Streamlined windscreen wiper, windscreen wiper system and vehicle

Abstract

The streamlined windscreen wiper (100) comprises a longitudinal streamlined fairing comprising a central mounting base (105) and at least one end cap (110), at least one adapter element (200) fixed to the central mounting base (105) and comprising a central web (205) and two legs (210) extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite edges of the central web (205), one of said at least one end cap (105) being articulated to the adapter element (200), a retaining means (240) comprising at least one rib (250) extending from a lower surface (215) of the central mounting base and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the central web (205) of the adapter element (200), and a window (245) provided in the central web (205) of the adapter element (200) and engaged by the at least one rib (250).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a streamlined windscreen wiper for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to an articulation means for said streamlined windscreen wiper. [Background technology]

[0002] In vehicle windscreen wipers, it has become increasingly desirable to incorporate streamlined aspects into the windscreen wiper to the extent that the streamlined elements form a significant portion of the windscreen wiper's structure. Such windscreen wipers are commonly referred to as "hybrid" windscreen wipers.

[0003] The streamlined aspect offers several advantages, most notably reducing drag from the airflow incident on the windscreen wiper. The streamlined shape may also be configured, among other things, to generate downforce on the wiper as air flows over it, pushing the wiper into the windscreen to improve wiping performance. The streamlined shape also presents a more pleasing aesthetic than windscreen wipers configured with more traditional-style nested tournament arms.

[0004] In so-called hybrid windscreen wiper blades, the streamlined aspect is implemented in the form of a rigid fairing that forms part of the structure of the windscreen wiper. The fairing generally comprises several individual pieces that are articulated to one another in order to allow the wiper blade to flex and follow the curvature of the windscreen as it passes over it. Furthermore, depending on the length of the blade, the wiper may include a single-level tournament arm (also known as a "caliper") articulated to the fairing that holds the wiper rubber in order to distribute the force of the wiper arm more evenly along the length of the wiper blade.

[0005] In this way, the fairing forms a significant part of the structure of the windscreen wiper, simplifying its construction.

[0006] Because the central mounting and end caps are rigid components, and because the wiper blade must be able to flex to follow the curvature of the windscreen, some type of articulation means must be provided to allow the end caps to pivot relative to the central mounting. In particular, because the wiper blade must follow the curvature of the windscreen while maintaining a high degree of wiping performance throughout its entire trajectory, the articulation of the end caps to the central mounting must allow free rotation about the lateral axis, but must be rigid and strong in all other directions and about all other axes.

[0007] One way to achieve this is to provide an adapter element that is attached to one of the central mount or the end cap and provides a point at which the other of the central mount and the end cap is articulated. Such a solution has the advantage that it is cost-effective and easy to implement, especially compared to articulations that are integrally formed with the central mount and the end cap.

[0008] However, such an arrangement can be disadvantageous in that the additional components of the adapter element introduce an additional degree of tolerance into the assembly of the windscreen wiper, which may result in a reduction in the stiffness of the joint. In addition, the adapter element is inevitably subjected to a variety of different forces during operation of the windscreen wiper, under which it is subject to deflection and twisting.

[0009] In extreme cases, this can lead to disarticulation of the windscreen wiper under heavy load conditions such as under the action of brushes and rollers in an automatic car wash or under heavy ice or snow loads. Such conditions are unusual in that they are not normally encountered during use of windscreen wipers in most circumstances, but are nevertheless not unpredictable in normal use.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a windscreen wiper that at least partially addresses the above-mentioned challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Thus, according to a first aspect, there is provided a streamlined windscreen wiper, in particular for vehicles, comprising: a longitudinal streamlined fairing comprising a longitudinal wiper blade, a central mounting base and at least one end cap arranged at a distal end of the central mounting base; at least one adapter element fixed at its distal end to the central mounting base, the at least one adapter element comprising a central web and two legs extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite edges of the central web, one of said at least one end cap being articulated to said adapter element; and retaining means formed in said adapter and comprising a first part that engages with a complementary second part extending from the underside of said central mounting base.

[0012] According to the invention, the second part of the holding means comprises at least one rib extending from the underside of the central mounting base and oriented substantially perpendicular to the central web of the holding means, and the first part comprises a window provided in said central web of the adapter element, said window being engaged by said at least one rib.

[0013] This is advantageous in that it provides a simple and economically manufactured means for reinforcing the connection between the adapter element and the central mounting base of the windscreen wiper. In particular, engagement of the retaining means increases the resistance of the windscreen wiper to lateral and torsional forces and prevents disassembly of the windscreen wiper, especially under high load conditions.

[0014] Other features and refinements of the present invention beyond the above-described aspects are further envisioned and may be freely combined with one another in any amount or combination.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the second part of the retaining means comprises a pair of angled ribs each abutting at least one edge of a window in the central web of the adapter element.

[0016] Preferably, the second portion of the retaining means further comprises connecting ribs extending between and connecting the angled ribs.

[0017] Preferably, the second part of the retaining means abuts both the longitudinal and lateral faces of a window provided in the central web of the adapter element.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, at least one of the angled ribs abuts against the edge of the window in the central web of the adapter element with an apex and at least one tip of said at least one angled rib.

[0019] Most preferably, at least one of the angled ribs comprises means for centering a window in the central web of the adapter element on the second portion of the retaining means.

[0020] Preferably, the second portion of the retaining means secures the adapter element laterally and longitudinally.

[0021] In a possible variation, the wiper further comprises a locating pin extending from the central mounting base and engaging a complementary structure formed in the adapter element.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the locating pin has a cross section that is substantially circular and / or has a cross shape.

[0023] Most preferably, the locating pin tapers in a direction extending from the central mounting toward the distal end of the locating pin.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a windscreen wiper system comprising a wiper arm, a drive motor configured to drive the wiper arm in a reciprocating motion, and a windscreen wiper as described above.

[0025] According to a third aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper or a windscreen wiper system as described above.

[0026] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood when considered in light of the included figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a windscreen wiper according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the windscreen wiper of FIG. 1; [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of a central mount according to the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1 is a perspective detail view of an adapter element according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The invention will be better understood in the context of the drawings and in light of the following description.

[0029] To aid in the understanding of the figures in connection with the following description, it should first be noted that in each figure a set of axes are described, which obviously follow the general meaning of windscreen wipers, with axis L corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the windscreen wiper, i.e. along the length of the windscreen wiper 100, axis T corresponding to the lateral direction, i.e. across the width of the windscreen wiper 100, and axis V corresponding to the vertical direction of the windscreen wiper, i.e. through the height of the windscreen wiper 100.

[0030] Furthermore, although the following description is directed to a single joint of the windscreen wiper 100, it will be readily understood that a windscreen wiper may be equipped with the present invention at one or several of its joints.

[0031] Furthermore, where relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used, it will be understood that such terms are used in relation to the windscreen wiper when placed on a horizontal plane with a rubber wiper blade, and in particular "upper" and "lower" are used in relation to gravity in the usual manner.

[0032] 1 shows a windscreen wiper 100 according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. The windscreen wiper 100 comprises a fairing consisting of a central mounting base 105 and two end caps 110. The central mounting base 105 and the end caps 110 are each provided with a number of hooks 115, 120 that engage with a rubber wiper blade 125 to hold it in place. The central mounting base is provided with an arm connector 130 that allows a user to attach the wiper 100 to a wiper arm of a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0033] Each of the end caps 110 is pivotally articulated to the central mounting 105. Figure 2 shows one of these joints in detail, and is a detailed view of the joint between the central mounting 105 and one of the end caps 110 as seen from the underside of the windscreen wiper, omitting for clarity the wiper rubber 125 and any associated structure such as vertebrae that may be required to attach it to the central mounting 105 and end cap 110.

[0034] The articulation between the end cap 110 and the central mounting base 105 is formed by an adapter element 200. The adapter element 200 comprises a central web 205 and two legs 210 extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite side edges of the central web 205. The adapter element 200 is therefore provided in the form of an inverted "U" when assembled to the windscreen wiper.

[0035] The adapter element 200 may be formed of metal, particularly sheet metal such as mild steel or spring steel, or aluminum. The properties of such materials are well known in the art and are generally inexpensive to manufacture. Alternatively, the adapter element 200 may be provided in a plastic material and manufactured by injection molding or a similar process. Such adapter elements are particularly advantageous in that, because they are manufactured from plastic, they are lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

[0036] The adapter element 200 is securely attached to the underside 215 of the central mount 105 and extends longitudinally from the central mount 105, terminating in a joint 220 located longitudinally outboard of the central mount 105 as shown. The joint 220 is formed by two bores 225 in each of the outer legs 210 of the central mount 105. The two bores are engaged by complementary pivot pins 230 (one shown) formed integrally with the end cap 110 on the underside 215 of the end cap 110.

[0037] In this manner, the end cap 110 is pivotally articulated to the central mount 105, allowing the end cap to pivot about a transverse axis formed by the two pivot pins 230. In this manner, the windscreen wiper flexes to conform to the curvature of the windscreen, ensuring effective wiping by the rubber wiper blades.

[0038] The adapter element 200 is fixed in place within the central mount 105 by several different structures. The adapter element 200 is primarily held by hooks 235 which extend from the inner surface of the central mount 105 and which engage with the two legs 210 of the adapter element 200 to hold the adapter element 200 in the vertical direction V, i.e. to prevent the adapter element 200 from falling off the bottom of the windscreen wiper 100.

[0039] However, the hooks 235 are not always effective in securing the adapter element 200 longitudinally or laterally, especially when the windscreen wiper is subjected to heavy lateral or torsional loads (especially about the longitudinal axis), which may occur particularly when the windscreen wiper is covered with ice or snow, or when the wiper system is operated while the vehicle is in contact with the brushes of an automatic car wash.

[0040] To that end, adapter element 200 further comprises retaining means 240 that complements hook 235. Retaining means 240 consists of two parts: a first part formed on adapter element 200 and a second part formed in central mount 105 and extending downward from its underside.

[0041] 2, the first portion is contained within a window 245 provided in the central web 205 of the adapter element 200. The second portion is contained within a rib element 250 integrally formed with the central mount 105. Each of these portions will be described in turn.

[0042] It should be noted that the window 245 is substantially centrally located within the central web 205 of the adapter element 200, and in particular is substantially centered along the length (i.e., in the longitudinal direction L) of the adapter element 200, and extends across the entire width of the central web 205 from one of the legs 210 to the other.

[0043] When the adapter element 200 is assembled onto the central mount 105, the window 245 is engaged by a rib element 250 that extends from the central mount 105 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central web 205 of the adapter element 200 (i.e., substantially along the vertical direction V). The rib element 250 engages the edge of the window 245, restraining the adapter element 200 against the central mount 105 and further reinforcing the attachment therebetween.

[0044] Rib element 250 may be provided in many different shapes and forms depending on the particular needs of the application in question. Figure 2 shows one possible example of rib element 250, which is particularly advantageous for reasons explained below. Rib element 250 of Figure 2 consists of two angled ribs 255 positioned so that apexes 260 of angled ribs 255 (one of which is shown here for clarity) engage opposite side edges of window 245 when adapter element 200 is attached to central mount 105.

[0045] In this way, the connection between the adapter element 200 and the central mount 105 is reinforced in the lateral direction. To further strengthen this connection, a connecting rib 265 can be provided. The connecting rib 265 is disposed between the two angled ribs 255 and extends between the crests 260 of each of the two angled ribs 255. The connecting rib 265 therefore helps to prevent lateral deformation of the angled ribs 255, especially under heavy lateral loads.

[0046] Additionally, rib element 250 may be configured to engage longitudinal edge 270 of window 240, thereby providing additional reinforcement in the longitudinal direction L. As seen in FIG. 2, curved end faces 275 of angled rib 255 engage longitudinal edge 270, although flat end faces may also be envisioned in other embodiments.

[0047] Optionally, the windscreen wiper 100 may be provided with a locating pin 280 extending from the central mounting base and engaging with a locating hole 285 arranged in the central web 205 of the adapter element 200. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0048] 3A and 3B show the second portion of the retaining means 240 formed in the central mount 105 and the adapter element 200 with the first portion of the retaining means 240, respectively.

[0049] 3A shows a second portion of the retaining means 240 in the form of a rib element 250. As mentioned above, the angled rib comprises a curved end surface 275. The curved end surface 275 engages with the longitudinal edge 270 of the window 240, and because both longitudinal edges 270 of the window 240 are engaged by the curved end surfaces 275, the adapter element 200 automatically centers itself in the longitudinal direction L on the rib element 250.

[0050] Additionally, the end faces of the angled ribs may extend longitudinally to form shoulders 300. The shoulders provide a fixed reference position for the adapter element 200 in the vertical direction V, further strengthening the connection between the adapter element 200 and the central mount 105.

[0051] Locating pins 280 may further be provided that engage complementary locating holes 285 in adapter element 200. Locating pins 280 serve to precisely position adapter element 200 relative to central mount 105, and therefore, its ability to withstand loads of any kind, both lateral and longitudinal, is of secondary importance.

[0052] Locating pin 280 is substantially cylindrical and extends from the underside of central mounting base 105 (shown here upside down). Locating pin 280 is preferably provided in a substantially cross shape, which reduces the overall weight of the locating pin without sacrificing its ability to accurately position adapter element 200 relative to central mounting base 105. Of course, other cross-sectional configurations (e.g., circular, oval, or polygonal) are also contemplated.

[0053] Optionally, locating pin 280 may be tapered in a direction extending from the central mount to the distal end of locating pin 280. More specifically, locating pin 280 comprises tapered surfaces 305 (two of which are shown for clarity). In this manner, locating pin 280 automatically centers itself within a corresponding bore in adapter element 200, further improving positioning repeatability and accuracy.

[0054] FIG. 3B shows adapter element 200, particularly its structure in cooperation with rib element 250 and locating pin 280.

[0055] In particular, legs 210 and longitudinal edges 270 are clearly visible, which are engaged by rib elements 250 as described above.

[0056] 3B further illustrates a locating hole 285 provided in adapter element 200 that is engaged by the locating pin described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3A. The locating hole may simply be drilled or cut from central web 205 of adapter element 200 so that it is flush with the surface of central web 205, like window 245. Alternatively, as shown here, locating hole 285 is extended in vertical direction V by locating hole collar 310. The provision of locating hole collar 310 further improves the precision and accuracy of the locating effect provided by locating pin 285, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, locating hole collar 310 may be tapered in a manner complementary to tapered surface 305 of locating pin 280.

[0057] Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other permutations or combinations of the above aspects may be possible without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100 Windscreen wipers 105 Central mounting stand 110 End Cap 115,120 hooks 125 wiper blade 130 Arm Connector 200 Adapter Elements 205 Central Web 210 Legs 215 Bottom surface 220 joints 225 bore 230 Pivot pin 235 Hook 240 Holding means 245 Window 250 rib elements 255 angled rib 260 Top 265 Connecting Rib 270 Longitudinal Edge 275 End face 280 Locating Pin 285 Positioning hole 300 Shoulder 305 tapered surface 310 hole color

Claims

1. A streamlined windscreen wiper (100) for a vehicle, comprising: a longitudinal wiper blade (125); a longitudinally streamlined fairing comprising a central mounting base (105) and at least one end cap (110) disposed at a distal end of said central mounting base (105); at least one adapter element (200) fixed at its distal end to said central mount (105), said adapter element (200) comprising a central web (205) and two legs (210) extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite edges of said central web (205), one of said at least one end cap (105) being articulated to said adapter element (200); a retaining means (240) formed in the adapter element (200) and having a first portion that engages with a complementary second portion extending from the underside (215) of the central mount (105); Equipped with the second portion of the retaining means (240) comprises at least one rib (250) extending from the underside (215) of the central mount and oriented substantially perpendicular to the central web (205) of the adapter element (200); the first portion comprises a window (245) provided in the central web (205) of the adapter element (200), the window (245) being engaged by the at least one rib (250); The wiper (100) wherein the second portion of the retaining means comprises a pair of angled ribs (255) including vertices (260) that respectively abut against the edges (210) on both sides of the window (245) in the central web (205) of the adapter element (200).

2. 2. The wiper (100) of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the retaining means further comprises connecting ribs (265) extending between and connecting the angled ribs (255).

3. 3. The wiper (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion of the retaining means abuts both a longitudinal face (270) and a lateral face (210) of the window (245) provided in the central web (205) of the adapter element (200).

4. 3. The wiper (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the angle-shaped ribs (255) includes the apex (260) and at least one tip (275) that abuts an edge (210, 270) of the window (245) in the central web (205) of the adapter element (200).

5. 3. The wiper (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part of the retaining means secures the adapter element (200) laterally and longitudinally.

6. 3. The wiper (100) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locating pin (280) extending from the central mounting base (105) and engaging a complementary structure (285) formed in the adapter element (200).

7. 7. The wiper (100) of claim 6, wherein the locating pin (280) has a cross section having a generally circular or cross shape and tapers in a direction extending from the central mounting base (105) toward the distal end of the locating pin (280).

8. 1. A windscreen wiper system, comprising: A wiper arm, a drive motor configured to drive the wiper arm in a reciprocating motion; A windscreen wiper (100) according to claim 1 or 2, A system comprising:

9. A vehicle equipped with a windscreen wiper (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper system according to claim 8.

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