention in detail for its implementation, they can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. It should also be noted that, in all the figures, similar elements and/or fulfilling the same function are indicated by the same numbering.

[43] Figure 1 illustrates a wiping system 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The wiping system can be installed on a glass surface of a vehicle, such as for example a windshield, a rear window or a window.

[44]The wiping system comprises at least one arm 103 and a wiping blade 105 attached to the arm by a fixing device 104. It can also include a drive device 101 of the arm 103, connected by a connection 115 to the motor vehicle.

[45]The drive device 101 is configured to set the wiper blade 105 in motion via the arm 103, the wiper blade 105 being in contact with the glass surface. The movement of the arm 103 is typically a back and forth movement, preferably a circular movement. For this purpose, the drive device 101 can itself be moved by a motor around a pivot connection making it possible to achieve the circular movement of the wiping system 100.

[46]No restriction is attached to the fixing device 104 which is capable of allowing the mechanical fixing of the wiper blade 105 to the arm 103. The mechanical fixing can in particular be by tightening, by nesting, or by any other means. No restriction is attached to the degrees of freedom permitted by the mechanical connection produced by the fixing device 104.

[47]The wiping system 100 further comprises an assembly for injecting a cleaning fluid from a reservoir, not shown in Figure 1, to at least one projection nozzle. The at least one spray nozzle is a spray nozzle 113 located in the wiper blade 105, as described later. In addition, optionally, the wiping system may include at least one other projection nozzle in the arm 103, in the wiping blade 105 and/or in a fixed position on a hood of the vehicle. Each projection nozzle is capable of projecting cleaning fluid towards the outside of the wiping system 100.

[48]As shown in Figure 1, at least one projection nozzle 111 and at least one projection nozzle 112 can be arranged in the wiper blade 105 so as to project or disperse cleaning fluid onto the swept glass surface by the wiping system. Three projection nozzles 111 and three projection nozzles 112 have been shown in Figure 1, for illustration purposes only. In other embodiments, the wiper blade may comprise only the at least one projection nozzle 111 or only the at least one projection nozzle 112.

[49]The at least one projection nozzle 111 and the at least one projection nozzle 112 may both be capable of projecting cleaning fluid onto the glazed surface in order to improve the efficiency of wiping, or can be dedicated to cleaning a sensor.

[50] For example, the at least one projection nozzle 111 and the at least one projection nozzle 112 project towards the same glazed surface swept by the broom 105.

[51] For example, here, the at least one projection nozzle 111 and the at least one projection nozzle 112 project in two distinct directions, both normal to a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 105, so as to project in different sweeping directions of the wiping system 100.

[52] For example, the at least one projection nozzle 111 may be able to project cleaning fluid towards the glazed surface in an upward sweeping direction, and the at least one projection nozzle 112 may be able to project cleaning fluid towards the glass surface in a downward sweeping direction. An upward direction can correspond to a sweeping movement from the hood of the vehicle towards the roof, when the glass surface is a windshield. Thus, the projection of the cleaning fluid is always in front of the wiping blade 105. It is thus made possible to improve the driver's visibility through the glass surface and to make sweeping by the wiper blade 105 more efficient.

[53] Alternatively, the wiper blade 105 comprises at least one projection nozzle 111 but does not include any projection nozzle 112, and cleaning fluid can be projected in the upward sweeping direction. Still as a variant, the wiper blade 105 comprises at least one projection nozzle 112 but does not include any projection nozzle 111, and cleaning fluid can thus be projected in the downward sweeping direction.

[54]According to embodiments of the invention, the projection nozzles of the wiping system are all arranged in the wiping blade 105.

[55]As a variant, replacing the at least one projection nozzle 111 and the at least one projection nozzle 112, at least one projection nozzle 114 can be integrated into the arm 103, the at least one nozzle projection 114 being capable of projecting cleaning fluid towards a glazed surface swept by the wiping blade 105. In Figure 1, an example with three projection nozzles 114 has been shown, for illustration purposes only. In other embodiments, the arm 103 may comprise a single projection nozzle 114.

[56]The at least one projection nozzle 111 and the at least one projection nozzle 112, or the at least one projection nozzle 114, can be replaced by at least one projection nozzle fixed on the hood of the vehicle on which the wiping system is installed. It will thus be understood that the at least one projection nozzle 111, the at least one projection nozzle 112 and the at least one projection nozzle 114 are optional according to the invention.

[57] According to the invention, the wiper blade 105 comprises at least one nozzle element 120 arranged in a longitudinal end zone of the wiper blade 105, the nozzle element 120 comprising at least one projection nozzle 113 capable of to project cleaning fluid outside the wiping system and arranged in a longitudinal end zone of the wiping blade 105. The term longitudinal end zone of a vertebra means a part of the vertebra more close to a longitudinal end of the vertebra than to a central longitudinal position of the vertebra, and preferably a part of the vertebra at least 3 times, even 5 times, even 10 times closer to the longitudinal end than to the longitudinal central position. The longitudinal end zone of a vertebra includes in particular the end of the vertebra.

[58]No restriction is attached to the main direction of projection of the at least one projection nozzle 113.

[59]The at least one projection nozzle 113 may be capable of projecting cleaning fluid:

- to a vehicle sensor such as a Lidar;

- on the glass surface swept by the wiping system 100; and or

- to another vehicle sensor.

[60]The at least one projection nozzle 113 being located in a longitudinal end zone, in the event of a negative external temperature, the cleaning fluid arriving in the projection nozzle 113 can be very cold, therefore very viscous, this which deteriorates its projection by the projection nozzle 113.

[61] In order to overcome this drawback, the invention provides for the use of a resistive heating element in a longitudinal end zone, as presented in the description of the following figures.

[62] Figure 2a illustrates a three-dimensional view of a longitudinal end zone of a wiping blade 105 comprising a nozzle element 120 of a wiping system 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[63]The nozzle element 120 may be a part arranged on the wiper blade 105, fixed in a longitudinal end zone of a vertebra 201 of the wiper blade 105. The nozzle element 120 may be made of plastic or rubber. The nozzle element 120 can in particular be shaped so as to at least partially surround the vertebra 201, in particular so as to at least partially surround the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra 201. The assembly and positioning of the nozzle element 120 on the vertebra 201 are thus facilitated.

[64]The vertebra 201 extends longitudinally along the entire wiper blade 105. The wiper blade 105 can in particular be fixed to the fixation device 104 previously described by the vertebra. The wiper blade 105 may comprise several vertebrae 201, in which case a heating element as described in the following may be provided for each of the vertebrae. In this case, the nozzle element can at least partially surround the vertebrae, in particular the respective longitudinal end zones of the vertebrae. In the following, an embodiment with a single vertebra is described, for illustrative purposes only.

[65]No restriction is attached to the geometry of vertebra 201 or the material of which it is composed. The vertebra can be made of metal, an alloy or plastic for example. The vertebra 201 is preferably rigid and flexible so as to distribute the pressure along the wiping blade 105 following the curvature of the glass surface which it sweeps.

[66]In the example of Figure 2a, the nozzle element 120 includes two projection nozzles 113, for illustration purposes only. It will be understood, however, that the nozzle element 120 may comprise a single projection nozzle 113, or three or more projection nozzles 113.

[67]The wiper blade 105 may further comprise a flexible sweeping element 203 capable of sweeping a window. The scanning element 203 is generally made of rubber and is connected to the rigid vertebra 201.

[68]The wiper blade 105 may further comprise a conductive track 202 in a conductive material and extending longitudinally along the vertebra 201. The conductive track 202 is able to transport a current to a resistive heating element described later.

[69] The conductive track 202 can be resistive heating so as to heat the projection fluid along a distribution channel bringing the cleaning fluid to the nozzle element 120. When the conductive track 202 is heated, it can also allow, when the wiper blade 101 comprises at least at least one projection nozzle 111 or at least one projection nozzle 112 in an intermediate position longitudinally in the wiper blade 105, outside the longitudinal end zone , to improve the projection of the cleaning fluid through the at least one projection nozzle 111 or the at least one projection nozzle 112. A projection of fluid of optimal cleaning on the glass surface swept by the wiping system 100, even in the event of low or negative exterior temperatures. For this purpose, the conductive track 202 may comprise a resistive mesh near the at least one projection nozzle 111 and/or the at least one projection nozzle 112.

[70] Alternatively, the conductive track 202 is not resistive, and is only capable of conducting the current to the nozzle element 120.

[71]The wiper blade 105 may further comprise an aerodynamic element 204, capable of pressing the wiper blade 100 against a glazed surface by air pressure on the aerodynamic element 204 when the wiper blade 105 is driven in rotation. Such an aerodynamic element 204 is well known and is not described further in the present description. An element is said to be resistive if it has an electrical resistance greater than a predetermined threshold.

[72] Figure 2b shows a resistive heating element 210 in a longitudinal end zone of the vertebra 201 of a wiping system 100 according to a first embodiment.

[73]In Figure 2b, the wiper blade 105 is shown without the nozzle element 120 so as to visualize the resistive heating element 210.

[74]The resistive heating element 210 can be in the form of a film arranged on a surface of the vertebra 201. The use of a film makes it possible to facilitate the integration of the resistive heating element 210 and to limit the bulk.

[75]The resistive heating element 210 is electrically connected with the conductive track 202, so as to be supplied with current, or is an integral part of the conductive track 202. The resistive heating element 210 is thus capable of heating the zone d the longitudinal end of the wiper blade 105, and to allow a projection of cleaning fluid through the at least one projection nozzle 113, even in the event of low temperatures.

[76]The rigid vertebra 201 may comprise a notch 211 capable of holding the nozzle element 120 when it is arranged in the longitudinal end zone of the wiper blade 105, in particular when the nozzle element at least partially surrounds the end zone longitudinal of the wiper blade 105. The nozzle element 120 can in particular be clipped onto the rigid vertebra 201 by means of the notch 211.

[77]The resistive heating element 210 can be shaped with a notch of dimension greater than the notch 211, so as to surround the notch 211 and to occupy a maximum surface area of the vertebra and to optimize the heating of the element nozzle 120.

[78]The resistive heating element 210 can be fixed on the vertebra 201. No restriction is attached to the means of fixing the resistive heating element 210 on the vertebra 201. For example, the resistive heating element 210 can be glued to the vertebra 201 or can be enclosed by elements of the vertebra 201 not shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[79] Figure 2c illustrates a cross section of a longitudinal end of a wiper blade 105 according to the first embodiment.

[80] As illustrated, the nozzle element 120 may comprise one or more injection channels 230.1 and 230.2 capable of conveying cleaning fluid from distribution channels of the wiper blade 105, not visible in the figures, to the projection nozzles 113. When the nozzle element 120 comprises only a single projection nozzle 113, a single injection channel 230.1 or 230.2 can be provided to convey the cleaning fluid from a distribution channel of the wiper blade 105 towards the projection nozzle 113.

[81]Thus, the nozzle element 120 comprises at least one injection channel 230.1 or 230.2. Two injection channels 230.1 and 230.2 are shown for illustration purposes in the case where the nozzle element 120 comprises two projection nozzles 113.

[82]The wiper blade 105 thus comprises one or more distribution channels for transporting cleaning fluid longitudinally along the rigid vertebra 201. The wiper blade 105 may comprise one or more distribution channels for distributing cleaning fluid to the injection channels 230.1 or 230.2, a distribution channel, at least one projection nozzle 111 and/or a distribution channel for the at least one projection nozzle 112 112. [83]The respective arrangement between the rigid vertebra 201 and the nozzle element 120 can create a space between at least a first surface 220 of the vertebra and the nozzle element 120. The resistive heating element 210 can thus be arranged in this space, on the first surface 220. The resistive heating element has dimensions less than or equal to this space. However, the resistive heating element preferably has a dimension very close to the dimension of the space. For example, the resistive heating element may have a thickness greater than 95% of the thickness of the space between the first surface 220 and the spray element.

120, while being less than or equal to the thickness of the space, so as to optimize the heating of the nozzle element 120. Preferably, the resistive heating element 210 has the same thickness as the space, of so as to be in contact with the nozzle element 120 when it is mounted on the rigid vertebra 201.

[84] Figure 3a is a front view of a resistive heating element 310 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[85]As for the first embodiment, the resistive heating element 310 can be in the form of a film, that is to say that one of its dimensions is at least 3 times, preferably at least 10 times , lower than the other two dimensions. In particular, the resistive heating element 310 can extend mainly in the plane of Figure 3a, and have a thickness, in a direction normal to Figure 3a, at least three times less than its dimensions in the plane of Figure 3a. 3a.

[86]The resistive heating element 310 may comprise a first part 311.1, a second part 311.2, which may be symmetrical with respect to the first part 311.1 with respect to a horizontal axis of the plane of Figure 3a and a third part 311.3 connecting the first part 311.1 to the second part 311.2. The third part is narrower, preferably at least half as wide as the first and second parts 311.1 and 311.2. The first part 311.1 is shown as symmetrical to the second part 311.2, for illustration purposes only. Indeed, the first and second parts 311.1 and 311.2 can have different shapes according to the invention. [87]The resistive heating element 310 can be folded at the junction between the first part 311.1 and the third part 311.3, and at the junction between the second part 311.2 and the third part 311.3 , so as to be arranged on three surfaces of the rigid vertebra 201, as shown in Figures 3b and 3c. More generally, the resistive heating element 310 can comprise at least two parts which can be folded relative to each other so as to be arranged on at least two surfaces of the vertebra 201.

[88] In particular, as shown in Figure 3b, the second part 311.2 can be of smaller dimension than the notch 211, in this case less wide than the notch 211, so as to be arranged on a surface internal of the notch 211. Thus, the three parts, once folded, can at least partially surround the rigid vertebra 201, thus promoting the heating of the nozzle element 120.

[89]The fact that the resistive heating element 310 is in several parts which can be folded, facilitates its manufacture and its assembly on the vertebra 201. In the example of Figure 3b, the fact that the resistive heating element 310 is symmetrical also makes it easier to manufacture. In addition, the fact of being shaped to surround the rigid vertebra at the level of the notch 211 makes it easier to position the resistive heating element 310.

[90]The resistive heating element 310 can be fixed on the vertebra 201. No restriction is attached to the means of fixing the resistive heating element 310 on the vertebra 201. For example, the resistive heating element 310 can be glued to the vertebra or can be enclosed by elements of the vertebra 201 not shown in Figure 3b. Alternatively, the dimensions of the parts of the resistive heating element 310 may be suitable for the resistive heating element 310 to surround the vertebra 201.

[91]As shown in Figure 3c, the first part 311.1 is arranged on a first surface of the vertebra 201, in a first space between the vertebra and the nozzle element 120, the third part 311.3 is arranged on the internal surface of the notch 211, i.e. a second surface of the rigid vertebra 201, in a second space between the vertebra and the nozzle element 120, and the second part 311.2 is arranged on a third surface of the rigid vertebra 201, opposite the first surface, in a third space between the vertebra and the nozzle element 120.

[92]As for the resistive heating element 210 according to the first embodiment, the resistive heating element 310 may have a thickness, or thicknesses, equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the first, second and third spaces.

[93] For example:

- the first part 311.1 can have a thickness greater than 95% of the thickness of the first space, while being less than or equal to this thickness;

- the second part 311.2 can have a thickness greater than 95% of the thickness of the third space, while being less than or equal to this thickness; And

- the third part 311.3 may have a thickness greater than 95% of the thickness of the second space, while being less than or equal to this thickness

[94]Thus, the heating of the nozzle element 120 is optimized. Preferably, the resistive heating element 310 has the same thickness as the first, second and third spaces, so as to be in contact with the nozzle element 120 when it is mounted on the rigid vertebra 201.

[95]As for the resistive heating element 210, the resistive heating element 310 according to the second embodiment can be powered by a conductive track 202 arranged on the rigid vertebra, that is to say be in electrical connection with the conductive track 202, or can be integrated into the conductive track 202. Such a track 202 can also be resistive so as to heat the at least one distribution channel conveying the cleaning fluid to the nozzle element 120.

[96]When the resistive heating element 210 or 310 is integrated into the conductive track 202, the elements 210 or 310, and 202 are controlled by the same electrical signals, which simplifies their control. On the other hand, when the elements 210 or 310, and 202 are distinct, it is possible to provide dedicated electrical control for the resistive element heating 210 or 310 which can therefore be controlled independently of the conductive track 202.

[97] Other geometries of resistive heating elements 210 and 310 can of course be provided according to the invention. They depend in particular on the geometry of the longitudinal end zone of the rigid vertebra 201, as well as the spaces left by the nozzle element 120 when it is mounted on the rigid vertebra 201.

[98]According to certain alternatives, the rigid vertebra 201 does not include any conductive track 202. This is particularly the case when the wiper blade does not include any projection nozzle other than at least one projection nozzle 113 included in the nozzle element 120 in the longitudinal end zone of the rigid vertebra 201. In this case, the resistive heating element 210 or 310 can be supplied with current by two electric wires, not shown in the figures. The electrical wires can be attached to the wiper blade 105 and the arm 103, and be connected to a power supply in a fixed position in the wiper system.

[99]The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] Wiper blade (105) for a vehicle wiper system, the wiper blade being able to be rotated by an arm (103); the wiper blade comprising at least one vertebra (201) extending in a longitudinal direction, at least one nozzle element (120) mounted on a longitudinal end zone of the at least one vertebra and at least one channel of distribution capable of conveying cleaning fluid along the at least one vertebra towards said nozzle element, the nozzle element comprising at least one projection nozzle (113) capable of projecting cleaning fluid outside the system 'wiping; in which the wiper blade comprises at least one resistive heating element (210; 310) arranged at least partly in the longitudinal end zone of the at least one vertebra.

[Claim 2] Wiper blade according to claim 1, in which the nozzle element is shaped so as to define at least one space between at least one surface (220) of said at least one vertebra and the nozzle element, and wherein said at least one resistive heating element is arranged in said at least one space between the surface of the vertebra and the nozzle element.

[Claim 3] Wiper blade according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle element (120) arranged on the longitudinal end zone is shaped so as to form a first space with a first surface of the end zone of the vertebra (201), a second space with a second surface of the end of the vertebra, and in which the resistive heating element (310) is arranged on the first surface and on the second surface so as to partially surround the area longitudinal end of the vertebra.

[Claim 4] Wiping blade according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the end zone of the vertebra (201) comprises a notch (211) capable of fixing the nozzle element (120) on the longitudinal end zone of the vertebra.

[Claim 5] Wiper blade according to claims 3 and 4, in which one of the first and second surfaces is a surface of the notch (211) and in which the resistive heating element (310) partially surrounds the area longitudinal end of the vertebra (201) around the notch.

[Claim 6] Wiper blade according to claim 5, in which the nozzle element is shaped so as to further form a third space with a third surface of the end zone of the vertebra, and in which the element resistive heater (310) comprises a first part (311.1), a second part (311.2), and a third part (311.3), the third part connecting the first part to the second part, the third part having a width less than the notch of the vertebra and being arranged on the second surface, the second surface being an interior surface of the notch (211).

[Claim 7] Wiper blade according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conductive track (202) arranged longitudinally along the vertebra (201), and in which the resistive heating element (210; 310) is electrically connected to said conductive track or is an integral part of the conductive track.

[Claim 8] Wiper blade according to claim 7, in which the conductive track (202) is a resistive heating track capable of heating said at least one distribution channel.

[Claim 9] Wiper blade according to claim 8, in which the resistive heating element (210; 310) has a heating power density greater than that of the longitudinal conductive track (202).

[Claim 10] Wiper blade according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising two electrical wires extending longitudinally along the wiper blade (105) to the end zone of the vertebra ( 201) and contact with the resistive heating element (210; 310) so as to supply said resistive heating element with current.

[Claim 11]

[Claim 12] Wiping system comprising:

- a wiper blade conforming to any one of the preceding claims;

- an arm capable of rotating said wiping blade.