Windshield wiper blade

Abstract

Title: Windshield wiper blade. Windshield wiper blade (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier element (23) having a longitudinal extension (L) with at least one elastic rail (16), a wiping blade (12), characterized in that an interchangeable element (25) comprising the wiping blade (12) and a stabilizing element (14) is provided, which engages by sliding along the longitudinal extension (L) in the carrier element (23) and at least one strip fixing element (42) for locking to the carrier element (23) in the direction of the longitudinal extension (L). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Windshield wiper blade FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper blade, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a longitudinal extension support element and having at least one elastic rail and a wiping blade. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many windshield wiper blades for motor vehicles are already known, having a longitudinal extension element with an elastic rail and a wiping blade. It is also known how to replace the wiping blade of such a wiper blade. However, the difficulty is that when replacing the wiping blade, it does not position itself correctly within the wiper assembly, so that after the blade replacement, the wiping result is unsatisfactory.

[0003] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention aims to develop a wiper blade with an interchangeable wiping blade, allowing good wiping results after replacing the blade.

[0005] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a windshield wiper, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier element having a longitudinal extension with at least one elastic rail, a wiping blade, the main characteristic of which is that an interchangeable element comprising the wiping blade and a stabilizing element is provided which engages by sliding along the longitudinal extension in the carrier element and has at least one rod fixing element for locking to the carrier element in the direction of the longitudinal extension.

[0007] The wiper blade according to the invention has the advantage that the interchangeable element consists of the wiping blade and a stabilizing element, and that this assembly slides along its longitudinal extension into the carrier element, which includes at least one slat attachment element for locking it in the direction of longitudinal extension. This allows for easy replacement of the wiping blade without compromising the wiping performance.

[0008] According to one feature, the rod fixing element is in the form of an opening or recess, particularly in the stabilizing element, which constitutes a simple and economical solution. Particularly effectively and thus advantageously, the load-bearing element comprises a load-bearing fixing element cooperating with the rod fixing element.

[0009] It is particularly effective and advantageous for the carrier fixing element to cooperate at least by a connection by form with the rod fixing element.

[0010] According to a simple and economical and thus advantageous embodiment, the carrier fixing element is in the form of a pin or a cube engaging in the opening or in the recess of the rod fixing element.

[0011] According to another advantageous feature, the carrier fixing element is a socket, in particular a release button to release the locking mechanism, as this allows the interchangeable element to be replaced easily.

[0012] It is advantageous that the socket is located on the top opposite the interchangeable element, which facilitates the operation of replacing the interchangeable element.

[0013] According to a simple and economical and thus advantageous embodiment, at least one end cap is provided which practically terminates the carrier element along its longitudinal extension and the socket is a part of the end cap.

[0014] In an equally simple, economical and advantageous way, the wiper blade has a deflector blade and the grip is part of the deflector blade.

[0015] The invention also relates to an interchangeable wiper blade element which has the advantage that the wiping blade and the stabilizing element are made in the form of separate parts which are joined together, which allows a simple exchange of the interchangeable element. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to windshield wiper blade embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] Schematic side view of a windshield wiper blade according to the invention,

[0018] [Fig.2] Perspective view of an end cap installed on the wiper blade according to the invention during the assembly of the interchangeable element,

[0019] [Fig.3] exploded section view of one end of a windshield wiper blade according to the invention,

[0020] [Fig.4] end of a load-bearing element with the end cap being fitted,

[0021] [Fig.5] end of an interchangeable element, and

[0022] [Fig.6] housing of a windshield wiper blade according to the invention.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a windshield wiper blade 10 according to the invention.

[0025] The wiper blade 10 according to the invention has a longitudinal extension L and includes a wiping blade 12 and a stabilizing element 14. The stabilizing element 14 is fixed to an elastic rail 16 of the wiper blade 10.

[0026] The elastic rail 16 is made from a flat steel strip. According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic rail 16 is made of plastic. The elastic rail 16 is in two parts, that is to say, two practically parallel spring elements in a flat steel strip and between which there remains an interval A.

[0027] The elastic rail 16 in the relaxed state, i.e. without the action of a force, is bent into a banana shape so that the wiping blade 12 of the wiper blade 10 in the installed state applies practically over its entire longitudinal extension L on the curved window to be wiped.

[0028] Above the side of the elastic rail 16, opposite the wiper blade 12 in section, there is a deflector blade 18. The deflector blade 18 is made of elastomer.

[0029] Between the two ends 20 of the longitudinal extension L, substantially in the middle, there is a fastening means 22 for attaching the wiper blade 10 to a wiper arm of a motor vehicle. The fastening means 22 is made in one piece of plastic and is injection-molded directly onto the elastic rail 16. According to one embodiment of the invention, metal elements are provided on the elastic rail 16, for example, welded or stamped. In addition, the retaining elements may cooperate with a plastic part. Similarly, the fastening means 22 may be welded or otherwise fixed to the elastic rail 16 by its shape or by force.

[0030] The elastic rail 16 forms a load-bearing element 23 with the fixing means 22 and the deflecting blade 18 ([Fig.3]).

[0031] The carrier element 23 includes at least one liquid channel. This channel serves to allow the passage of cleaning liquid into the carrier element 23. The channel, which is not shown here for reasons of clarity, is located in the deflector blade, notably being formed as a single piece with the deflector blade 18.

[0032] The ends 20 along the longitudinal extension L each have an end cap 24 made of plastic. This cap practically terminates the wiper blade 10 along its longitudinal extension L.

[0033] At least one of the end caps 24 has a nozzle forming a distribution means through which cleaning fluid (windshield washer fluid) can exit the channel to clean the windshield. The channel thus forms a channel between the deflector blade 18 and the end cap 24.

[0034] Figure 2 shows one end 20 of a wiper blade 10 according to the invention during the assembly of an interchangeable element 25. The wiper blade 10 includes the wiping blade 12 and the stabilizing element 14 attached to the elastic rail 16.

[0035] The elastic rail 16 is equipped with a heating device. The heating device is applied in the form of a film to the elastic rail 16; for the sake of clarity, this heating device is not shown. According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating device may, alternatively or in addition, be provided in the deflector blade or on the fastening means 22.

[0036] The stabilizing element 14 is made of plastic material, in particular it is made in one piece with the wiping blade 12. This is done, for example, by ultrasonic welding, gluing or by a bond by shape or force.

[0037] The wiping blade 12 is surrounded, like clips, by the stabilizing element 14, which together form the retaining elements, thus creating a connection by shape. Alternatively, a connection by force can also be provided.

[0038] The wiping blade 12 and the stabilizing element 14 are separate parts which are rigidly connected to each other and thus form an interchangeable element 25. The stabilizing element 14 has a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the wiping blade 12; the stabilizing element 14 is thus more rigid than the wiping blade 12 and stabilizes the latter in the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] The top of the elastic rail 16 opposite the interchangeable element 25 carries the deflector blade 18 thus fixed.

[0040] The wiping blade 12 itself comprises a wiping lip 26 which, during operation, applies itself to the glass to be wiped; during its movement, it removes moisture and dirt from the glass. The wiping blade 12 has a head 28 for attaching the blade 12 to the stabilizing element 14.

[0041] The wiping lip 26 is connected to the head 28 by a tilting spacer 30. The connection is such that the wiping lip 26 can tilt relative to the head 28 by means of the tilting spacer 30 so that in operation, when the wiping lip 26 moves transversely to the longitudinal direction L, it is pulled onto the window to be wiped.

[0042] The wiper blade 12 is made of a relatively flexible material, for example, a natural rubber-based elastomer or EPDM. When assembling the wiper blade 10, the head 28 is slid, for example, into the stabilizing element 14 and then fixed to the stabilizing element 14, thus creating the interchangeable element 25.

[0043] The stabilizing element 14, after the engagement of the head 28, can be pinched at least in segments to block the wiping blade 12. According to one embodiment, after The commitment can also be achieved at least segmentally through a connection by material, for example, a connection by welding or by gluing.

[0044] The interchangeable element 25 engages with the supporting element 23 by sliding into it. The supporting element 23 includes, for this purpose, a fastening means 36. In the present example, the fastening means is achieved by the distance A or intervals in the two-part elastic rail 16, into which the T-shaped retaining segment 37 of the stabilizing element 14 can be inserted. The fastening means 16 thus also includes an aid to engagement. This is, for example, the increase in the distance A in the elastic rail 16, which results in particular from the inclination in the area of ​​the end 20, so that the T-shaped retaining segment 37 of the interchangeable element 25 can easily engage with the elastic rail 16.According to one variant, the guiding means can also be provided in the end cap 24 which guides the retaining segment 37 or the interchangeable element 25 into the correct position on the carrier element 23, for example, in the direction of the gap A.

[0045] The end cap 24 has an engagement hole 40 corresponding to the fastening means 36. In the present example, the engagement hole 40 is aligned along the longitudinal extension L at the distance A from the elastic rail 16; thus, when the interchangeable element is engaged, the end cap 24 can remain on the carrier element 23 and does not have to be disassembled.

[0046] Figure 3 is an exploded section view of a wiper blade 10 according to the invention. The interchangeable element 25 comprises the sealing blade 12 and the stabilizing element 14 of the wiper blade 10 according to the invention. The fastening means 22 is not shown here for reasons of clarity.

[0047] The stabilizing element 14 has substantially the same length along the longitudinal extension L as the wiping blade 12 and the elastic rail 16. According to a variant of the invention, the elastic rail 16 can however be longer than the stabilizing element 14.

[0048] The wiping blade 12 is fixed with its head 28 to the stabilizing element 14 so that the interchangeable element 25 will have a less rigidity than the elastic rail 16, but, however, a greater rigidity than that of the wiping blade 12 without the stabilizing element 14.

[0049] The interchangeable element 25 is made in at least two parts, namely the wiping blade 12 and the stabilizing element 14.

[0050] The elastic rail 16 has a distance or gap A; the stabilizing element 14 has the retaining segment 37 as a fastening means 36 which forms the connection between the stabilizing element 14 and the elastic rail 16. The underside of the stabilizing element 14, which, in the installed state, faces the wiping blade 12, is provided of fixing elements, for example, in the form of clips, a layer of adhesive or a guide channel and which are intended for fixing the wiping blade 12.

[0051] The top of the stabilizing element 14 carries the T-shaped retaining segment 37. The vertical heel segment of the T-shaped retaining segment 37 has, in section, a width which is, at a minimum, less than the gap A. The cross member of the U-shaped retaining segment 37, which is horizontal, has a cross section much wider than the distance A.

[0052] The stabilizing element 14 is identical in cross-section along its entire length. According to one embodiment, connecting elements by shape can also be provided to lock the interchangeable element 25 in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The end cap 24 has an engagement hole 40. The engagement hole 40 is rectangular and is located in the outer wall of the end cap 24 along the longitudinal extension L. The engagement hole 40 is shaped to fit the retaining segment 37, which is rectangular in this case. According to one embodiment of the invention, the engagement hole 40 may be oval or circular.

[0054] [Fig.4] shows one end 20 of a wiper blade 10 according to the invention during the assembly of an interchangeable element 25. The wiper blade 12 is connected rigidly to the stabilizing element 14 and forms the interchangeable element 25; this interchangeable element 25 has a rod fixing element 42.

[0055] The rod attachment element 42 is here constituted as a recess in the interchangeable part 25, in particular a recess in the stabilizing element 14. The recess is practically cubic in shape and completely traverses the retaining segment 37 of the stabilizing element 14. According to one embodiment of the invention, the recess may, however, only partially traverse the retaining segment 37. For example, the top of the stabilizing element 14 opposite the wiping blade 12, in particular in the retaining segment 37, may have only a rectangular, polygonal, round, or oval cavity as a rod attachment element 42 or as a recess in the interchangeable element 25. The attachment element 42 may also be constituted as a lateral recess in the stabilizing element 14.

[0056] Extending from the deflector blade 18 is the end cap 24 which terminates the wiper blade 10 in the longitudinal direction L. The end cap 24 which forms part of the carrier element 23 is located at a carrier fixing element 44.

[0057] The carrier fixing element 44 is thus a tab fixed on one side with a free end which forms on the top of the wiper blade 10 opposite the wiper blade 12, a grip 48.

[0058] On the non-visible inner side of the socket 46, there is a socket element adapted by its shape to the baguette fixing element 42; in the installed position of the interchangeable element 25, in the fixing position the sliding is blocked in the longitudinal direction L so that the interchangeable element 25 is blocked relative to the carrier element 23.

[0059] In addition, a hooking element is provided which locks the carrier's fixing element 44 when the gripping element is in the position of fixing the carrier's fixing element 44.

[0060] When mounting the interchangeable element 25, it is slid in the longitudinal direction L into the carrier element 23. Then, the grip 46 is actuated so that the grip element, for example cube-shaped, engages in the cube recess of the rod fixing element 42. This fixing position locks the tab of the carrier fixing element 42 to its fixing.

[0061] According to a variant of the invention, the leg of the carrier fixing element 44 is preloaded in the direction of the interchangeable element 25 so that the cube of the pin of the carrier fixing element 44 slides along the retaining segment 37 during its engagement and enters the rod fixing element 42 with preload when this element is in the fixing position.

[0062] According to the embodiment of the carrier fixing element 44, to open the connection, it is necessary, where appropriate, to lift the tab to replace the interchangeable element 25.

[0063] The carrier attachment element 44 can be provided at any location depending on the longitudinal extension L of the wiper blade 10. As shown, it can be provided on the end cap 24 which has an engagement hole 40 through which the interchangeable element 25 is placed in the carrier 23. According to an embodiment, it can also be provided on the side opposite to that of the engagement hole 40.

[0064] Figure 5 shows the end of the interchangeable element 25 according to a variant of the preceding embodiment. The rod attachment element 42 is here formed not as a recess but as a boss. As in the preceding embodiment, the rod attachment element 42 is provided on the retaining segment 37 of the stabilizing element 14 carrying the wiping blade 12. The boss is raised from the retaining segment 37 on the side opposite that of the wiping blade 12 and has a stop surface 46.

[0065] The stop surface 46 is oriented here towards the end along the longitudinal extension of the interchangeable element 25. This surface is transverse to the longitudinal extension L of the interchangeable element 25. Such a stop surface 46 can cooperate with a wall or a cube-shaped area of ​​the carrier fixing element 44 so that the area of ​​the carrier fixing element 44 blocks the interchangeable element 25 by the stop 46.

[0066] On the side opposite the stop surface 46 in the longitudinal direction L, a surface 48 is provided. This attack surface 48 is ramp-shaped, that is to say, it is inclined upwards towards the stop surface 46. The attack surface 46 is thus made and positioned so that a locking element, when the interchangeable element 25 is engaged in the carrier 23, slides on the attack surface 48 and when the interchangeable element 25 reaches the desired fixing position, the part descends so that the stop surface 46 locks it.

[0067] In addition, the locking element can be subjected to upward sliding on the inclined attack surface 48, with tension such that the locking element, once it has passed the attack surface 48, descends abruptly. This is achieved by the locking element being mounted on an elastic tab which is first deflected by the sliding of the locking element on the attack surface 48.

[0068] Figure 6 is a side view of a wiper blade 10 according to the invention, corresponding to a variant. Approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extension L of the wiper blade 10, there is a fastening means 22 for attaching the wiper blade 10 to a wiper arm not shown here.

[0069] The carrier element 23 ([Fig. 2]) with the deflector blade 18 and the end cap 24 includes the carrier attachment element 44. The end cap 24 is in the engagement hole 40 on the outer wall through which the interchangeable element 25 is engaged ([Fig. 4]). [Fig. 6] shows only the wiping blade 12 because the other elements of the interchangeable element 25 are hidden.

[0070] The carrier fixing element 44 with the socket 46 constitutes here, in the longitudinal extension L, a part of the deflector blade 18.

[0071] The fastening element 44 is provided between the fastening means 22 and the end cap 24. According to a variant of the invention, the carrier fastening element 44 can also be located in the deflector blade 18.

[0072] If the carrier fixing element 44 is in the deflector blade, the grip 46 can be made, for example, only as an area with a mark on the surface of the deflector blade 18; the user can thus press on the marked location of the deflector blade 18 to actuate the carrier fixing element.

[0073] Ideally, the carrier fastening element 44 is designed so that actuation of the socket 46, for example by pressing a button that constitutes the socket 46, releases the locking mechanism of the interchangeable element. This can be achieved simply by placing the locking mechanism of the support fastening element 44, by actuation of the socket 46, in the release position relative to the fastening element 42. For example, the end cap 44 may have a tab located in at least one side wall 49 of the end cap 24. This tab has a free lower end. The tab includes, as a locking means, a wall a locking element substantially parallel to the outer wall of the end cap 24 and this wall is positioned behind the blade fixing element 42. For example, a lateral recess may be in the interchangeable element 25 or in the stabilizing element 14 of the interchangeable element 25 as a rod fixing element 42. To release the locking between the interchangeable element 25 and the carrier element 23, the free end of the tab serving here as a handle 46 is lifted so that the locking wall can be extracted from the rod fixing element 42, which releases the locking.

[0074] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0075] 10 Windshield wiper blade

[0076] 12 Windshield wiper blade

[0077] 14 Stabilizing element

[0078] 16 Elastic rail

[0079] 18 Deflector wand

[0080] 20 End

[0081] 22 Means of attachment

[0082] 23 Load-bearing element

[0083] 24 Deflector blade

[0084] 25 Interchangeable element

[0085] 26 Wiping lever

[0086] 28 Head

[0087] 30 Tilting spacer

[0088] 36 Means of attachment

[0089] 37 Maintenance segment

[0090] 40 Opening of commitment

[0091] 42 Baguette fixing element

[0092] 44 Support fixing element

[0093] 46 Grip / stop surface

[0094] 48 Attacking surface

[0095] 49 Side wall

[0096] L Longitudinal extension

[0097] At a Distance

Claims

Demands

1. Windscreen wiper blade (10) particularly for motor vehicles comprising a carrier element (23) having a longitudinal extension (L) with at least one elastic rail (16), a wiping blade (12), windscreen wiper blade characterized in that - an interchangeable element (25) comprising the wiping blade (12) and a stabilizing element (14) having: - substantially the same length along the direction of longitudinal extension (L) being separate parts connected rigidly to each other to form the interchangeable element, the interchangeable element (25) engaging by sliding along the longitudinal extension (L) in the carrier element (23) at least one fixing element (42) for locking it to the carrier element (23) in the direction of the longitudinal extension (L).

2. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the trim attachment element (42) is in the form of an opening, a clearance or a boss, particularly in the stabilizing element (14).

3. Wiper blade (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (23) comprises a fixing element (44) cooperating with the fixing element of the trim strip (42).

4. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the carrier fixing element (44) cooperates with the trim element (42) at least by a connection through the shape.

5. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the carrier fixing element (44) comprises a pin or cube which comes into the opening or clearance of the trim fixing element (42).

6. Wiper blade (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the carrier fixing element (44) has a grip (46), in particular a release button for releasing the lock.

7. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the socket (46) is provided on the top opposite the interchangeable element (25).

8. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by at least one end cap (24) which practically terminates the carrier element (23) along its longitudinal extension (L), and the grip (46) made in the form of a part of the end cap (24).

9. Wiper blade (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by at least one deflector blade (24) and the grip (46) made as part of the deflector blade (24).

10. Interchangeable element (25) for a wiper blade (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiping blade (12) and the stabilizing element (14) are made in the form of separate parts connected securely to each other.

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