Windshield wiper and vehicle

Abstract

The invention proposes a windshield wiper (10) comprising a central mount (16), and, at each end of the central mount, end caps articulated to the central mount, a wiper blade (12) and at least one vertebra (14) for stiffening the blade, claws (26) for fitting the wiper blade and the at least one vertebra to the central mount, the wiper extending longitudinally and the longitudinal positioning of the claws on the central mount being adjustable. The invention also comprises a vehicle comprising the wiper. The invention makes it possible to use the same central mount for different types of glazing.

Description

Wiper blade and vehicle Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a windshield wiper blade and a vehicle comprising the blade. State of the art

[0002] Windshield wiper blades are suitable for wiping vehicle windows whose surface may have a variable curvature profile. Document US2019275989 proposes for this purpose a windshield wiper blade comprising parts hinged together so as to adapt to a changing curvature of the surface of a windshield depending on the pressure applied by the wiper arm against the windshield. The disadvantage of this solution is that the blade does not adapt to different windows. In particular, it is necessary to provide blades having different dimensions to correctly match the shape of the different windows, which leads to the multiplication of references and increased manufacturing complexity.

[0003] So there is a need for a wiper blade that can fit different windows.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide a windshield wiper blade that can be adapted to different windows.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention proposes, in a first aspect, a windscreen wiper blade comprising a central mount and two end covers articulated at the opposite ends of said central mount, a wiping blade and at least one vertebra for stiffening the blade, and claws for assembling the wiping blade and the at least one vertebra to the central mount.

[0006] According to the invention, the brush extends longitudinally and the longitudinal positioning of the claws on the central mount is adjustable.

[0007] Therefore, a generic wiper can be adapted for use with several different types of glass, or glass with different curvatures, in that the articulation points between the central mount and the wiper and / or the vertebrae(s) are adjustable. This therefore produces a

[0008] Furthermore, thanks to this adjustment capability, a generic central mount can be combined with longer or shorter end caps, thus realizing brushes of different lengths with a minimum of unique component references.

[0009] The broom in accordance with the first aspect of the invention may advantageously comprise at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0010] - The positioning of the claws is adjustable according to a predetermined pressure distribution in the wiping blade and / or the at least one vertebra;

[0011] - The positioning of the claws is adjustable according to the curvature profile of the window(s) to be wiped;

[0012] - The positioning of the claws is adjustable on the central mount in a continuous and / or discreet manner. On the one hand, the adjustment of the position of the claws carried out continuously allows an infinite adaptability of the positions of the claws, thus obtaining a great flexibility of configuration. On the other hand, the adjustment of the position of the claws in a discreet manner obtains a solution that is easy to configure and assemble, with a consistent and safe positioning. It is even conceivable a broom in which the adjustment of the position of one of the claws is carried out continuously and the other is carried out discreetly;

[0013] - The positioning of the claws is adjustable in a plurality of positions on the central mount;

[0014] - The positions are defined by ribs formed in the central mount. Preferably, the claws are fixed to the central mount by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, thermal welding, gluing or snap-fastening. The permanent fixing of the claws is therefore carried out by fixing means and / or processes that are easy, clean and economical to implement;

[0015] - The broom comprises two claws assembling the blade and at least one vertebra to the central mount;

[0016] - The central mount extends longitudinally between the end covers, the positioning of the claws being symmetrical with respect to the center of the central mount;

[0017] – The central mount extends longitudinally between the end covers, the positioning of the claws being asymmetrical relative to the center of the central mount;

[0018] - The broom further comprises claws assembling the blade and the at least one vertebra to the end covers, preferably two claws each assembling the blade and the at least one vertebra to one of the end covers.

[0019] The invention also provides, in a second aspect, a vehicle with the wiper blade as described above.

[0020] Preferably, the vehicle comprises a window intended to be wiped by the wiper, the window having a specific curvature profile, the positioning of the claws on the central mount being adjustable according to a predetermined pressure distribution in the wiper blade and the at least one vertebra, the predetermined pressure distribution being at least partly a function of the curvature profile of the window.

[0021] Preferably, the wiper is positioned either in front of the driver's side seat, in front of the passenger's side seat, or in the center of the window.

[0022] All of the preferred embodiments and all of the advantages of the windshield wiper blade according to the invention are transposed mutatis mutandis to the present vehicle. The different embodiments can be taken in combination or considered in isolation. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures which show:

[0024] , is an exploded view of a windshield wiper blade according to the invention;

[0025] , this is a bottom view of the broom;

[0026] , this is a view of a detail of the broom.

[0027] The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. For the purposes of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The invention provides a windshield wiper blade comprising a central mount, and, at each end of the central mount, end caps hinged to the central mount. The blade also comprises a wiping blade and at least one vertebra for stiffening the blade as well as claws for assembling the wiping blade and the at least one vertebra to the central mount. The blade extends longitudinally and the longitudinal positioning of the claws on the central mount is adjustable. Adjusting the positioning of the claws allows adaptation to different types of glass. Thus, the same central mount can be used for different types of glass.

[0029] This is an exploded view of a wiper blade 10. The blade 10 is intended to be used in a windshield wiper (not shown). The blade 10 comprises a wiping blade 12 and at least one vertebra 14 for stiffening the blade 12. The blade 10 may extend in a longitudinal direction. The blade 10 may extend longitudinally. The blade 10 may have a longitudinal shape. The same applies to the vertebra 14 and the blade 12 extending longitudinally in the longitudinal direction. The blade 12 is capable of resting against a window of a vehicle, the windshield or the rear window for example, and of ensuring wiping thereof by back-and-forth movements of the windshield wiper.

[0030] The wiper 10 is capable of exerting a contact force according to a defined pattern on the window to be wiped in the longitudinal direction. The contact force is a function of the curvature profile of the window. The contact force on the window is variable, along the longitudinal shape of the wiper 10. The vertebra 14 gives rigidity to the blade 12, over its entire length. In particular, the vertebra 14 allows the blade 12 to be held and ensures its rigidity over its entire length. The material of the blade 12 is more flexible than that of the vertebra 14, to ensure wiping of the window; the material of the vertebra 14 is more rigid than that of the blade 12, in order to ensure the rigidity of the blade 12 over its entire length. The vertebra 14 is for example made of metal. In addition, vertebra 14 can be made of a single piece (supporting the blade in a central slot) or, depending on the, of several pieces (enclosing the blade between them).Throughout the description, the word “vertebra” in the singular will be used in a non-limiting manner.

[0031] The wiper 10 may further comprise a central mount 16. The central mount 16 may extend longitudinally, along the longitudinal direction of the wiper. At each end of the central mount 16, the wiper 10 may comprise end caps 18. The end caps 18 make it possible to hold the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 over a greater length. The end caps 18 may be hinged to the central mount 16 so as to adapt to the curvature profile of the window. The wiper may comprise interfaces 20 for hingedly connecting the caps 18 to the central mount 16. The interfaces 20 may be made of metal and the central mount 16 and the caps 18 may be made of plastic. This makes it possible to lighten the wiper and make it easy to construct, while reinforcing the hinge relationship by the material of the interfaces 20.It may be a hybrid wiper blade, in which the pressure of the blade on the glass may be imparted by the vertebra and by specific support points along the blade. In addition, the blade may be provided with holes along its length to spread cleaning liquid on the glass.

[0032] The wiper blade 10 may be attached to an arm (not visible in the figures) of the windshield wiper, the arm being driven in movement at one of its ends by drive means and driving the wiper blade 10 in movement at its other end. The wiper blade 10 may be connected to the arm via a connector 22. The connector 22 may be attached to the arm by articulation means. A member 24 allows the wiper blade 10 and the arm to be locked.

[0033] The wiper blade 10 further comprises claws 26 for assembling the wiper blade 12 and the at least one vertebra 14 to the central mount 16. The longitudinal positioning of the claws 26 on the central mount is adjustable. In other words, the positioning of the claws 26 on the central mount can be modified along the longitudinal shape of the wiper blade and the central mount. The claws 26 can be positioned in a longitudinally adjustable manner. The wiper blade can be adapted to different windows. This reduces the number of spare parts. This also makes it possible to use a single type of mold to manufacture a central mount that can be used for different types of windows. Furthermore, this makes it possible to adjust the positioning of the claws for blades of different lengths and for blades of the same length.

[0034] The wiper 10 may comprise an even or odd number of claws 26. Depending on the, the wiper 10 may comprise an even number of claws 26, for example two claws 26 whose position is adjustable along the central frame, and relative to each other. Preferably, the claws 26 are positioned far from each other, with a distribution along the length of the wiper so as to ensure good support along the central frame and uniform force distribution. The claws 26 may be positioned uniformly or not, depending on the shape of the window and the desired force distribution.

[0035] The positioning of the claws 26 can be adjustable according to a pressure to be distributed in the blade 12 and the vertebra 14. The claws are specific support points along the wiper. The position of the claws 26 can be determined according to the pressure to be distributed in the blade 12 and the vertebra 14. It is thus possible to increase the pressure more at the end of the wiper or more in the center of the wiper. The wiper makes it possible to apply pressure in the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 according to the curvature profile of the window to be wiped. Also, the central mount is able to adapt to windows to be wiped having different curvature profiles, the central mount being able to adapt by adjusting the positioning of the claws on the central mount. This makes it possible to have a type of wiper that can be used for windows having a specific curvature profile. This reduces the number of spare parts.

[0036] This is a bottom view of the wiper blade. It shows the central mount 16 extending longitudinally and, where appropriate, the end covers 18. It shows the positions of the claws 26. The positioning of the claws 26 is adjustable on the central mount 16 in a continuous and / or discrete manner. The claws 26 can be positioned in an infinite number of positions 28, for example by sliding along the central mount 16. This allows very precise positioning of the position of the claws 26. The claws 26 can be positioned in predefined positions 28 along the central mount 16. This makes it easier to position the claws 26. It is also possible to envisage that the positioning of the claws is continuously adjustable in certain areas of the wiper blade 10 and discretely adjustable in other areas of the wiper blade 10.Some claws 26 may have continuously adjustable positioning and other claws 26 may have discretely adjustable positioning. The positioning of the claws 26 allows for a length 29 between the claws 26, the length 29 being adapted to the desired use of the wiper 10. The length 29 determines the pressure of the blade and the vertebra on the glass.

[0037] According to the, the positioning of the claws 26 is adjustable in a plurality of positions 28 on the central mount 16, the positions 28 being ribs 30 of the central mount 16. The number of positions 28 of the claws 26 is then discreet. This ensures good holding in place of the claws 26 and good absorption of forces between on the one hand the central mount and on the other hand the blade and the vertebra. The claws 26 are for example positioned astride the ribs.

[0038] The watch of the 28 claw positions. Two sets of four 28 claw positions are shown – one set of 28 positions for each of two implemented 26 claws. The number of 26 claws and positions of each 26 claw is given as an example.

[0039] The positioning of the claws 26 may be symmetrical with respect to the center of the central mount 16. This makes it possible to balance the positioning of the claws 26. According to the example of the, two claws 26 may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the central mount 16. Of the four positions shown, the right claw 26 is positioned at the second position 28 from the right and the left claw 26 is positioned at the second position 28 from the left. It is thus possible to bring the claws 26 closer together or apart in symmetrical positions 28.

[0040] The positioning of the claws can also be asymmetrical relative to the center of the central frame 16. This makes it possible to adapt to a particular window profile. For example, the two claws 26 of the can be positioned asymmetrically relative to the center of the central frame 16. Of the four positions shown, the right claw 26 can be positioned at the second position 28 from the right and the left claw 26 can be positioned at the third position 28 from the left. It is thus possible to bring the claws 26 closer together or apart in asymmetrical positions 28.

[0041] The claws 26 can be attached to the central mount 16 in various ways. For example, the claws 26 can be attached to the central mount 16 by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, thermal welding, gluing or snap-fastening. The attachment technique chosen can meet requirements of ease and / or speed of assembly, possibility of disassembly, etc.

[0042] The broom 10 may also comprise claws 32 assembling the blade 12 and the at least one vertebra 14 to the end covers 18. The claws 32 of the end covers 18 make it possible to hold the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 over a greater length. Preferably, two claws 32 each assemble the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 to one of the end covers 18. It is conceivable that the positioning of the claws 32 on the covers 18 is adjustable – according to the characteristics and advantages described for the claws 26.

[0043] Lamontre an example of claws 26 (or 32). The claws 26 include a passage for the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 as well as clamps for holding the blade 12 and the vertebra 14 in place. The claw 26 is positioned at a certain position 28, a rib 30 of another position 28 being visible behind the claw 26. The claws 26 are for example made of plastic.

[0044] The invention also relates to a vehicle with the windshield wiper blade 10. In particular, the vehicle may comprise a windshield wiper system with one or more arms respectively driving a blade 10. The arm or arms are attached to the respective blade 10 by the connector 22.

[0045] The vehicle further comprises a window to be wiped by the wiper blade 10, such as the windshield. The window having a specific curvature profile, the positioning of the claws 26 on the central mount 16 is adjustable according to a predetermined pressure distribution in the wiper blade and the at least one vertebra depending on the curvature profile of the window. The predetermined pressure distribution is at least partly a function of the curvature profile of the window, but may take into account the overall shape of the vehicle and its aerodynamic qualities, the use for which the vehicle is intended, and / or other additional usage characteristics according to which the wiper blade can be optimized. The advantages described above apply to the vehicle.

[0046] Particularly advantageously, the wiper blade 10 is positioned in front of the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Indeed, the edge of the window in front of the passenger may have a smaller radius of curvature – therefore a more curved window profile – than towards the center of the window. The wiper blade 10 can be adapted to windows of different types, and in particular to different window profiles. This makes it possible to optimize the distribution of pressure according to the window. This is all the more advantageous when the wiper blade 10 located in front of the passenger is of a shorter length and therefore more complex to adapt to a smaller window radius of curvature.

[0047] Of course, the advantages of the invention are also realized when the wiper is positioned in front of the driver's seat, or when the wiper is mounted in a central position.

[0048] The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are of purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. In general, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above.

Claims

A windshield wiper blade (10) comprising:A central mount (16) and two end caps (18) hinged to opposite ends of said central mount (16),A wiping blade (12) and at least one vertebra (14) for stiffening the blade,Claws (26) for assembling the wiping blade and the at least one vertebra to the central mount,The blade extending longitudinally and the longitudinal positioning of the claws (26) on the central mount (16) being adjustable (16). The wiper (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the positioning of the claws (26) is adjustable according to a predetermined pressure distribution in the wiping blade (12) and / or the at least one vertebra (14). The wiper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning of the claws (26) is adjustable according to the curvature profile of the window(s) to be wiped. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the positioning of the claws (26) is adjustable on the central mount (16) in a continuous and / or discrete manner. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning of the claws (26) is adjustable to a plurality of positions on the central mount (16). The broom (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the positions are defined by ribs formed in the central mount. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the claws (26) are fixed to the central mount (16) by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, thermal welding, gluing or snap-fastening. The broom (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two claws (26) assembling the blade (12) and the at least one vertebra (14) to the central mount (16). The wiper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the central mount (16) extends longitudinally between the end covers, the positioning of the claws (26) is symmetrical relative to the center of the central mount. The wiper (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the central mount (16) extends longitudinally between the end covers, the positioning of the claws (26) is asymmetrical relative to the center of the central mount. A vehicle with the windscreen wiper blade (10) according to one of the preceding claims. The vehicle according to the preceding claim, comprising a window to be wiped by the wiper, the window having a specific curvature profile, the positioning of the claws (26) on the central mount (16) is adjustable according to a predetermined pressure distribution in the wiper blade (12) and the at least one vertebra (14), the predetermined pressure distribution being at least partly a function of the curvature profile of the window.

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