GB2458722A

GB2458722A - Windscreen wiper blade arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2458722A
Application number: GB0823570A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marc Nacamuli
Original assignee: DYNA ELECTROMECANICA; ELETROMECANICA DYNA S/A
Current assignee: DYNA ELECTROMECANICA; ELETROMECANICA DYNA S/A
Priority date: 2008-03-24
Filing date: 2008-12-24
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-24
Also published as: FR2928887B1; FR2928887A1; GB0823570D0; BRMU8800828U2; BRMU8800828Y1; GB2458722B; DE102009011722A1

Abstract

A windscreen wiper arrangement for automotive vehicles comprises a blade body 1 formed as a single piece by a process of co-extrusion of two different sectioned materials. The body 1 includes an upper holder 2 and a lower holder 3. The upper holder 2 is of flexible material and has a central cut (9, fig 15), with a rectangular profile, accommodating a wiper central holder (10, fig 14), which can be a split holder. A channel 23 is also formed in the upper holder 2 in which metallic vertebrae 24 are housed. The lower holder includes a lower channel 6 which houses a wiper blade (5, fig 12). The body ends (11, fig 15) are provided with blade terminals (13, fig 13). A baffle, either symmetrical or asymmetrical (figure 18) may also be provided. When assembling the metallic vertebrae 24 are inserted at one end and pass completely through the body 1. The body 1 is not formed in two parts.

Description

"ARRJ1NGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE".

The present model relates to an arrangement introduced in automotive vehicles windshield wiper blade, both front and back, provided with a curved shape, a single-piece body, co-extruded, with the profile supporting the metallic vertebra and the rubber blade, allowing housing the blade with an uniform outline and no deformations.

Description of the prior art

Several construction arrangements introduced in windshield wipers blades are known in the current art.

One of the main features to be verified in this kind of equipment relates to the blade curvature in contact with the windshield, as well as to its accommodation while moving.

Several devices have been developed to suit the rubber blade to the windshield curvature. Usually the blade body, which supports the rubber blade, comprises at least two different components, connected to one another by several means, resulting in assemblies composed of an excessive number of parts and locking means to each other. Additionally, several metallic components are used.

And also, controlling the curvature required for the blade to have a high performance becomes very difficult to be attained for blades using several components connected to each other, impairing uniform distribution of the rubber blade load on the windshield.

With the intention of addressing the inconveniences of the current art, the applicant has developed a blade body, claimed in Brazilian application MU8402004-O, wherein the blade body was formed as a single piece by a process of co extrusion of two different sectioned materials, resulting in a single body, w.th a curved shape all along it, allowing a more uniform load distribution, optimized by the wiper arm. However, this model was developed having ts body assembled as two pieces, a right one and a left one, over the metallic vertebra, which are displaced to its center until they meet the central holder.

The problem with this art is that, on the blade body central area, on the central holder region, misalignments may occur between right and left bodies, resulting in inefficiency of the rubber blade introduced below them, possibly leading to blade efficiency loss.

Objects of the model To address the inconveniences of the Current art, the present model comprises an innovative construction arrangement, provided with a blade body formed, in a single piece, by a process of co-extrusion of two different sectioned materials, resulting in a single, rectilinearly shaped body, acquiring a curved shape all over its length by the inclusion of a metallic vertebra within it, provided with three types of different cuts, two of which on the body ends to accommodate the terminals, and one cut on the central region, to accommodate the central holder.

The single body central region eliminates possible misalignments from the current art, and said single body accommodates the metallic vertebra and the rubber blade all over its length, ensuring an aerodynamic effect by means of its profile or its variations, ensuring cleaning quality is maintained when the vehicle speed is high, avoiding the effect known as "wind lift".

Additionally, the present model has a lower number of components in the whole structure, making the product assembly easier.

Due to the new connection systems, it is possible to apply this product to a wide variety of applications arranged in catalogues to the conventional system currently used in large scale, and also in windshield wipers blades with a similar embodiment to this one.

Brief summary of drawings

The present model will be better characterized based on the attached figures, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of the blade assembly known in the current art; Fig. 2 is a side view of the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion, object of the present model; Fig. 3 is a front view of the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion; Fig. 4 is a side view of a first construction alternative for the blade body, provided with an asymmetrical baffle on its upper portion; Fig. 5 is a front view of the first construction alternative for the blade body, with asymmetric baffle; Fig. 6 is a side view of a second construction alternative for the blade body, with no baffle on its upper portion; Fig. 7 is a front view of the second construction alternative for the blade body, with no baffle; Fig. 8 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of the metallic vertebra being inserted into one of the terminals, first assembling step; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the second assembling step, wherein the metallic vertebra is inserted into the blade body; Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the central holder assembly, third assembling step; Fig. 11 is a perspective view and a magnified detail of the rubber blade insertion under the blade body, fourth assembling step; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the blade body with one of the terminals, central holder and rubber blade assembled; Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the last terminal fitting, last assembly step; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the set comprising the central holder, blade body, metallic vertebra, terminals and rubber blade, all of them assembled; Fig. 15 is a front view of a construction alternative for the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion and rectangular cuts on its end; Fig. 16 is a side view of a construction alternative for the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion, and receiving split metallic vertebrae; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the blade body from Fig. 16, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion and split metallic vertebrae; Fiq. 18 s a side view of a construction alternative for the blade body, provided with an asymmetrical baffle on its upper portion, receiving split metallic vertebrae; Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the blade body from Fig. 18, provided with an asymmetrical baffle on its upper portion and split metallic vertebrae.

Fig. 20 is a side view of a construction alternative of the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion, receiving split metallic vertebrae; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the blade body from Fig. 20, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion and split metallic vertebrae.

Detailed description of the model

Based on the attached figures, a blade body may be observed on Fig. 1, known in the current art, wherein the blade receives two different bodies when assembled, one of them the right one and a left one, assembled over the metallic vertebra, and displaced to its center, until they meet the central holder.

In this construction arrangement, misalignments may occur between the right and the left bodies, resulting in inefficiency of the rubber blade introduced below them.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the blade body, provided with a symmetrical baffle on its upper portion, object of the present model.

The present model comprises a blade body (1) formed, in a single piece, by a process of co-extrusion of two different sectioned materials. The profile of said blade body (1.) comprises an upper holder (2), composed of flexible material, and a lower holder (3), composed of rigid material. The connection of both holders, upper (2) and lower (3) provides the single piece formed with sustenance for the other blade system components, among which the metallic vertebra (4) and the rubber blade (5) The lower holder (3) comprises a single piece, from one end of the blade to the other.

The upper holder (2) is provided with an tO assembling channel (6), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which a metallic vertebra (4) is inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile, whose function is to hold and maintain the blade (5) in uniform contact with the IS windshield.

The present model provides three construction variations for blade body (1), which will be detailed based on Figs. 2 to 7.

Figs. 2 and 3 show a first construction alternative for the blade body profile (1), wherein the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) is provided, on its upper portion, with a symmetrical baffle (7), composed of concave blades (8).

The blade body (1) has, on the upper portion (2), a central cut (9), with a rectangular profile, accommodating the wiper central holder (10) The body (1) ends (11) are provided with longitudinal cuts (12) on the upper holder (2), on which the blade terminals (13) are positioned.

Alternatively, the body (1) ends (11) have a rectangular cut (22) on the upper holder (2) end, as shown on Fig. 15.

A second construction alternative for the blade body (1) profile is viewed on Figs. 4 and 5, wherein the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) has, on its upper portion, an asymmetrical baffle (14), composed of a concave curved blade (15) and a vertical wall (16), connected by an upper vertex (17).

Figs. 6 and 7 show a third construction alternative for the blade body (1) profile, wherein the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) has, on its upper portion, a profile with no baffle, composed only by a prismatic camber (18).

Fig. 8 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the metallic vertebra (4) being inserted into one of the terminals (13), the first assembling step.

At. first, one of the terminals (13) is fitted, and covers the metallic vertebra (4) end, receiving it in a rectangular chamber (19), and said vertebra (4) may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

As it may be observed on Fig. 9, the blade body (1) is fitted over the metallic vertebra (4) through the upper holder inside (2), and runs through its whole longitudinal length, from the end opposed to the end where the first terminal (13) is positioned, until touching it.

When vertebrae are symmetrical, the initial fitting side of the body (1) does not matter, but when vertebrae are asymmetrical, the correct side shall be observed for starting assembling, as the cut (9) where the central holder (10) will be fitted shall follow their center.

As it may be observed on Fig. 10, the central holder (10) is split, and fits into the central cut (9) of the upper holder (2), overlapping the metallic vertebra (4), already inserted into the body (1) Fig. 11 is a perspective view and a magnified detail of the rubber blade (5) insertion under the blade body (1), and this is the fourth assembling step.

The lower holder (3) is provided with a lower channel (20), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, also provided with a longitudinal rectangular opening (21) extending over the whole blade body (1), within which the rubber blade is inserted.

The single-piece lower holder (3) supports the whole rubber blade (5) length, and also follows the metallic vertebra (4) curvature, in whatever loading situation over the blade body (1), ensuring its supporting.

Fig. 12 discloses the blade body (1), with one of the terminals (13), central holder (10) and the rubber blade (5) assembled.

Fig. 13 discloses the last step of the blade body (1) assembling. After the rubber blade (5) is inserted, which runs through the whole body (1) length, the last terminal (13) is inserted into the vertebra (4) free end, until it accommodates on the longitudinal cuts (12) of the upper holder (2), concluding the set assembling.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the assembly composed of the central holder (10), blade body (1), metallic vertebra (4), terminals (13) and rubber blade (5), all of them assembled.

Thus, the protile of the windshield wiper blade whose shape is curved comprises a single co-extruded body, accommodating the metallic vertebra (4) and guiding the rubber blade (5), providing total uniformity all over its length, following accurately, on all points, the curvature established by the metallic vertebra (4) Alternatively, as viewed on Figs. 16 and 17, the symmetrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (23), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (24) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile, whose function is to hold and maintain the blade (5) in uniform contact with the windshield.

Alternatively, as viewed on Figs. 18 and 19, the asymmetrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (25), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (26) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile, whose function is to hold and maintain the blade (5) in uniform contact with the windshield.

Alternatively, as viewed on Figs. 20 and 21, the symmetrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (27), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (28) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile, whose function is to hold and maintain the blade (5) in uniform contact with the windshield.

The present model offers variations concerning several types of application offered in the market, only by replacing central holders, coupling or adapters, making the model versatile and functional.

Claims

CLAIM1) "ARRMGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", characterized in that it comprises a blade body (1) in a single piece, by a process of co-extrusion of two different sectioned materials; the profile of said blade body (1) comprises an upper holder (2), composed of flexible material, and a lower holder (3), composed of rigid material; the connection of both holders, upper (2) and lower (3) provides the single piece formed with sustenance for the other blade system components, among which the metallic vertebra (4) and the rubber blade (5) ; the lower holder (3) comprises a single piece, from one end of the blade to the other; the upper holder (2) is provided with an assembling channel (6), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which a metallic vertebra (4) is inserted, also with a preterably rectangular and flat profile; the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) is provided, on its upper portion, with a symmetrical baffle (7), composed of concave blades (8); the blade body (1) has, on the upper portion (2), a central cut (9), with a rectangular profile, accommodating the wiper central holder (10); the body (1) ends (11) are provided with longitudna1 cuts (12) on the upper holder (2), on which the blade terminals (13) are positioned; alternatively, the body (1) ends (11) have a rectangular cut (22) on the upper holder (2) end; at first, one of the terminals (13) is fitted, and covers the metallic vertebra (4) end, receiving it in a rectangular chamber (19), and said vertebra (4) may be symmetrical or asymmetrical; the blade body (1) is fitted over the metallic vertebra (4) through the upper holder inside (2), and runs through its whole longitudinal length, from the end opposed to the end where the first terminal (13) iS positioned, until touching it; the central holder (10) is split, and fits into the central cut (9) of the upper holder (2), overlapping the metallic vertebra (4), already inserted into the body (1); the lower holder (3) is provided with a lower channel (20), longituthnally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, also provided with a longitudinal rectangular opening (21) extending over the whole blade body (1), within which the rubber blade (5) is inserted; the single-piece lower holder (3) supports the whole rubber blade (5) length, and also follows the metallic vertebra (4) curvature, in whatever loading situation over the blade body (1), ensuring its supporting; after the rubber blade (5) is inserted, which runs through the whole body (1) length, the last terminal (13) is inserted into the vertebra (4) free end, until it accommodates on the longitudinal cuts (12) of the upper holder (2), concluding the set assembling.

2) "ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) has, on its upper portion, an asymmetrical baffle (14), composed of a concave curved blade (15) and a vertical wall (16), connected by an upper vertex (17) 3) "ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the upper holder (2) of the blade body (1) has, on its upper portion, a profile with no baffle, composed only by a prismatic camber (18).4) "ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the symmotrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (23), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (24) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile.5) "ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, alternatively, the asymmetrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (25), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (26) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile.6) "ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE", as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, alternatively, the asymmetrical profile blade body (1) upper holder (2) is provided with two assembling channels (27), longitudinally passing over the whole extension of the blade body (1), in a preferably rectangular shape, within which split metallic vertebrae (28) are inserted, also with a preferably rectangular and flat profile.