Method for replacing a windscreen wiper or a wiper blade, and corresponding windscreen wiper and wiper system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for replacing a windscreen wiper (5) or a wiper blade (9) of a windscreen wiper for a system (1) for wiping a glazed surface, the system comprising at least one actuating arm (3) and a windscreen wiper (5, 5'). The replacement method comprises the following steps: disconnecting the arm (3) from an original windscreen wiper (5), detaching an end piece (23) from the longitudinal end of the original windscreen wiper (5), the end piece being secured to a feed pipe (21) of the arm, joining and locking the end piece (23) to a longitudinal end of a replacement (5') windscreen wiper or of the original (5) wiper fitted with a replacement wiper blade (9'), and connecting the arm (3) to the windscreen wiper (5', 5). The invention also relates to a corresponding windscreen wiper (5') and to a corresponding wiper system (1).

Description

Method of replacing a wiper blade or wiping blade, and corresponding wiper blade and wiping system

[0001] The invention relates to a windshield wiper blade and a corresponding wiping system. The invention also relates to methods of replacing the windshield wiper blade or a wiper blade of such a blade. Technical background

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with windshield wiper systems to sweep and clean / wash a glass surface such as a windshield and prevent the driver's view of his surroundings from being disturbed. These windshield wipers are conventionally driven by an actuating arm performing an angular back-and-forth movement and comprise elongated wiper blades, themselves carrying scraper blades generally made of an elastic material. These blades rub against the windshield and evacuate the water by bringing it out of the driver's field of vision.

[0003] Windscreen wiper blades are made either in the form of articulated levers that hold the scraper blade in several discrete locations in a classic version, or in a more recent version of a semi-rigid assembly that holds the scraper blade along its entire length. In this second solution, the wiper blade is attached to the wiper actuating arm by a mechanical connection device.

[0004] Some windshield wiper blades, in particular blades named under the registered trademark AquaBlade ®, are also equipped with at least one cleaning fluid projection bar arranged in deflectors (or "spoilers" in English).

[0005] According to a known solution, a cleaning fluid supply hose attached to the actuating arm is tightly connected to an inlet cannula of a nozzle located at one end of the wiper blade. An internal channel provided in the end nozzle tightly connects the inlet cannula to at least one outlet cannula, tightly connected to a respective channel provided for example in the deflector. The cleaning fluid flows through these channels to be distributed onto the glass surface by the projection ramps provided in the deflectors. The Aquablade® makes it possible to obtain excellent washing performance.

[0006] If the quality of the wiping deteriorates, there are two solutions: the first consists of replacing the entire wiper blade with a new one, while the second solution consists of replacing the scraper blade while retaining the rest of the structure of the original wiper blade.

[0007] To replace the wiper blade, the wiper blade is removed from the actuator arm and the feed hose is unclipped from the wiper blade end fitting. After reassembling the new wiper blade onto the actuator arm, the feed hose must then be reassembled to an end fitting on the new wiper blade to ensure a hydraulic connection between the nozzle on the end fitting and the feed hose.

[0008] However, handling between the supply hose and the end piece can be difficult and present risks of breakage of the end piece cannula connected to the supply hose, or even that this cannula remains inside the supply hose. This can then impact the functions of watering and cleaning the glass surface.

[0009] The invention aims to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of a windscreen wiper blade without damaging the liquid supply connection between the actuating arm and the windscreen wiper blade.

[0010] Another objective is to limit the ecological impact by reducing the number of parts to be changed in the wiping system.

[0011] To this end, the subject of the invention is a method for replacing a windscreen wiper blade or a wiping blade of a windscreen wiper blade for a system for wiping a glazed surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system comprising at least one actuating arm and a windscreen wiper blade configured to be pivoted by the actuating arm.

[0012] The windshield wiper blade extends longitudinally and comprises a wiping blade and at least one channel in which a cleaning fluid is intended to circulate and opening onto a plurality of projection orifices configured to project the cleaning fluid onto the glass surface.

[0013] The actuating arm comprises a cleaning fluid supply pipe sealed to an end fitting, mounted on a longitudinal end of the wiper blade, such that the supply pipe is in fluid communication with the at least one channel of the wiper blade,

[0014] According to the invention, the replacement method comprises a step of disconnecting the actuating arm from an original windshield wiper blade.

[0015] The replacement method comprises a step of detaching the end piece or at least part of the end piece from the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade. The end piece remains secured to the supply pipe of the actuating arm, or at least part of the end piece remains secured to the supply pipe of the actuating arm.

[0016] The replacement method comprises at least one step of assembling and locking the end piece or at least part of the end piece onto a longitudinal end of a replacement wiper blade or the original wiper blade comprising a replacement wiper blade.

[0017] The replacement method includes a step of connecting the actuator arm to the replacement wiper blade or to the original wiper blade having the replacement wiper blade.

[0018] Thus, unlike the known solutions of the prior art, the supply pipe is no longer disassembled / unclipped from the end piece when disassembling for replacement of the wiper blade or the wiper blade. During handling, this prevents, for example, a cannula of the end piece from breaking, and this cannula from remaining stuck inside the supply pipe, which would result in the loss of the watering function on the original wiper blade or on a new replacement wiper blade which could not be hydraulically connected to the supply pipe.

[0019] The nozzle / supply hose connection remains sealed and secure. Only the wiper blade can be changed or only the wiper blade can be changed by separating the wiper blade from the end piece or from a part of the end piece that remains secured to the actuating arm hose, without risking damage to the nozzle for the cleaning fluid supply connection.

[0020] The replacement method may include one or more of the following features taken separately or in combination.

[0021] According to one aspect, the wiping system may comprise a connection device comprising complementary members carried on the one hand by the actuating arm and on the other hand by the original or replacement wiper blade, the complementary members being configured to cooperate so as to allow the mounting and articulation of said wiper blade to the actuating arm.

[0022] At the disconnection stage, the complementary parts of the connection device, carried by the actuating arm and by the original wiper blade, can be disconnected.

[0023] In the connection step, the complementary members of the connection device, carried by the actuating arm and by the replacement wiper blade, can be connected. Alternatively, in the connection step, the complementary members of the connection device, carried by the actuating arm and by the original wiper blade comprising the replacement wiper blade, can be connected.

[0024] In another aspect, the end cap or at least a portion of the end cap may include at least one cannula sealingly connected to the supply hose of the actuator arm.

[0025] During the assembly and locking step, the at least one cannula may be arranged in fluid communication with the at least one channel of the replacement wiper blade, so as to supply it with cleaning fluid.

[0026] Alternatively, during the assembly and locking step, the at least one cannula may be arranged in fluid communication with the at least one channel of the original wiper blade comprising the replacement wiper blade, so as to supply it with cleaning fluid.

[0027] The end cap can form a unitary block.

[0028] Alternatively, the end cap may comprise at least one primary portion and a secondary portion comprising the at least one cannula, the primary and secondary portions being assembled together to form the end cap.

[0029] In the decoupling step, the secondary portion of the end cap may be disassembled from the primary portion of the end cap, for example by pulling on the secondary portion, such that the secondary portion remains secured to the feed pipe of the actuating arm.

[0030] In the assembly and locking step, the secondary part of the end cap may be assembled and locked onto a primary part secured to a longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade or the original wiper blade having a replacement wiper blade.

[0031] According to yet another aspect, the end piece may comprise at least one removable locking element which can be released from a complementary locking element on the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade, so as to allow the end piece to be disassembled from the original wiper blade during the decoupling step.

[0032] The additional locking elements are for example chosen from at least one flexible element, at least one clipping element, at least one tab, at least one notch, a push button.

[0033] The original or replacement wiper blade may include at least one stiffening vertebra, the end piece defining a housing configured to at least partially receive the vertebra, the housing including the removable locking element.

[0034] During the assembly and locking step, the removable locking element can hold one end of the vertebra in a position engaged in the housing.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the original or replacement wiper blade may include a support mount defining a longitudinal duct.

[0036] The replacement method may comprise a step of extracting an original wiper blade, for example in a longitudinal sliding movement, from the longitudinal duct of the support mount of the original wiper blade.

[0037] The extraction step can be carried out after detaching the end piece or at least part of the end piece from the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade.

[0038] The replacement method may comprise a step of introducing the replacement wiper blade into the longitudinal duct of the support mount of the original wiper blade, for example in a longitudinal sliding movement.

[0039] The insertion step may be performed before assembling and locking the end piece or at least part of the end piece onto a longitudinal end of the original wiper blade.

[0040] In this case, we do not change the entire wiper blade, but only the wiper blade.

[0041] When the end cap has at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, at the step of extracting the original wiper blade, the latter can also be removed from the primary portion of the end cap. At the step of introducing, the replacement wiper blade can also be inserted into the primary portion of the end cap. Then, the secondary portion can be assembled and locked onto the primary portion of the end cap.

[0042] According to a particular example, the wiper blade comprises a lip intended to scrape the glass surface and a heel forming an interface between the lip and the support frame. The heel can be slid into the conduit, for example formed by at least one pair of hooks of the support frame. The vertebra can be introduced into another conduit defined by the support frame.

[0043] The invention also relates to a windshield wiper blade, in particular a replacement wiper blade, for a system for wiping a glass surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system comprising at least one actuating arm configured to pivot the windshield wiper blade. Said windshield wiper blade extends longitudinally and comprises a wiping blade and at least one channel in which a cleaning fluid is intended to circulate and opening onto a plurality of projection orifices configured to project the cleaning fluid onto the glass surface.

[0044] Said wiper blade comprises an end, devoid of at least one end tip portion, and on which is intended to be mounted the at least one portion of an end tip connected in a sealed manner to a pipe supplying cleaning fluid to the actuating arm, so that the supply pipe is in fluid communication with the at least one channel of said wiper blade, during a replacement method as described previously.

[0045] Said end of the wiper blade may be completely without an end cap.

[0046] The replacement wiper blade or a new wiper blade may have an end cap or at least one other end cap portion at its opposite longitudinal end. In this case, it is an end cap or other end cap portion that is not configured to allow hydraulic connection to a cleaning fluid supply system.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the wiper blade comprises at least one vertebra and a deflector extending along the vertebra.

[0048] The at least one channel in which the cleaning fluid is intended to circulate may be provided in the deflector. The at least one channel extends along a longitudinal axis of the deflector and opens laterally from the deflector through the projection orifices.

[0049] The invention also relates to a system for wiping a glazed surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system comprising at least one actuating arm, and at least one windscreen wiper blade as defined previously, configured to be driven in pivoting by the actuating arm.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the end piece or at least a portion of the end piece may comprise at least one cannula connected in a sealed manner to the cleaning fluid supply pipe of the actuating arm.

[0051] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0052] is a perspective view of a wiping system according to one embodiment.

[0053] is a perspective view of one side of a wiper blade of the wiping system of the.

[0054] is an enlarged view from below at a longitudinal end of the wiper blade having an end cap.

[0055] schematically represents the wiping system after disconnection of an actuating arm and the wiper blade from the wiping system.

[0056] schematically represents the longitudinal end of an original wiper blade detached from the end piece of the.

[0057] schematically represents the longitudinal end of a replacement wiper blade before joining it with the end piece of the.

[0058] is an exploded view of an end piece made of two parts, one of which is secured to one end of a windshield wiper blade.

[0059] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

[0060] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Detailed description

[0061] WIPING SYSTEM

[0062] With reference to the, the invention refers to a wiping system 1 for a glazed surface (not shown), in particular a windshield, of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0063] The wiping system 1 comprises at least one actuating arm 3 (or wiper arm) and at least one wiper blade 5.

[0064] The actuating arm 3 is configured to pivotally drive the wiper blade 5. The wiper blade 5 is intended to be mounted at the end of the actuating arm 3.

[0065] For this purpose, the wiping system 1 may comprise a connection device 7 allowing the mounting and articulation of the wiper blade 5 to the actuating arm 3.

[0066] The connection device 7 is, for example, arranged centrally at the level of the wiper blade 5.

[0067] The connection device 7 comprises, for example, complementary members carried on the one hand by the windscreen wiper blade 5 and on the other hand by the actuating arm 3. These may be connectors, adapters, or other members.

[0068] At least one first member or connector 7a of the windshield wiper blade 5 may be intended to be mechanically connected to the actuating arm 3, for example via at least one second member or connector 7b of the actuating arm 3. This may be a pivot connection making it possible to implement a rotation of the windshield wiper blade 5 relative to the actuating arm 3.

[0069] The wiper blade 5 extends mainly along a longitudinal axis L.

[0070] The wiper blade 5 also comprises a wiping blade 9 which is intended to come into contact with the glass surface to be wiped. This wiping blade 9 may be made of a flexible material.

[0071] The wiper blade 9 can be mounted in a support mount 11 (called a “holder” in English) of the wiper blade 5, an example of which is shown in the figure.

[0072] The support mount 11 may define a longitudinal duct in which the wiper blade 9 is mounted at least in part. Such a longitudinal duct is for example formed by at least one pair of hooks of the support mount 11.

[0073] The wiper blade 9 comprises, for example, a lip 91 intended to scrape a glass surface, as well as a heel 92 forming an interface between the lip 91 and the support frame 11. The lip 91 may be particularly hard and wear-resistant, while the heel 92 may offer the flexibility necessary for optimal turning of the wiper blade 9, during reversals of the wiping direction. The flexibility may result in particular from a particular cutting of the heel 92. The wiper blade 9 may be formed from a profile, for example made of elastomer, which groups together in a single-piece assembly both the lip 91 and the heel 92. Conversely, the lip may have the necessary flexibility and the heel the strength.

[0074] The wiper blade 5 may comprise at least one vertebra 13 (called a “spline” in English). This is in particular a stiffening vertebra 13. This vertebra 13 may be longitudinal. In the example illustrated, the vertebra 13 is arranged in the support mount 11. The vertebra 13 may be mounted in another longitudinal duct defined by the support mount 11. The vertebra 13 may have a curved shape, in particular defined so that once applied to the glazed surface such as the windshield and put under pressure by the actuating arm 3, this vertebra 13 can transmit a pressure force from the wiper blade 9 to the glazed surface such as the windshield.

[0075] For example, the support frame 11 may comprise one or more first pairs of longitudinal hooks 111 which receive the vertebra 13. The longitudinal conduit defined by the support frame 11 receiving the vertebra 13 is in this example formed by the first pair or pairs of longitudinal hooks 111.

[0076] The first pair or pairs of longitudinal hooks 111 surmount, for example, at least a second pair of longitudinal hooks 112 receiving the heel 92 of the wiping blade 9. The longitudinal conduit defined by the support mount 11 receiving the heel is in this example formed by the second pair of longitudinal hooks 112.

[0077] The wiper blade 5 may also include a deflector 15 (called a “spoiler” in English). The deflector 15 may extend along the vertebra 13, along the longitudinal axis L.

[0078] This deflector 15, for example provided with a spoiler, can be aerodynamically shaped so that the relative wind which is produced by the movement of the vehicle for example, produces a force tending to press the wiper blade 5 against the glazed surface to be wiped. This deflector 15 can be separate from the wiper blade 9.

[0079] The deflector fin 15 may surmount a longitudinal cavity, for example central, of the wiper blade 5, within which the support mount 11 and the vertebra 13 may be received.

[0080] The deflector 15 may comprise at least two longitudinally extending lateral hooks for assembling the deflector 15 to the support mount 11, for example at at least a third pair of longitudinal hooks 113 of the support mount 11.

[0081] Furthermore, the wiper blade 5 comprises at least one channel 17 in which a cleaning fluid is intended to circulate. The at least one channel 17 may be provided in the deflector 15. The at least one channel 17 may extend along the longitudinal axis L of the wiper blade 5. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 6, only one channel 17 is shown. According to another example (), the wiper blade 5 comprises at least two channels 17.

[0082] The cross-section of the at least one channel 17 is for example circular.

[0083] In the illustrated examples, the at least one channel 17 may be on one side of the deflector 15.

[0084] The at least one channel 17 opens onto a plurality of projection orifices 19, some of which are shown in the. The at least one channel 17 can open laterally from the deflector through the projection orifices. The projection orifices 19 () are configured to project the cleaning fluid onto the glass surface. These projection orifices 19 are not visible in Figures 1 and 2 because they are located on the underside of the deflector 15 according to the orientation of the elements in these figures.

[0085] The spray orifices 19 may be regularly distributed along the longitudinal axis L, thus forming a spray ramp arranged longitudinally, for example, on one side of the deflector 15 allowing the cleaning fluid to be distributed over the glass surface. The spacing between the spray orifices 19 may or may not be constant.

[0086] The at least one channel 17 of the wiper blade 5 is intended to be in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid supply pipe 21 attached to or belonging to the actuating arm 3.

[0087] Furthermore, at least one or each longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 may carry an end piece 23, 25. In the example illustrated in the, each longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 carries an associated end piece 23, 25.

[0088] The end piece(s) 23, 25 can provide longitudinal locking of the vertebra 13, the wiper blade 9 and the deflector 15.

[0089] The end caps 23, 25 may also improve the overall aesthetic and aerodynamic appearance of the wiper blade 5.

[0090] The end piece(s) 23, 25 may define a respective housing for the vertebra 13.

[0091] When the wiper blade 5 is assembled to the actuating arm 3, a first end piece 23, for example called the rear end piece, is arranged closest to the actuating arm 3, and therefore closest to the cleaning fluid supply pipe 21. A second end piece 25, for example called the front end piece, may be arranged at the longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 opposite the first end piece 23.

[0092] The at least one channel 17 is intended to be supplied with cleaning fluid to one end of the deflector 15 through an end nozzle, such as the first end nozzle 23 or rear end nozzle.

[0093] For this, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, comprises a through channel connected on the one hand in a sealed manner to the at least one channel 17 of the windscreen wiper blade 5 and on the other hand able to be connected in a sealed manner to the supply pipe.

[0094] At least one of the end pieces, here the first end piece 23 or rear end piece, better visible on the, comprises at least one cannula 27, in particular an inlet cannula, connected in a sealed manner to the pipe 21 supplying cleaning fluid to the actuating arm 3.

[0095] The cannula 27 of the end piece 23, or inlet cannula, is configured to be inserted into the cleaning fluid supply pipe 21 and thus facilitate the sealing of the connection between the at least one through channel of the end piece 23 and the cleaning fluid supply pipe 21.

[0096] Also, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, may have at least one outlet cannula 28 in the example of the, configured to be inserted into the at least one channel 17 of the windshield wiper blade 5, and thus facilitate the sealing of the connection between the at least one channel 17 of the windshield wiper blade 5 and the at least one through channel of the end piece 23.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, may comprise a body forming a unitary block, made from a single piece, as in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0098] Alternatively, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, can be made of several parts, for example of at least two parts 23A, 23B assembled together, as in the schematic example shown in the.

[0099] For example, the end cap 23 may comprise a primary portion 23A and a secondary portion 23B.

[0100] The primary part 23A may have a function of retaining the wiper blade 9. It may also have a function of retaining the vertebra 13. The primary part 23A may comprise for this purpose a housing for the wiper blade 9 and / or a housing for the vertebra. This primary part 23A is for example intended to remain integral with the structure of the windscreen wiper blade 5 during a method of replacing the windscreen wiper blade 5 described below.

[0101] The secondary part 23B forms, for example, a cap which, when the wiper blade 5 is placed in a horizontal plane, covers the primary part 23A. In other words, this secondary part 23B is placed above and in line with the primary part 23A.

[0102] The secondary part 23B can ensure good positioning of the end piece 23 along the longitudinal axis L of the wiping blade 9 and the vertebra 13.

[0103] The secondary part 23B may have a section generally complementary to the shape of the deflector 15.

[0104] The secondary part 23B comprises in particular the cannula 27, or inlet cannula, configured to be inserted into the cleaning fluid supply pipe. The secondary part 23B is for example intended to remain integral with the supply pipe attached to the actuating arm during the method of replacing the windshield wiper blade 5 described below.

[0105] The primary 23A and secondary 23B parts may be mechanically connected to each other by at least one fixing or securing means or element 24. This fixing is removable; for this purpose, the fixing or securing means or element 24 is removable. This fixing may be achieved by cooperation of shapes provided both on the primary 23A and on the secondary 23B parts. The primary 23A and secondary 23B parts are, for example, clipped (or clipped) to each other.

[0106] At least one locking element may be provided on one and / or the other of the primary 23A and secondary 23B parts, so as to block the two parts 23A, 23B together.

[0107] The locking element or another locking element provided on one and / or the other of the primary 23A and secondary 23B parts may be provided so as to block the end piece relative to the windscreen wiper blade 5, particularly to prevent translational movements along the longitudinal axis L, in particular between the windscreen wiper blade 5 and the end piece 23. The locking element may ensure translational blocking of the wiper blade 9.

[0108] Also, at least one sealing element may be provided on one and / or the other of the primary 23A and secondary 23B parts, so as to ensure sealing at the end piece 23.

[0109] Furthermore, when provided, the other end piece 25 (), such as the front end piece, may comprise a plug making it possible to obstruct the at least one channel 17 of the wiper blade 5 in a sealed manner at the end of the channel 17.

[0110] Furthermore, the assembly of one end or each longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 with the corresponding end piece 23, 25 can be locked. For this purpose, at least one end piece, in particular each end piece 23, 25, can comprise at least one locking element 29, which can be removable, and which is intended to cooperate with a complementary locking element on the longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5, during assembly.

[0111] The locking element 29, for example removable, of the end piece 23, 25, can be provided at the level of the housing receiving the vertebra 13 of the wiper blade 5.

[0112] The removable locking element 29 may be arranged and shaped so as to maintain one end of the vertebra 13 in a position engaged in the housing defined by the end piece 23.

[0113] By way of example, the complementary locking elements carried on the one hand by a longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 and on the other hand by the corresponding end piece 23, 25 can be chosen from one or more of the following elements: at least one flexible element, at least one clipping element, at least one tab, at least one notch, a push button.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, the removable locking element 29 at the end piece 23, 25 comprises at least one flexible tab, for example at least two flexible tabs, as illustrated in the, extending longitudinally in the direction of the side of the end piece 23, 25 which is opposite the windscreen wiper blade 5, on either side of a median axis A.

[0115] The free end of each tab can be curved or angled towards the other tab.

[0116] The free end of at least one tab can be received in a complementary notch (not visible on the) provided on the end of the vertebra 13 in the position engaged in the housing defined by the end piece 23. This is a longitudinal end of the vertebra 13.

[0117] Of course, this example is not exhaustive and any other locking method can be considered.

[0118] In the after-sales market, a replacement 5' wiper blade (figures 1 to 3) comprises for example at least one free end, without an end cap. An end cap 23, such as the rear end cap, connected in a sealed manner to the supply pipe 21 of the actuating arm 3, may be intended to be mounted on this free end, during a replacement method described below. This end cap 23, such as the rear end cap, is no longer an integral part of the replacement 5' wiper blade.

[0119] Alternatively, the replacement wiper blade 5' may be missing only a portion of the end cap 23, such as the rear end cap. For example, the replacement wiper blade 5' may include the primary portion 23A (as previously described with reference to 1a) of such an end cap 23 with the secondary portion 23B removed.

[0120] According to either of these exemplary embodiments, the replacement 5' wiper blade may comprise an end piece, such as a front end piece 25, at its longitudinal end opposite the free longitudinal end. In this case, it is an end piece which is not configured to allow hydraulic connection to a cleaning fluid supply system.

[0121] All other features of the 5 wiper blade previously described may apply to the replacement 5' wiper blade and are not described again.

[0122] It is also conceivable to provide in the after-sales market, a replacement wiper blade 9' which may be intended to be introduced into a longitudinal duct of the original structure of a windshield wiper blade 5, during a replacement method described subsequently. The other characteristics of wiper blade 9 previously described may apply to the replacement wiper blade 9' and are not described again.

[0123] REPLACEMENT PROCESS

[0124] With a replacement wiper blade

[0125] A method of replacing a wiper blade 5 for a wiping system 1 as defined previously is described below.

[0126] In a disconnection step (), the actuating arm 3 is disconnected, detached, from the original wiper blade 5.

[0127] To do this, the complementary members, such as the connectors 7a, 7b or adapters of the connection device 7, carried by the actuating arm 3 and by the original wiper blade 5, can be disconnected. This disconnection is carried out in a manner adapted to the mechanism of the connection device 7 chosen between the actuating arm 3 and the original wiper blade 5.

[0128] During a detachment step, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, is at least partially or completely detached from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5.

[0129] Example 1: One-piece end cap

[0130] When the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece, is made in one piece, it is detached () from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5. The end piece 23 is completely detached from the original wiper blade 5.

[0131] For example, at least one removable locking element 29 of the end piece 23 may no longer cooperate with / be released from a complementary locking element provided on the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5, so as to allow the disassembly / detachment of the end piece from the original wiper blade 5. For example, in a non-limiting manner, it is possible to disengage a flexible tab of the end piece 23 from the complementary notch 31 provided on the end of the vertebra 13.

[0132] The detachment can be completed by a sliding movement as symbolized by the arrow F, to remove the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, from the original wiper blade 5. Of course, this is only a schematic and symbolic representation. When it is the original wiper blade 5 that is maneuvered, the sliding is carried out in the opposite direction. It can also be a combined movement in both directions.

[0133] This end piece 23 remains secured to the supply pipe 21 attached to or belonging to the actuating arm. The supply pipe 21 cannot be disassembled / unclipped from the end piece 23. This prevents, for example, breaking a cannula of the end piece 23, and allows a good seal to be maintained between the supply pipe 21 and the end piece 23.

[0134] The end piece 23, such as the rear piece, remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 can be assembled to a free longitudinal end of a replacement 5' wiper blade ().

[0135] This assembly may comprise a step in which the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, is fitted onto the corresponding longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade 5', for example according to a sliding movement symbolized by the arrow F'. Of course, this is only a schematic and symbolic representation. When it is the replacement wiper blade 5' that is maneuvered, the sliding takes place in the opposite direction. It may also be a combined movement in both directions.

[0136] This end piece 23 can then be locked onto the corresponding longitudinal end of the replacement 5' wiper blade. For example, the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece, can be clipped (or clipped) onto the longitudinal end of the replacement 5' wiper blade.

[0137] In particular, the removable locking element 29 can hold one end of the vertebra 13 in a position engaged in the housing defined by the end piece 23. According to one embodiment, the free end, for example curved, of at least one flexible tab can be housed in the complementary notch 31 provided on the longitudinal end of the vertebra 13.

[0138] Once the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, is fitted and locked onto the corresponding longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade 5', the at least one channel 17 of the replacement wiper blade 5' is fluidically connected to the through channel of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece.

[0139] In addition, the at least one cannula 27, such as the inlet cannula, connected in a sealed manner to the supply pipe 21 is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one channel 17 of the replacement wiper blade 5', which makes it possible to supply the latter with cleaning fluid.

[0140] Another end piece 25, such as the front end piece, may be present on the replacement wiper blade 5'. Otherwise, the other end piece 25, such as the front end piece, may be clipped (or clipped) to the other longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade 5'. This is the longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade 5', on the side intended to be furthest from the actuating arm 3, and therefore on the side opposite the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece. This makes it possible to close the at least one channel 17 of the replacement wiper blade 5'.

[0141] Finally, during a connection step, the actuating arm 3 comprising the supply pipe 21 is connected to the replacement wiper blade 5' () on which the end piece 23 is mounted, such as the rear piece, the cannula 27 of which is connected to the supply pipe 21.

[0142] In the connection step, the complementary members 7b, 7a of the connection device 7, carried by the actuating arm 3 and by the replacement wiper blade 5' can be connected. This connection is made in a manner adapted to the mechanism of the connection device 7 chosen between the actuating arm 3 and the replacement wiper blade 5'.

[0143] Thus, only the wiper blade 5 can be changed by detaching the original wiper blade 5 from the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, which remains attached to the cleaning fluid supply pipe 21 attached to or belonging to the actuating arm 3. The operations for changing the original wiper blade 5 can be carried out without risking damaging the cannula 27 of this end piece 23 for the cleaning fluid supply connection.

[0144] Of course, the order of the steps of the method as described above is not limiting. One or more of the steps may be interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0145] For example, by way of illustration, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, may be detached from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5, before the disconnection between the actuating arm 3 and the original wiper blade 5, and the assembly of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 at a free longitudinal end of a replacement wiper blade 5'. Then, the actuating arm 3 may be connected to the replacement wiper blade 5'.

[0146] Example 2: Two-part end cap

[0147] In the above example, the end cap 23 is a single, unitary piece.

[0148] In the case of an end piece 23 comprising at least one primary part 23A and one secondary part 23B, only the differences in the steps of the method for replacing a wiper blade 5 are described below.

[0149] During the detachment step, a portion of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, is detached from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5.

[0150] For example, the secondary part 23B can be detached from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5 while the primary part 23A remains integral with the wiper blade 5.

[0151] To do this, the secondary part 23B can be disassembled or extracted (unclipped / unclipped) from the primary part 23A. For example, the removable fixing or locking elements of the primary part 23A and secondary part 23B can be disengaged / no longer cooperate / be released, so as to allow the disassembly / detachment of the secondary part 23B.

[0152] The extraction of the secondary part 23B relative to the primary part 23A can be done by pulling on the secondary part 23B, for example in a direction perpendicular to a plane passing through an upper face of the primary part 23A with reference to the orientation of the elements on the.

[0153] The secondary part 23B comprising the cannula 27, or inlet cannula, remains integral with the supply pipe attached to or belonging to the actuating arm. The supply pipe 21 cannot be disassembled / unclipped from this secondary part 23B of the end piece 23.

[0154] The secondary part 23B of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 can be assembled to a primary part 23A of the end piece 23 provided at a longitudinal end of a replacement wiper blade 5'.

[0155] The secondary part 23B can be locked onto the primary part 23A secured to the corresponding longitudinal end of the replacement 5' wiper blade.

[0156] For example, the secondary part 23B can be clipped (or clipped) onto the primary part 23A secured to the corresponding longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade 5'.

[0157] The rest of the steps can be similar to the example previously described.

[0158] With a replacement wiper blade

[0159] Alternatively, the original wiper blade 5 may be retained, or more precisely the structure of the original wiper blade 5, without the wiper blade, may be retained. The wiper blade 9 may be replaced. Thus, the entire wiper blade 5 is not replaced, but simply the wiper blade 9.

[0160] In this case, the method for replacing the wiper blade 9 of the original wiper blade 5 comprises one or more of the steps described below.

[0161] Example 1: One-piece end cap

[0162] The step of disconnecting () the actuating arm 3 from the original wiper blade 5 may be similar to the method of replacing the wiper blade previously described.

[0163] Likewise, the step of detaching () the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5 may be similar to the method of replacing the wiper blade previously described, the end piece 23 remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 attached to or belonging to the actuating arm.

[0164] These steps of disconnection and disengagement are therefore not described again.

[0165] The method for replacing the wiper blade 9 of the windshield wiper blade 5 may further comprise a step of extracting the original wiper blade 9 from the original windshield wiper blade 5. More specifically, the original wiper blade 9 may be removed from a longitudinal duct of the support mount 11 () of the original windshield wiper blade 5. For example, the heel 92 of the wiper blade 9 may be removed from the longitudinal duct defined by the second pair of longitudinal hooks 112 of the support mount 11.

[0166] This extraction can be done using a longitudinal sliding movement.

[0167] The step of extracting the original wiper blade 9 can be carried out after detaching at least one end piece, in particular the rear end piece 23, from the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5.

[0168] Subsequently, a replacement wiper blade 9' can be inserted into the longitudinal duct of the support mount 11 of the original wiper blade 5.

[0169] More specifically, the replacement wiper blade 9' can be introduced into the longitudinal duct of the support mount 11 () of the original wiper blade 5. For example, the heel 92 of the wiper blade 9 can be inserted, slid, into the longitudinal duct defined by the second pair of longitudinal hooks 112 of the support mount 11.

[0170] This introduction can be done using a longitudinal sliding movement.

[0171] The method of replacing the wiper blade of the windscreen wiper 5 may comprise a step of assembling and locking the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece, remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 on a free longitudinal end of the original windscreen wiper 5 comprising the replacement wiper blade 9'.

[0172] The assembly and locking of the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece, on the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5 can be done in a similar manner to the method of replacing the wiper blade previously described. These steps are therefore not described again. They can be carried out after the step of introducing the replacement wiper blade 9' into the longitudinal duct of the support mount 11 of the original wiper blade 5.

[0173] Another end piece 25, such as the front end piece, may be present on the original wiper blade 5. Otherwise, the other end piece 25, such as the front end piece, may be clipped (or clipped) to the other longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5.

[0174] Finally, during a connection step, the actuating arm 3 comprising the supply pipe 21 is connected to the original wiper blade 5 comprising the replacement wiper blade 9' () on which the end piece 23 is mounted, such as the rear piece, the cannula 27 of which is connected to the supply pipe 21.

[0175] This connection step may be similar to the wiper blade replacement process previously described and is therefore not described again.

[0176] Thus, only the wiper blade 9 can be changed while the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, remains integral with the cleaning fluid supply pipe 21 attached to or belonging to the actuating arm 3. The manipulations to integrate the replacement wiper blade 9' into the original wiper blade 5 can be carried out without risking damaging the cannula 27 of this end piece 23 for the cleaning fluid supply connection.

[0177] As before, the order of the steps of the method as described above is not limiting. One or more of the steps may be interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0178] For example, by way of illustration, the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, may be detached from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5, before the disconnection between the actuating arm 3 and the original wiper blade 5, and the assembly of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece, remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 at a free longitudinal end of the wiper blade 5 comprising the replacement wiper blade 9'. Then, the actuating arm 3 may be connected to the wiper blade 5 comprising the replacement wiper blade 9'.

[0179] Furthermore, other additional steps may be envisaged. In particular, one or more other elements of the original wiper blade 5 may possibly be changed. For example, a replacement deflector could be introduced into the support mount 11, by sliding hooks of the deflector for example along the third pair of longitudinal hooks 113 of the support mount 11. Alternatively or additionally, a replacement vertebra could be introduced into the support mount 11, along the first pair of longitudinal hooks 111.

[0180] Thus, unlike the known solutions of the prior art, the supply pipe 21 is no longer dismantled / unclipped from the end piece 23, such as the rear end piece, when dismantling the windscreen wiper blade 5 for replacement of the wiping blade 9. As previously, during handling, this avoids breaking, for example, a cannula 27 of the end piece 23 for the cleaning fluid supply connection.

[0181] Example 2: Two-part end cap

[0182] In the case of an end piece 23 comprising at least one primary part 23A and one secondary part 23B, only the differences in the steps of the method for replacing the wiper blade 9 are described below.

[0183] The step of detaching a part, in particular secondary 23B, of the end piece 23, from the corresponding longitudinal end of the original wiper blade 5 may be similar to the method of replacing the wiper blade previously described, the secondary part 23B of the end piece 23 remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 attached or belonging to the actuating arm.

[0184] The original wiper blade 9 can be removed from the original wiper blade 5 and from the primary part 23A of the end piece 23 remaining integral with the original wiper blade 5. This extraction can be done using a longitudinal sliding movement.

[0185] Subsequently, the replacement wiper blade 9' can be inserted into the longitudinal duct of the support mount 11 of the original wiper blade 5 and into an associated housing or recess provided in the primary part 23A of the end piece 23 remaining integral with the original wiper blade 5. This insertion of the replacement wiper blade 9' can be done by a sliding / translation movement along the longitudinal axis L.

[0186] The secondary part 23B remaining integral with the supply pipe 21 can then be assembled and locked onto the primary part 23A remaining integral with the original wiper blade 5, for example by clipping.

[0187] These assembly and locking steps between the primary 23A and secondary 23B parts of the end piece 23 can be done in a similar manner to the method of replacing the wiper blade previously described and are therefore not described again.

[0188] Thus, according to one or other of the embodiments described above, the assembly is more robust for changing the wiper blade 5 or the wiper blade 9, at the hydraulic connection. The supply pipe 21 is not dismantled from the cannula 27 of the end piece 23, such as the rear piece. This makes it possible to avoid handling between the supply pipe 21 and the end piece 23, and the risk of breaking the cannula 27. This also makes it possible to avoid incorrect reconnection of the supply pipe 21, which would prevent or impair the hydraulic function. The assembly and disassembly of the wiper blade 5, 5' or the wiper blade 9, 9' are thus made easier.

Claims

Method for replacing a windshield wiper blade (5) or a wiping blade (9) of a windshield wiper blade (5) for a wiping system (1) of a glass surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system (1) comprising at least one actuating arm (3) and a windshield wiper blade (5, 5') configured to be pivotally driven by the actuating arm (3), such that:the windshield wiper blade (5, 5') extends longitudinally and comprises a wiping blade (9, 9') and at least one channel (17) in which a cleaning fluid is intended to circulate and opening onto a plurality of projection orifices (19) configured to project the cleaning fluid onto the glass surface,the actuating arm (3) comprises a cleaning fluid supply pipe (21) connected in a sealed manner to a nozzle end (23), mounted on a longitudinal end of the wiper blade (5, 5'),such that the supply pipe is in fluid communication with the at least one channel of the wiper blade,characterized in thatthe replacement method comprises the following steps:disconnecting the actuating arm (3) from an original wiper blade (5),disconnecting at least a portion of the end piece (23) from the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade (5), such that the at least a portion of the end piece (23) remains secured to the supply pipe (21) of the actuating arm (3),assembling and locking the at least a portion of the end piece (23) on a longitudinal end of a replacement wiper blade (5') or of the original wiper blade (5) comprising a replacement wiping blade (9'), andconnecting the actuating arm (3) to the wiper blade (5') replacement or to the original wiper blade (5) including the replacement wiper blade (9')., Replacement method according to the preceding claim, in which the wiping system (1) comprises a connection device (7) comprising complementary members (7a, 7b) carried on the one hand by the actuating arm (3) and on the other hand by the original (5) or replacement (5') wiper blade, the complementary members (7a, 7b) being configured to cooperate so as to allow the mounting and articulation of said wiper blade (5, 5') to the actuating arm (3), and in which: in the disconnection step, the complementary members (7a, 7b) of the connection device (7), carried by the actuating arm (3) and by the original wiper blade (5), are disconnected, and in the connection step, the complementary members (7, 7b) of the connection device (7), carried by the actuating arm (3) and by the original wiper blade (5') replacement or by the original wiper blade (5) including the replacement wiper blade (9'),are connected., Replacement method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one part of the end piece (23) comprises at least one cannula (27) connected in a sealed manner to the supply pipe (21) of the actuating arm (3), and in which during the assembly and locking step, the at least one cannula (27) is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one channel (17) of the replacement wiper blade (5') or of the original wiper blade (5) comprising the replacement wiping blade (9'), so as to supply it with cleaning fluid. Replacement method according to the preceding claim, in which the end piece (23) comprises at least one primary part (23A) and one secondary part (23B) comprising the at least one cannula (27), the primary (23A) and secondary (23B) parts being assembled together so as to form the end piece (23), and in which: in the detachment step, the secondary part (23B) of the end piece (23) is disassembled from the primary part (23A) of the end piece, such that the secondary part (23B) remains secured to the supply pipe (21) of the actuating arm (3), and in the assembly and locking step, the secondary part (23B) of the end piece (23) is assembled and locked onto a primary part (23A) secured to a longitudinal end of the replacement wiper blade (5') or the blade original wiper blade (5) with replacement wiper blade (9'). Replacement method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the end piece (23) comprises at least one removable locking element (29) configured to be released from a complementary locking element on the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade (5), so as to allow the end piece (23) to be removed from the original wiper blade (5) during the detachment step. Replacement method according to the preceding claim, in which the original (5) or replacement (5') wiper blade comprises at least one stiffening vertebra (13), the end piece (23) defining a housing configured to receive at least part of the vertebra (13), the housing comprising the removable locking element (29), and in which during the assembly and locking step, the removable locking element (29) maintains one end of the vertebra (13) in a position engaged in the housing. Replacement method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the original (5) or replacement (5') wiper blade comprises a support mount (21) defining a longitudinal duct, the replacement method further comprising: a step of extracting an original wiper blade (9) in a longitudinal sliding movement, from the longitudinal duct of the support mount (21) of the original wiper blade (5), after detaching at least one part of the end piece (23) from the longitudinal end of the original wiper blade (5), and a step of introducing the replacement wiper blade (9') into the longitudinal duct of the support mount (21) of the original wiper blade (5), in a longitudinal sliding movement, before assembling and locking at least one part of the end piece (23) on a longitudinal end of the blade original wiper blades (5). Replacement windscreen wiper blade (5') for a wiping system (1) for a glass surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system (1) comprising at least one actuating arm (3) configured to pivot the windscreen wiper blade (5'), such that said windscreen wiper blade (5') extends longitudinally and comprises a wiping blade (9, 9') and at least one channel (17) in which a cleaning fluid is intended to circulate and opening onto a plurality of projection orifices (19) configured to project the cleaning fluid onto the glass surface, characterized in that said windscreen wiper blade (5') comprises an end, devoid of at least one end tip portion, and on which is intended to be mounted the at least one part of an end tip (23) connected in a sealed manner to a supply pipe (21) in actuator arm cleaning fluid (3),such that the supply pipe is in fluid communication with the at least one channel (17) of said wiper blade (5'), during a replacement method according to one of the preceding claims., Wiping system (1) for a glazed surface of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the wiping system (1) comprising at least one actuating arm (3), characterized in that it further comprises at least one windscreen wiper blade (5') according to the preceding claim, configured to be driven in pivoting by the actuating arm (3). Wiping system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one part of the end piece (23) comprises at least one cannula (27) connected in a sealed manner to the cleaning fluid supply pipe (21) of the actuating arm (3).

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