Cover for a wiper system connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover (223) for a connection device designed to be rotatably mounted on an adapter (220) of the connection device, the cover (223) extending mainly between a first end (231) comprising at least one bearing (235) designed to cooperate with a stem (228) of the adapter (220) and a second end (232), the cover (223) being configured to be closed in a first rotation direction (S1) and opened in a second rotation direction (S2), characterized in that the bearing (235) comprises at least one tab (250) designed to allow the bearing (235) to disengage from the stem (228) of the adapter (220) in the first rotation direction (S1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to windshield wiper systems for motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connection tool implemented between the wiper arm and the wiper in a windshield wiper system.

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with a windshield wiper system for cleaning glass surfaces, particularly the windshield of the vehicle. Such a wiper system includes at least one wiper arm and a wiper blade driven by the wiper arm. The wiper arm is thus connected to a motor of the vehicle, and the wiper blade includes at least one wiper blade adapted to contact the glass surface to be cleaned. A connecting device is arranged between the wiper blade and the wiper arm, allowing the wiper arm to drive the wiper blade. Such a connecting device conventionally includes at least one connector attached to the wiper blade and at least one adapter that connects the connector, and thus the wiper blade (to which the connector is secured), to the wiper arm.

[0003] The numerous different wiper arms currently available require just as many different connectors to fasten these wiper arms to the wipers. Currently, "universal" connectors suitable for use on most of these wiper arms are available for sale.

[0004] The first drawback of the aforementioned "universal" connection device lies in the fact that, once installed, the wiper arm housed in the adapter of such a connection device remains visible, as do the connector that interacts with the adapter and the various structural elements forming the connection device. Therefore, it has been proposed to add a cover that is rotatably mounted on the adapter and conceals all these elements when in a closed position, thereby improving the aesthetics of the installed connection device. This cover further allows for securing the connection between the wiper arm and the adapter. However, this securing function only applies to a specific type of arm, commonly referred to as a "hook arm." When the connection device, as mentioned above, is used with a wiper arm referred to as a "pin arm," the cover interferes with the wiper arm, making it necessary to remove the cover to allow the connection arm to be used with the "pin arm."

[0005] In currently implemented connection devices, removing the cover is complex. This invention addresses this background and proposes a cover for a windshield wiper system connection device that is easily detachable from the adapter of the connection device.

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention relates to a cover for a connecting device, the cover being adapted for rotatable mounting on an adapter of the connecting device, the cover extending primarily between a first end and a second end, the first end including at least one support member adapted to interact with a rod of the adapter, the cover being configured to be closed in a first rotational direction and open in a second rotational direction. According to the invention, the support member includes at least one tab adapted to allow the support member to disengage relative to the rod of the adapter in the first rotational direction.

[0007] According to the invention, the tab extends outward toward the cover. It will be understood that in order to allow the cover to detach relative to the adapter on which it is rotatably mounted, the cover must be easily accessible to the user of the cover according to the invention.

[0008] According to one feature of the invention, the support member is in the shape of a hollow cylinder extending between a first base and a second base along a main extending axis, and includes a peripheral wall defining a hollow space, an axial opening formed in the peripheral wall extending from the first base to the second base, and the axial opening being adapted to receive at least one rod of the adapter. In other words, it will be understood that the peripheral wall has a C-shaped profile, the ends of which define the axial opening formed in the peripheral wall. According to this feature, the peripheral wall thus forms a first edge and a second edge spaced apart from each other and defining the axial opening formed in the peripheral wall, from which the at least one tab protrudes. Optionally, the peripheral wall may be made of an elastic material (i.e., a material capable of returning to its initial shape after being subjected to mechanical stress), such that the rod of the adapter can be forced through the axial opening formed in the peripheral wall into the hollow space of the support member, and the peripheral wall then returns to its initial position, thereby securing the rod in the hollow space of the support member.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tab is semi-circular in shape, the diameter of which is less than or equal to the length of the main extension axis of the support member, parallel to the cylinder, measured between the first and second bases of the hollow cylindrical shape. According to this exemplary embodiment, the tab extends primarily in the main extension plane, and includes at least one finger extending primarily along an axis transverse to the main extension plane of the tab. Optionally, the finger of the tab may extend primarily along an axis perpendicular to the main extension plane of the tab. According to the invention, the cover includes at least one retaining tool adapted to interact with the adapter, said at least one retaining tool being separate from the support member. According to the invention, said at least one retaining tool may, for example, include a branch protruding from the inner surface of the cover and extending to a button, the branch, the inner surface of the cover, and the button defining an area for receiving a rib formed on the adapter.

[0010] Advantageously, the at least one finger forms a gripping area to which the user can apply pressure. Applying pressure to the finger of the tab causes the cover to rotate in the first rotational direction (i.e., the rotational direction that allows the cover to be closed). When the cover in the closed position is held to the adapter by the at least one retaining tool, applying pressure to the finger ultimately causes the cover, and more particularly the cover's support, to disengage relative to the adapter.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a connection device suitable for connecting a wiper arm to a wiper, the connection device comprising at least one connector attached to the wiper arm, at least one adapter adapted to connect the connector to the wiper arm, and at least one cover as mentioned above, the cover being rotatably mounted on the adapter. According to the invention, the adapter includes at least one rod received in a support member of the cover, the adapter having an aperture facing the rod and a tab of the cover extending at least partially through the aperture.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a windshield wiper system comprising at least one wiper adapted to rotate via a wiper arm, the wiper arm and the wiper being connected to each other via a connection means as described above.

[0013] Finally, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle including at least one windshield wiper system according to the present invention.

[0014] Further details, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed embodiments described below and from the various examples shown by way of illustration, as depicted in the following figures:

[0015] [ Figure 1 [This is an exploded view of a wiper system according to two embodiments of the present invention;]

[0016] [ Figure 2 [I] is a perspective top view of an adapter for a connection device of a windshield wiper system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the adapter being adapted to interact with a windshield wiper arm according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0017] [ Figure 3 It is suitable for rotatable mounting. Figure 2 A perspective view of the cover on the adapter shown in the image;

[0018] [ Figure 4 [Illustration 1] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end of the adapter, at which the cover is mounted on the adapter.

[0019] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that variations of the present invention may include only the selection of features described below, independent of the other described features, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide technical advantages or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, the terms longitudinal, transverse, lateral, left, right, above, and below refer to the orientation of the trihedrons L, V, and T of the wiper 1 according to the wiper system 100 of the invention. Within this frame of reference, the longitudinal axis L represents the longitudinal direction, the transverse axis T represents the transverse direction, and the vertical axis V represents the vertical direction of the object under discussion. Within this frame of reference, a transverse section corresponds to a section formed in a transverse and vertical plane (i.e., in a plane containing the transverse axis T and the vertical axis V of the trihedron). A longitudinal section represents a section formed in a longitudinal and vertical plane (i.e., in a plane containing the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V). In the following description, the terms "wiper arm" and "arm" are used indiscriminately.

[0021] Figure 1 The same drawing illustrates a system 100 for wiping the glass surface of a motor vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment and a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The right side of the text shows the first example and in Figure 1 The left side of the image shows a second example. As shown, the wiper system 100 according to the invention includes at least one wiper 110 extending along a longitudinal line X and adapted to be connected to wiper arms 120, 120' by means of a connecting device 200. The wiper 110 more specifically includes at least one wiper blade 111 adapted to contact the glass surface to be wiped, a member (not shown) for reinforcing the wiper blade 111, and at least one air deflector 112 adapted to convert the pressure applied by the airflow flowing along the glass surface into a force that presses the wiper 110 against the glass surface of the motor vehicle.

[0022] The connection device 200 includes at least one connector 210 attached to a windshield wiper 110 and at least one adapter 220 adapted to connect the connector 210, and thus the windshield wiper 110 (to which the connector is attached), to wiper arms 120, 120'. The wiper arms 120, 120' are configured to rotate the windshield wiper 110, and the wiper arms are coupled to the wiper. Therefore, the wiper arms 120, 120' are mechanically connected to a motor (not shown) arranged on a vehicle and adapted to rotate the wiper arms 120, 120'. The connection device 200 according to the invention is adapted to allow connection between the windshield wiper 110 and the wiper arm 120 according to a first exemplary embodiment and connection between the windshield wiper 110 and the wiper arm 120' according to a second exemplary embodiment. Therefore, a distinction is made between two separate embodiments of the adapter 220 of the connection device 200, selected depending on the type of wiper arm to be connected.

[0023] First, features common to the first and second exemplary embodiments of the wiper arms 120, 120' and features common to the first and second embodiments of the adapter 220 will be described. Then, features that distinguish the exemplary embodiments and embodiments from each other will be described.

[0024] Therefore, according to Figure 1 In any of the exemplary embodiments shown, the wiper arms 120, 120' extend primarily along the main extension axis X1 between a first end (not shown) and a second end 121, 121', the wiper arm being connected to a motor via the first end and to an adapter 220 via the second end.

[0025] The adapter 220 according to any of the embodiments shown extends primarily in the longitudinal direction D (i.e., the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the shown trihedron) and includes at least, for example, in Figure 2The first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 are shown as spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by at least one transverse wall. In other words, a space 225 is formed between the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222. As shown, the first sidewall 221 is contained in a first vertical and longitudinal plane (i.e., a plane containing the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V of the shown trihedron), and the second sidewall 222 is contained in a second vertical and longitudinal plane separated from the first vertical and longitudinal plane. In other words, it will be understood that the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 extend primarily in two planes parallel to each other. The adapter 220 further includes at least one through-hole 224 formed in each of its sidewalls 221, 222. These holes 224 are adapted to receive shafts for rotating the wiper arms 120, 120' relative to the adapter 220. In other words, the holes 224 formed in the first sidewall 221 and the holes 224 formed in the second sidewall 222 are coaxial.

[0026] According to the first exemplary embodiment shown on the right side of the accompanying drawings, the second end 121 of the wiper arm 120 includes at least two sides 122 connected to each other by a top wall 123. The wiper arm 120 according to this first exemplary embodiment further includes at least one shaft 124 that protrudes from one of the sides 122 of the second end 121 and extends parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron away from both sides 122. More specifically, the shaft 124 protrudes from the outer surface of the side 122 in question (i.e., the surface of the side 122 facing the direction opposite to the other side 122 of the second end 121). Additionally, the wiper arm includes at least one support 125, which includes at least a first portion 126 that protrudes both from the outer surface of the side 122 of the shaft 124 and from the top wall 123 of the second end 121, and at least a second portion 127 that extends transversely to the first portion 126 toward the wiper 110 when the wiper arm 120 is connected to the wiper 110. The wiper arm 120 is adapted to be detachably connected to an adapter 220 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Still Figure 1The adapter 220 shown on the right, according to a first embodiment of the invention, includes all the features common to the two embodiments described above. According to this first embodiment, the aperture 224 is adapted to receive a shaft 124 of a wiper arm 120 according to a first exemplary embodiment, the shaft 124 thus defining the axis of rotation of the wiper arm 120 relative to the wiper 110. A support 125 is adapted to press against the outer surface of one of the sidewalls 221, 222 of the adapter 220 (i.e., the side of the sidewall in question facing the opposite direction to the other sidewall). More specifically, it will be understood that, in the installed position, the outer surface of the side 122 of the second end 121 of the wiper arm 120, which exposes the shaft 124 therefrom, is arranged to abut against one of the sidewalls of the adapter 220 (in this case, against the first sidewall 221), the first portion 126 of the support stalk 125 extends such that it partially covers the space 225 formed between the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222, and the second portion 127 of the support stalk 125 is arranged to face the outer surface of the other sidewall (in this case, the second sidewall 222). For example, the second portion 127 of the support stalk 125 may be arranged to contact the outer surface of the second sidewall 222, thereby enabling a stable connection between the wiper arm 120 according to the first exemplary embodiment and the adapter according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] According to Figure 1 The wiper arm 120' shown on the left in the second exemplary embodiment differs from the wiper arm 120 according to the first exemplary embodiment, particularly in the shape of its second end 121'. Therefore, the second end 121' of the wiper arm 120' according to the second exemplary embodiment is hook-shaped, the curve of which is contained in a longitudinal and vertical plane (i.e., a plane containing the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron). The wiper arm 120' is adapted to be removably connected to... Figure 1 The left side of the image shows an adapter 220 according to a second embodiment of the invention. More specifically, a hook forming the second end 121' of the wiper arm 120' surrounds the transverse wall connecting the first sidewall 221 of the adapter 220 to the second sidewall 222. In other words, it will be understood that the wiper arm 120' according to the second exemplary embodiment is at least partially received in the space 225 formed between the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 of the adapter 220.

[0029] As will be described in more detail below, the adapter 220 according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the adapter 220 according to the first embodiment in that the adapter according to the second embodiment includes a cover 223 disposed at one of its longitudinal ends. This cover 223 is rotatably mounted on the adapter 220 and is adapted to be in at least a first open position and a second closed position. Figure 1 The cover 223 is shown in its closed position. Advantageously, when the cover 223 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the cover presses against a hook forming the second end 121' of the wiper arm 120' according to the second exemplary embodiment, thereby preventing the wiper arm 120' from moving along the longitudinal axis L and thus securing the connection between the wiper arm 120' and the adapter 220.

[0030] However, as will be explained in more detail below, the cover 223 cannot be used for connection between the connecting device 200 according to the invention and the wiper arm 120 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The cover 223 interferes at least with the side 122 of the wiper arm 120 according to the first exemplary embodiment, such that the cover 223 must be detached from the adapter 220 to allow the wiper arm 120 according to the first exemplary embodiment to be mounted on the adapter 220. For this purpose, the cover 223 is included in the description below and Figure 3 The detachment tool shown in the image.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 The adapter 220 according to the first embodiment of the invention, which does not have a cover and is therefore adapted to interact with a wiper arm according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, is described in more detail.

[0032] Adapter 220 extends primarily in the longitudinal direction D between a first longitudinal end 226 and a second longitudinal end 227. As mentioned above, adapter 220 is formed by a first sidewall 221 and a second sidewall 222 extending primarily in two longitudinal and vertical planes parallel to each other. Note that the first longitudinal end 226 is closed by a rear wall 229 of adapter 220, which extends transversely between the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222. More specifically, according to the example shown here, the rear wall 229 of adapter 220 extends primarily in a transverse and vertical plane (i.e., in a plane containing the transverse axis T and the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron). In other words, the rear wall 229 of adapter 220 extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 of adapter 220. Regardless of the chosen embodiment, in other words, whether the adapter 220 is used with a wiper arm according to a first exemplary embodiment or a wiper arm according to a second exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 229 is present on the adapter 220.

[0033] The second longitudinal end 227 of the adapter 220 is partially closed by a rod 228 connecting the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222 to each other. However, it will be noted that an aperture 246 is formed in the adapter, facing the rod 228. According to the example shown, the rod 228 more particularly has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape with a transverse axis of rotation R, i.e., the axis of rotation R extends parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron. In other words, the rod 228 extends perpendicular to the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222. Regardless of the embodiment chosen, the rod 228 is present on the adapter 220. As described in more detail below, the rod 228 of the adapter 220 is adapted to be received in a support formed on the cover of the adapter when used according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 Also shown is the aforementioned transverse wall 230, which connects the first sidewall 221 to the second sidewall 222. According to the illustrated example, the transverse wall 230 extends more specifically parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron, and is therefore perpendicular to both the first sidewall 221 and the second sidewall 222. As described above, the transverse wall 230 is adapted to be received in a hook forming the second end of the wiper arm according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0035] at last, Figure 2 The apertures 224 are shown, which are formed in each of the sidewalls 221, 222 of the adapter 220 and are adapted to receive, for example, a shaft of a wiper arm according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 3 A cover 223, suitable for rotatable mounting on an adapter when used according to a second embodiment of the invention, is described in more detail. The cover 223 has a generally curved shape and extends between a first end 231 and a second end 232. The cover 223 has an inner surface 233 facing the space formed between the first and second sidewalls of the adapter when the cover 223 is mounted on the adapter, and an outer surface 234 facing in the opposite direction to the inner surface 233 (i.e., towards the environment outside the adapter).

[0037] As mentioned above, cover 223 is adapted to be rotatably mounted on the adapter. For this purpose, cover 223 includes a support 235 adapted to interact with a rod formed at a second longitudinal end of the adapter, between the first and second sidewalls of the adapter. The support 235 protrudes from the inner surface 233 of cover 223 and is shaped as a hollow cylinder extending along a main extension axis R' between a first base 236 and a second base 237. In other words, the support 235 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 238 defining a hollow space 239. As explained in detail below, the hollow space 239 is adapted to at least partially receive the rod formed on the adapter. In other words, the dimensions of the hollow space 239, defined by the peripheral wall 238 of the support 235, are complementary to the dimensions of the rod on the adapter. The support member 235 also has an axial opening 240 formed in the peripheral wall 238, that is, an opening extending between the first base 236 and the second base 237, parallel to the main extending axis R' of the hollow cylindrical shape of the support member 235. Therefore, it will be understood that the peripheral wall 238 defining the hollow space 239 of the support member 235 has a C-shaped profile, that is, a C-shape when viewed in a longitudinal and vertical plane (i.e., a plane containing the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V of the displayed trihedron).

[0038] Therefore, the axial opening 240 formed in the peripheral wall 238 of the support 235 is defined by a first edge 241 and a second edge 242 formed by portions of the peripheral wall 238 (in this case, the ends of the C-shaped profile). The axial opening 240 is configured to allow the insertion of the adapter's rod into the hollow space 239 of the support 235. In other words, the dimension d1 of the axial opening 240, measured perpendicular to the principal extension axis R' of the hollow cylinder between the first edge 241 and the second edge 242 defining the axial opening 240, is greater than or equal to the diameter of the adapter's rod. Advantageously, the peripheral wall 238 of the support 235 can be made of an elastic material (i.e., a material configured to return to its initial shape after being subjected to mechanical stress), such that the peripheral wall can deform to allow the rod to be inserted into the hollow space 239 by force, and then return to its initial position to hold the adapter's rod in the hollow space 239 of the support 235. Additionally, to allow the cover 223 to rotate about the adapter's rod, a gap is provided between the adapter's rod and the inner surface 243 of the peripheral wall 238 (i.e., the surface of the peripheral wall 238 facing the hollow space 239). In other words, it will be understood that the diameter of the hollow space 239 of the support 235 is larger than the diameter of the adapter's rod. For example, in Figure 4 These dimensions are shown in the image.

[0039] The support member 235 also includes a tab 250 extending from a second edge 242 of an axial opening 240 defined in its peripheral wall 238 toward the outside of the cover member 223. The tab 250 is configured to allow the cover member to be detached once the cover member 223 is mounted on the adapter. The tab 250 is more specifically semi-circular in shape, with a diameter d2 less than or equal to the length of the support member 235, i.e., the dimension of the support member 235 measured along its main extension axis R' between its cylindrical first base 236 and second base 237. The tab 250 also includes fingers 251 extending in a plane transverse to the main extension plane of the tab 250 (i.e., the plane in which the tab 250 primarily extends). According to a particular example of the invention, the fingers 251 may extend along an axis perpendicular to the main extension plane of the tab 250.

[0040] The cover 223 also includes at least one reinforcing rib 244 that protrudes from the peripheral wall 238 of the support 235 and extends along the curve of the cover 223. According to the illustrated example, the cover 223 more specifically includes two reinforcing ribs 244 extending primarily in two parallel planes. The reinforcing ribs 244 help maintain the structure of the cover 223 and form the portion of the cover 223 adjacent to the hook of the wiper arm mentioned above according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Finally, the cover 223 includes a retention tool 260 that helps to hold the cover on the adapter. The retention tool 260 includes at least one branch 261 that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron between at least a first end 262 (through which the branch protrudes from the inner surface 233 of the cover 223) and a second end shaped like a button 263. (As shown in...) Figure 4 As can be seen, for example, at least one branch 261, a button 263 forming the second end of the branch, and the inner surface 233 of the cover 223 exposing the branch 261 together define a region 264 for receiving a rib formed on one of the sidewalls of the adapter. In other words, together with the support 235, the retaining tool helps to hold the cover 223 to the adapter 220. According to the example shown, the retaining tool 260 is more specifically formed by two branches 261 identical to the branches described above, i.e., each of the branches 261 protrudes from the inner surface 233 of the cover 223 and extends to the second end formed by the button 263, each branch 261 and each button 263 together with the inner surface 233 of the cover 223 defining a region 264 for receiving a rib formed on the adapter. Additionally, it will be noted that the two branches 261 extend parallel to each other.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second end 227 of the adapter 220 on which the cover 223 is mounted. In other words, Figure 4 A longitudinal section of the second end 227 of the adapter 220 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] As mentioned above, cover 223 is rotatably mounted on rod 228 of adapter 220 and configured to: Figure 4 The cover is shown in at least a closed position, in which it forms a stop against longitudinal movement of the hook forming the second end of the wiper arm according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention; and in at least an open position, in which it allows insertion of the hook forming the second end of the wiper arm according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the cover 223 can be closed in a first rotational direction S1 and opened in a second rotational direction S2 opposite to the first rotational direction S1.

[0044] As described above, the rotation is particularly possible because the diameter d3 of the rod 228 is smaller than the diameter d4 of the hollow space 239 in which the rod is received. Additionally, Figure 4One of the ribs 245 is shown. These ribs are formed on the adapter 220 and more specifically on the inner surface of each of the sidewalls 221, 222 of the adapter 220, and are received in one of the two receiving areas 264 formed by the retaining tool 260.

[0045] When the cover 223 is in its closed position, the tab 250 of the cover 223 extends beyond the adapter 220, i.e., outside the adapter 220. More specifically, the tab 250 extends outward toward the cover 223 through a aperture 246 formed in the adapter 220. In particular, at least the finger 251 extends outside the adapter 220 and forms a gripping area to which the user can apply pressure. It will be understood that applying pressure to the tab 250 by the finger 251 allows the user to disengage the cover 223 from the rod 228. More specifically, the pressure applied to the finger 251 tends to cause the cover 223 to continue rotating in the first rotational direction S1 (i.e., the rotational direction in which the cover 223 may be closed). When the interaction between the rib 245 and the receiving area 264 of the retaining tool 260 prevents the cover 223 from rotating in this first rotational direction S1, the pressure applied to the finger forces the cover 223 and, more specifically, the support 235 of the cover 223 to disengage from the rod 228. Therefore, the cover 223 can be removed from the adapter 220 particularly easily, thereby allowing for simple and quick adaptation of the connection device 200 according to the invention to different types of wiper arms.

[0046] at last, Figure 4 Orifices 224 are shown, which are formed in the sidewalls 221, 222 of the adapter 220 and adapted to receive the shaft of the wiper arm according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, the wiper arm according to the first exemplary embodiment will interfere with the cover 223, so that the cover 223 must be removed to allow the connection device according to the invention to be used with this type of wiper arm.

[0047] As will be understood from the foregoing, the cover 223 is removable to allow for securing the connection between the wiper arm 120' according to the second exemplary embodiment and the adapter 220 according to the second embodiment, and to allow for the connection of the wiper arm 120' according to the second exemplary embodiment to the adapter 220. As described, the invention allows for easy detachment of the cover 223 from the adapter 220, making the invention readily usable with both types of arms described.

[0048] As will be understood from the foregoing, the present invention therefore proposes a connection device for connecting a windshield wiper to a wiper arm that can be easily adapted for use with at least two types of wiper arms. It should be understood that the description just given does not limit the scope of the invention. In particular, it is conceivable to use the connection device with wiper arms manufactured according to exemplary embodiments not described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cover (223) for a connection device (200), said cover being adapted to be rotatably mounted on an adapter (220) of said connection device (200), said cover (223) extending mainly between a first end (231) and a second end (232), said first end (231) comprising at least one bearing (235) adapted to interact with a stem (228) of said adapter (220), said cover (223) being configured to be closed in a first rotation direction (SI) and to be opened in a second rotation direction (S2), characterized in that, The support member (235) includes at least one tab (250) adapted to allow the support member (235) to disengage relative to the rod (228) of the adapter (220) in the first rotational direction (S1); the support member (235) is in the shape of a hollow cylinder extending along a main extension axis (R') between a first base (236) and a second base (237), and includes a peripheral wall (238) defining a hollow space (239), an axial opening (240) formed in the peripheral wall (238) extending from the first base (236) to the second base (237), and the axial opening (240) is adapted to receive at least one rod (228) of the adapter (220). Includes at least one retaining tool (260) adapted to interact with the adapter (220), the at least one retaining tool (260) being separate from the support (235).

2. The cover (223) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The peripheral wall (238) forms a first edge (241) and a second edge (242) spaced apart from each other and defining the axial opening (240) formed in the peripheral wall (238), and the at least one tab (250) is exposed from the second edge (242).

3. The cover (223) as described in claim 2, wherein, The tab (250) is semi-circular in shape, and the diameter (d2) of the semi-circle is less than or equal to the length of the support (235) parallel to the main extension axis (R') of the cylinder, measured between the first base (236) and the second base (237) of the hollow cylinder shape.

4. The cover (223) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The tab (250) extends primarily in a main extension plane, and the tab (250) includes at least one finger (251) extending primarily along an axis transverse to the main extension plane of the tab (250).

5. The cover (223) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one retaining tool (260) includes a branch (261) that protrudes from the inner surface (233) of the cover (223) and extends to the button (263), the branch (261), the inner surface (233) of the cover (223) and the button (263) defining an area (264) for receiving a rib (245) formed on the adapter (220).

6. A connection device (200) suitable for connecting a wiper arm (120, 120') to a wiper (110), the connection device (200) comprising at least one connector (210) attached to the wiper arm (120), at least one adapter (220) suitable for connecting the connector (210) to the wiper arm (120, 120'), and at least one cover (223) as described in any of the preceding claims, the cover (223) being rotatably mounted on the adapter (220).

7. The connecting device (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The adapter (220) includes at least one rod (228) received in a support (235) of the cover (223), the adapter (220) having an aperture (246) facing the rod (228), and a tab (250) of the cover (223) extending at least partially through the aperture (246).

8. A windshield wiper system (100) comprising at least one wiper (110) adapted to rotate via wiper arms (120, 120'), the wiper arms (120, 120') and the wiper (110) being connected to each other via a connecting device (200) as claimed in claim 6 or 7.

Images