Flat windshield wiper device

Abstract

A flat windscreen wiper device, comprising an elastic, elongated load-bearing element and an elongated wiper blade of flexible material, the wiper blade being able to be placed adjacent to the windscreen to be wiped, the wiper blade including at least one longitudinal groove, at least one longitudinal strip of the load-bearing element being arranged in the groove; the windscreen wiper device includes connecting means (1) for a rod-shaped extension (2) of a swing arm, wherein the rod-shaped extension (2) is pivotally connectable about a pivot axis near its free end to the connecting means (1), wherein the connecting means (1) includes a channel (15) arranged to receive the rod-shaped extension (2), wherein the connecting means (1) includes first and second retaining means for retaining the rod-shaped extension (2) on the connecting means (1), wherein the first and second retaining means are arranged to engage respectively in first and second recesses provided in at least one longitudinal outer side (18a, 18b) of the rod-shaped extension (2), wherein the channel (15) has the same width at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of the entrance for receiving the rod-shaped extension (2), the rod-shaped extension (2) having a substantially constant width along its end.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat blade windscreen wiper device, which comprises an elastic and elongated load-bearing element, and an elongated wiper blade made of a flexible material, the wiper blade being arranged to be adjacent to the windscreen to be wiped, the wiper blade comprising at least one longitudinal groove, and at least one longitudinal strip of the load-bearing element being arranged in the groove. The windscreen wiper device comprises connecting means for a rod-shaped extension of a swing arm, wherein the rod-shaped extension is pivotally connectable to the connecting means in the vicinity of one of its ends about a pivot axis. The longitudinal strip is referred to as a "flexor", and the connecting means is also referred to as a "connector".

[0002] Preferably, the wiper blade comprises a spoiler on the side thereof facing away from the windscreen to be wiped. The spoiler is also referred to as an "air deflector", and is preferably integrally formed with the wiper blade by extrusion. Preferably, the longitudinal groove is a central longitudinal groove for receiving the longitudinal strip. Preferably, the connecting means is fixedly connected to the longitudinal strip, in particular by welding, brazing ("soft soldering"), gluing or clamping operations, or by means of a pin inserted through the connecting means and the longitudinal strip. In an alternative or in addition thereto, the connecting means is clamped to the flexible material of the wiper blade, in particular in the case where the wiper blade is provided with a central longitudinal groove for the load-bearing element.

[0003] In use, the swing arm is connected to a mounting head mounted on a drive shaft, wherein the swing arm is pivotally connected to the mounting head at one of its ends by a pivot pin, and is connected at its other end to the wiper blade arranged to be adjacent to the windscreen to be wiped. In use, the shaft rotates alternately in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction, which also drives the mounting head to rotate, which in turn pulls the swing arm to rotate, and moves the wiper blade through the connecting means. Thus, the swing arm can swing back and forth between a first position and a reversed second position.

[0004] Windscreen wiper devices are generally well known. Such prior art windscreen wiper devices are designed as so-called "flat blades" or "yokeless blades", where instead of using a plurality of yokes pivotally connected to each other, the wiper blade is biased by a load-bearing element, whereby the wiper blade exhibits a specific curvature.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a connecting means and a swing arm having a rod-shaped extension arranged to be used in such a windscreen wiper device.

[0006] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to motor vehicles, but also relates to railway passenger cars and other (rapid) vehicles.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved and / or more reliable windscreen wiper device and a swing arm for a windscreen wiper device.

[0008] To achieve this object, there is provided a windscreen wiper device according to claim 1. Specifically, there is provided a flat blade type windscreen wiper device, which includes an elastic elongated load-bearing element and an elongated wiper blade of flexible material, the wiper blade can be placed adjacent to the windscreen to be wiped, the wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, at least one longitudinal strip of the load-bearing element is disposed in the groove, the windscreen wiper device includes connection means for a rod-shaped extension of a swing arm, wherein the rod-shaped extension can be pivotally connected to the connection means near its free end about a pivot axis, wherein the connection means includes a channel arranged to receive the rod-shaped extension, wherein the connection means includes a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism for holding the rod-shaped extension on the connection means, wherein the first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism are arranged to engage respectively in a first recess and a second recess provided on at least one longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension, wherein the channel has the same width at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of the entrance for receiving the rod-shaped extension, and the rod-shaped extension has a substantially constant width along its end.

[0009] By providing a rod-shaped extension having a substantially constant width along its end, compared with an extension having a reduced width or a varying width at its end, for example, stress is reduced and improved corrosion resistance is obtained. Preferably, the width of the rod-shaped extension is substantially constant at least along the length of the rod-shaped extension to be received in the channel.

[0010] Then, the channel is arranged to receive the extension, so that it has a width corresponding to the width of the extension at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of the channel. Thus, the rod-shaped extension can be efficiently guided and held in the channel, thereby limiting any play. The corresponding width at the entrance also helps to efficiently introduce the extension into the channel during installation.

[0011] Preferably, not only the width of the channel corresponds to the rod-shaped extension, but also the height and shape correspond. This improves this holding. Preferably, the channel (at least at its entrance and at the opposite end) includes a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped extension.

[0012] Taking into account the force transmission between the rod-shaped extension and the connecting device, preferably, the sections in the channel having the corresponding width or cross-sectional shape as described above are located at the entrance of the channel and at the other end of the channel. In an alternative embodiment, the sections in the channel having the corresponding width or cross-sectional shape as described above are arranged at a certain mutual distance, see along the length of the rod-shaped extension. In an alternative embodiment, one such section is provided.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the channel includes a first chamber near the entrance of the channel and a second chamber near the other end of the channel and at a distance from the first chamber, wherein these chambers have the same width. These two chambers preferably include a cross-sectional shape matching the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped extension. Setting these chambers or sections as described above at a distance provides space in the connecting device for other structural components (such as a pivoting mechanism and / or a holding mechanism) while maintaining effective holding of the rod-shaped extension. At least one of these structural components is preferably provided between the two chambers. The chamber at the entrance preferably has a length suitable for guiding the rod-shaped extension through the intermediate part between the chambers.

[0014] As an alternative embodiment, the channel has a substantially constant width or a matching cross-sectional shape from the entrance to the opposite end, as described above. Preferably, the shape of the channel is designed to be complementary to the shape of the rod-shaped extension.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the channel or its section or chamber has a closed outer periphery along at least a part of its length. This improves the holding of the extension in the channel. Preferably, at least the chamber at the entrance has a closed outer periphery along at least a part of its length to provide a guiding function for the rod-shaped extension, that is, to prevent any movement other than the movement of the rod-shaped extension along its length direction.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, when the channel has a closed end for receiving the end face of the rod-shaped extension, the movement in the longitudinal direction of the extension in the connected state of the rod-shaped extension is more effectively hindered. More preferably, the chamber located at the opposite end is provided with an end wall for receiving the distal end of the rod-shaped extension.

[0017] As mentioned, the connecting device includes a channel arranged to receive the rod-shaped extension, wherein the connecting device includes a first retaining mechanism and a second retaining mechanism for retaining the rod-shaped extension on the connecting device. The first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism may be arranged to engage in a first recess and a second recess respectively provided on at least one longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension. The first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism may each have a projection to be received in the corresponding recess. If one of the retaining mechanisms fails, the other retaining mechanism retains the rod-shaped extension on the connecting device.

[0018] The connecting device preferably has two retaining mechanisms, which preferably operate independently of each other. The retaining mechanisms are arranged to cooperate with corresponding recesses provided in the rod-shaped extension. When at least one recess, preferably two recesses, are provided on at least one longitudinal side or lateral side of the rod-shaped extension, the stiffness of the rod-shaped extension is improved compared to using, for example, a through-hole as a recess. Then, preferably, the first recess and the second recess have an open outer periphery. Preferably, the recesses are provided in the rod-shaped extension by a cutting operation. Preferably, the two recesses have the same configuration, i.e., the same width and depth. Then, the retaining mechanisms are arranged to engage with these recesses having an open outer periphery.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, the grooves are provided on different sides of the rod-shaped extension, preferably opposite sides. This ensures the correct insertion of the rod-shaped extension within the channel, since each retaining mechanism (e.g., its projection) operates on a dedicated opposite side of the rod. Thus, accidental engagement of the first retaining mechanism in the second recess (which is not intended for the first retaining mechanism) is prevented. Preferably, the recesses are provided on opposite longitudinal outer sides or lateral sides of the rod-shaped extension.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the recesses are provided on different, preferably opposite, sides of the rod-shaped extension at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension. Thus, on preferably opposite sides of the rod-shaped extension, the recesses are arranged at substantially the same longitudinal position on the rod-shaped extension. This results in a compact configuration such that the remaining part of the length of the rod-shaped extension remains intact. This improves the retention and stress distribution, especially when the channel has a corresponding width or cross-sectional shape as described above. Preferably, the recesses are provided at the same longitudinal position by a cutting operation as mentioned above, further improving the manufacturing process of the rod-shaped extension.

[0021] It should be noted that according to an alternative embodiment, the feature of recesses provided at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension on different sides (preferably opposite sides) of the rod-shaped extension can also be applied to a windshield wiper device having a channel with a varying width. The rod-shaped extension can then have a varying width, for example similar to the configuration disclosed in International Patent Publication WO2020 / 020431A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Preferably, the channel has a length and a width, and a plane extending in the width direction of the channel and a plane extending along the width of the longitudinal strip at the location of the connecting device enclose an angle α, where preferably 15° < α < 60°, more preferably α is 40° or at least about 40°. In other words, in the lateral or cross-section of the windshield wiper device, the center line of the cross-sectional plane of the channel and the symmetry axis of the longitudinal groove enclose an angle α. Due to this angle α, less pressure exerted by the swing arm on the wiper blade is required to maintain a high wiping performance rate.

[0023] The swing arm is preferably equipped with the rod-shaped extension preferably having a rectangular cross-section, where the extension is to be inserted into the channel of the connecting device, and where the extension has a torsional orientation relative to the swing arm, and the swing arm preferably has a U-shaped cross-section. Such a torsional arm extension has been shown to significantly improve the air flow and significantly reduce the height of the windshield wiper device, and thus its design is attractive from a commercial perspective. During use, in order to accommodate the arm extension, the channel preferably also having a rectangular cross-section has a torsional orientation corresponding to the torsional orientation of the arm extension. In other words, the bottom of the channel is not parallel to the windshield to be wiped (when the swing arm in one of the reverse positions is in the central region of the windshield to be wiped and ignoring any small curvature in this region), but the bottom and the windshield to be wiped enclose the angle α in this region.

[0024] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to using only one longitudinal strip of an elastic load-bearing element forming a longitudinal groove particularly located in the middle of the wiper blade. Instead, the load-bearing element can also include two longitudinal strips, where the strips are provided in opposite longitudinal grooves of the wiper blade. The one or more grooves can be closed at one outer end. As another alternative embodiment, the wiper blade can be any type of wiper blade, such as a conventional wiper device including a plurality of yokes pivotally connected to each other.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism include corresponding protrusions that engage with a first recess and a second recess provided in the rod-shaped extension. Preferably, at least one of the protrusions, preferably two protrusions, and the rod-shaped extension are arranged to be movable relative to each other to move the protrusions between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position is for holding the wiper blade, in particular its connecting device, on the rod-shaped extension, and in the unlocked position the protrusions disengage from the recesses for releasing the wiper blade from the rod-shaped extension. Preferably, both holding mechanisms are independently movable between these positions, thereby improving the fail-safe holding of the wiper blade.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting device includes a protrusion that is arranged to engage in a first recess provided on the longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension. The first protrusion can extend laterally and inwardly. Preferably, the connecting device further includes an elastic tongue that is arranged to engage in a second recess provided on the longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension. The elastic tongue can include a protrusion for engaging with the second recess, and the elastic tongue can be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by articulating the elastic tongue relative to the connecting device. Preferably, the elastic tongue can be articulated between an inward position and an outward position along the articulation axis. The inward position holds the wiper blade on the rod-shaped extension, and the outward position releases the wiper blade from the rod-shaped extension.

[0027] Preferably, the channel has a closed outer periphery. More particularly, the channel is formed by a blind hole having a closed outer periphery. As mentioned above, the blind hole is preferably shaped according to the shape of the rod-shaped extension. On the one hand, the cooperation of the elastic tongue with the second recess and on the other hand the cooperation of the protrusion with the first recess respectively form a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism for holding the wiper blade on the swing arm. The first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism can be used independently of each other, that is, the first holding mechanism can be used without the second holding mechanism, and the second holding mechanism can be used without the first holding mechanism.

[0028] In the case where the plane extending in the width direction of the channel extends at the angle as described above, that is, when the rod-shaped extension has a torsional orientation relative to the swing arm and is angled relative to the windshield to be wiped, the rod-shaped extension has an upper longitudinal outer side and a lower longitudinal outer side. The lower side extends below the upper side. Then preferably the protrusion is arranged to engage with the recess in the upper longitudinal outer side, and the elastic tongue is arranged to engage with the recess in the lower longitudinal outer side. Thereby improved holding is obtained while maintaining a compact connecting device.

[0029] Preferably, the elastic tongue can be articulated and rotated from the inward position to the outward position by a button, where the button forms part of the outer wall of the connecting device. In particular, the button is located near the free end of the connecting device facing the rod-shaped extension. More preferably, the articulation axis extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped extension.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the size of the protrusion is designed such that:

[0031] - In the working position where the wiper blade pivots relative to the rod-shaped extension, the protrusion engages in the first recess, thereby holding the wiper blade to the rod-shaped extension;

[0032] - In the service position where the wiper blade pivots relative to the rod-shaped extension, the protrusion disengages from the first recess, thereby releasing the wiper blade from the rod-shaped extension.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, the connecting device includes a first part and a second part, where the rod-shaped extension of the swing arm can be pivotally connected to the first part around the pivot axis with the intervention of the second part, where the second part includes the channel, and where the first part is connected to the wiper blade, and the second part is connected to the first part. Preferably, the first part and the second part are each integrally made of plastic material. The second part is detachably connected to the first part.

[0034] Preferably, the protrusion arranged to engage with the first recess in the rod-shaped extension is provided in the first part, and the second part includes the elastic tongue arranged to engage with the second recess as described above. Preferably, by moving the wiper device between the working position and the service position, the protrusion on the first part engages with or disengages from the first recess. As mentioned above, when using the twisted rod-shaped extension as described above, the first recess is preferably provided on the upper lateral side.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, the first part and the second part are provided with cooperating pivot devices to pivotally connect the second part to the first part. In particular, the second part is connected to the first part by pivotally engaging the protrusion of the first part at the position of the pivot axis in the recess provided in the second part. More particularly, the second part is (detachably) connected to the first part by a snap / fastening operation.

[0036] According to another aspect, there is provided a swing arm comprising a rod-shaped extension which is arranged to be pivotally connected to a connecting device of a windscreen wiper device, preferably the connecting device of the windscreen wiper device as described above, wherein the swing arm comprises a first recess and a second recess provided on at least one longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension, and wherein the rod-shaped extension has a substantially constant width along its end. Preferably, the first recess and the second recess have an open outer periphery.

[0037] Preferably, at least along the length of the rod-shaped extension to be received in the channel of the connecting device, the width of the rod-shaped extension is substantially constant. To further improve corrosion resistance, the rod-shaped extension may have a substantially constant width and / or cross-section along substantially the entire length.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the recesses are provided on opposite longitudinal outer sides of the rod-shaped extension, as described above. Preferably, the recesses are provided on opposite sides at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment, the rod-shaped extension has an orientation twisted with respect to the swing arm and preferably the hinge joint.

[0040] According to another aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper device as described above and / or a swing arm as described above.

[0041] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a swing arm, in particular a swing arm as described above and / or a swing arm for a windscreen wiper device as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0042] - Providing a swing arm comprising a rod-shaped extension having a substantially constant width along its end;

[0043] - Providing two recesses in at least one longitudinal outer side of the rod-shaped extension.

[0044] Preferably, the step of providing two recesses comprises: providing the recesses on opposite longitudinal outer sides of the rod-shaped extension.

[0045] If the recesses are provided on opposite sides at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension, an efficient manufacturing method can be obtained. Any tool for providing the recesses does not have to move along the length of the arm.

[0046] If the step of providing the recesses includes a cutting operation, a particularly efficient method can be obtained. In particular, less manufacturing steps are required for cutting in opposite sides of the rod-shaped extension at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension. In particular, providing the recesses includes an extrusion cutting operation. Thus, two recesses can be provided in a single step. Preferably, the two recesses have the same configuration.

[0047] The invention is further explained by the following drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, wherein:

[0048] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B show a windshield wiper device in an assembled state and in a non-assembled state, respectively;

[0049] Figures 2A to 2C show different steps of inserting the rod-shaped extension into the channel in a bottom view of the connecting device;

[0050] Figure 3 show a cross-sectional view of the channel;

[0051] Figure 4 show an inlet of the channel in the connecting device;

[0052] Figures 5A to 5C show moving the connecting device from a working position to a service position; and

[0053] Figure 6 show the connecting device in a partial cross-section.

[0054] Figure 1A and Figure 1B relate to a flat blade type windshield wiper device 100, which is composed of a wiper blade and a longitudinal strip ("flexure"), the wiper blade forms opposite longitudinal grooves in its longitudinal sides, the longitudinal strip is made of spring steel strip and is assembled in the longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal strip forms a flexible load-bearing element of the rubber wiper blade, so that the rubber wiper blade is thus biased in a bent position (the curvature when in the operating position is the curvature of the windshield to be wiped). In particular, as Figure 1B shown, the windshield wiper device 100 is also composed of a connecting device 1 made of plastic material for the rod-shaped extension 2 of the windshield wiper arm 30 (see also Figure 6 ). The connecting device 1 includes a first part 3 and a second part 4 acting as an engaging part, wherein the arm of the rod-shaped extension 2 can be pivotally connected to the first part 3 around a pivot axis with the intervention of the second part 4. The first part 3 includes a flat base 5 (see also Figure 3) The base 5 has inwardly extending legs 6 integral therewith. The legs 6 engage around the longitudinal sides of the wiper blade at the position of the grooves, with the result that the first part 1 is firmly attached to the unit consisting of the wiper blade and the strip part. The first part 3 includes two opposite side walls 7, 8 which extend in the vertical direction from the flat base 5. Cylindrical protrusions 9, 10 extending outward are formed on the opposite side walls 7, 8. These protrusions 9, 10 are pivotally engaged in identically shaped recesses 11, 12 in the opposite walls 13, 14 provided in the second part 4 at the position of the pivot axis (see also Figure 2A and Figure 4 ). Thus, the second part 4 is connected to the first part 3 by a snap operation / clamping operation. In the working position of the wiper blade, the side walls 7, 8 of the first part 3 are completely located inside the second part 4.

[0055] Reference Figures 2A to 2C and Figure 3 , the second part 4 includes a channel 15 which is arranged to receive (in a linear motion I) the rod-shaped extension 2 of the swing arm. As shown, the channel 15 has a length and a width, and the plane extending in the width direction of the channel and the plane extending along the width of the longitudinal strip at the position of the connecting device enclose an angle α = 40°. In addition, the rod-shaped extension 2 extends at the same angle α and has a torsional orientation with respect to the swing arm 30 (see again Figure 6 ).

[0056] In Figures 2A to 2C , it can be best seen that the channel 15 is subdivided into channel sections or chambers 15a and 15b. The chamber 15a is located on the entry side of the channel 15 and is used to guide the rod-shaped extension 2 inside the second part 4 during insertion. This is shown in Figure 2B . At the other end of the channel 15, a second chamber 15b is provided, and the second chamber 15b is arranged to receive the end of the rod-shaped extension 2. Here, the channel 15 has an end wall 15c which is arranged to receive the end face 2c of the rod-shaped extension 2. As Figure 2C shown, when the extension 2 is fully inserted into the channel 15, the end face 2c of the extension 2 abuts against the end wall 15c. Thus, no further inward movement I is possible.

[0057] The channel 15 has the same width at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of the entrance to receive the rod-shaped extension 2. For the entrance side (chamber 15a), it can be best seen in Figure 4 . The extension also has a substantially constant width along its end. When the extension 2 is received in the channel 15 or its chambers 15a, 15b, any movement along the width direction is prevented. As Figure 3As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the channel 15 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the extension part 2. Therefore, the channel 15 (at least its chambers 15a, 15b) is shaped according to the shape of the rod-shaped extension part 2. Therefore, upon reception, any movement other than the movement along the longitudinal direction (denoted by I in Figure 2A ) is blocked.

[0058] One of the side walls 8 of the side wall of the first part 3 includes a protrusion 16 (see, for example, Figure 5A ), and the protrusion 16 is arranged to engage in the first recess 17, and the first recess 17 has an open outer periphery and is provided on the longitudinal outer side part 18a of the rod-shaped extension part 19. As can be best seen in Figure 5C , the position of the protrusion 16 is close to the edge of the first part 3 (viewed in the longitudinal direction). This increases the distance between the pivot axis defined by the protrusions 9, 10 and the protrusion 16.

[0059] To install the connecting device 1 or to disassemble the connecting device 1 from the rod-shaped extension part, the second part 4 (and thus the free end of the rod-shaped extension part 2 connected thereto) pivots relative to the first part 3, where reference is made to Figures 5A to 5C . For disassembly, while making the pivoting movement ( Figure 5B arrow II in), the protrusion 16 or the cam no longer cooperates with the first recess 17, so that the second part 4 and the first part 3 attached thereto can be released from the rod-shaped extension part 2 ( Figure 5C arrow III in) (see the service position seen in Figure 5B and Figure 5C ). For installation, while making the pivoting movement, the protrusion 16 or the cam becomes engaged with the first recess 17, so that the second part 4 and the first part 3 attached thereto are held on the rod-shaped extension part 2 (the working position seen in Figure 5A ). As will be explained below, in the case of accidental failure of the first holding mechanism, the cooperating protrusion 16 and recess 17 act as a second holding mechanism.

[0060] The rod-shaped extension part 2 is also provided with a second recess 19, and the second recess 19 also has an open outer periphery and is also provided on the opposite longitudinal outer side part 18b of the rod-shaped extension part 2. As shown, the first recess 17 and the second recess 19 have open outer peripheries and are located at the same longitudinal position of the extension part 2 on the opposite side parts 18a and 18b of the extension part 2. The second recess 19 cooperates with the elastic tongue 20 on the second part 4, and the elastic tongue 20 is arranged to engage in the second recess 19, and in this case, they act as a first holding mechanism together. The elastic tongue 20 can be articulated and rotated between an inward position and an outward position along the hinge axis, and in the inward position, the second part 4 (together with the first part 3 and the wiper blade attached thereto) is held to the rod-shaped extension part 2 (seeFigure 6 , in which the tongue portion 20 is shown engaged with the recess 19), this outward position releasing the second part 4 (along with the first part 3 and the wiper blade attached thereto) from the rod-shaped extension 2. The resilient tongue can be articulated from this inward position to the outward position (i.e., enabled and disabled) by means of a button 21. The button 21 forms part of the outer wall 22 of the second part 4 and is located near the free end of the second part 4 facing the rod-shaped extension 2. Thus, pushing the button 21 downwards (see Figure 6 arrow IV) will cause the resilient tongue 20 to move away from the recess 19 (in the downward direction in this embodiment). As can be seen in Figure 4 , the resilient tongue 20 extends in the channel 15, in particular in the chamber 15a, and forms the wall 21 of the channel 15. Then, a part of the resilient tongue 20, such as its raised part, is arranged to engage with the recess 19.

[0061] As mentioned above, the extension 2 has a torsional orientation relative to the swing arm 30 and thus has an upper lateral side 18a and a lower lateral side 18b. The first recess 17 is arranged on the upper lateral side 18a, while the second recess 19 is arranged on the lower lateral side 18b.

[0062] The recesses are provided at the same longitudinal position on the extension and are preferably formed by an extrusion cutting operation. Thus, the two recesses can be formed in a single step, which provides an efficient manufacturing process.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown but also extends to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flat windshield wiper device, comprising an elastic and elongated load-bearing element and an elongated wiper blade of flexible material, the wiper blade being capable of being placed adjacent to the windshield to be wiped, the wiper blade including at least one longitudinal groove, and at least one longitudinal strip portion of the load-bearing element being disposed in the groove; the windshield wiper device includes connecting means (1) for a rod-shaped extension (2) of a swing arm, wherein the rod-shaped extension (2) is pivotally connectable about a pivot axis near its free end to the connecting means (1), wherein the connecting means (1) includes a channel (15) arranged to receive the rod-shaped extension (2), wherein the connecting means (1) includes a first retaining mechanism and a second retaining mechanism for retaining the rod-shaped extension (2) on the connecting means (1), wherein the first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism are arranged to engage respectively in a first recess (17) and a second recess (19) provided on at least one longitudinal outer side portion (18a, 18b) of the rod-shaped extension (2), wherein the channel (15) has the same width at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of the entrance for receiving the rod-shaped extension (2), and the rod-shaped extension (2) has a substantially constant width along its end. Wherein the connecting means (1) further includes a projection (16) arranged to engage in the first recess (17) provided on the longitudinal outer side portion (18) of the rod-shaped extension (2), wherein the connecting means (1) includes an elastic tongue (20) arranged to engage in the second recess (19) provided on the longitudinal outer side portion (18) of the rod-shaped extension (2), and wherein the elastic tongue (20) is capable of articulated rotation between an inward position and an outward position along an articulation axis, the inward position holding the wiper blade on the rod-shaped extension (2), and the outward position releasing the wiper blade from the rod-shaped extension (2).

2. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the channel (15) has a substantially constant width from the entrance to the opposite end.

3. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the channel (15) has a closed outer periphery, and wherein the channel has a closed end for receiving the end face of the rod-shaped extension (2).

4. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the channel includes a first chamber near the entrance of the channel and a second chamber near the opposite end of the channel and at a distance from the first chamber, and wherein the chambers have the same width.

5. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) have an open outer periphery.

6. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) are provided on opposite longitudinal outer side portions of the rod-shaped extension.

7. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 6, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) are provided on opposite sides at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension.

8. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 6, wherein the channel (15) has a length and a width, and wherein a plane extending in the width direction of the channel (15) and a plane passing through the longitudinal strip along the width of the longitudinal strip at the position of the connecting device (1) enclose an angle α, where 15° < α < 60°.

9. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 8, wherein the rod-shaped extension has an upper longitudinal outer portion and a lower longitudinal outer portion, wherein the projection is arranged to engage with the first recess (17) in the upper longitudinal outer portion (18a), and wherein the elastic tongue (20) is arranged to engage with the second recess (19) in the lower longitudinal outer portion (18b).

10. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic tongue (20) can be articulated from the inward position to the outward position by a button (21), wherein the button (21) forms part of the outer wall (22) of the connecting device (1).

11. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the articulation axis extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped extension (2).

12. The windscreen wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dimensions of the projection (16) are designed such that: - in the working position where the wiper blade pivots relative to the rod-shaped extension (2), the projection (16) engages in the first recess (17), thereby holding the wiper blade to the rod-shaped extension (2); - in the service position where the wiper blade pivots relative to the rod-shaped extension (2), the projection (16) disengages from the first recess (17), thereby releasing the wiper blade from the rod-shaped extension (2).

13. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (1) comprises a first part (3) and a second part (4), wherein the rod-shaped extension (2) of the swing arm can be pivotally connected to the first part (3) about the pivot axis with the intervention of the second part (4), wherein the second part (4) comprises the channel (15), and wherein the first part (3) is connected to the wiper blade, and the second part (4) is connected to the first part (3).

14. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 13, wherein a first projection (16) is provided on the first part (3), and wherein the second part (4) comprises the elastic tongue (20).

15. The windscreen wiper device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first part (3) and the second part (4) are provided with cooperating pivoting means for pivotally connecting the second part (4) to the first part (3), wherein the second part (4) is connected to the first part (3) by pivotally engaging projections (9, 10) of the first part (3) in recesses (11, 12) provided in the second part (4) at the location of the pivot axis.

16. A swing arm comprising a rod-shaped extension (2) arranged to be pivotally connected to the connecting means (1) of the windscreen wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the swing arm comprises a first recess (17) and a second recess (19) provided on at least one longitudinal outer side (18a, 18b) of the rod-shaped extension (2), and wherein the rod-shaped extension (2) has a substantially constant width along its end.

17. The swing arm according to claim 16, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) have an open outer periphery.

18. The swing arm according to claim 16, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) are provided on opposite longitudinal outer sides of the rod-shaped extension.

19. The swing arm according to claim 18, wherein the first recess (17) and the second recess (19) are provided on opposite sides at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension.

20. The swing arm according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the rod-shaped extension has a torsional orientation relative to the swing arm.

21. A vehicle comprising the windscreen wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15 and / or the swing arm according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. A method for manufacturing a swing arm, in particular for manufacturing the swing arm according to any one of claims 16 to 20 and / or for the swing arm of the windscreen wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the following steps: - providing a swing arm comprising a rod-shaped extension having a substantially constant width along its end; - providing two recesses in at least one longitudinal outer side (18a, 18b) of the rod-shaped extension.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of providing the two recesses comprises: Providing the recesses on opposite longitudinal outer sides of the rod-shaped extension.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the recesses are provided on opposite sides at the same position along the length of the rod-shaped extension.

25. The method according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein the step of providing the recesses comprises a cutting operation.

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