END PIECE FOR A WIPER AND CORRESPONDING WIPING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An end piece (100) for a wiper (102) provided with a rigidifying element (110) comprises a channel (120) for receipt of the rigidifying element, as well as first positioning stops (130), and a first means (150) for locking this element.

The end piece comprises at least one second positioning stop (140) in order to cooperate equally well with a first or second type of rigidifying element with different dimensions.

The first positioning stops (130) are operational when the first type of rigidifying element (110) is inserted in the channel, and at least one second positioning stop (140) is operational when the second type of rigidifying element is inserted in the receipt channel (120).

Claims

1. An end piece for a wiper provided with a rigidifying element which extends substantially according to a longitudinal axis of extension, the end piece comprising: a channel for receipt of the rigidifying element, which opens at a first longitudinal end of the end piece; first positioning stops; a first means for locking this rigidifying element in the interior of the receipt channel; and at least one second positioning stop to cooperate equally well with a first or second type of rigidifying element with dimensions different from one another, the first positioning stops being operational when the said first type of rigidifying element is inserted in the receipt channel, and the at least one second positioning stop being operational when the said second type of rigidifying element is inserted in the channel for receipt of the end piece.

2. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein the first stops and the at least one second stop extend transversely in the interior of the receipt channel.

3. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein a free end of at least one second positioning stop is disposed closer to a longitudinal median plane than a free end of the first positioning stops.

4. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein the first and the at least one second positioning stops project from at least one lateral wall of the end piece.

5. The end piece according to claim 4, wherein at least one second positioning stop is arranged in the channel to be recessed from the first positioning stops relative to the first longitudinal end of the end piece.

6. The end piece according to claim 5, wherein at least one second positioning stop has a first stop face for the first type of rigidifying element and a second stop face for the second type of rigidifying element.

7. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein at least one second positioning stop consists of means which are retractable at the passage of a first type of rigidifying element.

8. The end piece according to claim 7, wherein the retractable means comprise at least one retractable stud arranged in the extension of a fixed stud which forms part of a first positioning stop.

9. The end piece according to claim 8, characterised in that at least one retractable stud has a thickness smaller than the thickness of a fixed stud.

10. The end piece according to claim 7, wherein the retractable means are retractable studs which are distinct from fixed studs which form the first stops.

11. The end piece according to claim 1, further comprising a second locking means.

12. The end piece according to claim 11, wherein the first and second locking means extend respectively from two opposite lateral walls which delimit the channel for receipt of the end piece.

13. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein a third positioning stop comprises a stud which is disposed projecting from a base wall.

14. The end piece according to claim 1, further comprising a transverse wall onto which the said channel for receipt of the rigidifying elements opens, the said transverse wall forming together with an end portion of the lateral face of the end piece a receptacle for the body of the wiper.

15. A wiping assembly comprising a wiper comprising: at least one wiper blade; and a rigidifying element comprising at least at one of its longitudinal ends an end piece according to claim 1, configured to be fitted on a longitudinal end of the rigidifying element of the wiper, the same end piece being used equally with a first or a second type of rigidifying element.

16. The wiping assembly according to claim 15, wherein the end piece comprises a stud disposed projecting from a base wall, the form and dimensions of which stud can cooperate with a notch present at an end of a rigidifying element.

Description

[0024] The above-described characteristics of the invention, as well as others, will become more apparent from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples with reference to the following appended drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a wiping assembly according to the invention;

[0026] FIGS. 2a and 2b are views of a wiping assembly which is configured to comprise a first type of rigidifying element (FIG. 2a) or a second type of rigidifying element (FIG. 2b) in transverse cross-section according to the cross-sectional plane II-II represented in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial longitudinal cross-sections seen from above according to the cross-sectional plane A-A′ represented in FIGS. 2a and 2b of an end piece according to a first embodiment of the invention, secured on a first type of element for rigidifying a wiper, respectively on a second type of element for rigidifying a wiper;

[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 are partial longitudinal cross-sections seen from above according to the cross-sectional plane A-A′ represented in FIGS. 2a and 2b of an end piece according to a second embodiment of the invention, secured on a second type of element for rigidifying a wiper, respectively on a first type of element for rigidifying a wiper;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal cross-section seen from above according to the cross-sectional plane A-A′, represented in FIGS. 2a and 2b, of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal cross-section seen from above according to the cross-sectional plane A-A′ represented in FIGS. 2a and 2b, of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0031] A wiping assembly 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1. It comprises mainly a wiper 2 retained by means of a connector 4 on the end of an actuating arm 6. The actuating arm is driven by a motor (not represented) such as, during its displacement, to allow the wiper to clean at least part of the windscreen of a vehicle. For this purpose, the wiper 2 comprises a support element 8 (shown in FIG. 2) which is configured to support a wiper blade 10 and retain it against the surface of the windscreen. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in a lower part which is turned towards the windscreen in the position of use, the support element 8 has a groove 12 in which the heel 14 of the wiper blade is slid, and it also comprises a receptacle for a rigidifying element or vertebra 16 which extends along the wiper, in particular along an axis of extension B-B′ (shown in FIG. 3).

[0032] A deflector 9 is disposed such as to cover the support element 8. In the example illustrated, this deflector is a part which is distinct from the support element, and is secured on the latter. It will be understood that, without departing from the context of the invention, the deflector can be produced integrally with the support element.

[0033] The receptacle for the rigidifying element is delimited laterally, i.e. transversely to the axis of extension B-B′, by walls 11 which form a guide rail for the rigidifying element. At least two types of rigidifying elements can be inserted in the element for support of the wiper, distinguishable by their dimensions. In order to provide correct lateral retention of each of these rigidifying elements, a first support element is provided (FIG. 2a) which is configured to comprise a first type of rigidifying element, with walls 11 which are spaced from one another according to a first dimension (first width), and a second support element is provided (FIG. 2b) which is configured to comprise a second type of rigidifying element, with walls 11 which are spaced from one another by a second dimension (second width), which is smaller than the first dimension.

[0034] It can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b that the spacing of the walls 11 is modified according to the type of rigidifying element provided in the wiper, and that the resulting spacing relative to the spoiler is also variable, whereas the lower part of the support element, which is configured to accommodate the wiper blade, is unchanged.

[0035] Once the wiper blade 10 has been put into place by insertion of the heel in the groove, the longitudinal ends of the groove 12 are blocked by means of end pieces 18 shown in FIG. 1. The end pieces make it possible to prevent the wiper blade from being displaced along the groove, and thus becoming detached from the wiper. Each end piece 18 comprises a receipt channel 120 which is configured to receive and block an end of the rigidifying element. The end piece is secured in position by cooperation of the end piece with the corresponding end of the rigidifying element 16 which extends from the support element 8. The channel for receipt of the rigidifying element opens at a first longitudinal end 180 of the end piece 18.

[0036] A description will be provided hereinafter of a plurality of embodiments of this receipt channel and of the positioning stops which are disposed in them, in order to form together with a given rigidifying element a device 3 for retention of the wiper blade in the wiper, and in particular in the support element, on the understanding that, according to the invention, a plurality of positioning stops makes it possible to cooperate equally well with a first or a second type of rigidifying element.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of an end piece 100 secured on a wiper 102 comprising a wiper blade which is arranged below a rigidifying element.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates the end piece cooperating with a rigidifying element of a first type 110, which extends longitudinally from the wiper 102. The first type of rigidifying element is characterised by a first width l.sub.1 and by a first length L.sub.1 (the reference being shown in particular in FIG. 6). In the present invention, width means the distance, perpendicular to the axis of extension B-B′, which separates the lateral walls 112 of the rigidifying elements, arranged opposite walls which define the rail for guiding on the support element. Also, length of the rigidifying element means the distance along the axis of extension according to which the rigidifying element projects from the end of the support element.

[0039] The end 111 of the rigidifying element is inserted in a receipt channel 120 provided in the end piece 100. The receipt channel is delimited by a base wall 121 adjacent to the lateral walls 122 of the channel. Each lateral wall 122 comprises at least two first positioning stops 130 which extend transversely in the interior of the receipt channel, such as to project from their corresponding lateral wall 122. In the example illustrated, the first positioning stops are in the form of studs. More specifically, the first positioning stops are arranged in the receipt channel, such that their free end which forms a top 131 can be supported against the lateral walls 112 of the rigidifying element of a first type 110 during its insertion in the receipt channel. Thus, advantageously, the first positioning stops 130 guide and position the rigidifying element of a first type 110 during its insertion in the end piece 100. In other words, the first positioning stops 130 ensure the lateral retention of the end 111 of the rigidifying element of a first type in the receipt channel 120.

[0040] The end piece 100 also comprises second positioning stops 140 which are positioned between the first stops 130 and the base wall 121. In the example illustrated, the second positioning stops consist of studs. As for the first positioning stops previously described, it will be understood that without departing from the context of the invention, the second stops could have forms other than those described, such as ribs. The second stops 140 also extend transversely in the interior of the receipt channel, such as to project from the lateral walls 122. Each second stop 140 comprises a free end forming a top 141 which extends beyond the tops 131 of the first stops 130, such that the tops 141 of the second stops are closer to the median plane BB′ of the receipt channel than the tops 131 of the first stops. Thus, the lateral faces 142 of the second stops, which are turned opposite the base wall 121, block the longitudinal progression of the end 111 of the rigidifying element of a first type 110 in the receipt channel 120. Preferably, the lateral faces 142 have a form complementary to that of the end 111 of the rigidifying element of a first type, and in this case a bevelled surface, such as to make possible a larger contact surface between these elements.

[0041] In order to prevent the withdrawal of the rigidifying element from the receipt channel 120 when the end 111 abuts the second positioning stops 140, the receipt channel also comprises a first locking means constituted by a flexible blade 150. A first end 151 of the flexible blade is retained on a lateral wall 122 of the receipt channel, between two first stops 130 which extend projecting from this lateral wall, such that the opposite free end 152 is oriented towards the base wall 121, and extends towards the longitudinal axis of the receipt channel, beyond the tops 131 of the first positioning stops. The flexible blade 150 is sufficiently flexible to curve during the passage of the end 111, in order not to impede its insertion. It is also sufficiently resilient to allow its free end 152 to return to its initial position, and thus be accommodated in a cavity 113 in the rigidifying element 110. The figure illustrates the cavity 113 which opens into a lateral wall 112 of the rigidifying element 110. The blade 150 thus prevents the withdrawal of the rigidifying element of a first type 110 from the channel by acting as a stop supported in the cavity 113.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates the same end piece as FIG. 3, cooperating with a rigidifying element of a second type 160, and more specifically at its end 161. The rigidifying element of a second type 160 differs from the rigidifying element 110 of the first type firstly in that it has a second width l.sub.2 which is smaller than the first width l.sub.1 previously described, and secondly in that it has a second length L.sub.2 which is longer than the first length L.sub.1 previously described, i.e. it projects further from the end of the support element than the rigidifying element of a first type does.

[0043] Consequently, the tops 131 of the first stops 130 can no longer guide the insertion of the end 161 of the rigidifying element of a second type 160 in the receipt channel 120. This guiding is thus carried out by the tops 141 of the second stops 140, as represented in FIG. 4.

[0044] It will be understood that the presence of the second stops participates in the guiding and retention in position of each type of rigidifying element, in cooperation with the first stops, when a first type of rigidifying element is inserted, and in cooperation with a third positioning stop 143 when a second type of rigidifying element is inserted.

[0045] This third stop is arranged projecting from the base wall 121, and the free end 144 which forms a top of this third stop 143 is oriented and arranged in the receipt channel such as to stop the progression of the end 161 of the rigidifying element 160 in the receipt channel 120. In the example illustrated, this third stop 143 is in the form of a stud. In the same way as for the first type of rigidifying element 130, the rigidifying element of the second type 160 comprises a cavity 163 which can cooperate with the flexible blade 150 in order to prevent its withdrawal from the receipt channel 120.

[0046] It is understood that the dimensions, forms and/or arrangements of the first stops 130, the second stops 140, the third stop 143 and the blade 150 can be modified in comparison with the description given, in order to adapt to specific forms and dimensions of rigidifying elements, provided that these positioning stops and the locking blade make it possible to guide and lock rigidifying elements of a first and a second type.

[0047] A description will now be provided of other embodiments with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, in which the references where the tens are identical to the aforementioned references designate elements which are identical or similar.

[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of an end piece 200 secured on a wiper 202. This second embodiment differs from the first in that the second stops 240, which are arranged at the lateral walls 222 of the receipt channel 220, are now arranged at the top 231 of the first stops 230. As previously, the tops 241 of the second stops make it possible to guide the progression and transverse retention of the rigidifying element of a second type 160 in the receipt channel 220. In the example illustrated, the end of the rigidifying element of a second type 160 is then stopped by a third stop 243 which is present on the base wall 221.

[0049] The second positioning stops 240 have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first stops 230, in order to permit the passage of the rigidifying element of a first type, as illustrated in FIG. 6. During the insertion of this rigidifying element of a first type 110, its end 111 comes into contact with the two stops 240 disposed closer to the longitudinal axis of the receipt channel than the first stops 230. In addition, the smaller thickness of the second positioning stops makes them retractable, i.e. in this case they can be broken or bent at the passage of the end of the rigidifying element of a first type 110. This end breaks or bends the second stops 240 which are present at the top of the first stops 230. Thus, the tops 231 of the first stops 230 are laid bare, such as to be able to guide the insertion of the end 111 of the rigidifying element of a first type 110 in the receipt channel 220 as previously described. According to a variant not represented, the end of the rigidifying element of a first type 110 is then stopped by the third stop 243 present on the base wall 221.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment in which the end piece 300 fitted at an end of a wiper 302 is a variant of the second embodiment represented in FIG. 6. According to this variant, the end piece 300 comprises a second locking means constituted by a second flexible blade 370, which is arranged in the same manner as the blade 350, but on an opposite lateral face. This second flexible blade 370 is configured to cooperate with a third cavity 115 of the rigidifying element. The figure illustrates the cavity 115 opening onto a lateral wall of the end of the rigidifying element, such as to ensure better retention of the said end in the channel 320. It should be noted that the third cavity can have a form and/or dimensions which are different in comparison with the first cavity. It will be appreciated that this variant can also be implemented in combination with the first embodiment previously described.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which the end piece 400, fitted at an end of a wiper 402, is a variant of the second embodiment represented in FIG. 5. According to this variant, the third stop 443 arranged on the base wall 421 which delimits the receipt channel 420 has at its top 444 a form which is complementary with a second cavity 164 present at the end 161 of the rigidifying element 160 of a second type. These elements have a complementary form in order to ensure better retention of the rigidifying element in the receipt channel, both longitudinally and transversely. It will be appreciated that this variant can also be adapted to each of the embodiments previously described, and to the use with one or the other of the types of rigidifying elements. It will be noted that the stud or rib which forms this third stop projecting from the base wall extends substantially according to the direction of insertion of the rigidifying element in the end piece, and that this rigidifying element is inserted until the stud or the rib penetrates inside the rigidifying element, in a notch with a corresponding form. For this purpose, it is advantageous in particular for the stud or rib to have a free end forming a top 444 with a form which makes possible a ramp in order to facilitate the insertion of the rigidifying element.

[0052] In the examples illustrated, the end piece 18 comprises a transverse wall which forms together with an end portion of the lateral wall of the end piece a receptacle 15 of the wiper body. In particular, this body comprises the support element and the deflector, which is or is not integral.

[0053] The first and second stops of the end pieces illustrated are positioned symmetrically relative to a plane perpendicular to the rigidifying element, and passing via the longitudinal axis of extension B-B′.