Packaging set for one pair of wiper blades

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging assembly (1) for a pair of windshield wiper blades (11, 12), the packaging assembly (1) comprising a first windshield wiper blade (11) and a second windshield wiper blade (12), a first spacer (18A) secured to a first end cap (13) of the first windshield wiper blade (11) and bearing against a vertebra (16) of the second windshield wiper blade (12), a second spacer secured to a second end cap (13) of the first windshield wiper blade (11) and bearing against the vertebra (16) of the second windshield wiper blade (12), and a tightening strap (17) extending around the pair of windshield wiper blades (11, 12) at a connector (15) of said windshield wiper blades (11, 12), so that to keep said wiper blades (11, 12) pressed against each other, through the first spacer (18A) and the second spacer. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging assembly for a pair of windshield wiper blades

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the packaging of windshield wiper blades. More particularly, the invention relates to a packaging assembly for a pair of windshield wiper blades.

[0002] Wiping systems for motor vehicles are designed to remove, by sweeping, liquids and dirt present on a glass surface, such as for example a windshield for example, and likely to disturb a driver of such motor vehicles in his detection of a wheel scene or his environment.

[0003] Such known wiping systems generally comprise a drive arm which performs an angular back-and-forth movement, at the end of which is connected a windscreen wiper blade equipped with a scraper blade formed of an elastic material, or even rubber. In a known manner, the windscreen wiper blade comprises a connector for coupling said windscreen wiper blade to the drive arm. By rubbing against the glass surface, the scraper blades sweep away water and dirt, and evacuate them outside the driver's field of vision.

[0004] The friction of the scraper blade of the windshield wiper blades on the glass surface of the motor vehicle, the presence of dust or gravel on the glass surface during operation of the windshield wiper blade, or even the degradation of the wiping blade when not in use and its exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight and ozone, are factors which affect the quality of known windshield wiper blades and lead to wear of all or part of said windshield wiper blades.

[0005] Thus, such wiper blades form wear parts that need to be replaced more or less frequently, depending on their use. Since the wiper blades are located outside the vehicle and easily accessible, a user of the vehicle can replace them without any particular difficulty.

[0006] Windshield wiper blades are very commonly available for retail sale, not only at automotive-related outlets such as parts stores and gas stations, but also at general retail outlets such as discount stores and department stores.

[0007] For this purpose, we know the massive use of cardboard or plastic packaging forming a sheath in which a pair of windshield wiper blades is housed. Such known packaging has many disadvantages. Firstly, the use of plastic or cardboard to manufacture these disposable packagings is less and less compatible, or even no longer compatible, with the environmental standards of wiper blade manufacturers or retailers. In addition, the production of such cardboard or plastic packaging leads to a cost that should be minimized.

[0008] Another known disadvantage of the cardboard or plastic packaging used lies in the fact that, in these cardboard packagings, the wiper blades are not always perfectly held. Also, due to their construction and the desire, for example, for the scraper blade to naturally exert a pressure force on the glass surface, the wiper blades have a curved profile when they are housed in these packagings, thus leading to said packaging being oversized to allow easy insertion of the wiper blades. Of course, such a situation is not desired.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel packaging assembly for a pair of windshield wiper blades in order to at least largely address the above problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to simplify the packaging of windshield wiper blades available on the aftermarket.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging of windshield wiper blades sold as second-hand parts.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost of packaging windshield wiper blades sold as second-hand parts.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a packaging assembly for a pair of windshield wiper blades, the packaging assembly comprising:

[0014] - a first wiper blade comprising a scraper blade held by at least one at least one vertebra between two end caps, and a connector intended to allow mechanical coupling with a drive arm;

[0015] - a second wiper blade comprising a scraper blade held by at least one of the following: at least one vertebra between two end caps, and a connector intended to allow mechanical coupling with a drive arm;

[0016] - a first spacer secured to a first end cap of the first wiper blade and resting against at least one vertebra of the second wiper blade;

[0017] - a second spacer secured to a second end cap of the first wiper blade and resting against at least one vertebra of the second wiper blade;

[0018] - a tightening strap extending around the pair of wiper blades at the level of each connector, so as to keep said wiper blades pressed against each other, through the spacers.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the elongation axis is taken along a direction of elongation of one of the wiper blades, along its largest dimension. For example, the elongation axis is parallel to a direction of elongation of the scraper blade of the wiper blade. From this elongation axis, a transverse direction is defined which extends perpendicular to the elongation axis, so as to delimit a front edge and a rear edge of the wiper blade. Finally, a vertical axis is also defined, taken simultaneously perpendicular to the elongation axis and the transverse axis. The vertical axis corresponds to a direction which extends from a wiping lip of the scraper blade to the at least one vertebra used to hold it.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the packaging assembly thus forms an arrangement for storing and transporting a pair of wiper blades intended to be assembled together on a wiping system for a motor vehicle. Each wiper blade is intended to be coupled to a drive arm via its connector. As an illustrative example, the first wiper blade is intended to be mounted on a driver's side of the motor vehicle, and the second wiper blade is intended to be mounted on the passenger side of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the first wiper blade is preferably shorter or longer than the second wiper blade, taken along their respective elongation axis, depending on the configuration of the vehicle.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, but in a non-limiting manner, the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade are of the same type, only their dimensions taken along the axis of elongation being able to be different. In the packaging assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade are aligned with respect to each other, so that their axis of elongation are made parallel to each other.

[0022] Further in the packaging assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade are centered relative to each other, such that the connector of the first wiper blade is located directly above the connector of the second wiper blade.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, each spacer is configured to determine a center distance between the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade, along the vertical axis, so as to keep said wiper blades at a distance. Preferably, the center distance defined by the first spacer and that defined by the second spacer are identical. The first spacer and the second spacer are advantageously formed from any biodegradable material, and preferably from cardboard or based on seaweed fibers.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, each spacer is fixed integrally and in a detachable, removable manner to the first wiper blade. Thus, when putting in place the packaging assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, each spacer is first mounted on the end cap of the first wiper blade, thus forming a module facilitating its association with the second wiper blade. Then, each spacer is pressed against the at least one vertebra of the second wiper blade. Thus, the second wiper blade is not made integral with each spacer, at the level of said spacers. Conversely, it is the tightening strap which makes it possible to hold the second wiper blade and the first wiper blade together.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the tightening strap is configured to keep the wiper blades separated by the first spacer and the second spacer connected together. The tightening strap thus forms a ring passing through all or part of the connector of each wiper blade, thereby preventing said wiper blades from separating from each other when they are transported or handled. The tightening strap forms a closed contour around the two wiper blades, in a direction transverse to the axis of elongation of said wiper blades. The tightening strap is kept closed by any means, such as for example by gluing, by welding. The tightening strap is kept closed independently of either of the wiper blades.Thus, in a clever manner, the tightening strap exerts a compressive force on the wiper blades which is taken up at the level of the first spacer and the second spacer, thus making it possible to form a sufficiently rigid and stable assembly to allow the transport and packaging of the pair of wiper blades thus linked together.

[0026] Thus, the packaging assembly according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to simplify the packaging of windshield wiper blades available on the aftermarket and to reduce the environmental impact of such packaging, by eliminating the sleeves used until now. Conversely, the windshield wiper blades are now only connected to each other and clamped in this state, making it possible to reduce the cost of packaging.

[0027] The packaging assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0028] - the first spacer and the second spacer on the one hand, and the tightening strap on the other hand are located at a distance from each other, relative to the axis of elongation;

[0029] - the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade are mounted head- spade relative to each other, so that their respective scraping blades are face. In other words, the scraper blades of each wiper blade face each other in a space inside the packaging assembly, delimited by the two wiper blades held together by the tightening strap. Each wiper blade thus presents its scraper blade to the other wiper blade, so that the first spacer and the second spacer are introduced at the end caps to which they are associated and extend between the two wiper blades. A geometry of each spacer is such that the scraper blade of each wiper blade extends through said spacer, preferably without touching it. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to package the wiper blades in a configuration such that the scraper blade is protected despite the absence of packaging;

[0030] - relative to an axis of elongation of the wiper blades, the first blade wiper blade is centered with the second wiper blade, so that the connector of the first wiper blade is aligned with the connector of the second wiper blade. This advantageous configuration allows the connector of the first wiper blade to be centered with the connector of the second wiper blade, thus making it easier to position the tightening strap between the two connectors. Indeed, thus positioned, the tightening strap allows the wiper blades to be linked in a central position and thus guarantees better stability of the packaging assembly;

[0031] - according to a first variant embodiment, a width of the tightening strap, taken relative to an axis of elongation of the wiper blades, is greater than half of a length of the connector of one of the wiper blades, taken relative to the axis of elongation of said wiper blades. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the holding of the two wiper blades together, and also facilitates the placement and stability of the tightening strap on the connectors;

[0032] - alternatively, according to a second variant embodiment, a width of the tightening strap, taken relative to an axis of elongation of the wiper blades, is less than half a length of the connector of one of the wiper blades, taken relative to the axis of elongation of said wiper blades. This advantageous configuration is more economical in material constituting the tightening strap;

[0033] - in the first embodiment, the tightening strap is of the ribbon type. By ribbon, it is understood that a width of the tightening strap, taken relative to the axis of elongation when it is mounted on the pair of wiper blades, is greater than thirty times a thickness of said tightening strap;

[0034] - in the second embodiment, the tightening strap is preferably of the type of a rope or cord. By rope or cord, we understand that a width of the tightening strap, taken relative to the axis of elongation when mounted on the pair of wiper blades, is less than twenty times a thickness of said tightening strap. Optionally, the tightening strap is formed of an elastic material, such as a rubber or an elastomer;

[0035] - in either of the embodiments, the tightening strap is formed of a plastic or paper material, possibly made of fibers and / or braided;

[0036] - advantageously, the first spacer and the second spacer are identical. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the packaging assembly, and in particular of one or other of the spacers on the first wiper blade;

[0037] - the first spacer and / or the second spacer comprises a retaining member of the end cap with which it is associated. The retaining member thus makes it possible to produce a detachable assembly between the end cap of the first wiper blade and the corresponding spacer. In other words, the retaining member is configured to allow the corresponding spacer to be held on the associated end cap when said spacer is engaged on said end cap. The retaining member is thus configured to define a relative position along the vertical axis between the end cap of the first wiper blade and the corresponding spacer. In other words, the retaining member makes it possible to connect the end cap of the first wiper blade and the corresponding spacer along the vertical axis;

[0038] - the retaining member is configured to cooperate with the end cap cor corresponding by complementary shaped engagement. More particularly, the retaining member is configured to collaborate by embedding with the associated end cap of the first wiper blade. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to place each spacer on the corresponding end caps of the first wiper blade.

[0039] - advantageously, the retaining member is configured to allow engagement of the end cap associated with the corresponding spacer by a translation of said spacer on said end cap, preferably relative to the elongation axis of the first wiper blade. In particular, the retaining member comprises a groove provided on an upper bearing face of the corresponding spacer, the upper bearing face of the spacer being configured to allow support against the end cap associated with said spacer. Thus, the end cap is engaged through the corresponding spacer, by sliding through the groove, the groove thus allowing, once the end cap is in place, to retain it and keep it in a stable position;

[0040] - the first spacer and / or the second spacer comprises a front face and a rear face which each extend projecting from the upper bearing face, the front face and the rear face facing each other, thus forming the groove, and allowing the associated end cap to be inserted therebetween. The groove is delimited by the front face and the rear face. The front face and the rear face thus make it possible to index and center the corresponding spacer with the associated end cap, relative to the transverse axis. In addition, the first spacer and / or the second spacer comprises, at a free end of the front face and / or the rear face, a rim which extends respectively projecting from the front face and the rear face and in the direction of the rear face and the front face respectively. The rim thus makes it possible to index and define a relative position between the corresponding spacer and the associated end cap, relative to the vertical axis;

[0041] - the upper bearing face has a central groove configured to allow the insertion of the scraper blade of the first wiper blade. Indeed, as the first spacer and / or the second spacer extend between the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade, the scraper blade of the first wiper blade is located opposite each spacer when it is put in place. Also, in order to avoid deforming the scraper blade and in order to facilitate the insertion of the spacer on the associated end cap, the central groove thus forms a slot in which the scraper blade can be housed, preferably without contact. Advantageously, the groove is of the through type, so that the upper bearing face comprises a first part located on the side of the front face and a second part located on the side of the rear face, the first part and the second part being distant from each other in order to allow the insertion of the scraper blade of the first wiper blade;

[0042] - the first spacer and / or the second spacer comprises a long bearing face longitudinal configured to allow axial stopping of the associated end cap of the first wiper blade, relative to its elongation axis. The longitudinal bearing face of the first spacer and / or the second spacer is located on the side of one end of the first spacer and / or the second spacer relative to the elongation axis. The longitudinal bearing face extends across the first spacer and / or the second spacer, and in particular across the groove in order to allow the associated end cap of the first wiper blade to bear. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to abut the end cap of the first wiper blade against the longitudinal bearing face and thus to define a relative position between the first wiper blade and the corresponding spacer.This advantageous configuration also makes it easier to install each spacer, by preventing it from slipping on the end cap relative to the elongation axis;

[0043] - in particular, the longitudinal bearing face extends between the front face and the face rear of the corresponding spacer.

[0044] - the first spacer and / or the second spacer comprises a first leg support leg and a second support leg, each support leg bearing against the at least one vertebra of the second wiper blade. The first support leg is located on a first side of the scraper blade of the second wiper blade, and the second support leg is located on a second side of said scraper blade, opposite the first side. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to achieve stable support of each spacer on the second wiper blade. Thus, in the context of the invention, if each spacer is integral with the corresponding end cap of the first wiper blade, the support legs of said spacer bear on the at least one corresponding vertebra of the second wiper blade, in an intermediate position between the end cap of the second wiper blade - included - and the connector of said second wiper blade.

[0045] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description 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, in which:

[0047] [Fig-1] illustrates an overall view of an exemplary embodiment of the set of condi operation in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed view of the packaging assembly illustrated in the [Fig.l];

[0049] [Fig.3] illustrates a sectional view of the packaging assembly illustrated in the [Fig.l].

[0050] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0051] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0052] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0053] In the following description of the FIGURES, an elongation axis X is defined along a direction of elongation of one of the wiper blades 11, 12, along its largest dimension. For example, the elongation axis X is parallel to a direction of elongation of the scraper blade 14 of the wiper blade. From this elongation axis X, a transverse axis Y is defined which extends perpendicular to the elongation axis X, so as to delimit a front edge and a rear edge of the wiper blade. Finally, a vertical axis Z is defined, taken simultaneously perpendicular to the elongation axis X and the transverse axis Y. The vertical axis Z corresponds to a direction which extends from a wiping lip of the scraping blade 14 to the at least one vertebra 16 used to hold it.

[0054] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention relates to a packaging assembly 1 for a pair of windshield wiper blades 11, 12 for a motor vehicle.

[0055] Each wiper blade comprises a scraper blade 14 held by at least one vertebra 16 between two end caps 13, and a connector 15 intended to allow mechanical coupling with a drive arm not shown in the FIGURES. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, each wiper blade 11, 12 comprises two vertebrae 16 which extend along the specific elongation axis X of the corresponding wiper blade. Each vertebra 16 is located on either side of the scraper blade 14, relative to the transverse axis Y. Of course, the invention is not limiting on the shape of the wiper blades 11, 12, and in particular on the number of vertebrae 16 that the wiper blades 11, 12 comprise.

[0056] Advantageously, the wiper blades 11, 12 forming the pair of wiper blades 11, 12 are of the same type. On the other hand, they may have different lengths.

[0057] According to the invention, the packaging assembly 1 comprises:

[0058] - a first wiper blade 11;

[0059] - a second wiper blade 12;

[0060] - a first spacer 18A secured to a first end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 and bearing against at least one vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12;

[0061] - a second spacer 18B secured to a second end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 and bearing against at least one vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12;

[0062] - a tightening strap 17 extending around the pair of wiper blades 11, 12 at the level of each connector 15, so as to keep said wiper blades 11, 12 pressed against each other, through the spacers 18A, 18B.

[0063] Thus, the first wiper blade 11 is connected to two spacers 18A, 18B, each spacer 18A, 18B being integral with one of the two end caps 13 of the first wiper blade 11. More particularly, an upper part of each spacer 18A, 18B - taken relative to the vertical axis Z - is thus connected to the corresponding end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11; while a lower part of said spacers 18A, 18B is simply supported against at least one of the at least one vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12. In other words, the second wiper blade 12 is not integrally connected to either of the spacers 18A, 18B of the packaging assembly 1.

[0064] Thus, when implementing the packaging assembly 1, it is first necessary to put in place each spacer 18A, 18B with each corresponding end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11, before being able to bring the second wiper blade 12 opposite the lower parts of the spacers 18A, 18B in order to place it in abutment against it.

[0065] Subsequently, it is the tightening strap 17 which, at the level of each connector 15 of the first wiper blade 11 and of the second wiper blade 12, secures together said first wiper blade 11 and said second wiper blade 12.

[0066] As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, in such a packaging assembly 1, the first wiper blade 11 and the second wiper blade 12 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first wiper blade 11 and the second wiper blade 12 are centered relative to each other, relative to the elongation axis X, so that the connector 15 of the first wiper blade 11 is located directly above the connector 15 of the second wiper blade 12. Finally, the first wiper blade 11 and the second wiper blade 12 are mounted head to tail relative to each other, so that their respective scraper blade 14 faces each other. In other words, the scraper blades 14 of each wiper blade 11, 12 face each other in a space inside the packaging assembly 1, delimited by the two wiper blades 11, 12 held together by the tightening strap 17.Each wiper blade 11, 12 thus presents its scraper blade 14 to the wiper blade located opposite, so that the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B are introduced at the end caps 13 with which they are associated and extend between the two wiper blades 11, 12.

[0067] In a particularly advantageous manner, a height of each spacer 18A, 18B, taken along the vertical axis Z, is such that it is possible to place the scraper blade 14 of each windscreen wiper blade 11, 12 vertically above one another, said scraper blades 14 being made parallel or substantially parallel to one another, for this purpose, a height of each spacer 18A, 18B - taken between a bearing face of the cap end face 13 of the first wiper blade 11 on said spacer and a bearing face of said spacer on the vertebrae(s) 16 of the second wiper blade 12 - is advantageously greater than twice a height of the scraper blade 14 of each wiper blade 11, 12 - taken between the at least one associated vertebra 16 and the wiping lip of the scraper blade 14.

[0068] The tightening strap 17 forms a play-free strapping of the pair of wiper blades 11, 12 at their respective connector 15, so as to keep them connected to each other. The tightening strap 17 thus forms a ring passing through all or part of the connector 15 of each wiper blade 11, 12, thus preventing said wiper blades 11, 12 from separating from each other when they are transported or handled. The tightening strap 17 forms a closed contour around the two wiper blades 11, 12, in a direction transverse to the axis of elongation X of said wiper blades 11, 12. The tightening strap 17 is kept closed by any means, such as for example by gluing, by welding.

[0069] The tightening strap 17 thus exerts on the windshield wiper blades 11, 12 a compressive force which is taken up at the level of the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B, thus making it possible to form a sufficiently rigid and stable assembly to allow the transport and packaging of the pair of windshield wiper blades 11, 12 thus linked together. For this purpose, the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B on the one hand, and the tightening strap 17 on the other hand are located at a distance from each other, relative to the elongation axis X.

[0070] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the tightening strap 17 forms a strip of width comparable to that of the connector 15 of each wiper blade 11, 12. In other words, the tightening strap 17 has a width, taken along the elongation axis X, greater than half the length of the connector 15 taken along said elongation axis X, and preferably between 80% and 120% of said length of the connector 15. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the holding of the two wiper blades 11, 12 together, and also facilitates the placement and stability of the tightening strap 17 on the connectors 15 of each wiper blade 11, 12.

[0071] The tightening strap 17 is of the ribbon type. A thickness of the tightening strap 17, taken along the vertical axis Z, is less than thirty times the width of the tightening strap 17, taken relative to the elongation axis X when it is mounted on the pair of wiper blades 11, 12.

[0072] The tightening strap 17 is formed from a plastic or paper material, possibly made of fibers and / or braided.

[0073] In the packaging assembly 1 according to the invention, each spacer 18A, 18B makes it possible to define a center distance between the first wiper blade 11 and the second wiper blade 12, taken along the vertical axis Z, so as to keep said wiper blades 11, 12 at a distance. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B are identical, so that the center distance defined by said first spacer 18A and that defined by said second spacer 18B are equal.

[0074] The first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B are advantageously formed from any biodegradable material, and preferably from cardboard or based on seaweed fibers. These biodegradable materials are light, easy to manufacture and shape, economical and have mechanical properties suitable for the use of the present invention.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.3], the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B will now be described in more detail.

[0076] As mentioned previously, each spacer 18A, 18B is fixed integrally and in a detachable, removable manner to the first wiper blade 11. Thus, when the packaging assembly 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is put in place, each spacer 18A, 18B is first mounted on the end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11, thus forming a module facilitating its association with the second wiper blade 12.

[0077] For this purpose, the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B comprises a member for retaining the end cap 13 with which it is associated. The retaining member thus makes it possible to produce a detachable assembly between the end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 and the corresponding spacer. In other words, the retaining member is configured to allow the corresponding spacer to be held on the associated end cap 13 when said spacer is engaged on said end cap 13. The retaining member is located at the upper part of the corresponding spacer.

[0078] More particularly, the retaining member is configured to collaborate with the corresponding end cap 13 by complementary shaped engagement, and in particular by embedding with the associated end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11. As visible in FIG. 3, the retaining member is configured to allow engagement of the associated end cap 13 with the corresponding spacer by a translation of said spacer on said end cap 13, relative to the elongation axis X of the first wiper blade 11. Thus, the retaining member comprises a groove 184 formed on an upper bearing face 187 of the corresponding spacer. The upper bearing face 187 of the spacer collaborates with a lower face of the associated end cap 13 in order to allow flat support against said end cap 13 associated with said spacer.Thus, the end cap 13 is engaged through the corresponding spacer, by . sliding through the groove 184, the groove 184 thus allowing, once the end cap 13 is in place, to retain it and keep it in a stable position.

[0079] The groove 184 is delimited by a front face 181A and a rear face 181B which each extend projecting from the upper bearing face 187. The front face 181A and the rear face 181B face each other, relative to the transverse axis Y, thus forming the groove 184, and allowing the introduction of the end cap 13 associated therewith. The front face 181A and the rear face 181B extend along the elongation axis X and parallel to each other. The front face 181A and the rear face 181B thus make it possible to index and center the corresponding spacer with the associated end cap 13, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0080] Additionally, the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B comprises, at a free end of the front face 181A and / or the rear face 181B, a rim 182 which extends respectively projecting from the front face 181A and the rear face 181B and in the direction of the rear face 181B and the front face 181A respectively. In other words, the rim 182 forms a protrusion from the front face 181A or the rear face 181B from which it is created. The rim 182 is located at a distance from the upper bearing face 187. The rim 182 makes it possible to retain and hold in the groove 184, relative to the vertical axis Z, the end cap 13 engaged in said groove 184.

[0081] In order to achieve an axial stop of the end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11, relative to its elongation axis X, with the corresponding spacer, the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B comprises a longitudinal bearing face which extends between the front face 181A and the rear face 181B of the corresponding spacer. In particular, the longitudinal bearing face extends across the front face 181A and the rear face 181B, at one end of the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B relative to the elongation axis X.

[0082] The longitudinal bearing face extends across the groove 184 in order to allow the associated end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 to bear against said longitudinal bearing face.

[0083] Finally, at the upper part of each spacer 18A, 18B, the upper bearing face 187 comprises a central groove 185 configured to allow the insertion of the scraper blade 14 of the first wiper blade 11. The groove 185 is located in a central position between the front face 181A and the rear face 181B. The groove 185 extends from one end to the other of the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B, relative to the elongation axis X. The groove 185 is preferably open, both relative to the elongation axis X, as mentioned previously, but also relative to the vertical axis Z, so that said groove 185 forms a light in the upper bearing face 187 which allows the insertion of the corresponding scraping blade 14.

[0084] The dimensions of the groove 185 are such that the scraper blade 14 is engaged in the groove 185 and through the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B without touching said first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B.

[0085] In order to allow each spacer 18A, 18B to be placed in abutment against the at least one vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12 located opposite and below, relative to the vertical axis Z, the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B comprises a first support leg 186A and a second support leg 186B, each support leg 168A, 168B being in abutment against the at least one vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12.

[0086] The first support leg 186A is located on a first side of the scraper blade 14 of the second wiper blade 12, and the second support leg 186B is located on a second side of said scraper blade 14, opposite the first side. Each support leg 168A, 168B extends directly above the groove 184, on either side of the scraper blades 14 of each wiper blade 11, 12.

[0087] In order to reduce the weight of each spacer 18A, 18B, the first spacer 18A and / or the second spacer 18B has a honeycomb structure, so that the first support leg 186A and the second support leg 186B are connected to each other by a central web 183 which extends across each support leg 168A, 168B. When the packaging assembly 1 is implemented with the two wiper blades 11, 12, the central web 183 extends between the scraper blades 14 of each wiper blade 11, 12.

[0088] Each support leg 168A, 168B preferably extends directly above the groove 184, that is to say that the first support leg 186A is located, relative to the transverse axis Y, in an intermediate position between the rear face 181B and the front face 181A, and preferentially between the groove 185 and the front face 181A; while the second support leg 186B is located, relative to the transverse axis Y, in an intermediate position between the rear face 181B and the front face 181A, and preferentially between the groove 185 and the rear face 181B. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to limit the size and weight of each spacer 18A, 18B and to improve the stability of the packaging assembly 1.Of course, a center distance between the two support legs 186A, 186B, taken along the transverse axis Y, is adapted according to the dimensions of the wiper blades 11, 12, so that each support leg 168A, 168B rests well on one of the vertebrae 16 of the second wiper blade 12.

[0089] In summary, the invention relates to a packaging assembly 1 for a pair of wiper blades 11, 12, the packaging assembly 1 comprising a first wiper blade 11 and a second wiper blade 12, a first spacer 18A secured to a first end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 and bearing against a vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12, a second spacer 18B secured to a second end cap 13 of the first wiper blade 11 and bearing against the vertebra 16 of the second wiper blade 12, and a tightening strap 17 extending around the pair of wiper blades 11, 12 at a connector 15 of said wiper blades 11, 12, so as to keep said wiper blades pressed against each other 11, 12, through the first spacer 18A and the second spacer 18B.

[0090] Of course, 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. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Packaging assembly (1) for a pair of windshield wiper blades (11, 12), the packaging assembly (1) comprising: - a first windshield wiper blade (11) comprising a scraper blade (14) held by at least one vertebra (16) between two end caps (13), and a connector (15) intended to allow mechanical coupling with a drive arm; - a second windshield wiper blade (12) comprising a scraper blade (14) held by at least one vertebra (16) between two end caps (13), and a connector (15) intended to allow mechanical coupling with a drive arm; - a first spacer (18A) secured to a first end cap (13) of the first wiper blade (11) and bearing against at least one vertebra (16) of the second wiper blade (12);- a second spacer (18B) secured to a second end cap (13) of the first wiper blade (11) and bearing against the at least one vertebra (16) of the second wiper blade (12); - a tightening strap (17) extending around the pair of wiper blades (11, 12) at each connector (15), so as to keep said wiper blades (11, 12) pressed against each other, through the spacers (18A, 18B).;

2. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first spacer (18A) and / or the second spacer (18B) comprises a member for retaining the end cap (13) with which it is associated.

3. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining member is configured to allow the corresponding spacer to be held on the associated end cap (13) when said spacer is engaged on said end cap (13).

4. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the retaining member comprises a groove (184) provided on an upper bearing face (187) of the corresponding spacer, the upper bearing face (187) of the spacer being configured to allow support against the end cap (13) associated with said spacer.

5. Packaging assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spacer (18A) and / or the second spacer (18B) comprises a front face (181 A) and a side rear (181B) which each extend projecting from the upper face, the front face (181 A) and the rear face (18 IB) facing each other, thus forming the groove (184), and allowing the introduction of the associated end cap (13) therebetween.

6. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first spacer (18A) and / or the second spacer (18B) comprises, at a free end of the front face (181A) and / or the rear face (181B), a rim (182) which extends respectively projecting from the front face (181A) and the rear face (181B) and in the direction of the rear face (181B) and the front face (181A) respectively.

7. Packaging assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first spacer (18A) and / or the second spacer (18B) comprises a longitudinal bearing face configured to allow axial stopping of the associated end cap (13) of the first wiper blade (11), relative to its axis of elongation (X).

8. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 5, in which the longitudinal support face extends between the front face (181A) and the rear face (181B) of the corresponding spacer.

9. Packaging assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first spacer (18A) and / or the second spacer (18B) comprises a first support leg (186A) and a second support leg (186B), each support leg (168A, 168B) bearing against the at least one vertebra (16) of the second wiper blade (12).

10. Packaging assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first support leg (186A) is located on a first side of the scraper blade (14) of the second wiper blade (12), and the second support leg (186B) is located on a second side of said scraper blade (14), opposite the first side.

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