FR3063952A1 - WIPER BLADE INCLUDING ARTICULATED CENTRAL MOUNT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) for a motor vehicle comprising: - at least one wiper blade (1) intended to rest on a glass surface, - a stiffening member (2) comprising at least one vertebra (3) configured to generate a curvature of the wiper blade (1), - at least two connectors (4), spaced from each other, each of the connectors (4) being integral with the stiffening member (2) in a half-length (A) of the wiper blade (10), - a central mount (5) hinged to each of the connectors (4).

Description

063 952

52276 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders) (© National registration number

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸ : B 60 S 1/40 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 20.03.17. © Applicant (s): VALEO SYSTEMS DESSUYAGE (30) Priority: Simplified joint stock company - FR. @ Inventor (s): GAUCHER VINCENT, HOUSSAT STEPHANE and POTON ERIC. (43) Date of public availability of the request: 21.09.18 Bulletin 18/38. (© List of documents cited in the report of preliminary research: Refer to end of present booklet (© References to other national documents @ Holder (s): VALEO WIPING SYSTEMS related: Joint stock company. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): VALEO WIPING SYSTEMS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY SERVICE.

FR 3 063 952 - A1

WIPER BLADE COMPRISING A ARTICULATED CENTRAL MOUNT.

The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) for a motor vehicle comprising:

- at least one wiping blade (1) intended to come to bear on a glazed surface,

a stiffening member (2) comprising at least one vertebra (3) configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade (1),

- at least two connectors (4), spaced from each other, each of the connectors (4) being integral with the stiffening member (2) in a half-length (A) of the wiper blade (10),

- a central mount (5) articulated on each of

i

WFR2423

WINDSCREEN WIPER BLADE INCLUDING A ARTICULATED CENTER MOUNT

The present invention relates to a wiper blade for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

Known in particular is a wiper blade technology, known as a flat wiper blade (from the English "fiat blade") comprising a wiper blade, generally made of elastomer, held over its entire length. The flat wiper blade is then fitted with at least one longitudinal vertebra which in particular makes it possible to stiffen the wiper blade, so as to promote the application of this wiper blade on a glazed surface of the motor vehicle. In addition, this longitudinal vertebra is bent and its bending makes it possible to give a curved shape to the wiper blade while keeping it pressed against the glass surface. In other words, it is the longitudinal vertebra that generates the curvature of the wiper blade.

The wiper blade is generally attached to an arm which is driven by a motor in an angular reciprocating motion. The wiping blade is then intended to wipe the vehicle window by scraping it during these angular back-and-forth movements, which makes it possible to evacuate the water by bringing it outside the driver's field of vision. .

However, flat wiper blades have the disadvantage of not wiping the windshield properly, in particular because the distribution of forces along the wiper blade is not homogeneous.

To overcome this drawback, the invention provides a wiper blade for a motor vehicle comprising:

- at least one wiping blade intended to come to rest on a glass surface,

- a stiffening member comprising at least one vertebra configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade,

- at least two connectors, spaced from each other, each of the connectors being integral with the stiffening member in a half-length of the wiper blade,

- a central mount articulated on each of the connectors.

Such a wiper blade is more efficient and makes it possible to obtain good

WFR2423 distribution of force transmitted by the arm along the wiper blade. Indeed, due to the curvature of the wiping blade and the fact that the central mount is articulated on at least two connectors distant from each other, the pressure force of a drive arm is distributed uniformly along the wiping blade via the connectors and the stiffening member.

It should be noted that the central mount can be articulated directly on the connectors or can be articulated indirectly via an intermediate piece.

Another object of the invention is to improve the overall performance of the wiper blade while allowing connection to several types of drive arms.

According to different characteristics of the invention taken alone or in combination, it can be provided that:

- The stiffening member has at least two longitudinal ends, at least one cover being fixed on the one hand on one of the longitudinal ends of the stiffening member and on the other hand on the central frame. The cover can completely cover the longitudinal end of the stiffening member. Of course, the cover can be fixed directly or indirectly to one end of the stiffening member or to the central mount.

- a connection device operating a pivot link directly connects the central mount to one of the connectors. A connection device is then provided on each of the connectors. Thus, preferably, each end of the central mount is connected directly to one of the connectors. A connection device corresponds for example to the cooperation between a pin and an orifice.

- A first connection device operating a pivot connection connects one of the connectors to the cover and in which a second connection device operating a pivot connection connects the cover to the central mount. Thus, the central mount is indirectly articulated on the connectors. Indeed, the first articulation is located between the connector and the cover then the second articulation is located between the cover and the central frame. Such an arrangement makes it possible to apply an additional force to the ends of the wiper blade.

- at least one of the connectors comprises a first portion for securing to

WFR2423 the stiffening member and a second portion of connection to the connection device, or to the first connection device, operating the pivot connection.

- At least one of the connectors is integral with the stiffening member at a center of the half-length of the wiper blade. Such an arrangement of the connectors with respect to the wiper blade, and more precisely with respect to the wiper blade of the wiper blade, makes it possible to distribute uniformly along the wiper blade, or the blade, the force exerted by a drive arm on the glass surface. Thus, for any curvature of the glass surface, the wiper blade remains pressed against this glass surface.

- The stiffening member comprises at least two vertebrae aligned on the same longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. In other words, the vertebrae are placed end to end at one of their longitudinal ends. The vertebrae of the stiffening member are distinct from each other. The vertebrae can be connected to each other by a connecting element.

- The stiffening member comprises at least two vertebrae placed side by side and parallel to each other. More precisely, each vertebra has a center aligned with the center of the vertebra placed alongside and parallel.

- the central frame is in one piece. More specifically, the central mount is in one piece at least between two connectors.

- the central mount includes a connection area configured to allow a connection between the wiper blade and a drive arm.

- The central mount comprises at least two walls between which the connection zone is located, at least one of the walls comprises a window giving access to the connection zone.

- The central mount comprises at least three walls between which is located a connection zone, at least one of the walls comprises a window giving access to the connection zone.

- the central mount has a U-shaped cross section defining an upper wall and two vertical walls, the connection zone being located between the two walls

WFR2423 vertical of the central mount and the upper wall including a window giving access to the connection area.

the central frame has a V-shaped cross section defining two side walls, the connection zone being located between the two side walls of the central frame and a window is provided at an interface between the two side walls so as to give access to the connection area.

- The central frame includes an upper wall and two side walls, the connection zone being located between the two side walls of the central frame and the upper wall comprising a window giving access to the connection zone.

- The central frame comprises an upper wall and at least one vertical wall, the connection zone being located between the two walls and the upper wall comprising a window giving access to the connection zone.

- At least one of the vertebrae of the stiffening member has a different radius of curvature with respect to a radius of curvature of at least one other vertebra of the stiffening member. A wiper blade, having vertebrae having different radii of curvature, makes it possible to adapt the general curvature of the wiper blade, according to its length, to a particular curve of the windshield.

- A connecting element connects longitudinally at least two vertebrae aligned on the same longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. Such a connecting element makes it possible to guarantee the mechanical strength of the vertebrae between them.

- the connecting element is positioned between the two connectors of the wiper blade.

- The connecting element is located in the center of the wiper blade, along the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. In other words, the connecting element is superimposed at least in part on the center of the wiper blade, the center here being defined as a point, located on the wiper blade, and equidistant from the two longitudinal ends of the wiper blade. wiper blade.

- the connecting element forms a sheath which houses a longitudinal end of at least one vertebra. Preferably, the sleeve accommodates two longitudinal ends

WFR2423 belonging to two different vertebrae. Such a sheath has sufficient rigidity to hold two vertebrae together and may include an opening on one of its faces to facilitate its positioning.

- The connecting element comprises at least one flexible element allowing movement between the vertebrae connected by the connecting element. The authorized movement can for example be a movement in rotation and / or in translation of the vertebrae. Such a flexible element ensures continuity of the curvature between the two vertebrae which follow one another longitudinally, and thus makes it possible to improve the plating of the wiper blade on the glazed surface.

- The connecting element comprises a force recovery device. This force recovery device makes it possible to limit the movement of the blade and of the stiffening member relative to the central frame, the movement takes place in particular around the longitudinal axis.

- The force recovery device is in contact with at least one vertical wall of the central frame.

- the force recovery device is located opposite a window located on an upper wall of the central frame.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly with the aid of the description and the drawings, among which:

0 - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wiper blade according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the central mount is connected directly to the connectors;

- Figure 2 is an exploded and side view of the wiper blade of Figure 1 and schematically showing the forces applied to the wiper blade of the wiper blade;

- Figure 3 is an exploded and perspective view of the wiper blade of Figure 1 where the wiper blade has not been shown;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the wiper blade of Figure 1, on which the covers have been removed;

WFR2423

- Figure 5 is a partial view of a wiper blade according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the central mount is indirectly connected to the connectors;

- Figure 6 is an exploded view of Figure 5, in which the forces applied 5 on the wiping blade have been schematically shown;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lower part of a wiper blade according to the invention, where a connecting element connects the vertebrae;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of a wiper blade according to the invention comprising at its center a cutaway revealing a connecting element according to a first embodiment;

- Figure 9 is a detailed view of the connecting element illustrated in Figure 8;

- Figure 10 is an exploded view of a lower part of the wiper blade according to the invention, where a connecting element according to a second alternative embodiment is shown;

- Figure 11 is a detailed view of the connecting element illustrated in Figure 10;

and

- Figure 12 is a side and detailed view of the connecting element according to the second embodiment mounted on the lower part of the wiper blade according to the invention.

0 It should first be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. However, it should be noted that these figures show only part of the possible alternative embodiments according to the invention.

In the following description, the longitudinal or lateral names refer to the wiper blade. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main axis of the wiper blade in which it extends, while the lateral orientations correspond to concurrent lines, that is to say which intersect the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade in its plane of rotation. For longitudinal directions, the names

WFR2423 external or internal are assessed in relation to a point of attachment of the wiper blade on a drive arm, the internal designation corresponding to the part where the arm and a half wiper blade extend. Finally, the directions referenced as upper or lower correspond to orientations perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wiper blade, the lower designation containing the plane of the windshield.

When appropriate, the term internal or internal can refer to the interior of a room or to an interior / interior side of a room, as opposed to the outside of a room, which allows for example to qualify visible or external aspects of the room, or the outside / outside of the room.

Figure 1 shows a flat wiper blade 10 for a motor vehicle. The wiper blade 10 is shown as positioned on a flat surface, it will then be understood that the wiper blade 10 is shown under stress. The wiper blade 10, according to this exemplary embodiment, comprises a wiper blade 1 intended to come into contact with a glazed surface, a stiffening member 2 comprising at least one vertebra 3 configured to generate a curvature. the wiping blade 1, two connectors 4 distant from each other and a central mount 5 articulated on each of the connectors 4.

The central mount 5 is intended to be fixed to a drive arm (not shown) actuated by a motor in an angular reciprocating movement. The wiping blade 1 is then driven by these angular back-and-forth movements so as to wipe the glass surface of the vehicle, in particular by scraping it. Thus, the water is evacuated by being brought outside the glazed surface and therefore outside the driver's field of vision.

More specifically, the wiping blade 1 is preferably made of elastomer and is held over its entire length by the stiffening member 2 and in particular by the vertebra (s) 3. More particularly, the wiping blade 1 can include on its upper part a location intended to receive the vertebrae 3.

The stiffening member 2 distributes the support force of the drive arm along the wiping blade 1. The stiffening member 2 is the component of the wiper blade which guarantees that the wiping blade 1 follows the curve

WFR2423 curved with a glass surface such as a motor vehicle windshield.

This stiffening member 2 here comprises at least two vertebrae 3, visible in FIGS. 2 and 3 and placed end to end by their longitudinal end. Each of the vertebrae 3 then stiffens the wiping blade 1, so as to favor its application on the glass surface. The vertebrae 3 are made of a material which both stiffens and bends the wiping blade 1. This material is for example metallic. The vertebrae 3 of the stiffening member 2 may have a different radius of curvature from one vertebra to the other, thus making it possible to apply a different force along the wiping blade 1. It should be noted that each vertebra 3 comprises at least one notch 30 on each of its longitudinal ends (Figure 3).

Each connector 4 is integral with the stiffening member 2 in a semi-length A of the wiper blade 10. Each connector 4 is positioned substantially in the center of each vertebra 3. Thus, the pressure force exerted by the arm of drive connected to the central mount 5 is distributed over these two connectors 4, which allows this pressure force to be distributed uniformly along the wiping blade 1 via the stiffening member 2.

Indeed, due to the curvature of the wiping blade 1 and the fact that the central mount 5 is articulated on at least two connectors 4 spaced from each other, the pressure force of the drive arm is uniformly distributed along the wiping blade 1 via the connectors 4 and the stiffening member 2.

As illustrated in the figures, the central mount 5 comprises three walls 5a, 5b defining an internal housing 5c in particular intended to accommodate an element for attaching the wiper blade 10 to the drive arm, called an adapter. Among the three walls 5a, 5b of the central mount 5, two walls are said to be vertical 5a and extend substantially parallel to one another. The upper longitudinal edges of the two vertical walls 5a are interconnected by an upper wall 5b, while the lower longitudinal edges of the two vertical walls 5a are free. Thus, the central mount 5 has a U-shaped cross-section, the U-shaped section having the upper wall 5b as a base and the two vertical walls 5a as flanks. The central mount 5 is for example in one piece.

The upper wall 5b includes a connection zone C allowing a

WFR2423 connection between the wiper blade 10 and the drive arm. This connection area C includes a window 50 allowing free access to the adapter. The central part of the central mount 5 has a height substantially greater than the rest of the wiper blade 10 in order to accommodate this adapter allowing the wiper blade 10 to be attached to the drive arm. This connection area C is large enough to allow a large variety of adapters to be accommodated, thereby offering the possibility of connecting this wiper blade 10 to several types of drive arms.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the presence of the two connectors 4 makes it possible to halve the force F exerted on the central mount 5 by the drive arm. The two connectors 4 then each transmit half of the force F exerted by the drive arm to the wiping blade 1, in particular by means of the stiffening member 2 and of each vertebra 3. It is advantageous to note that each connector 4 is arranged longitudinally in the center, or substantially in the center, of the vertebra 3 on which it is fixed. Half of the force F is transmitted to the center, longitudinally, of each of the vertebrae 3 of the stiffening member 2.

Figures 2 and 3 show that the central mount 5 is, according to a first embodiment, articulated directly on each of the connectors 4 via a first connection device 8. More specifically, this connection device 8 comprises a pivot shaft PI s' extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 10. The pivot shaft PI takes, for example, the shape of a pin 6 extending laterally projecting on either side of the connector 4. The central mount 5 also comprises an opening 51 on each of its vertical walls 5a, the opening 51 being intended to receive the pin 6. Of course, it is quite possible that the central mount 5 carries pins and the connectors 4 have one or more openings intended to receive the pins of the central mount 5. Thus, the pivot connection formed by the cooperation of the openings 51 with the pins 6, allows the rotation of the central mount 5 by rap port to connector 4 in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wiper blade 10.

FIG. 3 makes it possible to show that each connector 4 comprises a lower part intended to be fixed to one or more vertebrae 3, that is to say to the stiffening member 2, and an upper part intended for fixing the central mount 5 by ίο

WFR2423 through the connection device 8. In the example illustrated, a connector 4 is fixed to a single vertebra 3. The lower part of the connector 4 is called securing portion 41 to the stiffening member 2 and the upper part is called the connecting portion 42 to the first connection device 8.

The securing portion 41 of a connector 4 has two vertical walls 4a extending substantially parallel to one another. The lower longitudinal edges of the two vertical walls 4a have edges which approach each other, so as to maintain the vertebra (s) 3, or even the wiper blade 1 on the connector 4. In other words , the securing portion 41 of a connector 4 has a C-shaped profile, seen in a cross section. The joining portion 41 thus comprises two hooks arranged to enclose an outer edge of the vertebra (s) 3.

Furthermore, the upper longitudinal edges of the two vertical walls 4a are interconnected by an upper wall 4b forming a surface on which the connection portion 42 of the connector 4 rests, this connection portion 42 being intended for fixing the central frame. 5.

The connecting portion 42 of the connector 4 comprises a vertical wall 4c having two faces from which the pin 6 extends laterally projecting. Thus, an internal face of the vertical walls 5a of the central mount 5 can come into contact with at least one of the faces of the vertical wall 4c of the connection portion 42 of the connector 4 after snap-fastening of the openings 51 of the central mount 5 on the pin 6 of the connector 4. There is advantageously a clearance between the vertical wall 4c of the connecting portion 42 and the internal face of the vertical walls of the central mount 5 to allow rotation.

Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that two covers 7 are positioned at the longitudinal ends of the central frame 5, on the stiffening member 2. These two covers 7 have, over their entire length, a shape substantially identical to the central frame 5 , without however having a window on their upper face. Each cover 7 makes it possible to completely cover a longitudinal end of the wiper blade 10, and more precisely a longitudinal end of the stiffening member 2.

Each cover 7 comprises two longitudinal vertical walls 7a, the edges of which

WFR2423 upper longitudinal sections are connected to each other by an upper wall 7b forming a surface in continuity with the upper surface 5b of the central frame 5. In the case shown, where the wiper blade 10 is constrained on a flat surface, the upper walls of the mount 5b and the covers 7b are flush with each other and together have a continuous and substantially planar external surface.

More specifically, a first cover 7 extends towards the inside of the wiper blade 10 while a second cover 7 extends towards the outside of the wiper blade 10. The connection between the frame central 5 and each of the covers 7 comprises an articulation which pivots about an axis transverse to the wiper blade 10, that is to say an axis oriented in a lateral direction, so that the covers 7 are movable in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wiper blade 10. In other words and in the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the connection between the central frame 5 and each of the covers 7 is operated along an axis collinear with the pivot shaft PI between the connector 4 and the mount 5, described above.

More specifically, the connection between the central mount 5 and each of the covers 7 is, according to this first embodiment, produced by the first connection device 8 comprising the pivot shaft PI which here takes the form of the pin 6 extending in projection of the connector 4. Indeed, although the central mount 5 occupies this pin 6, the length of the pin is such that its free end protrudes from the central mount 5, which allows the cover 7 to be inserted therein, like this is shown in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the vertical walls 7a of the cover 7 comprise an orifice, or a cavity, intended to cooperate with the free end of the pin 6.

Each cover 7 is articulated in rotation relative to the central mount 5. Although attached to the end of the stiffening member 2, each cover 7 can translate relative to this end. This rotation and this translation allow each cover 7 to follow the changes in curvature of the stiffening member 2, for example between a moment when the wiper blade 10 is raised from the glass surface and a moment when this blade wiper 10 is pressed against the glass surface.

Each cover 7 has an end wall 7c bearing on the three walls 7a, 7b of the cover 7 mentioned above. This end wall 7c of the cover 7 is connected to the stiffening member 2, more precisely the end wall 7c is connected to the longitudinal end of a vertebra 3. Each cover 7 is then connected by translation

WFR2423 on the one hand on one of the longitudinal ends of the stiffening member 2 and on the other hand, by a rotation, on the central mount 5.

It should be noted that the vertical walls 7a of each cover 7 include, here, an elongation 70 extending from the end wall 7c and on the sides of the wiper blade 10 so as to cover at least part of the stiffening member 2. This elongation 70 makes it possible, in particular, to house elements allowing the translation of the wiping blade 1 and of the stiffening member 2 relative to the cover 7.

It should be noted that the central mount 5 can be articulated directly on the connectors 4, as has just been described, or else can be indirectly articulated on the connectors 4 via an intermediate piece, as described below in the frame of the second embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 6.

According to this second embodiment, the central mount 5 is articulated on the cover 7 which itself is articulated on the connector 4. In fact, as can be seen in FIG. 6, the cover 7 comprises a longitudinal extension 75 in which two holes 71, 72 are provided. A first hole 71, located at the free end of the longitudinal extension 75, cooperates with the first connection device 8 comprising the pivot shaft PI of the connector 4. A second hole 72, located at the base of the longitudinal extension 75, is intended to cooperate with a second connection device 9 comprising a second pivot shaft P2 formed here on the central mount 5. Thus, the cooperation of these holes 71, 72 with the pivot shafts PI, P2 allows movement of the cover 7 in rotation relative to the connector 4 and also authorizes the rotation of the central mount 5 relative to the corresponding cover 7, these rotations being carried out in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wiper blade 10.

Note that the second connection device 9 is longitudinally interposed between the free end of the longitudinal extension 75 and the end wall 7c of the cover 7.

In the case shown here by way of example, the central mount 5 comprises a pin extending laterally projecting from each internal face of each vertical wall 5a.

Of course, it is quite possible that the pivot shafts PI, P2 are carried by the cover 7 in place of the holes 71, 72, which will then be provided on the frame.

WFR2423 central 5 and the connector 4, the relative movements between the connector 4, the cover 7 and the central mount 5 not being modified.

In all cases, once mounted, the connection devices 8, 9 are located inside the internal housing 5c of the central mount 5 and are then protected from extreme climatic conditions and external impurities. Furthermore, it should be noted in FIG. 5 that a portion 53 of the upper surface 5b of the central mount 5 can partially cover the cover 7. This portion 53 makes it possible to form a stop for the rotation of the cover 7 relative to the central mount 5. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the cover 7 can also cover the central mount 5.

Thus, the connection of the two connectors 4 and of the two covers 7 to the wiping blade 1 and to the central mount 5 makes it possible to divide the force F exerted on the central mount 5 by a coefficient taking into account the position of the connectors 4 by relative to the cover 7 considered. The two connectors 4 and the end walls 7c of the two covers 7 each transmit part of the force F exerted by the drive arm to the wiping blade 1, in particular by means of the stiffening member 2 and vertebrae 3. It is thus ensured that the wiping blade 1 is applied homogeneously to the surface to be wiped. In addition, such an assembly makes it possible to apply an additional force to the ends of the wiper blade 10.

More particularly, the fact that the covers 7 are movable in rotation makes it possible to create a joint between the central mount 5 and the covers 7, which makes it possible to apply the outer and inner ends of the wiper blade 10 against the windshield -brise with the same pressure as that exerted at the level of the central mount 5.

In addition, the fact that the end wall 7c is connected to the stiffening member 2, and more precisely to the vertebrae 3, makes it possible to connect the cover 7 by a translation on the one hand on one of the longitudinal ends of the stiffening member 2 and on the other hand, by a rotation, on the central mount 5. Thus, the force F exerted by the drive arm on the central mount 5 is transmitted to the wiping blade 1 by a point of additional transmission in addition to connectors 4.

Furthermore, FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the end wall 7c of the covers 7 forms a stop for translation of the wiping blade 1 and / or the

WFR2423 stiffening 2 relative to the cover 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates, whatever the embodiments seen previously, that the connectors 4 are integral with the stiffening member 2 at a center B of the semi-length A of the wiper blade 10. Such an arrangement of the connectors 4 with respect to the wiper blade 10, and more precisely to the wiper blade 1, allows the force exerted to be distributed uniformly along the wiper blade 10, or the wiper blade 1 by the drive arm on the glass surface. Thus, the wiper blade 1 is flattened on the glass surface in a uniform manner along the wiper blade 10, more effectively than in the prior art.

Furthermore, the stiffening member 2 here comprises two vertebrae 3 held one to the other in the length by means of a connecting element 15. More specifically, the connecting element 15 connects the two longitudinally vertebrae 3 aligned on the same longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 10. The connecting element 15 provides mechanical continuity between the vertebrae 3, so as to guarantee continuity in the curvature of the stiffening member 2 along of the wiper blade 10, and in particular in its central longitudinal zone.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the connecting element 15 is positioned longitudinally between two connectors 4. More specifically, the connecting element 15 is located at the center D of the total length (A + A) of the brush wiper 10. In other words, the connecting element 15 is superimposed at least in part on the center D of the wiper blade 10, the center here being defined as a point, located on the wiper blade. wiper 10, and equidistant from the two longitudinal ends of the wiper blade 10. In other words, the center is assimilated to the middle of the wiper blade 10. The center D can also be defined by a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade and positioned equidistant from the two longitudinal ends of the wiper blade 10.

The connecting element 15, shown here, forms a sheath 16. This sheath 16 comprises an upper face 16a which connects two lower edges 16b which tend to approach each other, without however meeting. In other words, the sheath 16 has a C shape, seen in a cross section, and comprises an opening 16c. Such a conformation of the connecting element 15 makes it possible to hold the vertebrae 3 together and the wiping blade 1, without however interfering with the part of the blade 1

WFR2423 intended to come into contact with the glass surface. The opening 16c, here in the form of a slot, is then located on the face opposite to the upper face 16a.

Such a sheath 16 has sufficient rigidity to hold the two vertebrae 3 together. This sheath 16 may include a shape complementary to the notches 30 present on the vertebrae 3 in order to better maintain them.

We can see in Figures 8 and 9 a first alternative embodiment of the connecting element 15. This first alternative embodiment consists in adding at least one force recovery device 12, here two in number, on the connecting element 15. The connecting element 15 here takes the form of the sleeve 16 described above. The two force recovery devices 12 are located equidistant from the center of the connection element 15, along the length of the connection element 15. Each force recovery device 12 makes it possible to stiffen the wiper blade -glass 10 and to ensure that only the wiping blade 1 remains applied to the glass surface, during the angular back-and-forth movements of the drive arm. More specifically, such a force recovery device 12 limits or even prohibits rotational movements of the stiffening member 2 and / or the wiper blade 1 around the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. lens 10, forming a stop against the vertical walls 5a of the frame 5.

In addition, the force recovery device 12 limits or even prohibits movements in lateral translation of the stiffening member 2 and / or of the wiper blade 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 10 , by forming a stop against the vertical walls 5a of the frame 5.

As is more visible in Figure 9, the force recovery device 12 is in the form of an H and has a main direction of vertical elongation. More specifically, the force recovery device 12 comprises a base 12a extending vertically and from which two vertical extensions, called vertical legs 13, extend. Each vertical tab 13 is intended to come into abutment against the central frame 5 and more precisely against the internal faces of the vertical walls 5a. As illustrated, the central mount 5, and more precisely each internal face of the vertical walls 5a, comprises a rib 14 intended to come into contact with one of the vertical tabs 13. This rib 14 may, for example, include a groove in which the vertical tab 13 is inserted. Such a rib 14 is formed for example by an excess thickness of material of the vertical wall 5a of the frame 5.

WFR2423

Between the two vertical legs 13, a space E is defined. This space E makes it possible both to lighten the force recovery device 12 by removing the superfluous material and makes it possible not to hinder the rotational movements of the adapter making it possible to connect the central mount 5 to the drive arm. Indeed, it should be noted that the force recovery device 12 is positioned on the upper face 16a of the sheath 16, opposite the window 50 of the central frame 5 allowing the adapter to pass. More specifically, the adapter is fixed to the central mount 5 by means of a shaft 11, visible in a partial section in FIGS. 8 and 9. The adapter is therefore not limited, in its rotational movement, by or the force recovery device (s) 12. This allows the wiper blade 10 to follow the more or less curved surface of the glazed surface and facilitates the mounting and dismounting of the wiper blade 10 on the drive arm.

Furthermore, FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a second alternative embodiment of the connecting element 15 comprising two half-sleeves 17 and a flexible element 20 connecting these two half-sleeves 17. A half-sleeve 17 has a similar shape in any point on the sheath 16 described above except that the half-sheath 17 has a length less than the sheath 16, for example a length reduced by a factor of two, allowing it to join with only part of the vertebra (s) 3. Thus , as illustrated in FIG. 11, each half-sheath 17 comprises an upper wall 17a having two lower edges 17b, tending to approach each other, without however meeting. The upper wall 17a may include a force recovery device 12, here not shown.

The flexible element 20 is in the form of a U facing downwards. More specifically, the flexible element 20 comprises a base 20a from which two arms 20b extend. Each of the arms 20b extends to one of the upper surfaces 17a of the half-sleeves 17. The flexible element 20 is for example made of synthetic material. Such a flexible element 20, located between two half-sheaths 17 and which joins them, allows relative movements between the vertebrae 3 located on either side of the half-sheath 17, to follow the curvature of the glass surface, for example . Indeed, this makes it possible to join two vertebrae 3 or two groups of vertebrae 3 not having the same radius of curvature, without imposing a radius of curvature between these two vertebrae 3 or these two groups of vertebrae 3. In fact, having different radii of curvature makes it possible to adapt a portion of the length of the wiper blade to a particular curve of the windshield,

WFR2423 in particular according to the driver or passenger position of the wiper blade. Thus, the presence of the flexible element 20 between vertebrae having different radii of curvature allows the use of vertebrae with different flexural properties and adapted to the curve of the windshield in front of which the wiper blade moves. . This provides greater flexibility for the wiper blade 10 by allowing it to adapt to any shape of glass surface.

Alternatively, the connecting element 15 can also be adapted to connect vertebrae 3 having different lengths.

Figure 11 shows in more detail that the connecting element 15 comprises a complementary shape 19 intended to cooperate with the stiffening member 2 and one of the notches 30 provided on the vertebrae 3. Figure 12 shows that the connecting element 15 can also pinch the wiping blade 1 for better support.

In Figures 10 and 11, it should be noted that the stiffening member 2 includes four vertebrae 3 aligned two by two on the same longitudinal axis and placed, two by two, next to each other. In other words, two of the vertebrae 3 are placed end to end at one of their longitudinal ends and two of the other vertebrae are placed side by side and parallel to each other. By side by side is meant that the centers of two vertebrae one next to the other are aligned on the same transverse axis. Thus, the stiffening member comprises four vertebrae 3, with vertebrae 3 parallel to each other and vertebrae aligned on the same longitudinal axis.

Of course, the various alternative embodiments of the connecting elements 15 as well as such a stiffening member 2, comprising four vertebrae, are just as easily transposable to the first embodiment as to the second embodiment of connection of the central mount. 5 to connectors 4.

The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives which it has set itself, and in particular to propose a more efficient wiper blade and making it possible to obtain a uniform wiping quality over all of the glass surface. Indeed, due to the curvature of the wiping blade and the fact that the central mount is articulated on at least two connectors distant from each other, the pressure force of a drive arm is distributed uniformly along the wiping blade via the connectors and the stiffening member. The description

WFR2423 made on an element applies naturally to any element of the same nature.

WFR2423

Claims (17)

1. Wiper blade (10) for a motor vehicle comprising: - at least one wiping blade (1) intended to come to bear on a glazed surface, - a stiffening member (2) comprising at least one vertebra (3) configured to generate a curvature of the wiping blade (1), - at least two connectors (4), spaced from each other, each of the connectors (4) being integral with the stiffening member (2) in a half-length (A) of the wiper blade (10 ), - a central mount (5) articulated on each of the connectors (4). 2. Wiper blade according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening member (2) has at least two longitudinal ends, at least one cover (7) being fixed on the one hand on one of the longitudinal ends of the stiffening member (2) and secondly on the central mount (5). 3. Wiper blade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a connection device (8) operating a pivot link directly connects the central mount (5) to one of the connectors (4), each end of the central mount (5) preferably being connected directly to one of the connectors (4). 4. A wiper blade according to claim 2, in which a first connection device (8) operating a pivot connection connects one of the connectors (4) to the cover (7), and in which a second connection device (9 ) operating a pivot link connects the cover (7) to the central mount (5). 5. Wiper blade according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the connectors (4) is integral with the stiffening member (2) at a center (B) of the half-length ( A) of the wiper blade (10). 6. Wiper blade according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stiffening member (2) comprises at least two vertebrae (3) aligned on the same longitudinal axis of the wiper blade (10 ). 7. A wiper blade according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening member (2) comprises at least two vertebrae (3) placed side by side and parallel to each other. WFR2423 8. A wiper blade according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central frame (5) is in one piece. 9. A wiper blade according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the vertebrae (3) of the stiffening member (2) has a radius of 5 different curvature with respect to a radius of curvature of at least one other vertebra (3) of the stiffening member (2). 10. Wiper blade according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a connecting element (15) connects longitudinally at least two vertebrae (3) aligned on the same longitudinal axis of the wiper blade (10). 10 11. Wiper blade according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (15) is positioned between the two connectors (4) of the wiper blade (10). 12. The wiper blade according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the connecting element (15) is located in the center of the wiper blade (10), along the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. - ice (10). 15 13. A wiper blade according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the connecting element (15) forms a sheath (16) which houses a longitudinal end of at least one vertebra (3), preferably the sheath (16) houses two longitudinal ends belonging to two different vertebrae. 14. A wiper blade according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein 2 0 the connecting element (15) comprises at least one flexible element (20) allowing movement between the vertebrae (3) connected by the connecting element (15). 15. A wiper blade according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the connecting element (15) comprises a force recovery device (12). 16. A wiper blade according to the preceding claim, in which the device for 25 force recovery (12) is in contact with at least one vertical wall (5a) of the central frame (5). 17. A wiper blade according to claim 15 or 16, in which the force recovery device (12) is located opposite a window (50) located on an upper wall (5b) of the central mount. (5). 1/6 Fiq. 1 ³ 0639S2 2/6 3/6 Fiq. 5 Fiq. 6 4/6 Fiq. 8 5 / q 1ο £! £ L§ ³ ° 63 6/6