Blank for manufacturing a device for packaging at least one windscreen wiper blade, and corresponding packaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blank for manufacturing a packaging device (10) for at least one windshield wiper blade (50), said blank (1) being of elongated shape and comprising at least first and second adjacent longitudinal zones (2, 3), each of said at least first and second longitudinal zones (2, 3) adapted to form a longitudinal face (2', 3') of the packaging device (10), said first and second longitudinal zones (2, 3) respectively being hinged at their respective ends via transverse folds (11, 12, 13, 14) to first and second end zones (21, 22, 31, 32) capable of forming first and second substantially transverse flaps (R1, R2), respectively, of the packaging device (10). The longitudinal length (L1) of the first end zone (21, 22) is greater than the longitudinal length (L2) of the second end zone (31, 32), such that the first flap (R1) is formed before the second flap (R2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging spare parts, in particular for motor vehicles, and more particularly to a blank for producing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade, and to a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade produced from said blank. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the packaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with windshield wiper systems to ensure the windshield is wiped clean and the driver's view of the surroundings is not obstructed. Such systems typically include one or two windshield wiper blades that support wiper rubbers formed from a resilient material. These rubbers, one positioned in front of the driver and the other in front of the passenger seat, scrape the windshield and expel water by moving it out of view.

[0003] Unlike the straight rubber blades commonly used today, a new generation of windshield wiper blades is characterized by the absence of a yoke structure. This new type of blade, called a flat blade, still has a flexible wiper rubber, but the external frame that serves to support it is now replaced by a flexible structure integrated directly into the rubber. The assembly is arranged so that, at rest, the rubber has a longitudinally concave shape in its sagittal plane, but upon contact with the surface to be wiped, the rubber straightens itself through elastic deformation of its flexible structure, allowing it to optimally embrace the surface throughout its movement.

[0004] To be precise, such a windshield wiper blade with curved rubber can have a much larger overall size at rest than its counterpart with a yoke structure and straight rubber due to its curved shape. Therefore, in order to reduce the bulk of the blade, it is desirable to use a packaging device with an elongated shape that allows the blade to be trimmed into a straight position.

[0005] For this purpose, it is known to use a blank for the manufacture of a packaging device, which blank comprises two adjacent longitudinal zones that can be hinged to one another via a longitudinal fold, each longitudinal zone forming a longitudinal face of the packaging device, and each of the two longitudinal zones is hinged at its longitudinal end to an end zone via a transverse fold, each end zone being capable of forming a substantially transverse flap of the packaging device.

[0006] The packaging device is then manufactured by folding the blank along the longitudinal fold, e.g., with an adhesive longitudinal flap connected to one of the longitudinal faces, to form a laterally closed profile with the longitudinal faces of the packaging device. Manufacturing of the packaging device is completed by folding the flaps of the blank toward the laterally closed profile to form the lateral end faces of the packaging device.

[0007] However, such packaging devices are generally vulnerable to external shocks, such as those caused by transport of the packaging device, in the closed position via the blank flaps. In other words, it is easy for at least one folded flap to be unfolded after an external shock, especially on the longitudinal surface. In this state, the packaging device becomes bulkier due to the unfolded flaps. Therefore, it is more difficult to perform the boxing operation of the packaging device, and as a result, an additional handling step must be performed to fold the unfolded flaps.

[0008] It is also possible to use fixing means such as adhesive tape or glue to secure the folded state of the flaps, but this requires additional means and at least one additional step, which makes the method for manufacturing the packaging device more expensive and complicated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is therefore necessary to propose a technical solution that allows the blank manufacturing process to proceed at a maintained cost and with reduced complexity, while facilitating the boxing operation of the device for packaging at least one windshield wiper blade manufactured from the blank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect, a blank for producing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade is proposed, the blank having an elongated shape and comprising at least first and second adjacent longitudinal zones, each of the at least first and second longitudinal zones forming a longitudinal face of the packaging device, the first and second longitudinal zones being hinged at their respective ends to first and second end zones via transverse folds, the first and second end zones being capable of forming first and second substantially transverse flaps of the packaging device, respectively, the longitudinal length of the first end zone being greater than the longitudinal length of the second end zone, such that the first flap is formed before the second flap.

[0011] It can be understood that the first flap is adapted to be folded or bent before the second flap, in other words, the second flap is configured to be positioned over the first flap when the first and second flaps are folded or bent, in other words, when the two flaps are overlapped, the second flap is positioned toward the outside of the packaging device relative to the first flap.

[0012] Such a blank preferably allows for a first flap and a second flap whose longitudinal length is shorter than the longitudinal length of the first flap, and the first flap is adapted to be folded before the second flap, so that the second flap is always the first to deploy in the event of an external impact. The shorter longitudinal length of the second flap advantageously allows such a blank to maintain its overall size even when the second flap is deployed.

[0013] Furthermore, since no fastening means are added, there are no additional costs or additional method steps to manufacture a packaging device from such a blank.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the transverse folds are curved, preferably in the form of a circular arc, and are curved concavely towards the centre of the first or second longitudinal zone.

[0015] The first end zone may, for example, have a convexly curved edge opposite the transverse fold that is complementary to the shape of the transverse fold, and the second end zone may, for example, have a straight edge opposite the transverse fold.

[0016] As a non-limiting example, the longitudinal length of the second end zone is less than or equal to half the longitudinal length of the first end zone.

[0017] Preferably, such a longitudinal length of the second end zone, in other words the longitudinal length of the second flap, makes it possible to ensure the same bulkiness of the packaging device produced from the blank even when the second flap is unfolded, and therefore advantageously does not adversely affect the packing operation of the packaging device.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first end zone comprises a poka-yoke means adapted to be masked by a second flap formed from the second end zone.

[0019] Such a blank provided with a poka-yoke feature makes it possible to avoid possible mishandling during the manufacture of the packaging device from the blank, since the poka-yoke feature is masked by the second end zone after the formation of the second flap, such that if the poka-yoke feature remains visible after the packaging device is manufactured, the user will realize that he has performed an insufficient operation.

[0020] By way of non-limiting indication, the error-proofing measures may comprise indicators in the form of text and / or symbols and / or solid colors.

[0021] Therefore, this can definitely help the user to follow the correct manufacturing sequence of the packaging machine.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the blank is made from a plastic material or cardboard.

[0023] The blank may be formed from a plastic material, preferably a transparent or translucent, preferably a rigid plastic material. The material may therefore be selected from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (more commonly called PET), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) or polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, the blank may be formed from cardboard.

[0024] According to another aspect, a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade is proposed, the packaging device being manufactured from a blank as defined above.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the packaging device includes at least one windshield wiper blade.

[0026] According to yet another aspect, a method is proposed for producing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade from a blank as described above, the method comprising a folding or gluing step, wherein a first flap is formed from a first end zone, and then a second flap is formed from a second end zone.

[0027] Such a manufacturing method preferably makes it possible to ensure a maintained bulk of the packaging device even when the second flap is deployed.

[0028] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the detailed description of embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, which are by no means limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blank for manufacturing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade in a perspective view; [Figure 2] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade manufactured from a blank in a perspective view. [Figure 3] 1 shows a method for manufacturing a packaging device 10 for at least one windshield wiper blade 50 using a blank 1 in a misordered manner. [Figure 4] 1 shows a method for manufacturing a packaging device 10 for at least one windshield wiper blade 50 using a blank 1 in the correct order. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] It should be noted that in all of Figures 1 to 4, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

[0031] Reference number 1 in Figure 1 indicates a blank according to an example of the invention for producing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade, the blank comprising at least two longitudinal zones 2, 3 hinged to each other by a first longitudinal fold 4.

[0032] 1 shows a blank with a first longitudinal zone 2 and a second longitudinal zone 3, which leads to the production of a packaging device with two longitudinal sides, here for example a front face 2' and a rear face 3', connected by a first edge 4' formed by a first longitudinal fold 4. However, the blank 1 may also have three or more longitudinal zones, in which case the multiple longitudinal zones define a polygonal longitudinal profile for the packaging device when manufactured.

[0033] The blank 1 further comprises a longitudinal flap 5, here for example adjacent to the first longitudinal zone 2 and hinged to the first longitudinal zone 2 via a second longitudinal fold line 6. The first and second longitudinal fold lines 4, 6 are here substantially parallel.

[0034] This longitudinal flap 5 is preferably a flap that allows one surface of this longitudinal flap 5 to be attached by adhesive, glue or welding to a portion of one surface of the second longitudinal zone 3. After such attachment, the second longitudinal fold 6 substantially coincides with a longitudinal edge 9 of the second longitudinal zone 3 located opposite the first fold 4.

[0035] At least one longitudinal zone 2, 3, here for example two of them, is hinged at each of its longitudinal ends to end zones 21, 22; 31, 32, i.e. to two first end zones 21, 22 and two second end zones 31, 32, via transverse folds 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0036] Each of the first end zones 21 and 22 is adapted to form a first substantially lateral flap R1 of the packaging device, and each of the second end zones 31 and 32 is adapted to form a second substantially lateral flap R2 of the packaging device, with the first flap R1 being formed before the second flap R2.

[0037] The transverse folds are generally identical and may be curved, in particular in the form of circular arcs. Their convex portions may be oriented towards one another so as to be concavely curved towards the centre of the first or second end zone 2 or 3. By way of example, the packaging device has, after manufacture, convexly curved front longitudinal faces 2' and 3' and two concavely curved transverse faces 31' and 32'.

[0038] The first end zone 21 or 22 has a first longitudinal length L1 and the second end zone 31 or 32 has a second longitudinal length L2, which is greater than the second longitudinal length L2.

[0039] By way of example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first and second end zones 21, 22, 31, 32 each have a convexly curved edge opposite the corresponding transverse fold 11, 12, 13, 14 that is substantially complementary to the shape of the corresponding transverse fold 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0040] As mentioned above, the first flap R1 is formed before the second flap R2. In this case, if a packaging device manufactured from the blank 1 is subjected to an external impact, the second flap R2 is more likely to unfold. Because the longitudinal length L2 of the second end zones 31, 32, i.e., the second flap R2, is shorter than the longitudinal length L1 of the first end zones 21, 22, i.e., the first flap R1, the packaging device with the second flap R2 unfolded becomes less bulky, and packing such a packaging device into a box is easier without using adhesives or other fastening means.

[0041] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows another exemplary embodiment of a packaging device 10 manufactured from a blank 1 according to the present invention.

[0042] Specifically, Figure 2 shows only one longitudinal side of the packaging device 10 produced from the blank 1. Only the rear face 3' is visible in Figure 2. The transverse folds 13, 14 are shown here in the form of dotted lines. The first and second end zones 21, 22, 31, 32 are in their unfolded state.

[0043] As a variant to the example shown in FIG. 1, the second end zones 31, 32, in other words the second flap R2, are provided with a straight edge 15 opposite the transverse folds 13, 14.

[0044] Furthermore, the longitudinal length L2 of the second end zones 31,32 is less than or equal to half the longitudinal length L1 of the first end zones 21,22.

[0045] 2, even when the second end zones 31, 32, i.e., the second flap R2, are in their unfolded state, the straight edge 15 does not extend beyond the end of the second longitudinal zone 31, 32. In other words, the packaging device manufactured from the blank 1 can advantageously maintain its overall size even when the second flap R2, formed after the first flap R1, is in its unfolded state.

[0046] Therefore, if the formation sequence of the first flap R1 before the formation sequence of the second flap R2 is properly observed, it is still possible to fold the first flap R1 to prevent the at least one blade contained in the packaging device from leaking out, and the second flap R2 does not interfere with the boxing operation of the packaging device even when the second flap R2 is in its unfolded state.

[0047] 3 and 4, which show another example of a packaging device manufactured from a blank 1 having first end zones 21, 22 with error-proofing means 40 to ensure the correct sequence of formation of the first and second flaps R1 and R2.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows how the blank 1 can be used to manufacture a packaging device 10 for at least one windshield wiper blade 50 in an incorrect order.

[0049] It should be noted here that Figures 3 and 4 show longitudinal side views of the packaging device 10 after the formation of the front surface 2' and the rear surface 3'. The curves forming the sheath in Figures 3 and 4 show the front surface 2' and the rear surface 3', respectively.

[0050] Once the sheath is formed, the packaging device 10 produced from the blank 1 is capable of receiving at least one windshield wiper blade, here for example windshield wiper blade 50, and possibly its associated adapters and connectors. It can be seen that if a second flap R2 having a longitudinal length shorter than the longitudinal length of the first flap R1 is formed before the formation of the first flap R1 comprising the poka-yoke means 40, the poka-yoke means 40 will still be visible after the first flap R1 is formed.

[0051] As an indication, the error-proofing means 40 may comprise an indicator in the form of a warning statement and / or a statement such as an exclamation mark and / or a symbol and / or a solid color to alert a user of the packaging machine 10 that they are forming the first and second flaps R1 and R2 in the wrong order.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a method for producing, in sequence, a packaging device 10 for at least one windshield wiper blade using the blank 1.

[0053] Following the formation of the front face 2' and the rear face 3', the packaging device 10 is able to receive at least one windshield wiper blade, here for example a windshield wiper blade 50.

[0054] By following the correct sequence, the first flap R1 is first formed from the first end zones 21, 22 with the error-proofing means 40. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first flap R1 closes well the side of the packaging device 10 so as to hold said windshield wiper blade 50 within the packaging device 10.

[0055] A second flap R2 is then formed from the second end zones 31, 32. Because the second flap R2 is formed after the first flap R1, the error-proofing means 40 is sufficiently masked by the second flap R2 and is no longer visible after the formation of the second flap R2.

[0056] In this case, even if the second flap R2 unfolds due to an external impact, the bulk of the packaging device 10 is well maintained due to the shortened vertical length of the second flap R2, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 2. Therefore, the boxing operation of the packaging device 10 is preferably not hindered by the unfolding second flap R2, and no additional fastening means are required.

Claims

1. A blank (1) for manufacturing a packaging device (10) for at least one windshield wiper blade (50), the blank (1) being elongated and comprising at least first and second adjacent longitudinal zones (2, 3), each of the at least first and second longitudinal zones (2, 3) forming a longitudinal face (2', 3') of the packaging device (10), the first and second longitudinal zones (2, 3) being hinged at their respective ends to first and second end zones (21, 22, 31, 32) via transverse folds (11, 12, 13, 14), the first and second end zones (21, 22, 31, 32) being capable of forming first and second substantially transverse flaps (R1, R2) of the packaging device (10), The longitudinal length (L1) of the first end zone (31, 32) along the longitudinal direction of the blank (1) is greater than the longitudinal length (L2) of the second end zone (31, 32) along the longitudinal direction of the blank (1), the second flap (R2) is configured to be placed on the first flap (R1) when the first flap (R1) and the second flap (R2) are folded or bent, and the transverse folds (11, 12, 13, 14) of the first or second longitudinal zone (2, 3) A blank (1) characterized in that it is curved concavely towards the centre, the first end zones (21, 22) having convexly curved edges that protrude outwardly with respect to the transverse folds (11, 12) on the side opposite the transverse folds (11, 12) with respect to the centre of the first end zones (21, 22), and the second end zones (31, 32) having straight edges (15) on the side opposite the transverse folds (13, 14) with respect to the centre of the second end zones (31, 32).

2. 2. A blank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length (L2) of the second end zones (31, 32) is less than or equal to half the longitudinal length (L1) of the first end zones (21, 22).

3. 2. A blank (1) according to claim 1, comprising a poka-yoke means (40) adapted to be masked by the second flap (R2) formed from the second end zone (31, 32) when the second flap (R2) is folded or bent after the first flap (R1).

4. 4. A blank (1) according to claim 3, wherein said error-proofing means (40) comprises an indicator in the form of a word and / or a symbol and / or a solid color.

5. 2. A blank (1) according to claim 1, made from a plastic material or cardboard.

6. Packaging device (10) for at least one windshield wiper blade (50), characterized in that it is manufactured from a blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The packaging device (10) of claim 6, including at least one windshield wiper blade (50).

8. 6. A method for manufacturing a packaging device (10) for at least one windshield wiper blade (50) by means of a blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a folding or gluing step, characterized in that the first flap (R1) is folded or bent and then the second flap (R2) is folded or bent.

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