Rear Wiper Blade

Fig. 16 Rear Wiper Blade:

The rear wiper blade is secured by an integral latching pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of the rear wiper arm, and rests in a horizontal position on the glass near the top of the liftglass when the wiper is not in operation. The wiper blade consists of the following components:

- Superstructure - The superstructure includes a stamped steel bridge and plastic links with claw formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic pivot block that secures the superstructure to the wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper blade have a satin black finish applied.

- Element - The wiper element or squeegee is the resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that contacts the glass.

- Flexor - The flexor is a rigid metal component running along the length of each side of the wiper element where it is gripped by the claws of the superstructure.

All models with the optional rear wiper and washer system have a single 46.00 centimeter (18.00 inch) rear wiper blade with a non-replaceable rubber element (squeegee). The wiper blade cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty, worn, or damaged the entire wiper blade unit must be replaced.

The rear wiper blade is moved back and forth across the glass by the wiper arm when the rear wiper system is in operation. The wiper blade superstructure is the flexible frame that grips the wiper blade element and evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded wiper arm along the length of the element. The combination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of the superstructure makes the element conform to and maintain proper contact with the liftglass, even as the blade is moved over the varied curvature found across the glass surface.

The wiper element flexor provides the claws of the blade superstructure with a rigid, yet flexible component on the element which can be gripped. The rubber element is designed to be stiff enough to maintain an even cleaning edge as it is drawn across the glass, but resilient enough to conform to the glass surface and flip from one cleaning edge to the other each time the wiper blade changes directions.