Fairing wiper blade

Abstract

A shrouded flat windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) comprising a longitudinal wiper blade (6), a shrouded longitudinal shroud (5) comprising a central mounting (2, 602, 701) and at least one end cover (3, 603, 702), and at least one yoke (210, 605) comprising claws (250) for retaining said longitudinal wiper blade (6), and further comprises at least one adapter member (300, 500, 604) attached to the central mounting (2, 602, 701) at a distal end thereof, a proximal end of the at least one end cover (3, 603, 702) and said at least one yoke (210, 605) being pivotally hinged to said at least one adapter member (300, 500, 604). Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: CARENE WIPER BLADE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a fairing wiper blade for motor vehicles, and more particularly to an articulation means for said fairing wiper. Prior art

[0002] In vehicle windshield wipers, it has become increasingly desirable to incorporate an aerodynamic aspect into the wiper, as aerodynamic elements form an important part of the wiper blade structure. Such wiper blades are commonly referred to as "hybrid" wiper blades.

[0003] An aerodynamic appearance has a number of advantages, including reducing the drag force of the airflow impinging on the wiper. The aerodynamic shape may also be configured to generate a normal force on the wiper as air passes through it, which presses the wiper against the windshield and improves wiping performance. The streamlined shape also has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than a wiper blade configured in the more traditional multi-stage rocker arm style.

[0004] Typically, the aerodynamic aspect is implemented in the form of a rigid fairing that forms part of the structure of the wiper blade. The fairing typically comprises several individual pieces, which are hinged to one another so as to allow the wiper blade to flex and follow the curvature of the windshield as the wiper blade passes over it. In addition, and depending on the length of the blade, the wiper may comprise a single level of levers (also called "stirrups") hinged to the fairing that hold the rubber wiper, in order to more evenly distribute the force of the wiper arm along the length of the blade.

[0005] In this way, the fairing constitutes an important part of the structure of the wiper blade, which simplifies its construction.

[0006] However, since the windshield wiper fairing is a structural element, the joints between the fairing elements must be sufficiently strong to withstand all the forces exerted on the windshield wiper during its use, in particular the lateral forces (i.e., substantially parallel to the plane of the windshield and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the windshield wiper), as well as the torsional forces which are transmitted by the stirrups to the main structure of the windshield wiper. These forces can cause the fairing to flex to an unacceptable degree, which which can cause the fairing to disarticulate and the wiper blade to fail.

[0007] There is therefore a need to provide a reinforced articulation in a hybrid wiper blade. Statement of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, there is therefore presented a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a longitudinal windscreen wiper blade, a streamlined longitudinal fairing comprising a central mount and at least one cover arranged at a distal end of said central mount, and at least one stirrup comprising claws for retaining said longitudinal windscreen wiper blade and said at least one stiffening element.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the shrouded windshield wiper further comprises at least one adapter element, the at least one adapter element being fixed to the central mount at a distal end thereof, a proximal end of at least one end cover and said at least one stirrup being pivotally articulated to said at least one adapter element.

[0010] Such a configuration is advantageous in that the adapter element reinforces the articulation between the central mount and the hood. In particular, the fact that the stirrups are articulated on the adapter and not directly on one of the fairing elements allows a better distribution of forces on the wiper blade, which reduces the probability of the blade becoming disarticulated during use.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one adapter member further comprises a reinforcing portion extending from a distal end of said adapter member, said reinforcing portion engaging a complementary structure in the end cap.

[0012] Such a configuration is advantageous in that it creates a rigid and integral interface between the central mount, the hood and the caliper, which resists in particular the lateral forces exerted on the wiper blade due to the wiping action.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reinforcing portion has a reduced width relative to the rest of the adapter element.

[0014] This is advantageous in that the adapter element is particularly rigid where it engages the end cap, which further strengthens the joint.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the complementary structure comprises two ribs extending from a lower surface of the end cap, the reinforcing portion being housed between said two ribs.

[0016] This is advantageous in that it allows for improved mechanical coupling between the adapter and the end cap, in a manner that is readily accomplished using conventional injection molding methods known in the art.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reinforcing portion has an inverted U-shaped cross-section.

[0018] This is advantageous in that the stirrup will be housed at least partially in the reinforcing element, which further strengthens the mechanical coupling of the joint and improves its robustness.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the adapter element further comprises a pivot axis, the stirrup being rotatably hinged on the pivot axis.

[0020] Preferably, the pivot axis and the hinge axis of the hood are distinct.

[0021] Preferably, the complementary structure comprises two substantially flat surfaces, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the windshield wiper, the caliper being housed in the space defined by said flat surfaces.

[0022] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a windshield wiper system comprising a wiper arm, a drive motor configured to drive the wiper arm in a reciprocating motion, and a windshield wiper as described above.

[0023] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a windshield wiper or a windshield wiper system as described above.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will understand that the aspects and features of the invention as described above, and other aspects and features that may be discussed below and / or illustrated in the figures, may be combined in any permutation, without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated in light of the following figures:

[0026] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a profiled wiper blade according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the underside of the profiled wiper blade of [Fig.l];

[0028] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the wiper blade of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of the profiled wiper blade of [Fig.l];

[0030] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of a wiper blade profiled according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.6A] is a variant of the streamlined windscreen wiper blade according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig.6B] is an isolated detail view of a clip of the shrouded wiper blade variant of [Fig.6A]; and

[0033] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of a profiled wiper blade according to a third embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] With regard to the figures, the invention will be better understood by a study of them.

[0035] Although the following discussion is directed toward a single articulation of the wiper 100, it will be readily understood that a wiper could include the invention on one or more of its articulations.

[0036] Furthermore, when relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" are employed, it will be understood that these terms are used with reference to the wiper when it is placed with the rubber wiper on a horizontal plane, the terms "upper" and "lower" being particularly used with reference to the force of gravity in the ordinary manner.

[0037] [Fig.l] illustrates a streamlined windshield wiper 1. The wiper 1 is structurally composed of a central portion, the central mount 2, as well as two covers 3 and an arm adapter 4. Together, the central mount 2 and the end covers 3 have an aerodynamic deflector 5, the deflector 5 extending along the length of the wiper 1 and being formed in an upper surface, i.e. the surface opposite a windshield on which the blade is used.

[0038] The central mount 2 further comprises an adapter section 4 disposed at its center, to allow the attachment of the wiper 1 to a wiper arm of a vehicle, in the manner commonly known in the art.

[0039] The central mount 2 and the end caps 3 are formed from a rigid thermoplastic material, which is sufficiently strong to withstand all the forces exerted on the wiper blade during its use. Thus, the central mount 2 and the end caps 3 essentially constitute the structure of the wiper blade.

[0040] On a side opposite the deflector 5 is a rubber wiper 6, which is retained in the wiper 1 by a series of hooks which will be discussed below in relation to Figures 2 and 3. The hoods 3 are hinged to the central mount 2 and, in combination with the series of hooks, the wiper 1 conforms to the shape of the windshield to achieve efficient wiping.

[0041] [Fig.2] illustrates the wiper blade of [Fig.l], from the lower face, i.e. the face opposite the deflector 5. In particular, [Fig.2] illustrates the mount central 2 and one of the covers 3; the other cover 3, as well as the rubber scraper 6, are omitted for clarity.

[0042] Each of the end caps 2 has a pair of hooks 200, disposed at its distal end. The hooks 200 engage the rubber wiper and hold it in place, while allowing relative movement between the wiper rubber and the end cap along the longitudinal axis of the wiper 1. This allows the wiper 1 to conform to the shape of the windshield on which it is used.

[0043] The windshield wiper 1 further comprises two stirrups 210, one of which is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The stirrup 210 is articulated on the central mount 1 at a distal end thereof, by means of a pivot axis 220. The pivot axis 220 is disposed at a central portion 230 of the stirrup 210. Two arms 240 extend from the central portion 230 of the stirrup 210, and are terminated at each end by a pair of claws 250.

[0044] The claws 250 firmly hold the rubber wiper, both in the lateral and longitudinal direction, thus fixing the rubber wiper to the wiper blade. The shape of the bracket 210 and the articulation of the bracket 210 at the pivot axis 220 allow the wiper 1 to better conform to the shape of the windshield and, in addition, to distribute the force of the wiper arm evenly over the entire length of the wiper rubber. In this way, the wiping performance of the wiper 1 is optimized.

[0045] [Fig. 3] is an exploded view of the wiper 1 shown in [Fig. 2]. The mounting and articulation of the caliper 210 will be discussed. As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the caliper 210 is not articulated directly to the central mount 2, but is in fact mounted on an adapter element 300.

[0046] The adapter element 300 comprises a body portion 310 having the general shape of an inverted U, which carries the pivot axis 220 as shown in [Fig. 3]. The central portion 230 of the stirrup 210, also having the shape of an inverted U, thus fits perfectly with the body portion 210 of the adapter element 300. The body portion 310 is configured to be received in a seat 320 formed at a distal end of the central attachment 2. The seat 320 comprises positioning means (not shown) and a plurality of retaining clips 330; the positioning means and the retaining clips 330 securely retain the adapter element 300, and by extension the stirrup 210 and the wiper rubber.

[0047] At a distal end, the adapter member 300 tapers in width, forming the extension portion 340. The inner width of the extension portion 340 is substantially the same as the outer width of the arm 240 of the yoke 210, and the arm 240 is received therein substantially as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0048] Furthermore, the adapter member 300 includes two hinge holes 350, disposed opposite each other at a distal end of the body portion 310 of the adapter. The hinge holes 350 are configured to receive the two hinge pads 360, which are integrally formed with the end cap 3 and disposed on opposite faces of the inner surface of the end cap 3 at a proximal end thereof. In this manner, the adapter member 300 serves to hinge both the end cap 3 and the stirrup 210 to the central mount 2.

[0049] [Fig. 4] illustrates in more detail the central mount 2, the cover 3, the bracket 210 and the adapter element 300, in an assembled state. It will be noted in particular that the adapter element 300 extends beyond the edge of the central mount 2, so that the hinge holes 350 are arranged outside the central mount 2. This positioning allows the cover 3 to pivot freely relative to the central mount 2.

[0050] Further, the end cover 3 includes a pair of ribs 400 extending from a lower inner surface of the end cover, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The ribs 400 are arranged such that when the adapter member 300 is mounted in the center mount 2 and the end cover 3 is hinged to the adapter, as shown, the extension portion 340 is securely seated between the ribs 400, and the arm 240 is securely seated in the extension portion 340.

[0051] Similarly, the central mounting includes a pair of ribs 410 that engage the adapter member 300, so as to further stiffen the connection between the adapter member 300 and the central mounting 2. In particular, the ribs 410 support at least some of the lateral loads incident on the adapter member 300, by taking some of that load from the hooks 300 that otherwise retain the adapter member 300 in the seat 320.

[0052] This fitting of the arm 240 of the stirrup 210 into the extension portion 340, inside the ribs 400 of the hood 3, makes it possible to rigidly block these components in the lateral direction, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the windscreen wiper 1 and parallel to the plane of the windscreen, while allowing free rotation of the stirrup 210. In this way, the articulation of the different components of the windscreen wiper blade is reinforced against the forces most commonly encountered during a wiping operation, while allowing them to pivot freely to follow the curvature of the windscreen.

[0053] The adapter 300 is optionally manufactured from a plastic material, particularly by injection molding, so as to minimize cost and weight and reduce the likelihood of corrosion. However, to further strengthen the assembly and provide additional strength, a U-shaped metal backing member 420 may be provided. The backing member may be provided as a separate component, as illustrated in [Fig.4], or alternatively integrated into the adapter element 300 by an overmolding process.

[0054] Alternatively, in certain situations, it may be advantageous to provide the adapter in metal and the dual element in plastic, depending on the particular needs of the application in question.

[0055] [Fig. 5] shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in a windshield wiper 10. The adapter member 500 is similar to the adapter member 300 discussed previously, with the notable exception of the extension portion 510. The extension portion 510 of the adapter member 500 is longer than the extension portion 340 of the adapter member 300. Therefore, the hinge holes 520, and the corresponding hinge pins of the end cap 7, are moved outward, toward a distal end of the windshield wiper 10.

[0056] As a result, the pivot axis of the cover 7 is moved outward. This movement allows the end cover 7 to freely rotate past the distal end of the central mount 2 at the space 530, without contact, and thus to avoid damaging or disarticulating the windshield wiper 10.

[0057] This is particularly advantageous when the end cover 7 is pulled upwards, as is the case when the rollers and / or brushes of an automatic car wash come into contact with the windscreen wiper; the hinge moved towards the end causes the torsional force generated by this movement to be borne by the adapter element 500.

[0058] Furthermore, the outward movement of the articulation makes it possible to reinforce the interlocking of the stirrup (not shown for clarity), the adapter element 500 and the cover 7. In particular, in addition to the vertical ribs 540, the end cover is provided with horizontal ribs 550, the ribs 540 and 550 extending from the pivot axis 520. The horizontal ribs 550 offer particular resistance to lateral load, in particular when the stirrup is interlocked in the extended part 510 as described in relation to the embodiment and the preceding figures.

[0059] In this way, the joints of the wiper 10 are further solidified, making it even more resistant to dislocation at the joint between the end cover 7 and the adapter element 500.

[0060] [Fig.6A] illustrates a further variant of the shrouded wiper. In particular, [Fig.6A] shows this variant from the underside of the wiper 600. As with the embodiments shown in the previous figures, the shrouded wiper 600 comprises a central mount 602 and two covers 603, one of which is illustrated. The wiper 600 also comprises an adapter element 604, on which a bracket 605 is articulated.

[0061] This variant is distinguished by the presence of the clip 610. The clip 610 extends over the sides of the hood 603, from the front side 611a to the rear side 611b. The clip 610 is inserted into the slots 612a, 612b, and firmly retained therein. The clip 610 is ideally made from a sheet of metal, as it is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but it can also be provided in other suitable materials such as thermoplastics.

[0062] By its engagement in the end cap 603, the clip 610 prevents the flanks 611a, 611b from separating, in particular in situations where the wiper blade is subjected to significant loads, for example when it is covered with snow or when it is frozen to the windshield.

[0063] Therefore, the clip 610 prevents the end cover 603 from being disarticulated, because when the clip 610 is in place, the flanks 611a, 611b of the end cover 603 cannot move apart sufficiently to allow the hinge pins 613 to disengage from the adapter element 604.

[0064] [Fig. 6B] illustrates the staple clip 610 in more detail. The staple 610 has the general shape of a metal strip, which is bent at least at its longitudinal ends to provide the two retention tabs 614a, 614b. The retention tabs 614a, 614b engage the slots 612a, 612b respectively, to permanently retain the staple 610 in the end cap 603. Optionally, the retention tabs 614a, 614b include barbed or sawtooth edges, as illustrated in [Fig. 6B], which bite into the end cap 603 and better retain the staple clip 610.

[0065] [Fig. 7] illustrates a windshield wiper 700 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The windshield wiper 700 comprises a central mount 701 and two covers 702, one of which is illustrated in [Fig. 7]. The windshield wiper 700 further comprises an adapter element 703.

[0066] It will be apparent that the wiper 700 incorporates several of the aspects of the embodiments described above. However, the wiper 700 differs in that the retaining clips 705 are disposed at the longitudinal ends of the adapter member 703.

[0067] This is advantageous, in particular compared to the configuration illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 and 4, in that the effect of the retaining clips 705 to ensure the torsional rigidity of the windscreen wiper 700 is improved.

[0068] Of course, other variations of the invention may be envisaged in light of the foregoing, and the description of the exemplary embodiments presented herein should not be considered exhaustive. List of reference signs

[0069] Windshield wiper 1, 10, 600, 700

[0070] Central assembly 2, 602, 701

[0071] End cover 3, 603, 702

[0072] Arm adapter 4

[0073] Deflector 5

[0074] Rubber squeegee 6

[0075] Hook 200

[0076] Caliper 210, 605

[0077] Pivot axis 220

[0078] Central part 230

[0079] Arm 240

[0080] Claws 250

[0081] Adapter element 300, 500, 604

[0082] Body part 310

[0083] Seat 320

[0084] Retaining clip 330, 705

[0085] Extension part 340, 510

[0086] Hinge hole 350, 520

[0087] Hinge pin 360, 613

[0088] Ribs 400, 410, 540, 550

[0089] Lining element 420

[0090] Space 530

[0091] Staple 610

[0092] Side s611a,611b

[0093] Slot 612a, 612b

[0094] Retaining tab 614a, 614b

Claims

Claims

1. A streamlined flat windscreen wiper (1, 10, 600, 700), in particular for a vehicle, comprising: - a longitudinal windscreen wiper blade (6); - a streamlined longitudinal fairing (5) comprising a central mount (2, 602, 701) and at least one end cover (3, 603, 702) disposed at a distal end of said central mount (2, 602, 701), and - at least one bracket (210, 605) comprising claws (250) for retaining said longitudinal wiper blade (6), and - an adapter element (300, 500, 604), said at least one adapter element (300, 500, 604) being fixed to the central mount (2, 602, 701) at a distal end thereof, a proximal end of said at least one end cover (3, 603, 702) and said at least one bracket (210, 605) being pivotally hinged to said at least one adapter element (300, 500, 604), characterized in that the at least one adapter element (300, 500,604) further comprises a reinforcing portion (340, 510) having a reduced width relative to the remainder of the adapter member (300, 500, 604) and extending from a distal end of said adapter member (300, 500, 604), said reinforcing portion (340, 510) engaging a complementary structure in the end cap (3, 603, 702).,

2. A windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to claim 1, wherein the complementary structure comprises at least two ribs (400, 410, 540, 550) extending from a lower surface of the end cover (3, 603, 702), the reinforcing portion (340, 510) being housed between said at least two ribs (400, 410, 540, 550).

3. A windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing portion (340, 510) has an inverted U-shaped cross-section.

4. A windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to any preceding claim, wherein the adapter member (340, 510) further comprises a pivot axis (220), the yoke being rotatably hinged to the pivot axis (220).

5. Windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to claim 4, wherein the axis of the pivot (220) and the axis of the articulation axes (360, 613) of the cover (3, 603, 702) are distinct.

6. A windshield wiper (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the complementary structure (540, 550) comprises two planar surfaces substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the windshield wiper, the caliper (210) being housed in the space defined by said planar surfaces.

7. A windshield wiper system, comprising: - a wiper arm; - - a drive motor, said drive motor being configured to drive the wiper arm in a reciprocating motion; and - - a windshield wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper (1, 10, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a windscreen wiper system according to claim 7.

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