WO1993003942A1 - Essuie-glace et methode de production - Google Patents

Essuie-glace et methode de production Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993003942A1
WO1993003942A1 PCT/GB1992/001486 GB9201486W WO9303942A1 WO 1993003942 A1 WO1993003942 A1 WO 1993003942A1 GB 9201486 W GB9201486 W GB 9201486W WO 9303942 A1 WO9303942 A1 WO 9303942A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
arm
blade
carrier
assembly according
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1992/001486
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew John Saville Sneath
Original Assignee
Andrew John Saville Sneath
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
Priority claimed from GB919117772A external-priority patent/GB9117772D0/en
Priority claimed from GB919121175A external-priority patent/GB9121175D0/en
Application filed by Andrew John Saville Sneath filed Critical Andrew John Saville Sneath
Publication of WO1993003942A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993003942A1/fr

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
    • B60S1/46—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using liquid; Windscreen washers
    • B60S1/48—Liquid supply therefor
    • B60S1/52—Arrangement of nozzles; Liquid spreading means
    • B60S1/522—Arrangement of nozzles; Liquid spreading means moving liquid spreading means, e.g. arranged in wiper arms
    • B60S1/524—Arrangement of nozzles; Liquid spreading means moving liquid spreading means, e.g. arranged in wiper arms arranged in wiper 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
    • B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
    • B60S1/3415—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor with means for supplying cleaning fluid to windscreen cleaners, e.g. washers
    • 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
    • B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
    • B60S1/36—Variable-length arms
    • B60S1/365—Variable-length arms the effective length being automatically varied during angular oscillation of the arm
    • 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
    • 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
    • B60S1/3803—Wiper blades heated wiper blades
    • B60S1/3805—Wiper blades heated wiper blades electrically
    • 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
    • B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
    • B60S1/3425—Constructional aspects of the arm
    • B60S1/3427—Arm piece, link piece and mounting head formed as one element
    • 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
    • B60S1/34—Wiper arms; Mountings therefor
    • B60S1/3488—Means for mounting wiper arms onto the vehicle
    • B60S1/3495—Means for mounting the drive mechanism to the wiper shaft
    • 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
    • B60S2001/3824—Means of supporting or holding the squeegee or blade rubber the blade or squeegee pivoting about an axis parallel to blade longitudinal axis
    • 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
    • B60S2001/3825—Means of supporting or holding the squeegee or blade rubber the squeegee mounted directly to or in wiper blade arm
    • 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
    • B60S2001/3827—Wiper blades characterised by the squeegee or blade rubber or wiping element
    • B60S2001/3836—Wiper blades characterised by the squeegee or blade rubber or wiping element characterised by cross-sectional shape

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wiper blade assembly, for example an assembly suitable for wiping a transparent screen or window.
  • Wiper blade assemblies are used for clearing screens and windows of road vehicles, other land vehicles, water-borne craft and aircraft and of lenses of lights.
  • a known wiper assembly comprises an arm mounted adjacent to one of its ends on a drive shaft and a blade carried on an opposite end portion of the arm by a carrier assembly.
  • the carrier assembly comprises a bar connected with the arm for pivoting relative thereto about a pivot axis which is transverse to the axis of the drive shaft and transverse to the length of the arm and a plurality of rockers, each connected with the bar for rocking relative thereto about a respective rocker axis which is parallel to the pivot axis.
  • the carrier assembly is adapted to exert on the blade at a number of positions along the length of the blade force directed towards the screen which is to be cleared.
  • the surface of the screen which is to be cleared is a curved surface and it is necessary for the blade to be flexed during wiping of the screen so that the blade remains in contact with the screen along its entire length.
  • a wiper comprising an elongated carrier and an elongated blade, the carrier being moulded around a part of the blade so that this part is embedded in the carrier and a neck of the blade protrudes from the carrier. Accordingly, the blade is supported along its entire length by the carrier.
  • the carrier is formed of a resiliently flexible plastics material and is curved along its length when unstressed. Towards it ends, the carrier is tapered to assist the combination of carrier and blade to conform to the shape of a curved wind screen during wiping.
  • the combination of carrier and blade disclosed in GB 2 044 161 A is suitable for substitution for the carrier assembly of the known wiper assembly hereinbefore described.
  • the combination of blade and moulded carrier disclosed in GB 2 044 161 A avoids the use of the relatively large number of componen parts comprised by the known carrier assembly.
  • a wiper arm i required to support the combination of carrier and blade and to drive tha combination across the screen.
  • the wiper arm must be capable of pressing an intermediate portion of the carrier towards the screen to stress the carrier and thereby ensure that the curvature of the carrier changes as the carrier is moved across the screen, to maintain the blade in contact with the screen throughout the length of the blade.
  • known wiper arms each comprise a pivot joint and a spring for urging towards the screen an end portion of the wiper arm on which the carrier and blade are mounted.
  • Respective wiper arms of known wiper assemblies are releasably mounted on a shaft which protrudes from driving means inside the vehicle through a hole in a body of the vehicle to a position outside the vehicle, where the arm is fitted onto the shaft.
  • a vehicle comprising a body which incorporates a window and defines an interior of the vehicle and a wiper assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the body also defines a hole, means for driving the arm is disposed inside the vehicle, the arm includes a first portion lying outside the body and the arm includes a second portion which extends from the first portion through the hole to the driving means.
  • a wiper assembly comprising an elongated blade and an elongated carrier for the blade, the length of the carrier being greater than the length of the blade and the combination of blade and carrier defining a duct which extends along at least a part of the length of the carrier. Provision may be made for a fluid to be conveyed along the duct to an outlet on the carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the duct may contain or may be entirely occupied by electrical conductors.
  • a wiper assembly comprising an elongated blade and an elongated carrier for the blade, the carrier including a core and the core being at least partly covered by a skin which incorporates the blade.
  • a wiper assembly comprising an elongated carrier and an elongated blade connected with the carrier to be supported thereby with the length of the blade extending substantially along the carrier, wherein the carrier defines a channel arranged with its length extending along the carrier and the blade lies partly in the channel.
  • a wiper assembly comprising an elongated blade and an elongated carrier for the blade, the assembly incorporating a pivot which defines a pivot axis extending along the blade and which pivot connects the blade with the carrier for limited pivoting relative thereto about the pivot axis.
  • a wiper assembly comprising an elongated blade, an elongated carrier for the blade and an adaptor for mounting the carrier on a vehicle, wherein the carrier is arranged for longitudinal reciprocation relative to the adaptor.
  • FIGURE 1 shows a cross section through a wiper assembly and associated parts of a vehicle, the section being in a plane which contains a longitudinal axis of an arm of the assembly,
  • FIGURE 2 shows a cross section on the line II-II of Figure 1
  • FIGURE 3 shows a cross section on the line III-III of Figure 1
  • FIGURE 4 is a plan view of an arm of a modified assembly
  • FIGURE 5 is a side elevation of the arm of Figure 4, together with a wiping blade
  • FIGURE 6 is a cross section on the line VI- VI of Figure 4 on an enlarges scale relative to Figure 4,
  • FIGURE 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 illustrating a third example of wiper assemblies
  • FIGURE 8 is an isometric view of parts shown in Figure 7, these parts being broken away,
  • FIGURE 9 is a view similar to Figure 6, illustrating a further modified assembly
  • FIGURE 10 is a view similar to Figure 6 illustrating another modified assembly
  • FIGURE 11 shows a cross-section through a part of a further assembly, the cross section being in a plane which contains a longitudinal axis of an arm of the assembly,
  • FIGURE 12 is a partial cross section through the assembly of Figure 7, the cross section being in a plane containing a longitudinal axis of an arm of the assembly,
  • FIGURE 13 shows a cross section through a further assembly, the cross section being in a plane containing a longitudinal axis of an arm of the assembly
  • FIGURE 14 shows, on an enlarged scale, a cross section on the line XIV-XIV of Figure 13,
  • FIGURE 15 is a partial cross section corresponding to Figure 13 but illustrating a modification of the assembly of Figure 13,
  • FIGURE 16 shows a partial cross section through a further assembly, the cross section being in a plane which contains a longitudinal axis of an arm of the assembly and which is perpendicular to an axis about which the arm turns, in use,
  • FIGURE 17 shows a side elevation of parts shown in Figure 16
  • FIGURE 18 shows a side elevation of a further example of an assembly embodying the invention
  • FIGURE 19 shows a partial cross section through the assembly of Figure 18 and
  • FIGURE 20 is a diagrammatic representation of parts of an assembly which is a modified version of the assembly shown in Figure 1 during mounting of the modified assembly in a vehicle.
  • the wiper assembly illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings comprises an elongated arm 10 and a wiping blade 11 which protrudes from one side of the arm, called herein the underside.
  • the arm is a carrier for the blade and is formed with a channel having a mouth at the underside of the arm.
  • the transverse cross sectional shape of the channel approximates to that of a truncated "V", the channel being divergent towards the mouth.
  • the opposite side walls of the channel are each substantially flat.
  • the blade 11 comprises an inner portion 12 which, as viewed in transverse cross section, has a profile complimentary to that of a part of the channel defined by the arm 10 so that the portion 12 can be received in the channel and can have extensive face-to-face contact with the side walls of the channel.
  • the blade further comprises an outer portion 13 connected with the inner portion 12 by a neck 14.
  • the blade is formed of an elastomeric material. Accordingly, the neck 14 can flex to permit the attitude of the outer portion 13 of the blade to change at the beginning of each wiping stroke of the assembly in a known manner.
  • the blade 11 does not occupy entirely the channel defined by the arm 10.
  • a duct 15 which extends along a major part of the length of the arm.
  • the arm Adjacent to one end of the arm, the arm comprises a nozzle 16 which communicates with the duct 15.
  • Adjacent to an opposite end of the arm, the arm is connected with a hose 17 which also communicates with the duct 15.
  • a cleaning solution or other fluid can be pumped along the duct 15 and discharged through the nozzle 16.
  • the duct 15 also contains an electrical heating element 18 comprising a pair of electrical conductors which are spaced apart by a resistive element.
  • the conductors extend from an end portion of the arm remote from the nozzle 16 to a plug 19 outside the arm and which forms one part of a plug and socket connector.
  • the blade 11 has a length which is somewhat less than the length of the arm 10.
  • the blade extends along the arm from a closed end of the duct 15 adjacent to the nozzle 16 to a position intermediate end portions of the arm.
  • the remainder of the channel defined by the arm 10 is closed by a closure 20 which is received in the channel in end-to-end relation with the blade 11.
  • the closure 20 does not protrude significantly from the channel defined by the arm.
  • the conductors associated with the heating element 18 may be embedded in the closure 20.
  • the inner portion 12 of the blade is bonded to the arm 10 continuously from one end of the blade to the other at both of the side walls of the channel.
  • the closure 20 is bonded in a similar way to the walls of the channel.
  • the wiper assembly illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is intended to be used in a vehicle for wiping the outside of a screen or other window incorporated in a body of the vehicle.
  • Representative parts of a vehicle body are shown in Figure 1, where a metal body panel is identified by the reference numeral 21 and a glass body panel is identified by the reference numeral 22.
  • the panels 21 and 22 are connected together by known means which incorporates an elastomeric seal and a cover strip to cover the joint between the panels.
  • the vehicle may be a passenger car, a freight-carrying vehicle, a vehicle intended for use on a railway or on roads or off-road, an aircraft or a vessel for use on water.
  • driving means for driving the arm 10 to cause the blade 11 to wipe the outside of the window 22.
  • the driving means typically comprises a known electric motor in a housing 23 which supports a driving element 24 for movement about an axis 25. By means of the motor, the driving element 24 can be oscillated about the axis 25 through an angle equal to the angle through which the arm 10 is required to be moved.
  • the body panel 21 defines a hole through which drive can be transmitted from the driving element 24 to that part of the arm 10 which lies outside the vehicle body.
  • the arm has mounting means adjacent to one end only of the arm.
  • An end portion of the arm 10 remote from the nozzle 16 includes a spigot 26 which extends through the hole defined by the vehicle body to the driving element 24 and constitutes the mounting means.
  • the spigot is in drive- transmitting engagement with the driving element and constitutes the mounting means .
  • the driving element has a non- circular hole and a complementary portion of the spigot is received in this hole to establish the required relationship.
  • a portion of the spigot adjacent to the hole in the body panel 21 is preferably circular, as viewed in cross section in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis 25. This portion of the spigot cooperates with an annular seal 27 carried by the body panel 21 to seal the hole in the panel.
  • the body panel also carries a bearing 28 which cooperates with the spigot 26 to support the arm 10 from the body panel 21 for oscillation about the axis 25.
  • the arm is a cantilever arm, being supported only at the spigot 26.
  • the spigot 26 is hollow and includes adjacent to its free end one or more radially projecting latches 29 which engage with the driving element 24 to retain the spigot in the driving element.
  • the spigot is occupied by a pin 30 which prevents displacement of the latch 29 towards the axis 25.
  • the pin is retained in the spigot by a screw thread and can be removed from the spigot to permit movement of the latch 29 towards the axis and thereby free the spigot for movement along the axis 25 relative to the driving element 24 in a direction outwards from the vehicle.
  • the head of the pin 30 may be covered by a removable cap which is a push fit in an opening of the arm 10.
  • the spigot 26 incorporates a part of the closure 20 and an extensio of the duct 15. Accordingly, the electrical conductors and the duct 15 exten through the spigot and through the opening of the driving element 24.
  • the hose 17 and electrical conductors are drawn through the driving element and through the hole defined by the body panel 21 to the outside of the vehicle, where the hose can be detached from the arm 10 and the plug 19 removed from its complementary socket.
  • the axis 25 intersects the arm 10 between the ends of the arm.
  • the axis is substantially perpendicular to the glass body panel 22.
  • the arm 10 may be of tapered shape, the narrower end being adjacent to the nozzle 16 and the wider end near to the axis 25.
  • the perimeter of the arm is preferably spaced from the axis 25 by more than 10mm. More preferably, the peripheral surfaces of the arm 10 are spaced more than 20mm from the axis 25.
  • the arm 10 may also be of tapered shape, as viewed in cross section in a plane containing the axis 25. In this case, the thickness of the arm is greater near to the axis and is smaller towards the nozzle 16.
  • the arm 10 When free of external constraint, the arm 10 is preferably curved along its length, the underside of the arm being concave. When mounted in a vehicle, as shown in Figure 1, with the blade 11 bearing on the glass panel 22, the arm is subjected to stress and urges the blade onto the panel 22 throughout the length of the blade.
  • the shape and structure of the arm 10 are preferably selected to achieve approximately uniform pressure between the blade and the panel 22 along the entire length of the blade and at all positions to which the blade is moved on the panel 22.
  • the arm 10 is conveniently formed by moulding a reinforced plastics composition.
  • the blade 11 and closure 20 are applied to the arm 10 after the arm has been moulded.
  • the arm may be moulded onto a pre-formed blade and/or a pre-formed closure.
  • the arm 10 and the blade 11 may be moulded concurrently. This method of production may be suitable in a case where the assembly is not required to comprise a duct corresponding to the duct 15.
  • spigot 26 is preferably formed integrally with all other parts of the arm 10, it would be within the scope of the invention to assemble the arm from components including a pre-formed spigot.
  • the blade may be formed by extrusion and may have a uniform transverse cross section along its entire length.
  • the channel defined by the arm 10 preferably has a uniform transverse cross section along at least the entire length which is occupied by the blade 11.
  • the blade 1 1 protrudes no more than 10mm from the arm 10.
  • the upper side of the arm is preferably close to the glass panel 22, for example no more than 25mm from that panel.
  • the blade may protrude only 2 or 3mm from the arm 10 and preferably protrudes no more than 5mm from the arm.
  • the assembly may be adapted to minimise the force which will be exerted on the arm 10 and blade 11 by air under given conditions of use. If the maximum force which is likely to be exerted on the arm and blade by the air is relatively small, then the force required to maintain the blade in proper contact with the panel and the drag which opposes wiping are both relatively small so that a lighter construction and a less powerful motor can be used for the wiper assembly.
  • the arm 10 may be shaped to minimise the effect on the assembly of air moving over the assembly in use. Alternatively, the shape of the arm may be selected to establish the application of force in a required manner to the assembly by air moving over the assembly in use.
  • the assembly illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 may be modified by the incorporation of slots in the side walls of the channel defined by the arm 10, each of these slots extending from the duct 15 to the mouth of the channel. These slots would facilitate the flow of fluid from the duct 15 onto the panel 22. It will be noted that washing fluid would emerge from these slots at positions close to the outer portion 13 of the blade 11 and would wash the blade, as well as the glass panel. As in known vehicles, a reservoir of washing fluid and a pump are provided for pumping washing fluid along the duct 15.
  • the arm 110 does not have a spigot corresponding to the spigot 26. Instead, the arm comprises a socket containing an adaptor 131.
  • the adaptor is suitable to receive an end portion of a known shaft in a drive-transmitting manner.
  • Existing vehicles are usually fitted with shafts to receive wiper arms, these shafts protruding through holes in the vehicle body, and the arm 110 may be suitable for fitting onto the shaft of an existing vehicle.
  • the arm 110 also differs from the arm 10, in that an outlet nozzle 132 is provided near to the adaptor 131, not adjacent to an opposite end of the arm.
  • the nozzle 132 communicates with a duct inside the arm 110 which is connected with a reservoir of washing fluid and pump by means of a flexible hose (not shown).
  • the duct may extend along substantially the entire length of the arm and communicate with slots in the walls of the channel defined by the arm.
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a further modification of the assembly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Certain parts of the assembly shown in Figures 7 and 8 correspond to those hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. In Figures 7 and 8, such corresponding parts are identified by like reference numerals with the prefix 2. The preceding description is deemed to apply to these parts, except for difference hereinafter mentioned.
  • the arm 210 of the assembly illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 comprises a core 233 which is covered by a skin 234.
  • the skin is softer than is the core.
  • the skin may cover the core entirely or only partly.
  • the skin preferably covers the core, at least at the underside of the arm 210.
  • the cross section represented in Figure 7 is in a plane which coincides with slots in opposite side walls of the channel defined by the arm 210.
  • the heating element disposed in the duct 215 is represented at 218.
  • the heating element may be a known strip comprising an inner, resistive layer between a pair of outer layers which constitute the electrical conductors.
  • the arm 310 of the assembly of Figure 9 includes an elongated core 333 which is covered by a skin 334.
  • the blade 311 is integral with the skin 334.
  • the core 333 is formed of a reinforced plastics composition by moulding and then the skin and blade are moulded around the outside of the core.
  • the skin preferably covers a part of the core, including that part which is co-extensive with the blade 311.
  • the material of which the skin is formed is softer than the material of which the core is formed.
  • a pre-formed tube may be moulded into the core 333 to provide a duct along the arm corresponding to the duct 15.
  • electrical conductors and a resistive element may be embedded in the core 333 to provide a heating element corresponding to the element 18.
  • Figure 11 A modification of the assembly represented in Figures 4, 5 and 6 is illustrated in Figure 11. Certain parts of the assembly of Figure 11 correspond to parts of the assembly of Figures 4, 5 and 6. In Figure 11, such corresponding parts are identified by corresponding reference numerals with the prefix 4 substituted for the prefix 1 used in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The preceding description is deemed to apply to the assembly of Figure 11, except for the differences hereinafter mentioned.
  • the arm 410 of the assembly represented in Figure 11 comprises two, separable parts, namely a carrier 435 for the blade 411 and an adaptor 431 for mounting the carrier on an end portion of a shaft provided in a vehicle.
  • the connection between the adaptor and the shaft may be identical with the connection between a known wiper arm and known shaft used in vehicles.
  • the adaptor 431 may be formed with a socket identical with the socket of the arm 110.
  • the carrier 435 is connected with the adaptor 431 by connecting means providing a rigid but releasable connection.
  • connecting means providing a rigid but releasable connection.
  • the carrier 435 has a projecting spigot 436 which is received in a complementary socket formed in an end portion of the adaptor 431 which is remote from the axis 425.
  • the adaptor 431 Adjacent to a mouth of the socket, the adaptor 431 includes a resilient latch 437 for engaging a shoulder on the spigot 436, when the latter is inserted into the socket, to retain the spigot in the socket.
  • the latch can be flexed outwardly to release the spigot from the socket.
  • the length of the carrier 435 is somewhat greater than the length of the blade 411.
  • the spigot 436 is spaced along the carrier from the blade so that the blade is also spaced from the adaptor 431.
  • That part of the carrier 435 which is co-extensive with the blade 411 may have a transverse cross section which is the same as the transverse cross section of the arm represented in Figure 6.
  • the carrier and blade of Figure 11 may have a transverse cross section which is the same as that represented in Figure 9, the blade being integral with a skin covering a core of the carrier.
  • FIG 12 there is illustrated an arrangement which may be used in an assembly as represented in Figures 7 and 8 for providing communication between the duct 215 and a flexible hose 217.
  • the arrangement of Figure 12 comprises a closure 220 corresponding to the closure 20 which is bonded into the channel defined by the arm at a position adjacent to an end of the blade 211.
  • the closure 220 closes an end of the duct 215, except for a passage defined by the closure. This passage is defined partly by a spigot which receives an end portion of the hose 217.
  • electrical conductors 238 may extend from ' the heating element 218 beneath the closure 220 and within the channel defined by the arm to a position near to the axis where about the arm turns.
  • FIGs 13 and 14 there is illustrated a further alternative wiper assembly. Certain parts of the assembly shown in Figures 13 and 14 correspond to parts herein before described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. In Figures 13 and 14, such parts are identified by like reference numerals with the prefix 5 and the preceding description is deemed to apply, except for differences hereinafter mentioned.
  • the arm 510 defines at its underside a channel in which there is received a part of a wiper blade 511. Both the arm and the blade are elongated, the length of the blade being somewhat less than the length of the arm.
  • the blade 511 comprises an outer portion 513 and an inner portion 512 which is of part-cylindrical form and lies substantially in the channel defined by the arm 510.
  • the inner and outer parts of the blade are preferably formed integrally with each other by extrusion.
  • the blade 511 has a relatively stiff connector for cooperation with the arm 510 to anchor the blade in the arm.
  • the connector is a snap-fit in the arm.
  • the inner portion 512 of the blade is hollow and is formed with a cylindrical bore.
  • the connector is in the form of a cylindrical rod 539 which is inserted into this bore of the carrier.
  • the rod 539 is exposed at intervals along the length of the blade 511 where slots, one of which is shown at 540 in Figure 14, extend into th inner portion 512 from the margin thereof remote from the outer portion 513.
  • Each slot 540 preferably extends completely across and beyond the bore of the inner portion and the boundary of the slot which is nearest to the outer portion 513 is preferably a flat surface 541 spaced from the bore.
  • the arm 510 has in its channel a respective pair of jaws 542, 543 for each of the slots in the blade 511.
  • the jaws of each pair In the unstressed condition of the arm, the jaws of each pair have rounded tips which are separated by a distance somewhat less than the diameter of the rod 539.
  • the carrier can be flexed to permit the rod to pass between the tips of the jaws to the position illustrated in Figure 14. The jaws then retain the rod and the blade 511 captive in the arm.
  • the rod 539 is cylindrical along at least the major part of its length.
  • the diameter of the rod may be slightly less than the diameter of the bore defined by the blade 511 so that there is sufficient clearance to permit pivoting of the blade relative to the rod about a longitudinal axis of the rod.
  • the rod 539 thus constitutes a pivot connecting the blade with the arm for relative pivoting about a pivot axis which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the rod. This axis extends along the arm and along the blade.
  • Pivoting of the blade 511 relative to the arm 510 about the axis of the rod 539 is limited by engagement of the outer portion 513 of the blade with one or other of the opposed lateral walls of the channel defined by the arm.
  • the permitted angular movement of the blade relative to the arm is preferably within the range 30° to 80°.
  • the arm 510 supports the blade 511 during wiping at a position which is close to the screen 522 or other panel being wiped.
  • the blade preferably protrudes no more than 5mm from the arm. At the beginning of each wiping stroke, the blade pivots relative to the arm into or from the position represented in Figure 14.
  • the rod 539 is trapped between abutments formed in the arm 510 adjacent to opposite ends of the rod.
  • the arm 510 may incorporate a duct corresponding to the duct 15.
  • a tube 544 located in the arm at the underside thereof.
  • the duct 515 defined by the tube communicates with one or more outlet nozzles on the arm and with a supply of washing fluid in a vehicle on which the wiper assembly is used.
  • the arm 510 is preferably formed as a moulding from a reinforced plastics composition. As shown in Figure 13, the arm may incorporate an adaptor 531 corresponding to the adaptor 131. Alternatively, the arm may incorporate a spigot corresponding to the spigot 26. Furthermore, the arm may comprise a carrier for the blade 511 and a separately formed adaptor corresponding to the adaptor 431. Each of this adaptor and the adaptor 431 may comprise a spigot corresponding to the spigot 26, so that the adaptor can be supported by a bearing disposed inside the body of the vehicle.
  • FIG. 15 A representative wiper assembly which is similar to the assembly of Figures 13 and 14 but in which the arm comprises a carrier for the blade and a separately formed adaptor is shown in Figure 15.
  • parts corresponding to parts of the assembly shown in Figures 13 and 14 are identified by corresponding reference numerals with the prefix 6 substituted for the prefix 5. Except for differences hereinafter mentioned, the description which refers to Figures 13 and 14 is deemed to apply also to the assembly of Figure 15.
  • the carrier 635 shown in Figure 15 is somewhat longer than the blade 611 and includes at a position spaced along the carrier from the blade a spigot 636 corresponding to the spigot 436.
  • This spigot is received in a socket formed in the adaptor 631.
  • the spigot is provided with a latch which engages a shoulder formed in the socket. Access can be gained to the latch through a hole in the adaptor 631, so that the latch can be disengaged from the shoulder to permit the carrier to be withdrawn from the adaptor.
  • the adaptor 631 may be the same as the adaptor 131 hereinbefore described.
  • the adaptor 631 may be provided with a spigot corresponding to the spigot 26.
  • FIG 16 and 17 illustrate a wiper assembly comprising an arm which includes a carrier for a blade and an adaptor 731 for connecting .
  • the carrier with drive means incorporated in a vehicle.
  • the carrier is arranged for limited longitudinal sliding relative to the adaptor. Longitudinal movement of the carrier relative to the adaptor is controlled by a cam follower 745 which projects from the underside of the carrier to engage a cam track 747 provided in the vehicle.
  • the adaptor may be received in an elongated slideway defined by an end portion of the carrier 735.
  • a ball or other bearing may be interposed between the carrier and the adaptor.
  • the carrier 735 may be formed as a moulding. Except for the end portion which houses the adaptor 731, the carrier may be substantially identical with the corresponding part of the arm 10 herein before described or of any of the alternative arms or carriers herein before described.
  • the carrier 735 is provided with a blade corresponding to the blade 11 arranged in the same manner as any of the blades herein before described.
  • the adaptor 731 may have a hole or socket for receiving an end portion of a drive shaft incorporated in a vehicle.
  • the adaptor may be provided with a spigot corresponding to the spigot 26 for engaging a bearing disposed inside a vehicle body.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a further modification of the wiper assembly of Figures 1, 2 and 3.
  • the assembly of Figure 18 includes an arm 810 corresponding to the arm 10.
  • the blade 811 of the assembly of Figure 18 is not bonded directly to the arm 810.
  • the blade is bonded to an elongated carrier 835 which is releasably mounted on the arm 810 adjacent to an end thereof remote from the axis 825.
  • Known means may be provided for releasably connecting the carrier 835 with the arm 810.
  • the arm has a socket with undercut walls in which there is received a lug projecting from the carrier 835.
  • the lug has projecting ears to engage the undercut walls of the socket and releasably retain the carrier in assembled relation with the arm.
  • the arm 810 may be the same as the arm 10 hereinbefore described or the same as described modifications.
  • the arm 810 may have a spigot 826 corresponding to the spigot 26.
  • a tube 844 definin a duct corresponding to the duct 15 may be located in the channel at th underside of the arm 810 and retained therein by clips moulded integrally wit the arm.
  • an electrical heating element also may be disposed in th channel or embedded in the arm 810. As represented in Figure 19, the tube 84 may communicate with a nozzle on the arm 810.
  • the carrier 835 may support the blade 811 in substantially the sam manner as any other carriers herein before described support associated blade
  • the carrier 835 may be formed as a moulding of a plastics materia
  • the blade 811 may be supported in a known carrier.
  • Figure 20 there is illustrated a further modification of the assembl of Figures 1, 2 and 3. Certain parts of the assembly of Figure 20 correspond t those herein before described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. In Figure 2 such corresponding parts are identified by like reference numerals with the prefi 9. The preceding description is deemed to apply, except for differences herei after mentioned.
  • the spigot 926 of the arm 910 shown in Figure 20 is supporting by bearing 928 which lies inside the vehicle body and is supported by the body 921
  • the portion of the spigot which is received within the bearing may be circula
  • a non-circular portion of the spigot is received within a complementary wel defined by the driving element 24.
  • a further portion which comprises latches one of which is shown at 929, extends through a central aperture of the drivin element 924.
  • the spigot 926 is hollow and receives a pin 930 having a nos which, when the pin is fitted to the arm 910, holds the latches in respectiv positions in which they are spread apart and firmly engaged with the drivin element to retain the spigot in the driving element.
  • the latches of the spigot 926 can contract towards the axi 925 and permit the spigot to be withdrawn from the driving element 24.
  • the pi 930 is screwed into the arm 910, after the arm has been assembled with th bearing 928 and the driving element 924.
  • the other wiper arms herein before mentioned which comprise spigot engaging driving elements inside the vehicle body may be latched to and release from the driving elements in the same manner as the arm 910 is latched to and released from the driving element 924.
  • the particular arm illustrated in Figure 20 does not have a duc corresponding to the duct 15 or an electrical heating element corresponding to the element 18. However, these features may be incorporated in the assembly o Figure 20. It will be noted that the drive element 924 overlaps the bearing 928, so that the spigot 926 cannot be withdrawn from the bearing until the latches 929 have been released. It will also be noted that the diameter of the spigot 926 is considerably greater than the thickness of the arm 910 at positions between the spigot 926 and the blade 911. Accordingly, the hole in the vehicle body 921 through which the spigot extends has a fairly large diameter. This facilitates mounting of the spigot and the bearing 928 in the arm and insertion of the seal 927 between the spigot and the vehicle body.
  • the wiper assemblies as illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not include separately formed springs associated with the arms or with the blade carriers.
  • the arms are resiliently flexible and act as springs to urge the blades onto the surface to be wiped.
  • the pair of blades may be mounted in respective channels formed in an arm corresponding to the arm 10 or any of the other arms herein before described or formed in a blade carrier corresponding to any of the blade carriers herein described. In a case where a pair of channels are formed in the arm or blade carrier, one of these may be occupied by a wiping blade and the other by a brush.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)

Abstract

Un essuie-glace comprend un bras allongé (10) et une lame d'essuyage (13, 20) qui dépasse de sa partie inférieure. Le bras (10) porte la lame (13, 20) qui vient se loger dans une rainure inférieure. Cette rainure peut aussi être dotée d'une conduite (15) pouvant être utilisée soit pour amener un liquide nettoyant déversé par des fentes situées à côté de la lame, soit pour placer un élément de chauffage électrique (18). De plus, le bras peut être monocorps ou comprendre deux éléments séparables.
PCT/GB1992/001486 1991-08-16 1992-08-11 Essuie-glace et methode de production WO1993003942A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9117772.5 1991-08-16
GB919117772A GB9117772D0 (en) 1991-08-16 1991-08-16 Wiper blade assembly and method of producing same
GB9121175.5 1991-10-05
GB919121175A GB9121175D0 (en) 1991-10-05 1991-10-05 Wiper assembly and method of producing same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993003942A1 true WO1993003942A1 (fr) 1993-03-04

Family

ID=26299419

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/001486 WO1993003942A1 (fr) 1991-08-16 1992-08-11 Essuie-glace et methode de production

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2424192A (fr)
WO (1) WO1993003942A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000048876A1 (fr) * 1999-02-20 2000-08-24 BÄHR, Marcus Essuie-glace pour tout genre de vehicules
DE10007809A1 (de) * 2000-02-21 2001-08-23 Valeo Auto Electric Gmbh Wischblatt für eine Wischeinrichtung
WO2001085501A1 (fr) * 2000-05-11 2001-11-15 Valeo Systemes D'essuyage Bras-balai d'essuie-glace et procede d'obtention
WO2011042424A1 (fr) * 2009-10-06 2011-04-14 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Système de liaison sur un bras d'essuie-glace en plus d'un bras d'essuie-glace d'un module d'essuie-glace de pare-brise
DE102011050106A1 (de) * 2011-05-04 2012-11-08 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Einrichtung zum Zuführen einer Waschflüssigkeit zu einem Wischarm
US9452736B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2016-09-27 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Wiper blade and wiper arm
CN112721264A (zh) * 2020-12-11 2021-04-30 爱驰汽车有限公司 折弯横杆的成型方法及前雨刮器系统
FR3132683A1 (fr) * 2022-02-16 2023-08-18 Valeo Systèmes D’Essuyage Dispositif d’essuyage d’une surface optique d’au moins un élément optique de véhicule

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3104412A (en) * 1960-08-23 1963-09-24 Hamilton Clamp & Stamping Ltd Windshield cleaners
FR2197360A5 (fr) * 1972-08-23 1974-03-22 Safety Vehicles Develop
FR2443352A1 (fr) * 1978-12-05 1980-07-04 J B Brevets Essuie-glace pour vehicule automobile
FR2515121A1 (fr) * 1981-10-28 1983-04-29 Bosch Gmbh Robert Essuie-glace pour vehicules automobiles
FR2566726A1 (fr) * 1984-06-28 1986-01-03 Michel Dominique Lame d'essuyage souple
US4698874A (en) * 1986-06-05 1987-10-13 Fritz Jr Charles T Windshield wiper blade
EP0294619A1 (fr) * 1987-05-15 1988-12-14 D & D MARKETING AND MANUFACTURING Balai d'essuie-glace
US4928344A (en) * 1988-04-18 1990-05-29 Bliss William R Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing fibrous carbon heating element
DE9100434U1 (de) * 1990-01-24 1991-04-25 Cooper Industries Italia S.r.l., Mailand/Milano Wischereinheit für Scheibenwischeinrichtungen von Kraftfahrzeugen

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3104412A (en) * 1960-08-23 1963-09-24 Hamilton Clamp & Stamping Ltd Windshield cleaners
FR2197360A5 (fr) * 1972-08-23 1974-03-22 Safety Vehicles Develop
FR2443352A1 (fr) * 1978-12-05 1980-07-04 J B Brevets Essuie-glace pour vehicule automobile
FR2515121A1 (fr) * 1981-10-28 1983-04-29 Bosch Gmbh Robert Essuie-glace pour vehicules automobiles
FR2566726A1 (fr) * 1984-06-28 1986-01-03 Michel Dominique Lame d'essuyage souple
US4698874A (en) * 1986-06-05 1987-10-13 Fritz Jr Charles T Windshield wiper blade
EP0294619A1 (fr) * 1987-05-15 1988-12-14 D & D MARKETING AND MANUFACTURING Balai d'essuie-glace
US4928344A (en) * 1988-04-18 1990-05-29 Bliss William R Electrically heated wiper blade utilizing fibrous carbon heating element
DE9100434U1 (de) * 1990-01-24 1991-04-25 Cooper Industries Italia S.r.l., Mailand/Milano Wischereinheit für Scheibenwischeinrichtungen von Kraftfahrzeugen

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000048876A1 (fr) * 1999-02-20 2000-08-24 BÄHR, Marcus Essuie-glace pour tout genre de vehicules
DE10007809A1 (de) * 2000-02-21 2001-08-23 Valeo Auto Electric Gmbh Wischblatt für eine Wischeinrichtung
WO2001085501A1 (fr) * 2000-05-11 2001-11-15 Valeo Systemes D'essuyage Bras-balai d'essuie-glace et procede d'obtention
FR2808755A1 (fr) * 2000-05-11 2001-11-16 Valeo Systemes Dessuyage Bras-balai d'essuie-glace et procede d'obtention
US9452736B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2016-09-27 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Wiper blade and wiper arm
WO2011042424A1 (fr) * 2009-10-06 2011-04-14 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Système de liaison sur un bras d'essuie-glace en plus d'un bras d'essuie-glace d'un module d'essuie-glace de pare-brise
DE102011050106A1 (de) * 2011-05-04 2012-11-08 Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage Einrichtung zum Zuführen einer Waschflüssigkeit zu einem Wischarm
CN112721264A (zh) * 2020-12-11 2021-04-30 爱驰汽车有限公司 折弯横杆的成型方法及前雨刮器系统
FR3132683A1 (fr) * 2022-02-16 2023-08-18 Valeo Systèmes D’Essuyage Dispositif d’essuyage d’une surface optique d’au moins un élément optique de véhicule
WO2023156550A1 (fr) * 2022-02-16 2023-08-24 Valeo Systemes D'essuyage Dispositif d'essuyage d'une surface optique d'au moins un élément optique de véhicule

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