EP0918672A1 - Systeme repartiteur de forces flexible pour essuie-glaces - Google Patents

Systeme repartiteur de forces flexible pour essuie-glaces

Info

Publication number
EP0918672A1
EP0918672A1 EP97934952A EP97934952A EP0918672A1 EP 0918672 A1 EP0918672 A1 EP 0918672A1 EP 97934952 A EP97934952 A EP 97934952A EP 97934952 A EP97934952 A EP 97934952A EP 0918672 A1 EP0918672 A1 EP 0918672A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
windshield wiper
resilient
arrangement
compliant
coupling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97934952A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Sridhar Kota
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0918672A1 publication Critical patent/EP0918672A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/32—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by constructional features of wiper blade arms or blades
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/32—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by constructional features of wiper blade arms or blades
    • B60S1/38—Wiper blades
    • B60S1/3801—Wiper blades characterised by a blade support harness consisting of several articulated elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/32—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by constructional features of wiper blade arms or blades
    • B60S1/38—Wiper blades
    • B60S2001/3812—Means of supporting or holding the squeegee or blade rubber

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to arrangements for distributing an input force to a plurality of predetermined locations, and more particularly, to an arrangement wherein an input force, such as that which is applied by a windshield wiper arm is distributed to a plurality of locations in predeterminable magnitudes along a compliant member, such as a windshield wiper blade
  • Conventional windshield wiper arrangements employ a plurality of metallic beams pivotally coupled to one another
  • the respective beams which generally are not resilient or spring-like, are coupled to a windshield wiper blade at their free ends, and the pivoting of the beams with respect to one another approximates compliant bending of the windshield wiper as it travels across the windshield wiper
  • One goal to be achieved is to provide a compliant support mechanism that, within predeterminable ranges of displacement of the windshield wiper blade in the direction of the windshield, cause a force to be directed by the windshield wiper blade substantially uniformly along its length onto the surface of the windshield, of a magnitude sufficient to perform the desired windshield wiping function, and for a given windshield contour
  • the conventional windshield wiper support arrangement with its plurality of cantilevered beams, cannot achieve a truly compliant functionality, as it stores within itself little, if any, potential energy Instead, the arrangement of pivotally attached beams merely approximates a truly compliant mechanism
  • a further problem with the known arrangements lies in the fact that the cantilevered beams have a limited range of displacement in the direction toward the windshield A beam cannot be displaced beyond the point where its other end will stop against a sequentially superior beam
  • the limitation on the amplitude capacity, and hence on the simulated compliance effect places limitations on vehicle designers, as conventional windshield wiper support systems cannot perform adequately when the windshield surface contour has a relatively small radius of curvature anywhere in the wiping path
  • the known windshield wiper support arrangement is implemented at significant complexity and expense
  • the pivoted beams are made of a metal, that typically is highly reflective of light and subject to corrosion upon exposure to the elements In order to prevent the glare of the sun on the eyes of the operator of the vehicle, as well as to protect
  • an object of this invention to provide a windshield wiper frame arrangement that is simple and inexpensive, and which does not require a complex multt-pivoted interconnection between a windshield wiper actuator arm and the windshield wiper blade
  • this invention provides, in accordance with a first windshield wiper arrangement aspect of the invention, a windshield wiper arrangement for a windshield of a vehicle, the windshield wiper arrangement being coupled to a windshield wiper arm that is coupled at a first end thereof to the vehicle and at a second end thereof to the windshield wiper arrangement for applying a force thereto with respect to the vehicle.
  • the force is applied in a first direction that urges the windshield wiper arrangement toward the windshield, and a second force is applied which moves the windshield wiper arrangement in a second direction across the windshield.
  • the windshield wiper arrangement has a windshield wiper blade coupled thereto for communicating with the windshield of the vehicle.
  • the windshield wiper arrangement is provided with a windshield wiper blade support system that is integrally formed of a resilient material.
  • the windshield wiper blade support system has a primary beam having first and second and portions arranged axially distal from one another.
  • the primary beam additionally has a central portion between the first and second ends arranged for coupling with the windshield wiper arm.
  • the second ends thereof are arranged to be compliantly displaceable along respective substantially linear paths of compliance.
  • Each substantially linear path of compliance is substantially parallel to the first direction, and is axially transverse with respect to the primary beam.
  • There additionally is provided a plurality of wiper blade coupling arrangements each coupled to the second end of a respectively associated one of the plurality of resilient members, for coupling with the windshield wiper blade.
  • a plurality of resilient interconnection elements integrally formed with the primary beam, each for coupling the second ends of sequentially adjacent ones with the plurality of resilient members to one another.
  • a pair of further interconnection elements is further provided for coupling predetermined ones of the second ends of the plurality of resilient members to respective ones of the first and second ends of the primary beam.
  • each of the wiper blade coupling arrangements is provided with an end pad coupled to the second end of a respectively associated one of the plurality of resilient members.
  • the end pad in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention has a width that is predetermined in response to the width of the elongated blade support.
  • first and second windshield wiper blade engagement members integrally formed with the respective end pad and extending substantially normal to the end pad for engaging across the width of the elongated blade support.
  • first and second windshield wiper blade engagement members are disposed in an axially staggered arrangement on the end pad.
  • the resilient members are each configured to form a substantially V-shaped resilient element formed of first and second resilient beams coupled to one another to form a resiliently variable angle therebetween.
  • the substantially V-shaped resilient element has first and second ends.
  • a plurality of second coupling arrangements are provided each for coupling an associated one of the second ends to a respectively associated one of the end pads.
  • Each of the substantially V-shaped resilient elements and the associated first and second coupling arrangements are configured whereby an associated one of the end pads is compliantly displaceable along respective counter-arcuate paths defined by respective ones of the first and second resilient beams.
  • the counter-arcuate paths combine to form the respective substantially linear path of compliance that is substantially parallel to the first direction and axially transverse with respect to the primary beam.
  • a windshield wiper arrangement for a windshield of a vehicle, the windshield wiper arrangement being coupled to a windshield wiper arm that is coupled at a first end thereof to the vehicle, a second end of the windshield wiper arm is coupled to the windshield wiper arrangement for applying a force thereto with respect to the vehicle in a direction that urges the windshield wiper arrangement toward the windshield, and which moves the windshield wiper arrangement across the windshield.
  • the windshield wiper arrangement has a windshield wiper blade coupled thereto for communicating with the windshield of the vehicle, and, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a windshield wiper blade support formed of a resilient material.
  • the windshield wiper blade support has a primary beam arranged to couple with the windshield wiper arm.
  • first compliant beam having a first end for coupling to the primary beam, a second end for coupling to the windshield wiper blade, and a resilient portion between the first and second ends for bending resiliently in response to a force applied between the primary beam and the windshield wiper blade.
  • the first compliant beam has a substantially elongated configuration with an axis thereamong.
  • the first compliant beam is arranged with respect to the windshield wiper blade whereby a principal component of the force applied by the windshield wiper blade to the first compliant beam is applied substantially transverse to the axis of the first compliant beam.
  • the force applied by the windshield wiper blade to the first compliant beam is applied substantially axially at the second end of the first compliant beam.
  • a first resilient coupling portion for resiliently coupling the first compliant beam to the primary beam.
  • a second compliant beam coupled to the first compliant beam.
  • the second compliant beam is arranged intermediate of the first compliant beam and the windshield wiper blade, and is provided with an arrangement for coupling with the windshield wiper blade.
  • a second resilient coupling portion integrally formed with a first compliant beam for resiliently coupling the second compliant beam with the first compliant beam. In this embodiment, the first end of the second compliant beam is adopted to engage with the windshield wiper blade.
  • a compliant force distribution arrangement is formed by an inventive process, the process including the steps of: forming a primary beam member; forming a first compliant beam member integrally with the primary beam member, forming a plurality of force output portions integrally with said first compliant beam member, said force output portions each being resiliently displaceable in response to the application of a force across said first compliant beam member
  • the first compliant beam member comprises a resilient element having a substantially S-shaped configuration
  • the step of forming a second compliant beam member resiliently coupled to, and integrally formed with, the first compliant beam member The first and second compliant beam members form, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, a substantially V-shaped resilient element.
  • the step of forming a second compliant beam member resiliently coupled to, and integrally formed with, the first compliant beam member to form a tiered arrangement of resilient elements Persons of skill in the art can configure multiple-tier resilient beam arrangements that rely on the integrally formed resilient coupling portions to provide the necessary compliance characteristics the relatively firm subordinate beams. Such resilient beams can be tiered, whereby the overall compliance characteristic of the windshield wiper blade support arrangement is responsive to the resilience characteristics of the beams themselves
  • the steps of forming a primary beam member, forming a first compliant beam member integrally with the primary beam member, and forming a second compliant beam member integrally with said first compliant beam member are, in one embodiment, performed simultaneously during performance of a step of molding That is, the process can incorporate the various forming steps in a molding operation Alternatives to the molding step, also wherein the various portions of the apparatus are simultaneously formed, include extrusion, casting, stamping, or any other process of manufacture that, in light of the teaching herein, is deemed appropriate by persons of skill in the art
  • flexural strength is a measure of the magnitude of a load that can be imposed before the material breaks
  • toughness i.e., impact strength
  • percentage of elongation density
  • weather resistance resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light
  • temperature at which heat distortion occurs resistance to creep
  • density stability resistance to creep
  • dimensional stability dimensional stability
  • Flexural strength is a measure of the magnitude of a load that can be imposed before the material breaks
  • the present windshield wiper application requires relatively low flexural strength
  • the toughness characteristic relates to the magnitude of the energy required to break a plastic material, and is used to measure impact strength
  • Impact strength is not a measure of the stress required to break a sample, but rather a measure of the energy needed, or absorbed, in breaking the specimen A relatively large value of impact strength is required in the present windshield wiper application
  • “weatherability” of a plastic material relates to its ability to withstand direct sunlight, or the application of artificial weathering conditions
  • Ultraviolet radiation in conjunction with water and other environmental oxidants, may cause color fading, pitting, crumbling, surface cracking, crazing, or brittleness
  • Heat stabilizers that are well-known to persons of skill in the plastics art, can be added to the polymers to retard the damaging effects of heat, light energy, oxidation, or mechanical shear "Deflection temperature,” or “heat distortion temperature,” represent the characteristically highest continuous operating temperature that the material will withstand In the present windshield wiper application, the material should be effective within a range of approximately -50°F to 150°F
  • the compliant, force distributing arrangements of the present invention in embodiments thereof that are applicable to windshield wiper systems, can be made of a variety of materials These include, for example, Xenoy (from GE Plastics), low density polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, aromatic polyesters, polycarbonate, fluoroplastics, ABS,
  • PTFE is about fifty times more expensive than polyethylene
  • plastic materials are: polyethylene; polypropylene, polystyrene; ABS (polypropylene with 30% glass fill); and PTFE Polyethylene, preferably of the low density type, or polypropylene, appear to be well-suited for the present windshield wiper application.
  • Polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene do not absorb water and therefore are good candidates for the windshield wiper application Nylons, polyesters, polycarbonates, and ABS absorb moisture and therefore are not recommended From the standpoint of cost and flexural strength, polypropylene is a better choice as it costs less than $0 50 per pound and has a flexural modulus of approximately between 100,000 and 150,000 psi Polyacetal (trade name "Delrin”) and polyethylene terephthalates (PET) are also good choices
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame embodiment of the invention wherein highly compliant, integrally formed coupling portions are utilized,
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame embodiment of the invention wherein resilient, hinge-like elements are integrally formed with the beams, there being provided eight equally spaced force distribution points
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the configuration of a small resilient, hinge-like element
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the configuration of a larger resilient, hinge-like element
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame embodiment of the invention wherein resilient, hinge-like elements are integrally formed with the beams, with eight equally spaced force distribution points, and with greater flexibility than the embodiment of Fig. 2
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame embodiment of the invention wherein resilient, hinge-like elements are integrally formed with the beams, there being provided an odd number of unequally spaced force distribution points for each half of the support frame;
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of resilient coupling elements couple a primary beam to a flexible working beam;
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 showing the flexure of the resilient coupling elements in response to flexure of the flexible working beam toward the primary beam;
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of a further illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of resilient coupling elements couple a primary beam to a respective plurality of end pads with blade coupling elements extending therefrom;
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame JO wherein highly compliant, integrally formed coupling portions 1 1- 16 are utilized for interbeam coupling, as will be described hereinbelow.
  • a primary beam 20 is coupled to a secondary beam 21 via coupling portion 13.
  • the primary beam is coupled to a further secondary beam 22 via coupling portion 16.
  • Coupling portion 11 couples secondary beam 21 to a tertiary beam 23.
  • coupling portion 14 couples secondary beam 22 to a further tertiary beam 26
  • Coupling portions 12 and 15 are shown to couple their respectively associated secondary beams 2 ! and 22 to tertiary beams 24 and 25
  • output forces which correspond to predeterminable proportions of an input force that is represented by vector 30, are provided at tertiary beams 23 -26, and at secondary beams 21 and 22 More specifically, the output forces, that are represented by vectors 31-36, sum up to the magnitude of vector 30 Vectors 31-36 therefore represent a distribution of the input force represented by vector 30
  • the force represented by vector 30 is supplied in this embodiment by a windshield wiper actuator arm (not shown) that is conventionally coupled to the windshield wiper motor (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown) and to the windshield wiper support frame, illustratively at aperture 40 through primary beam 20.
  • the terminations of the secondary and tertiary beams where the output forces are provided are adapted (not shown in this figure) in a conventional manner to be coupled to a windshield wiper blade
  • the windshield wiper blade may be of the conventional single blade type, or of the dual blade type
  • the primary, secondary, and tertiary beams, along with their respectively associated compliant coupling portions, are formed integrally with one another
  • the coupling portions, such as coupling portions 13 and 16 permit their respectively associated secondary beams to pivot.
  • terminations of the secondary and tertiary beams where the output forces are produced are translatable along paths that are parallel to the input force vector
  • the magnitudes of the forces represented by vectors 31-36 can be made not to be equal to one another, as required by the particular application. Proportions of the force magnitudes amongst the vectors are responsive to the location of the coupling portions along the respective beams, the mechanical properties of the compliant coupling portions, and the mechanical properties of the beams themselves Persons of skill in the art can configure these characteristics in light of the teaching herein
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame 50 wherein resilient, hinge-like portions 51-56 are integrally formed with the beams, there being provided eight equally spaced force distribution points.
  • a primary beam 60 is resiliently coupled via integrally formed resilient coupling portions 52 and 55 to respective secondary beams 61 and 62
  • Each secondary beam is coupled via respective integrally formed resilient coupling portions 51 and 53, and 54 and 56, to respective tertiary beams 64-67.
  • the tertiary beams are coupled to a windshield wiper blade, which is schematically represented in the figure by structural element 69.
  • the windshield wiper blade can, in certain embodiments, be coupled to the force output points of the tertiary beams using any of several known wiper blade coupling arrangements (not shown), or it can be formed integrally with the windshield wiper support frame.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic plan representation of the configuration of a small resilient, hinge-like portion 70, which corresponds to coupling portions 51 , 53, 54, and 56, shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the configuration of a larger resilient, hinge-like portion 80, which corresponds to coupling portion 55 in Fig. 2.
  • Coupling portion 52 in Fig. 2 is the mirror image of coupling portion 55.
  • hinge-like portion 70 is formed with first and second resilient members 71 and 72, that couple beams 74 and 75 resiliently to one another. When beam 75 is urged in the direction of arrow 77, first resilient member 71 is subjected to a compression force, and second resilient member 72 is subjected to tension.
  • first resilient member 71 is subjected to a tensile force
  • second resilient member 72 is subjected to compression force.
  • the present invention is distinguishable from the mere pivoting function of the interbeam couplers of the conventional windshield wiper support frames.
  • second resilient member 82 is subjected to tension.
  • first resilient member 81 is subjected to a tensile force
  • second resilient member 82 is subjected to compression force
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame 100 embodiment of the invention wherein resilient, hinge-like portions are integrally formed with the beams, with eight equally spaced force distribution points, and with greater flexibility than the embodiment of Fig. 2.
  • windshield wiper support frame 100 is provided with resilient, hinge-like portions 101- 106 are integrally formed with the beams.
  • a primary beam 1 10 is resiliently coupled via integrally formed resilient coupling portions 102 and 105 to respective secondary beams 1 1 1 and 1 12.
  • Each secondary beam is coupled via respective integrally formed resilient coupling portions 101 and 103, and 104 and 106, to respective tertiary beams 1 14- 1 17.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 5 achieves a greater degree of compliance over that of Fig.
  • the force output portions are shown schematically to be coupled to a windshield wiper blade 120.
  • the windshield wiper blade can, in certain embodiments, be coupled to the force output points using any of several known wiper blade coupling arrangements, or it can be formed integrally with the windshield wiper support frame. Fig.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a windshield wiper support frame 130, which is a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein resilient, hinge-like portions 13 1 , 132, 133, and 134 are integrally formed with the beams
  • a primary beam 136 is resiliently coupled via integrally formed resilient coupling portions 132 and 133 to respective secondary beams 137 and 138.
  • Each secondary beam is coupled via respective integrally formed resilient coupling portions 131 and 134 to respective tertiary beams 140 and 141.
  • the tertiary beams are coupled to a windshield wiper blade, which is schematically represented in the figure by structural element 143.
  • the windshield wiper blade can, in certain embodiments, be coupled to the force output points of the tertiary beams using any of several known wiper blade coupling arrangements (not shown), or it can be formed integrally with the windshield wiper support frame.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of an illustrative embodiment of a windshield wiper support arrangement 150 constructed in accordance with the invention
  • a primary beam 151 which in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is curved is shown to be coupled resiliently to a flexible working beam 153 by a plurality of resilient coupling elements 161 -167.
  • flexible working beam 153 functions to support a windshield wiper blade (not shown).
  • the resilient coupling elements are distributed over the length of the primary beam and are coupled thereto on the concave side of the curvature.
  • Flexible working beam 153 is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to be straight when undisturbed.
  • resilient coupling elements 161 and 167 are smaller than resilient coupling elements 162 and 166, etc., resilient element 164 being the largest in this embodiment
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 showing the flexure of the resilient coupling elements 161-167 in response to a bending flexure in the central region of flexible working beam 153 toward primary beam 151.
  • resilient coupling elements 162-166 are shown to become compressed and somewhat elongated along the direction of the primary beam.
  • the flexible working beam separates away from the primary beam at its extremities as it is urged toward the primary beam in its central region.
  • primary beam 151 is formed so as to be fairly rigid, i.e., that it will not bend significantly in response to the forced contemplated by the designer to be applied thereto and to flexible working beam 153.
  • Resilient coupling elements 161- 167 are formed of a resilient material, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene, as described above.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of a further illustrative embodiment of a windshield wiper support arrangement 180 constructed in accordance with the invention
  • a primary beam 181 which in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is curved is shown to be coupled resiliently to respective first ends of a plurality of resilient coupling elements 183-188
  • the resilient coupling elements are distributed over the length of the primary beam and are coupled thereto on the concave side of the curvature of primary beam 181.
  • Each of the resilient coupling elements is coupled at a second end thereof to a respective one of end pads 190- 195, shown from the side thereof in this figure
  • Each of the end pads has extending therefrom, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, a pair of blade engagement members, such as engagement members 200 and 201 , which will be described in greater detail hereinbelow with respect to Fig. 10
  • each of end pads 1 0-1 5, shown from the side thereof in this figure, is coupled to a sequentially adjacent one of the end pads by a coupling element, in the form of, for example, coupling element 203 which is connected at one end to end pad 192, and
  • Primary beam 181 has a first end 205 and a second end 206
  • the respective ends are couple to their inwardly proximal end pads by coupling elements 208 and 209, respectively That is, coupling element 208 couples first end 205 to end pad 190, and coupling element 209 couples second end 206 to end pad 195
  • the end pads are shown in this embodiment to be arranged in a substantially straight-line relation to one another This facilitates installation of conventional windshield wiper blades
  • curved arrangements for specialized windshield contours can be provided within the scope of the invention
  • the windshield wiper blades can themselves be fabricated to have a predetermined curvature that easily would be installed in the correspondingly curved windshield wiper support a ⁇ angement
  • resilient coupling elements 183 and 188 are smaller than resilient coupling elements 184 and 187, which are smaller than resilient coupling elements 185 and 186 which are the largest in this embodiment
  • Fig 10 is an enlarged, fragmented schematic isometric representation of a portion of the embodiment of Fig 9 showing certain illustrative details of end pad 190 with blade coupling elements 200 and 201 extending therefrom
  • end pad 190 as are the other end pads in this embodiment, is wider than the coupling elements, illustratively coupling element 208 which couples end pad 190 to first end 205 of primary beam 181
  • the blade coupling elements are shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to be arranged axially offset from one another on the end pad, and are provided with respective inwaidly directed protuberances 210 and 211 which engage with an elongated support (not shown) of a conventional windshield wiper blade (not shown)
  • Resilient element 183 is shown to have a substantially V-shaped configuration, wherein a first end thereof is coupled to primary beam 181 , and a second end is coupled to end pad 190
  • the structure of the resilient element of this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is comprise
  • Fig. 1 1 is an enlarged fragmented schematic isometric representation of a portion of a further specific embodiment of the invention showing certain details of the end pads with the blade coupling elements extending therefrom and a single-beam resilient element Elements of structure that are analogous to those discussed hereinabove with respect to Fig 10 are similarly designated Fig.
  • end pad 190 shows, as does Fig 10, certain illustrative details of end pad 190 with blade coupling elements 200 and 201 extending therefrom
  • end pad 190 is wider than the coupling elements, illustratively coupling element 208 which couples end pad 190 to first end 205 of primary beam 181
  • the blade coupling elements are shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to be arranged axially offset from one another on the end pad, and are provided with respective inwardly directed protuberances 210 and 21 1 which engage with an elongated support (not shown) of a conventional windshield wiper blade (not shown)
  • a plurality of apertures such as aperture 250, are be provided through primary beam 181 to permit high speed air to flow therethrough during vehicle operation Such air flow will impinge upon the windshield wiper blade urging same toward the windshield (not shown)
  • a resilient element 241 is shown in the embodiment of Fig 1 1 to have a substantially S- shaped configuration, wherein a first end thereof is coupled to primary beam 181 , and a second end is coupled to end pad 190
  • the structure of the resilient element of this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention is comprised of two resilient bends 243 and 244 which are resiliently interconnected by a resilient beam 246 As end pad 190 is displaced toward primary beam 181 by the application of a force in the direction of arrow 220, resilient beam 246 is caused to bend resiliently.
  • the entire statcture is integrally formed, as previously noted.
  • resilient beams of the type described in connection with Figs. 9-1 1 can be tiered (not shown), whereby, as previously stated, the overall compliance characteristic of the windshield wiper blade support arrangement is responsive to the resilience characteristics of the beams themselves.
  • the resilient coupling elements such as coupling element 208 which couples end pad 190 to first end 205 of primary beam 181 in Figs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un système répartiteur de forces, lequel peut notamment être utilisé comme cadre de support (180) pour les essuie-glaces du pare-brise d'un véhicule, et peut en outre comprendre une lame d'essuie-glace formée d'un seul tenant. Ce système comprend une entrée de force qui va recevoir une force d'entrée directionnelle. Ce système comprend également une partie de répartition de force qui est couplée de manière élastique à l'entrée de force, qui est formée d'un seul tenant avec cette dernière, et qui va transmettre et répartir ladite force d'entrée directionnelle. Ce système comprend enfin plusieurs points de sortie de forces, lesquels sont couplés de manière élastique à la partie de répartition de force ainsi qu'à l'entrée de force, et sont formés d'un seul tenant avec ces dernières. Les points de sortie de forces vont produire plusieurs forces de sortie respectives sur la lame de l'essuie-glaces. Ils peuvent également se déplacer en translation l'un par rapport à l'autre et le long de voies respectives qui sont globalement parallèles à la direction de la force d'entrée directionnelle, ce qui leur permet de s'adapter à la courbure du contour de la surface du pare-brise. Un élément bras (181) va recevoir à son entrée une partie au moins de la force d'entrée directionnelle, puis produire à ses première et seconde sorties des première et seconde forces de sortie respectives. Une partie élastique de couplage du bras (183,8) est formée d'un seul tenant au niveau du point de sortie de force de l'élément bras. Cette partie élastique de couplage du bras (183,8) peut consister en un élément globalement en forme de S ou en forme de V, les éléments élastiques pouvant encore être étagés. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, la partie élastique de couplage du bras peut se présenter sous forme de deux parties élastiques opposées et espacées l'une de l'autre, lesquelles définissent une charnière élastique formée d'un seul tenant avec l'élément bras.
EP97934952A 1996-07-10 1997-07-09 Systeme repartiteur de forces flexible pour essuie-glaces Withdrawn EP0918672A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US67804996A 1996-07-10 1996-07-10
US678049 1996-07-10
PCT/US1997/012289 WO1998001329A1 (fr) 1996-07-10 1997-07-09 Systeme repartiteur de forces flexible pour essuie-glaces

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EP0918672A1 true EP0918672A1 (fr) 1999-06-02

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CA2260175A1 (fr) 1998-01-15

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