End cap of a wiper blade for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an end cap (10) of a wiper blade for a vehicle, this end cap (10) being arranged to be mounted at one end of a longitudinal mount (3) bearing a wiper rubber (2) for cleaning a glazed surface, the end cap including a first zone that is arranged to receive an end portion of the longitudinal mount (3) and has a first aerodynamic profile and a second zone that has a second aerodynamic profile, this second zone being arranged such that the end portion of the longitudinal mount received in the first zone (14) is set back from this second zone (15), characterised in that the first aerodynamic profile (17) of the first zone (14) is different from the second aerodynamic profile (11) of the second zone (15).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Wiper blade end cap for vehicle

[0001] The invention relates in particular to an end piece and a wiper blade for a vehicle. [2] The vehicle can be of the land, sea, or air type. The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle for the road. [3] The invention is particularly applicable for wiping a glass surface such as a windshield. [4] As is known, motor vehicle wiper systems comprise at least one drive arm and a wiper blade which has a scraper blade intended to bear against a glass surface of the motor vehicle. The drive arm is driven in an angular reciprocating motion against the glass surface of the motor vehicle, and during this motion it drives the wiper blade and its scraper blade so that it rubs against the glass surface and thus removes water, dirt and dust which may obstruct the driver's view of their surroundings. [5] As is known, the wiper blade is attached to the drive arm by a connection assembly that includes a connector fixed to the wiper blade and an adapter configured to cooperate with the wiper blade and with an end portion of the drive arm. This connection assembly is configured, on the one hand, to allow the reciprocating movement of the wiper blade against the glass surface in question, and, on the other hand, to ensure effective contact of the wiper blade with the glass surface in order to achieve effective wiping and / or cleaning. [6] One disadvantage of known wiping systems is related to the lack of uniformity and efficiency of wiping and / or cleaning over the entire length of the scraper blade, and more particularly at one longitudinal end where a potential poor contact of the scraper blade with the surface to be cleaned can lead to a wiping defect. [7] The present invention is specifically designed to remedy this drawback. [8] The invention thus relates to an end piece of a windshield wiper for a vehicle, this end piece being arranged to be mounted on one end of a longitudinal frame which carries a scraper blade for cleaning a glass surface, the end piece comprising a first zone arranged to receive an end portion of the longitudinal frame comprising a first aerodynamic profile and a second zone comprising a second aerodynamic profile, this second zone being arranged so that the end portion of the longitudinal frame received in the first zone is set back from this second zone, characterized in that the first aerodynamic profile of the first zone is different from the second aerodynamic profile of the second zone. [9] Thus, on the wiper blade, there are successive main aerodynamic profiles of the longitudinal mount and, in the extension of this main aerodynamic profile, the first and second aerodynamic profiles of the end piece which ensure that the blade is pressed against the glass surface along its entire length, including at its end where the tip is located.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to have wiping which is effective over the entire length of the broom, including at its ends where, in known devices, there are risks of the scraper blade coming loose.

[0011] It is understood that the first and second aerodynamic profiles of the end piece each have a surface profile (called "lifting") such that a clamping force is applied along the entire length of the end piece against the glazed surface.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle has a step between the first zone and the second zone.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the step is straight. In particular, this step is a flat surface perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the broom.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, in the first zone, the end piece has sufficient dimensions to be able to enclose the end portion of the longitudinal mount, including a main aerodynamic profile of the mount, such that the end piece, in this first zone, has an outer circumference that is larger than the main aerodynamic profile of the mount. Thus this The outer edge of the tip is not in line with the main aerodynamic profile.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the first area of ​​the tip has a wraparound shape around the shape of the end portion of the longitudinal mount.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the end portion of the longitudinal mount extends into the tip up to the step, namely in the first zone and without overflowing into the second zone.

[0017] This frame is notably made by extruding a plastic material.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, after walking, in the second zone, the circumference of the tip is reduced compared to the circumference in the first zone so that the second aerodynamic profile is substantially in line with the main aerodynamic profile.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the tip has an insertion side which is provided with an insertion opening arranged to allow the longitudinal mount to be inserted into the tip.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the end piece comprises a hollow body forming the first zone which is open towards the second zone which is closed at its terminal end.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the first zone and the second zone share a common back wall facing the glazed surface.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the first zone is arranged to receive the end portion of the longitudinal mount and includes a first upper wall for receiving the end portion of the longitudinal mount, this upper wall facing the common bottom wall, and this first upper wall forms the first aerodynamic profile.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the second area of ​​the nozzle comprises a second upper wall facing the common bottom wall and forming the second aerodynamic profile.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the first zone is greater than the height of the second zone, the height of the first zone being the vertical distance measured between the bottom wall and a point on the first upper receiving wall, the height of the second zone being the vertical distance measured between the bottom wall and a point on the second upper wall.

[0025] In other words, on any straight line perpendicular to the bottom wall of the nozzle and which intersects the first and second zones, the point of intersection with the first zone is at a greater height than the height of the point of intersection of this line with the second zone.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal distance between the insertion opening and the step of the nozzle, for example a distance of less than 10 mm, is smaller than the longitudinal distance between this step and the terminal end of the nozzle. This distance is between 5 and 6 mm, for example.

[0027] In other words, the first zone has a shorter length than the second zone, these lengths being measured along the longitudinal direction of the broom.

[0028] Thus the second aerodynamic profile extends longitudinally over a major part of the tip, which allows for a satisfactory aerodynamic downforce to press the wiper blade against the glass surface.

[0029] For example, the first zone has a length less than half, or a quarter, or a fifth, of the length of the second zone.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the tip includes an aerodynamic leading edge, and the first and second aerodynamic profiles extend from this edge.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the first aerodynamic profile has a greater slope than the slope of the second aerodynamic profile, at least in a region adjacent to the leading edge.

[0032] The slope is measured by an angle between a plane parallel to the bottom wall of the nozzle and the aerodynamic profile.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the second aerodynamic profile comprises a first slope region extending from the leading edge to a second slope region, this second slope being larger than the first slope.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the first slope region is locally flat.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the first slope region is flat over most of its total area.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle of the slope of the first slope region is between 0° and 45, in particular between 10° and 30°.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle of the slope of the second slope region is between 45° and 90°, in particular between 70° and 90°.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle of the slope in the second slope region varies as one moves away from the first slope region.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the second slope region connects to the first slope region by forming a curved profile so as to promote aerodynamics.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the second slope region is formed on a raised wing of the tip and the first slope region is formed on a base of the tip.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the base is formed by the hollow body.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the wing of the tip is formed by a solid wall of the tip.

[0043] The solid wall is therefore less thick than a double wall, for example in the shape of a U.

[0044] Thus, thanks to this reduced thickness, the wing of the tip can be placed relatively far back from the leading edge in order to offer the widest possible aerodynamic surface.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the wing has a ridge line which is straight, between the step and the terminal end of the tip.

[0046] This ridge line forms the apex of this wing.

[0047] Alternatively, the wing features a ridge line that is curved, between the step and the terminal end of the tip.

[0048] For example, this curved ridge line approaches the leading edge of the tip as you move from the step towards the terminal end of the tip.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the second aerodynamic profile is substantially constant between the step and the terminal end of the tip.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the first zone is greater than the height of the second zone so as to form the step.

[0051] The height of the wing can be constant, increasing, or decreasing, between the step and the terminal end of the tip.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the tip has a rear face, on the side opposite the leading edge, provided with a concave area with concavity directed outwards from the brush, this concave area being located at the junction of the wing on the base.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the tip is made of plastic material, in particular as a single piece.

[0054] The invention further relates to a windshield wiper comprising a scraper blade, a longitudinal mount with a main aerodynamic profile, the mount to which the scraper blade is attached, and an end tip as described above, this tip being mounted at the end of the longitudinal mount.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the second aerodynamic profile of the tip has a shape that is substantially in line with the shape of the main aerodynamic profile of the longitudinal mount.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the broom comprises two tips as described above, each being mounted at one of the two ends of the longitudinal mount.

[0057] Alternatively, the brush includes a single nozzle as described above, mounted at one of the two ends of the longitudinal mount.

[0058] The invention also relates to a system for wiping a vehicle's glazed surface, the wiping system comprising: - a windshield wiper blade as described above, the wiper blade being intended to be placed in contact with the glass surface, - a wiper arm configured to drive the wiper blade, - a connection device configured to securely attach the wiper blade to the wiper arm.

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

[0060] [Fig.1] illustrates a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a windshield wiper blade conforming to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of an end piece of the brush in FIGURE 1;

[0062] [Fig.3] illustrates a profile view of the end portion of the broom mount in FIGURE 1;

[0063] [Fig.4] illustrates a side view of the end piece of FIGURE 1.

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a windshield wiper blade 1 conforming to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] This wiper blade 1 comprises a scraper blade 2, a longitudinal mount 3 to which the scraper blade 2 is attached and two end caps 10 of main longitudinal orientation according to an embodiment of the invention, as clearly visible in figure 3.

[0066] This mount 3 is notably made by extruding a plastic material.

[0067] Each tip 10 is mounted at one end of the longitudinal mount 3.

[0068] This wiper blade 1 is used in a vehicle window wiping system, being mounted on a wiper arm via a connection device 5 configured to securely fix the wiper blade 1 to the wiper arm, not shown.

[0069] The longitudinal mount 3 includes a main aerodynamic profile 6 arranged so that a relative wind, which is produced by the movement of the vehicle, produces a force tending to press the brush 1 against the glazed surface.

[0070] As illustrated in particular in Figure 2, the end piece 10 has a first zone 14 arranged to receive an end portion 8 of the longitudinal mount 3 comprising a first aerodynamic profile 17 and a second zone 15 comprising a second aerodynamic profile 11, this second zone 15 being arranged so that the end portion 8 of the longitudinal mount 3 received in the first zone 14 is set back from this second zone 15.

[0071] The first aerodynamic profile 17 of the first zone 14 is different from the second aerodynamic profile 11 of the second zone 15.

[0072] The second aerodynamic profile 11 is substantially in line with the main aerodynamic profile 6 of the longitudinal mount 3.

[0073] The first zone 14 includes a first upper wall 48 receiving the end portion 8 of the longitudinal mount, this first upper wall 48 facing a common bottom wall 27.

[0074] The second zone 15 of the tip includes a second upper wall 49 facing the common bottom wall 27 and forming the second aerodynamic profile 11.

[0075] The end piece 10 has a straight step 16 between the first zone 14 and the second zone 15.

[0076] In the first zone 14, the end piece 10 has sufficient dimensions to be able to wrap around the end portion 8 of the longitudinal mount 2, including the main aerodynamic profile 6, so that the end piece 10, in this first zone 14, has a first aerodynamic profile 17 which is larger than the main aerodynamic profile 6. Thus this first aerodynamic profile 17 of the end piece 10 is not in the continuation of the main aerodynamic profile 6, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2.

[0077] The end portion 8 of the longitudinal mount 3 extends into the end piece 10 up to the step 16, namely in the first zone 14 and without overflowing into the second zone 15.

[0078] Following step 16, in the second zone 15, the perimeter 18 of the tip is reduced compared to the perimeter in the first zone 14 so that the second aerodynamic profile 11 is in line with the main aerodynamic profile 6.

[0079] The tip 10 has an insertion side 20 which is provided with a lateral insertion opening 21 arranged to allow the longitudinal mount 3 to be inserted into the tip 10.

[0080] The longitudinal distance between the lateral insertion opening 21 and the step 16 of the nozzle 10, for example a distance of less than 10 mm, is smaller than the longitudinal distance between this step 16 and the terminal end 22 of the nozzle 10. This distance is between 5 and 6 mm for example.

[0081] In other words, the first zone 14 has a shorter length L1 than the length L2 of the second zone 15, these lengths being measured along the longitudinal direction X of the broom 1.

[0082] Thus the second aerodynamic profile 11 extends over a major part of the tip 10, which allows for a satisfactory aerodynamic downforce to press the brush 1 against the glass surface.

[0083] The tip 10 includes an aerodynamic leading edge 23, and the first and second aerodynamic profiles 17 and 11 extend from this edge 23.

[0084] The second aerodynamic profile 11 includes a first slope region 24 which extends from the leading edge 23 to a second slope region 25, as can be seen for example in Figure 4.

[0085] The slope corresponds to the angle B between, on the one hand, a plane P adjacent to the bottom wall 27 of the nozzle 10 turned towards the scraper blade 2 and, on the other hand, the second aerodynamic profile 11 which includes the regions 24 or 25.

[0086] The first slope region 24 is sloping flat over most of its total area.

[0087] The angle B of the slope of the first slope region 24 is between 0° and 45, especially between 10° and 30°.

[0088] The angle of the slope of the second slope region 25 is between 45° and 90°, in particular between 70° and 90°.

[0089] The angle of the slope in the second slope region 25 varies as one moves away from the first slope region 24. Thus this second slope region 25 becomes steeper and steeper as one moves away from the first slope region 24.

[0090] The second slope region 25 connects to the first slope region 24 by forming a curved profile 28 in order to promote aerodynamics.

[0091] The second slope region 25 is formed on a raised wing 30 of the tip 10 and the first slope region 24 is formed on a base 31 of the tip 10.

[0092] The first aerodynamic profile 17 includes a first slope region 45 which extends from the leading edge 23 to a second slope region 46, as can be seen for example in figure 4. The second slope is greater than the first slope.

[0093] The slope corresponds to the angle A between, on the one hand, the plane P adjacent to the bottom wall 27 of the nozzle 10 turned towards the scraper blade 2 and, on the other hand, the first aerodynamic profile 17.

[0094] The height of the first zone 14 is greater than the height of the second zone 15, the height of the first zone 14 being the vertical distance measured between the plane P adjacent to the bottom wall 27 and a point of the first upper receiving wall 48, the height of the second zone 15 being the vertical distance measured between the bottom wall 27 and a point of the second upper wall 49.

[0095] In other words, on any straight line perpendicular to the bottom wall P of the nozzle and which intersects the first and second zones 14 and 15, the point of intersection with the first zone 14 is at a greater height than the height of the point of intersection of this line with the second zone 15.

[0096] Step 16 between zones 14 and 15 has a height of approximately 2 mm, for example.

[0097] The main aerodynamic profile 6 has, like the second aerodynamic profile 11, a first slope region 40 extending into a steeper slope region 41 formed on a wing 42.

[0098] The base 31 of the tip 10 is formed by a hollow body 51.

[0099] The wing 30 of the tip 10 is formed by a solid wall 32.

[0100] The wing 30 of the tip 10 can be placed relatively far back with respect to the leading edge 23 so as to provide the widest possible aerodynamic surface.

[0101] Wing 30 has a ridge line 33 which is straight, between step 16 and terminal end 22 of tip 10.

[0102] This ridge line 33 forms the summit of this wing 30.

[0103] Alternatively, the wing 30 has a ridge line 33 which is curved, between the step 16 and the terminal end 22 of the tip 10.

[0104] For example, this curved ridge line 33 approaches the leading edge 23 of the tip as one moves from the step 16 towards the terminal end 22 of the tip 10.

[0105] The height of the second aerodynamic profile 11 is substantially constant between the step 16 and the terminal end 22 of the nozzle 10.

[0106] The height of the wing 30 can be constant or increasing or decreasing, between the step 16 and the terminal end 22 of the tip 10.

[0107] The tip 10 has a rear face 35, on the side opposite the leading edge 23, provided with a concave area 36 with concavity directed outwards from the brush, this concave area 36 being located at the junction of the wing 30 on the base 31.

[0108] Tip 10 is made of plastic material, specifically as a single piece.

Claims

Demands

1. End piece (10) of a windshield wiper (1) for a vehicle, this end piece (10) being arranged to be mounted at one end of a longitudinal mount (3) which carries a scraper blade (2) for cleaning a glass surface, the end piece having a first zone arranged to receive an end portion (8) of the longitudinal mount (3) comprising a first aerodynamic profile and a second zone comprising a second aerodynamic profile, this second zone being arranged so that the end portion (8) of the longitudinal mount received in the first zone (14) is set back from this second zone (15), characterized in that the first aerodynamic profile (17) of the first zone (14) is different from the second aerodynamic profile (11) of the second zone (15).

2. End piece according to the preceding claim, comprising a step (16) between the first zone (14) and the second zone (15).

3. Tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first zone (14) has a shorter length (L1) than the length (L2) of the second zone (15), these lengths being measured along a longitudinal direction (X) of the brush.

4. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip comprises an aerodynamic leading edge (23), and the first and second aerodynamic profiles (17, 11) extend from this edge (23).

5. End cap according to the preceding claim, wherein the second aerodynamic profile (11) comprises a first slope region (24) which extends from the leading edge (23) to a region of second slope (25), this second slope being larger than the first slope.

6. End piece according to the preceding claim, wherein the first slope region (24) is locally flat.

7. Tip according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the second slope region (25) is formed on a raised wing (30) of the tip and the first slope region (24) is formed on a base (31) of the tip.

8. Tip according to the preceding claim, wherein the wing (30) of the tip is formed by a solid wall (32) of the tip.

9. Tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip has a rear face (35), on the side opposite the leading edge, provided with a concave area (36) with concavity directed outwards from the brush, this concave area being located at the junction of the wing on the base.

10. Wiper blade (1) comprising a scraper blade, a longitudinal mount to which the scraper blade is attached and an end piece (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, this end piece being mounted at the end of the longitudinal mount.

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