Wiper blade mounting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for mounting a wiper blade (10) which has a generally curved shape in the rest state and which can be straightened to assume a generally rectilinear shape, the mounting device (1) comprising at least one straightening structure (2) configured to be assembled on at least one portion (17) of the wiper blade (10) and comprising a straight cavity (3) in which the portion (17) of the wiper blade (10), once captive in this cavity (3), is held in a rectilinear manner, the straightening structure (2) being at least partially, in particular completely, made of cardboard.

Description

Wiper blade retainer

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to a holding device for a windshield wiper blade.

[0002] International patent application WO2007122218 describes a holding device for a flat blade windshield wiper. This holding device includes means for positioning the wiper and means for securing the wiper in the form of clips made with a rail. The clips are arranged along the rail. The rail forming the holding device is made of rigid plastic. International patent application WO2005026005 describes a packaging device for a flat blade windshield wiper. This packaging device includes a housing for receiving the wiper and holding means for immobilizing the wiper within the housing in a partially upright position relative to its resting position. The housing is delimited by a substantially rigid shell made of plastic, for example, transparent amorphous PET.These solutions use plastics that are harmful to the environment.

[0003] The invention aims to provide a wiper blade retention device that is more environmentally friendly, while remaining economical.

[0004] The invention relates to a holding device for a windshield wiper blade which has an overall curved shape in the resting state and which can be straightened to take an overall straight shape, the holding device comprising at least one straightening structure configured to be assembled on at least one section of the windshield wiper blade and comprising a straight cavity in which the section of the windshield wiper blade, once trapped in this cavity, is held in a straight line, the straightening structure being at least partially, in particular totally, made of cardboard.

[0005] Advantageously, cardboard is composed of cellulose fibers.

[0006] Preferably, the cardboard is honeycomb or corrugated cardboard.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the cardboard comprises cells, for example of the honeycomb type, formed between sheets of paper.

[0008] Alternatively, the cardboard consists of corrugated sheets formed between sheets of paper.

[0009] In the present invention, the straightening structure, at least partially made of cardboard, has sufficient rigidity to straighten the section of wiper blade that is trapped in the cavity so that this section of wiper blade has a substantially straight shape.

[0010] The straightening structure is specifically designed to counteract the forces exerted by the straightened section of the wiper blade. Indeed, the straightened section exerts forces on the straightening structure that tend to return it to its resting state, in which the section has a generally curved shape.

[0011] It is understood that by placing one or more straightening structures along the wiper blade, it is possible to straighten the wiper blade along substantially its entire length, preferably along its entire length.

[0012] The straightening structure, made of honeycomb cardboard or corrugated cardboard, provides great rigidity to counteract the forces exerted by the wiper blade(s) once straightened, while being relatively lightweight.

[0013] The invention thus makes it possible to keep the windshield wiper blade(s) upright thanks to uprighting structures made of an economical and readily available material. Furthermore, the cardboard can be a recyclable and / or biodegradable material.

[0014] The invention thus avoids the use of plastics, which can pollute the environment. In other words, the invention provides an environmentally friendly support device.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse faces of the straightening structure, faces which are transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blades, are formed by paper plates between which are arranged cells or corrugated sheets of cardboard.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining device comprises a plurality of straightening structures configured to be placed in different locations along the wiper blade.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure is configured to cooperate with one or more vertebrae of the wiper blade.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure includes notches configured to engage with the vertebrae of the wiper blade.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the notches extend between two opposite transverse faces, in particular flat, of the straightening structure.

[0020] The cavity in the straightening structure forms an internal space that helps protect the brush blade from friction or shocks when stored in the holding device.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure is configured to maintain, side by side, a pair of wiper blades in the straightened state, in particular without contact of one of the blades against the other of the blades.

[0022] In other words, the holding device is configured to hold both brushes in the upright state, while keeping them separated from each other so that they do not rub against each other.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure comprises two parts configured to cooperate with each other in a unified manner to trap the brush(s).

[0024] In the case of holding two wiper blades, the straightening structure is configured to hold the two wiper blades in a head-to-tail position.

[0025] In this upside-down position, the edges of the brush blades face each other. Thus, the brushes are arranged with their curves opposing each other, so that, when upright, the brushes exert forces transmitted to the uprighting structure, which mutually tend to keep both brushes straight. This is therefore a self-supporting upright position for the brushes using the uprighting structure, without requiring any additional parts.

[0026] In particular, the straightening structures placed towards the middle of the brush work in tension and the straightening structures placed at the ends of the brush work in compression.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the brushes are held in the straightening structure by being parallel.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the straightening structure are configured to be assembled with each other by complementary shape.

[0029] We can talk about complementary parts that form the recovery structure.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, one part of the straightening structure has a positive shape configured to fit into a negative shape of the other part of the straightening structure.

[0031] For example, one part has several shapes configured to cooperate with several shapes of the other part of the recovery structure.

[0032] The two parts forming the straightening structure can be identical and these parts are notably arranged in relation to each other according to a mirror symmetry when these parts are assembled with each other.

[0033] In other words, during assembly one of the parts is rotated 180° relative to the other part so that their complementary shapes cooperate to make them joined together.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity in which the broom section is trapped is formed by the two assembled parts.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the straightening structure are configured so that they can be assembled by a translational movement of one of the parts relative to the other of the parts.

[0036] This translational movement allows the shapes of one part to be inserted onto the shapes of the other part.

[0037] To install the wiper blades, first insert them onto one part of the straightening structure, then slide the other part of the straightening structure along the length of the blade. This sliding movement secures one part of the straightening structure to the other. The straightening structure thus defines the cavity through which the wiper blade(s) extend.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure has a substantially rectangular perimeter.

[0039] Each of the two parts has a roughly C-shaped perimeter which cooperates with the C-shaped perimeter of the other part to form the rectangular perimeter.

[0040] For example, the cavity that traps the brush(s) is formed between the two C-shaped perimeters.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity in the straightening structure for receiving the two brushes is a cavity common to both brushes.

[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, the straightening structure comprises two distinct cavities, in particular on two opposite faces of the straightening structure, each cavity being configured to receive at least partially one of the wiper blades.

[0043] In the second embodiment of the invention, each part of the straightening structure has a tab configured to cooperate by complementary shape with a slot in the other part of the straightening structure.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the legs and slots of the two parts of the straightening structure are present in a median area of ​​the straightening structure.

[0045] In both examples, each broom cooperates with both parts of the straightening structure.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure may include an adhesive, in particular an adhesive strip, to join the two parts of the straightening structure.

[0047] In another example, the two parts of the straightening structure can be linked to each other by a hinge so that these two parts can pivot relative to each other to trap the wiper blade(s).

[0048] The invention further relates to an assembly, or kit, comprising at least one flat blade type wiper blade and a holding device configured to hold said at least one wiper blade in the upright position.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, this holding device comprises a plurality of straightening structures placed in different locations along the wiper blade(s).

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises two wiper blades arranged in particular in an antagonistic manner, and the straightening structures trap the two blades against each other.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, several straightening structures are arranged along the wiper blade(s).

[0052] For example, at least two straightening structures are provided on each half of the wiper blade, on either side of a wiper blade connector.

[0053] Alternatively, the rectifier structure extends over a major part of the brush, for example configured to extend also over the center of the brush where the connector is located.

[0054] Thus, a single straightening structure can be used if it is long enough to ensure the straightening of the brush(s).

[0055] In cases where multiple straightening structures are used, the straightening structures can be relatively small, namely extending over at most 10% or 15% of the length of the broom.

[0056] This plurality of straightening structures, even if they are relatively small compared to the length of the brush, allows the two brushes to be kept straight because they are arranged in locations that allow them to counter the forces tending to bring the brushes back into a curved position.

[0057] For example, at least two straightening structures are arranged on each half of the wiper blade, with for example: on each half of the blade, at least one straightening structure arranged at less than 25%, or less than 20%, from the longitudinal end of the blade, on each half of the blade, at least one straightening structure arranged at less than 25%, or less than 20%, from the central connector of the blade.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structures are identical for the different locations along the length of the broom.

[0059] Alternatively, the straightening structures are different for the different locations along the length of the broom.

[0060] For example, recovery structures may be smaller in some locations than in other locations.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly can be placed in packaging.

[0062] The invention also relates to a method for holding at least one flat wiper blade, the method comprising the step of placing a straightening device on the blade to straighten it.

[0063] In the case where there is a pair of brushes, the straightening structures are placed at different locations of the pair of brushes to ensure the support of the pair of brushes.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the straightening structure is closed by sliding two parts of the straightening structure relative to each other to trap the brush(s) in the cavity(es) of the straightening structure.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiper blade is of the flat blade type. The wiper blade comprises a curved blade and at least one flexible vertebra that holds the blade.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiper blade comprises a lip configured to come into sliding contact with a surface to be wiped, and a heel forming an interface between said lip and the vertebra(s).

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiper blade comprises, in its upper part, opposite the lip, a spoiler which advantageously has an aerodynamic shape.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the spoiler and the lip are on opposite sides of the vertebrae.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the blade is formed from an elastomer profile, preferably one-piece.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the vertebra(s) are made of metal.

[0071] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0072] Laest is a schematic perspective representation of an assembly according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0073] This is a schematic perspective representation of a recovery structure for the whole of the;

[0074] This is a schematic perspective representation of the parts of the straightening structure of the;

[0075] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a straightening structure according to the invention.

[0076] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0077] Figures 1 and 2 show an assembly 100 defined as a kit comprising two flat-blade wiper blades 10 and a retaining device 1 configured to hold the wiper blades 10 in the upright position. The retaining device 1 has four uprighting structures 2 positioned along the wiper blades 10, and optionally the assembly 100 is placed in a container (not shown). The two wiper blades 10 are arranged opposite each other and parallel, held against each other, within the uprighting structures 2.

[0078] The wiper blades 10 each have two longitudinal ends 11 and are generally curved in their resting state. They are straightened to assume a generally rectilinear shape. Each wiper blade 10 extends longitudinally and includes, located approximately in its middle, a connector 16 for connecting the wiper blade 10 to a wiper arm, which is generally connected to a drive motor.

[0079] Each broom 10 has a curved blade 12 and two vertebrae 8 that extend on either side of the broom 10. The vertebrae 14 are flexible and hold the blade 12.

[0080] The blade 12 includes a lip 13 configured to make sliding contact with a surface to be wiped, for example, a vehicle windshield, and a heel 15 forming an interface between the lip 13 and the vertebrae 14. Furthermore, the blade 12 includes, at its upper end, opposite the lip 13, a spoiler 16 with an aerodynamic shape. The spoiler 16 and the lip 13 are on opposite sides with respect to the vertebrae 14. The blade 12 is formed from an elastomer profile, preferably one-piece, and the vertebrae are made of metal.

[0081] On either side of the connector 16 of each wiper blade 10 are two identical straightening structures 2. Each of these straightening structures 2 has a straight cavity 3 in which sections 17 of the wiper blades 10 are held and kept in a straight line. This protects the blade 12 from friction or impacts when stored in the retaining device 1. The cavity 3 is common to both wiper blades 10.

[0082] The straightening structures 2 are configured to oppose forces exerted by the sections 17 which tend to make them return to their rest state (i.e. to an overall curved shape).

[0083] It is understood that by arranging four straightening structures 2 along the wiper blades 10, it is possible to straighten the wiper blades 10 along their entire length.

[0084] To do this, on each half of the wiper blade 10, two straightening structures 2 are arranged: a first straightening structure 2 arranged at less than 25%, or less than 20%, from the longitudinal end 11 of the blade 10; a second straightening structure 2 arranged at less than 25%, or less than 20%, from the central connector 16 of the blade.

[0085] The straightening structures 2 are relatively small, namely that they extend over at most 10% or 15% of the length of the brush 10, but they allow the two brushes 10 to be kept straight because they are arranged in locations which allow the forces tending to bring the brushes 10 back into a curved position to be countered.

[0086] The straightening structures 2 each have a substantially rectangular perimeter and are made of honeycomb cardboard composed of cellulose fibers, with cells 24 for example of honeycomb type, formed between paper plates.

[0087] Honeycomb cardboard provides high rigidity to the straightening structures 2 to counteract the forces exerted by the brooms 10 once straightened, while being relatively light in weight.

[0088] The straightening structure 2 comprises two transverse faces 26 opposed to each other. These faces 26 are transverse with respect to a longitudinal direction L of the brushes 10. They are formed by paper plates between which the cells 24 of the cardboard are arranged.

[0089] The straightening structure 2 is configured to cooperate with the vertebrae 14 of the broom 10. It has flat notches 28 configured to engage with the vertebrae 14 and extend between two opposite transverse faces 26.

[0090] The uprighting structure 2 is configured to hold a pair of wiper blades 10 side by side in the upright position, specifically without contact between the two. In other words, the holding device 1 is configured to hold the two blades 10 in the upright position, while keeping them separated from each other so that they do not rub against each other.

[0091] Lamontre shows that the straightening structure 2 comprises two parts 41 and 42 configured to cooperate with each other in a unified manner to trap the wiper blades 10 in an inverted position. The two parts 41 and 42, once assembled, form the cavity 3 in which the sections 17 of the wiper blades 10 are trapped.

[0092] The brushes 10, held within the straightening structure 2, have their edges 13 facing each other. Thus, the brushes 10 are positioned with their curves opposing each other. Consequently, the brushes 10, in their straightened state, exert forces transmitted to the straightening structure 2, which mutually tend to keep the two brushes 10 upright. This is therefore a self-supporting mechanism for the brushes 10 in their straightened state, using the straightening structures 2, without requiring any additional parts.

[0093] The straightening structures 2 placed towards the middle of the broom 10 work in tension and the straightening structures 2 placed at the longitudinal ends 11 of the broom 10 work in compression.

[0094] The two parts 41 and 42 are identical and are arranged in a mirror-image relationship to each other when these parts 41 and 42 are assembled. In other words, during assembly, part 41 is rotated 180° relative to the other part 42 so that their complementary shapes cooperate to make them joined together.

[0095] The two parts 41 and 42 are complementary parts configured to be assembled with each other by complementary shape and to form the straightening structure 2. Parts 41 and 42 each have several shapes configured to cooperate with each other.

[0096] Part 41 comprises four positive shapes 51 configured to fit into four negative shapes 52 of the other part 42 of the rectification structure 2.

[0097] Part 42 also includes positive shapes 51 configured to fit into negative shapes 52 of the other part 41 of the rectification structure 2.

[0098] The two parts 41 and 42 are configured so that they can be assembled by a translational movement T relative to each other and allow the positive forms 51 to be inserted into the negative forms 52.

[0099] Thus, for the installation, we first insert the brushes 10 onto one of the parts 41 or 42, for example part 41, then we slide the other part 42 along the length of the brushes 10. By this translational movement T, we secure part 42 into the other part 41.

[0100] Each of the two parts 41 and 42 respectively has a perimeter 21 and 22 in C which cooperate together to form the rectangular perimeter of the straightening structure 2. The cavity 3 which encloses the brushes 10 is formed between the two perimeters 21 and 22 in C.

[0101] The method for holding the flat-blade wiper blades 10 includes a step of placing the holding device 2 onto the blades 10 to straighten them. The straightening structures 2 are positioned at different locations on the pair of blades 10 to ensure their retention. The straightening structure 2 is closed by sliding the two parts 41 and 42 relative to each other to trap the blades 10 in the cavity 3.

[0102] Lare represents a variant of the straightening structure 2 which has two distinct cavities 7. Each cavity 7 is configured to receive one of the wiper blades 10. The cavity 7 is formed on two opposite faces 29 of the straightening structure 2.

[0103] The recovery structure comprises two parts 43 and 44 which cooperate together.

[0104] Each part 43 and 44 has a leg 56 configured to cooperate by complementary shape with a slot 58 of the other part 43 or 44. The legs 56 and the slots 58 are present in a median area M of the straightening structure 2.

[0105] Finally, each broom 10 and more precisely the vertebrae 14 of these brooms 10 cooperate with the notches 28 of the two parts 43 and 44.

Claims

Retaining device (1) for a wiper blade (10) which has an overall curved shape in the resting state and which can be straightened to take an overall straight shape, the retaining device (1) comprising at least one straightening structure (2) configured to be assembled on at least one section (17) of the wiper blade (10) and comprising a straight cavity (3) in which the section (17) of the wiper blade (10), once trapped in this cavity (3), is held in a straight line, the straightening structure (2) being at least partially, in particular totally, made of cardboard. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, in which the cardboard comprises cells (24) for example of honeycomb type, formed between paper plates. Retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (3) of the straightening structure (2) forms an internal space which protects a blade (12) of the brush (10) against friction or shocks when stored in the retaining device (1). Retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the straightening structure (2) is configured to hold, side by side, a pair of wiper blades (10) in the straightened state, in particular without contact of one of the blades (10) against the other of the blades (10). Retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the straightening structure (2) comprises two parts (41, 42, 43, 44) configured to cooperate with each other in a unified manner to imprison the brush(s) (10). Retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the parts (41, 42) of the straightening structure (2) has a positive shape (51) configured to fit into a negative shape (52) of the other part (41, 42) of the straightening structure (2). Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each part (43, 44) of the straightening structure (2) has a tab (56) configured to cooperate by complementary shape with a slot (58) of the other part (43, 44) of the straightening structure (2). Assembly (100) comprising at least one wiper blade (10) of the Flat Blade type and a retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, configured to retain said at least one wiper blade (10) in the upright state. Assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining device (1) comprises a plurality of straightening structures (2) configured to be placed in different locations along the wiper blade (10). Assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the straightening structure (2) is configured to cooperate with one or more vertebrae (14) of the wiper blade (10)

Images