Wiper system connection module

Abstract

The main subject of the invention is a connection module for connecting a connection device of a wiper extending in a longitudinal direction to an arm of a wiper system, which connection module can be mounted on the one hand on a connector of the connection device configured to support the wiper and on the other hand to the arm, the connection module comprising a cover (18), the invention relates to a cover (18) which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) and comprises a blocking mechanism (183, 187) for blocking at least one type of arm, characterized in that the cover (18) has an elastically deformable tongue (198) on which said blocking mechanism is arranged.

Description

[0001] The field of the invention is that of wiper systems intended for motor vehicles. More particularly, the field of the invention is that of a connection device provided between a wiper arm and a wiper of such a wiper system.

[0002] Motor vehicles are usually equipped with a wiper system intended to clean their glazed surfaces, and in particular their windshields. Such a wiper system comprises at least one wiper arm and a wiper driven by the wiper arm. The wiper arm is connected to the motor of the vehicle, and the wiper comprises at least one wiper blade intended to come into contact with the glazed surface to be wiped.

[0003] In order to be able to drive the wiper, a connection device is arranged between this wiper and the wiper arm. More particularly, the connection device comprises an adapter arranged between the wiper arm and a connector connected to the wiper. The adapter is then fastened to the wiper arm, and more particularly to the free end of the wiper arm, this cooperation being removable so as to allow the wiper to be replaced when it is worn.

[0004] However, different types of wiper arms are currently fitted to motor vehicles, forcing automotive equipment manufacturers to design different adapters specific to each type of arm, one adapter specifically connecting one type of wiper arm to one connector. This feature firstly prompts automotive equipment manufacturers to develop many different adapters (including at least one adapter for each type of wiper arm on the market), and secondly requires users who need to replace their wipers to adapt and pay extra attention in order to choose the correct adapter according to the type of wiper arm on which the wiper must be mounted.

[0005] The present invention falls into this context by proposing a universal connection between wiper and arm, that is to say a connection for connecting a wiper to a large number of different types of arms currently on the market.

[0006] In this context, the main subject of the invention is a connection module for connecting a connection device of a wiper extending in a longitudinal direction to an arm of a wiper system, which connection module can be mounted on a connector of the connection device configured to support the wiper and can be connected to the arm on the other hand, the connection module comprising a cover body which can be pivoted about a pivot axis and comprises a blocking mechanism for blocking at least one type of arm, characterized in that the cover body has an elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece, and the blocking mechanism is arranged on this elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece.

[0007] The wiper and the wiper arm form part of a vehicle wiper system intended to at least partially clean a glazed surface of said vehicle. The wiper system more particularly comprises a wiper arm, a motor configured to drive the rotation of the arm and enabling the wiper to move back and forth along the glazed surface and to clean the glazed surface by means of a blade supported by the wiper, the wiper being made to move together with the arm via a connection device.

[0008] As mentioned, the connection device comprises a connection module mounted on a connector fastened to the wiper, the connection module being particularly capable of being pivotably mounted so as to allow, in a known manner, the assembly formed by the connector and the wiper to pivot relative to the wiper arm so as to adapt the position of the wiper against the glazing surface to be wiped during its reciprocating movement.

[0009] The cover is pivotably mounted on the structure of the connection module, in particular so as to participate in locking the wiper arm on the connection module and / or to prevent movable parts of the connection module from coming into contact with each other when the cover is folded down on the connection module. The cover is in particular in this position when the arm is fastened to the connection module. It will therefore be understood that when the cover is in the covering position, the cooperation between the connection module (and more particularly the base of the connection module) and the cover participates in fastening the connection module to the arm. Conversely, when the cover is in the release position, it no longer cooperates with the base or other parts of the connection module, thus allowing a possible disconnection between the arm and the connection module, so as to be able to remove the connection module from the arm, for example.

[0010] According to another optional feature of the invention, the elastically deformable tongue is movable about a bending direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0011] According to another optional feature of the invention, the elastically deformable tongue is formed in the upper wall configured to at least partially cover the arm in the covering position of the cover.

[0012] According to another optional feature of the present invention, the thickness of the elastically deformable tongue is greater than the average thickness of the upper wall. In this case, the thickness is measured in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the upper wall and / or the elastically deformable tongue.

[0013] According to another optional feature of the invention, the elastically deformable tongue is defined by two longitudinal grooves opening at the free end edge of the upper wall. The two longitudinal grooves extend from the free end edge along the longitudinal dimension so that the bottom walls of these grooves are aligned in a direction parallel to the pivoting direction so that the elastically deformable tongue can move around a bending direction parallel to the pivoting direction. Preferably, the two grooves extend parallel to each other.

[0014] According to another optional feature of the invention, one of the blocking means comprises a shoulder formed in the free end edge of the upper wall, this shoulder being intended to cooperate with a type of wiper arm.

[0015] According to another optional feature of the invention, the gripping tab extends in the continuation of the free end edge of the elastically deformable tongue. The gripping tab can in particular allow the cover to be manipulated and facilitate its pivoting between the covering position and the release position, and the gripping tab can also form one of the above-mentioned blocking mechanisms.

[0016] According to another optional feature of the invention, one of the blocking means comprises at least one wedging means extending at least partially from the elastically deformable tongue in a plane perpendicular to the pivoting direction, the wedging means being intended to longitudinally wedge the position of one type of arm.

[0017] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cover is pivotally mounted on the base of the connection module and includes at least one locking mechanism extending from the elastically deformable tongue and configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member formed on the base.

[0018] The base can in particular comprise a guide block, one of the walls of which comprises at least one cutout intended to cooperate with a tooth forming a locking mechanism of the cover in order to block the cover on the guide block and therefore on the base of the connection module in the covering position.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, at least one locking mechanism and at least one wedging mechanism, supported at least in part by the elastically deformable tongue, are offset relative to each other along the pivot axis.

[0020] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cover body is pivotally mounted on the base of the connection module and the cover body includes at least one locking mechanism extending from at least one of the lateral walls of the cover body and configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member formed on the base and more particularly on the guide block.

[0021] In this variation, the locking mechanism of the cover may take the form of a locking stud and the complementary locking member of the base may take the form of a through opening.

[0022] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cover comprises at least a front wall, an upper wall and two lateral walls, the front wall and the upper wall extending transversely between the lateral walls, the lateral walls at least partially supporting a pivoting element at the end opposite to the upper wall. The pivoting element participates in guiding the rotational movement of the cover about the pivot axis between the covering position and the release position. To this end, the pivoting element cooperates with a pivoting member of the base.

[0023] According to another optional feature of the invention, the front wall is formed in the continuation of the upper wall and has a stop edge on the side opposite to the upper wall, the stop edge being delimited laterally by the lateral walls, the stop edge being configured to cooperate with the base in order to define the release position of the cover. More precisely, when the cover is in the release position, the stop edge is in contact with the base.

[0024] According to another optional feature of the invention, each of the lateral walls comprises an extension extending beyond the stop edge of the front wall, the pivot element being at least partially arranged on one and / or the other of the extensions of the lateral walls.

[0025] According to another optional feature of the invention, each of the extensions supports a pivot element, the pivot elements being aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0026] According to another optional feature of the invention, the extension portions are laterally offset relative to a main extension plane of the lateral walls. In other words, the main extension plane of each of the extension portions is separate from the plane in which one or the other of the lateral walls extends.

[0027] According to another optional feature of the invention, the stop edge of the front wall extends between two extensions of the lateral walls.

[0028] According to another optional feature of the invention, the pivot element includes at least one aperture through one of the lateral walls, and the base includes a pivot device having at least one axis protruding laterally from the base to the first longitudinal end and having an end at least partially accommodated in the aperture of the pivot element.

[0029] According to another optional feature of the invention, the pivoting element comprises at least one boss protruding from the inner face of one of the lateral walls, the boss being intended to tightly guide the cover against the wall of the base when the cover pivots about the pivot axis.

[0030] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cover comprises at least one rib extending along the inner face of the lateral wall and configured to abut against the wall of the guide block of the base.

[0031] According to another optional feature of the invention, the ribs extend parallel to the longitudinal direction from the front wall towards the free ends of the lateral walls.

[0032] According to another optional feature of the invention, the cover comprises at least one first rib arranged on one of the lateral walls and at least one second rib arranged on the other lateral wall, the ribs protruding towards the interior of the cover.

[0033] According to another optional feature of the invention, the first rib extends parallel to the second rib.

[0034] According to one feature of the present invention, the connecting module includes: at least one base, which is pivotally mounted on the connector around a pivot axis; and a rotating platform, which is rotatably mounted on the base around the rotation axis by being movable between a working position and an installation position, the pivot axis and the rotation axis extend parallel to and separately from each other, and a cover body is pivotally mounted on the base around the pivot axis, the cover body is movable between a covering position and a releasing position, the cover body and the rotating platform are arranged on the base, so that when the rotating platform is in the working position, the cover body in the covering position locks the free end of the rotating platform.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, the rotation axis and the pivot axis are formed at opposite longitudinal ends of the base.

[0036] The longitudinal offset between the two parts of the connecting module enables angular movement of the platform relative to the base, which is sufficient to enable the platform to cooperate with different types of wiper arms independently of the base when the platform is released from the base. The platform and the base are also configured to lock the positions of these different types of wiper arms once the position of the platform is fixed relative to the position of the base.

[0037] The subject of the invention is also a connection device comprising a connection module and a connector supporting a wiper, the connection module being characterized according to any of the preceding features and being mountable on the connector.

[0038] The subject of the invention is furthermore a wiper comprising a wiper blade and a connecting device according to any of the preceding features.

[0039] The subject of the invention is finally a wiper system comprising at least one wiper arm and a wiper according to the preceding features, the wiper being arranged at one end of the wiper arm, the wiper arm being fastened to the wiper by cooperating with connecting means.

[0040] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description and on studying several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0041] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a wiper on which a connecting device according to the invention is mounted;

[0042] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the wiper and connecting device shown;

[0043] [ Figure 3 ] is formed Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of a connector of the connecting device, a connecting module including a base and a rotating platform, and a cover;

[0044] [ Figure 4 ] is from Figure 3 A perspective view of the base of the connection module shown from above;

[0045] [ Figure 5 ] is from Figure 3 A perspective view of the base of the connection module as viewed from below;

[0046] [ Figure 6 ] is from Figure 3 A three-dimensional illustration of the rotating platform of the connection module as seen from above;

[0047] [ Figure 7 ] is from Figure 3 A three-dimensional illustration of the rotating platform of the connection module as seen from below;

[0048] [ Figure 8 ]yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the cover shown;

[0049] [ Fig. 9 ]yes Figure 3 A longitudinal section of the connecting device shown, and wherein the cover cooperates with the rotating platform;

[0050] [ Fig.10 ]yes Figure 1 A longitudinal section of a connecting device shown and mounted on a wiper arm of a first type;

[0051] [ Fig.11 ]yes Figure 1 A perspective illustration of the connecting device shown and mounted on a wiper arm of the second type;

[0052] [ Fig.12 ]yes Figure 3 Longitudinal section of a connecting device shown and mounted on a wiper arm of a third type.

[0053] The features, variants and different embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it will be possible to envisage variants of the present invention comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from other features described, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide technical advantages and / or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0054] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference numerals.

[0055] In the following detailed description, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse" and "vertical" refer to the orientation of the wiper system according to the invention. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main extension direction of the wipers of the wiper system, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the reference system L, V, T represented in the drawings. The vertical direction corresponds to the stacking direction of the connector, the base and the rotating platform of the connecting device of the wiper system, which is parallel to the vertical axis V of the reference system L, V, T and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, the transverse direction corresponds to the direction parallel to the transverse axis T of the reference system L, V, T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V.

[0056] Figure 1 A wiper system 1 is shown, which is configured for cleaning a glass surface of a vehicle (e.g. a windshield) in order to improve the driver's view of the road ahead of the vehicle. The wiper system 1 comprises at least one wiper arm ( Figure 1 ), which wiper arm supports at one end a wiper 2 extending mainly in a longitudinal direction L.

[0057] The wiper 2 comprises at least one wiper blade 4 intended to come into contact with the glazed surface to be cleaned, and a support 6 for said wiper blade 4 .

[0058] The wiper 2 is also fastened to the wiper arm by means of a connection device 8. The connection device 8 comprises a connector 10 fastened to the wiper 2 and a connection module 12 according to the invention pivotably mounted on the connector 10 and configured to be fastened to the wiper arm of the wiper system 1.

[0059] The pivotable mounting of the connection module 12 on the connector 10 thus enables the wiper 2 to be pivoted at one of the ends of the wiper arm and thus ensures that the wiper blade 4 is pressed against the glazed surface to be wiped.

[0060] More particularly and as in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the connection module 12 comprises a base 14 pivotably mounted on the connector 10 about a pivot axis P and a rotating platform 16 rotatably mounted on the base 14 about a rotation axis R. As can be seen in FIG.

[0061] It should be noted that, according to the invention and as will be described in detail below, the connection device is notable in that it comprises a pivotable cover supporting blocking means, which are arranged in particular on elastically deformable tongues. This configuration can be implemented independently of the presence of a rotating platform pivotably mounted on the base. In the following description, details will be given about the structure of the rotating platform, without this being a limitation of the invention.

[0062] In the example illustrated, the connecting device 8 comprises three components (i.e. a connector 10, a base 14 and a rotating platform 16) which are articulated in pairs so as to allow, on the one hand, the connector 10 and thereby the wiper 2 to pivot relative to the connecting module 12 and, on the other hand, to allow different types of wiper arms to be mounted on the connecting module 12.

[0063] As in Figure 3 As can be seen more particularly in , the pivot axis P and the rotation axis R can extend parallel to each other and separately. In the example shown, the pivot axis P is formed substantially at the center of the base 14 relative to the longitudinal dimension of the base, and the rotation axis R is formed at one of the longitudinal ends of the base 14. The longitudinal offset of the rotation axis relative to the pivot axis P and the rotation axis R allows the rotating platform to be tilted to a mounting position inclined relative to the longitudinal and transverse planes of the base, the tilting of the rotating platform allowing a specific type of wiper arm to be mounted on the connecting device 8.

[0064] The pivot axis P and the rotation axis R may be vertically offset relative to each other.

[0065] According to the present invention and as Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figures 8 to 12 As can be seen in the drawing, the connecting device 8 comprises a cover 18 pivotably mounted about a pivot axis A which, in the example shown, is parallel to the pivot axis P and the axis of rotation R. In this case, the pivot axis A is formed at a longitudinal end of the base 14 which is opposite to the longitudinal end at which the axis of rotation R is formed.

[0066] According to the invention, the cover 18 is configured to be movable between a covering position that fixes a particular type of wiper arm to the connection device 8 and a release position that allows a particular type of wiper arm to be mounted on the connection device 8. Thus, the cover 18 participates in locking the position of the rotating platform 16 by cooperating with the free end 44 of the rotating platform. The cover 18 is in this position in particular when the arm is fastened to the connection module 12. It will therefore be understood that when the cover 18 is in the covering position, the cooperation between the parts of the connection module (in this case the base and the rotating platform) and the cover 18 participates in fastening the connection module 12 to the arm. Conversely, when the cover 18 is in the release position, it no longer cooperates with said parts of the connection module, thus allowing a possible disconnection between the arm and the connection module 12, so as to be able to remove the connection module 12 from the arm, for example.

[0067] In addition, as in Figure 2As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the connection device 8 may comprise a removable adapter 20 configured to be fastened to the rotating platform 16 and to enable cooperation between the connection device 8 and certain types of wiper arms that cannot be fastened directly to the rotating platform.

[0068] To this end, the removable adapter 20 comprises means for fastening by snap-fitting, able to cooperate with the rotating platform, and further comprises means for fastening a specific type of wiper arm.

[0069] In this example, as in Figure 2 As can be seen more particularly in , the connection device 8 may include a covering member 22 that is fastened to the rotating platform 16 and / or the base 14 and at least partially covers the connector 10, the rotating platform 16 and / or the base 14. The covering member 22 permits cooperation between the connection device 8 and a specific type of wiper arm.

[0070] The example of a connection module comprising a base and a rotating platform will now be described, in particular by referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Description of the base 14 and reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The connection module 12 is described in detail by describing the rotating platform 16 .

[0071] The base 14 comprises a rotating member 40 and a guide block 42, the rotating member being able to cooperate with the rotating platform 16 so as to allow the platform to rotate relative to the base about the rotation axis R, the guide block being intended to receive the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16. The base 14 extends longitudinally, having a first longitudinal end 46, near which the guide block 42 is arranged, and a second longitudinal end 48, near which the rotating member 40 is arranged. In addition to the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16, the guide block 42 is also intended to receive a wiper arm of a particular type and thus participates in fastening it to the connection module 12. The rotating member 40, for its part, allows the rotating platform 16 to rotate between a first position, in which the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 is arranged in the guide block 42, and a second position, in which the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 is arranged at a distance from the guide block 42.

[0072] In other words, the rotating platform 16 can be defined as being movable between a first working position shown, in which the rotating platform 16 is received in the guide block 42 of the base 14 , and a second installation position, in which the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 is arranged at a certain distance from the guide block 42 .

[0073] The two positions of the rotating platform may in particular be defined in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis R, i.e. in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V. When the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position, the main axis of extension of the rotating platform 16 is parallel to the main axis of extension of the base 14, in this case the longitudinal axis L. When the rotating platform 16 is in the second mounting position, the main axis of extension of the rotating platform 16 intersects the main axis of extension of the base 14.

[0074] It will be understood here that the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position when the wiper arm is mounted in the connecting device 8 and in the second mounting position when the wiper arm needs to be mounted or removed on the wiper and the associated connecting device 8 .

[0075] The base 14 comprises a frame comprising at least two longitudinal walls 50 extending parallel to each other between the first longitudinal end 46 and the second longitudinal end 48 along the longitudinal direction L, and two transverse walls 52 extending perpendicularly and between the longitudinal walls 50, the first transverse wall 52 being arranged at the first longitudinal end 46 of the structure and facing the guide block 42, and the second transverse wall 52 being arranged at the second longitudinal end 48 and supporting the rotating member 40. In other words, the transverse walls 52 extend parallel to the transverse direction T in such a way as to form with the longitudinal walls 50 a frame supporting at least the guide block 42 and the rotating member 40.

[0076] At least one longitudinal wall 50 supports the above-mentioned pivot member 38, which is configured to cooperate with the pivot element 36 of the connector 10. It will be understood that the pin of the pivot member 38 extends towards the outside of the longitudinal wall 50 supporting it, i.e. away from the other longitudinal wall, so as to cooperate with the orifice of the pivot element 36 supported by the corresponding section 34 of the connector 10.

[0077] More precisely, the pivoting member 38 comprises a tongue 54, delimited longitudinally by at least one vertical groove 181 formed in the longitudinal wall 50, bearing a pin extending transversely towards the outside of the base 14. The tongue 54 extends mainly in the vertical direction V, so that the bending axis of the tongue 54 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The bending of the tongue 54 makes it possible to mount the base 14 on the connector 10, the tongue 54 being movable about the bending axis during mounting of the base 14 on the connector 10 so as to return to its initial position once the pin has at least partially extended into the orifice of the section 34.

[0078] The longitudinal walls 50 are spaced apart from one another so that when the base 14 is secured to the connector by a snap fit, the longitudinal walls extend between the sections 34 of the connector 10 and the base 14 extends at least partially into the housing defined by the sections 34 of the connector 10 as stated above.

[0079] Furthermore, the longitudinal walls 50 each have a notch 56 extending longitudinally at the upper edge of the longitudinal wall 50 .

[0080] The guide block 42 arranged at the first longitudinal end 46 of the base comprises two lateral sections 64 extending parallel to one another in the vertical continuation of one of the longitudinal walls 50, each in a direction facing away from the connector 10. The lateral sections 64 participate in particular in delimiting a housing for the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 when the rotating platform is in the first working position.

[0081] The guide block 42 comprises at least one cutout 66 formed on the inner face of one of the lateral sections 64. Preferably, each of the inner faces of the lateral sections 64 has a cutout 66. At least one cutout participates in forming a hollow for receiving the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16.

[0082] More specifically, in the example illustrated, the guide block 42 comprises, on at least one of the lateral segments (in this case both lateral segments), a first notch 66a cooperating with the cover 18 and a second notch 66b cooperating with the rotating platform 16, each of the notches 66a, 66b being arranged on the inner face of the corresponding lateral segment 64. It will be understood here that the second notch 66b is configured to cooperate with the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 when it is in its working position, while the first notch 66a is configured to cooperate with the cover 18 to block it in the covering position, thus fixing at least the position of the rotating platform 16, and advantageously the position of the wiper arm.

[0083] According to the Figure 4In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first cutout 66 a and the second cutout 66 b are connected to each other so that they form only a single cutout 66 having two areas, one of which cooperates with the rotating platform 16 and the other cooperates with the cover body 18, but it should be noted that the first cutout and the second cutout can be made separately from each other without departing from the context of the present invention.

[0084] Furthermore, the base 14 comprises a pivoting member 68 which is capable of cooperating with a pivoting element 182 of the cover 18 in order to form a pivoting device between the base and the cover about a pivot axis A. The cover 18 is thus movable between a covering position, in which it is in contact with the guide block 42, thereby at least partially covering the housing of the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 and one end of the wiper arm fastened to the connecting device, and a release position, in which the cover 18 is at a distance from the guide block 42, in order in particular to allow the wiper arm to be mounted in its mounting position on the rotating platform. In this case, the pivoting member 68 comprises at least one shaft which projects laterally from the base 14 in the vicinity of the first longitudinal end 46 and which cooperates with the pivoting element 182 of the cover 18.

[0085] A stop mechanism 70 is associated with the pivoting member 68 for stopping the cover 18 when it pivots about the pivot axis A and blocking the cover 18 in its release position. The stop mechanism 70 takes the form of a pin extending in the transverse direction T from an outer face of one of the lateral sections 64 , for example.

[0086] As illustrated, the lateral segments 64 may be symmetrical to one another relative to a mid-plane of the base 14 that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P. As shown in FIG.

[0087] We will now refer in particular to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The rotating platform 16 is described in more detail.

[0088] The rotating platform 16 comprises a body 78 extending in the longitudinal direction L between a free end 44 configured to cooperate with the guide block 42 and a longitudinal edge 80 on which a rotating element 82 for rotating the rotating platform 16 about the axis of rotation R is mounted.

[0089] The body 78 generally takes the form of a wall extending mainly in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The body 78 has an upper surface 84 intended to face a wiper arm intended to be fastened to a connection device, a lower surface 86 intended to face the base 14 , and two lateral sides 88 .

[0090] The rotating platform 16 comprises a hole 90 intended to form a bearing for receiving the rod of the wiper arm, which hole extends transversely in the body 78 and opens on at least one of the lateral sides 88. It will be understood here that the wiper arm is mounted transversely on the connecting device 8, the arm being housed in the hole 90 forming the receiving bearing and which participates in fastening the connecting device 8 to the wiper arm.

[0091] The aforementioned rotating element 82 is particularly configured to cooperate with the rotating member 40 of the base 14 so that it can cause the rotating platform 16 to rotate between the first working position and the second installation position, as stated above.

[0092] Furthermore, the rotating platform 16 is configured to cooperate with the removable adapter 20 to secure the removable adapter 20 to the rotating platform 16. For example, the rotating platform 16 includes a window 98 formed by the vertical offset between the guide wall 94 and the body 78 of the rotating platform 16, the window 98 being intended to receive the hook portion of the adapter 20.

[0093] In addition, the rotating platform 16 comprises at least one fastening area 100 for fastening the removable adapter 20 to the body 78 of the rotating platform 16, the fastening area 100 taking the form of a recess arranged on the lateral side 88 of the body 78. Preferably, the rotating platform 16 comprises a pair of fastening areas 100, which are arranged on both sides of a mid-plane of the rotating platform perpendicular to the rotation axis R. These fastening areas are dimensioned to receive elastically deformable means on the removable adapter.

[0094] In the example illustrated, the rotating platform 16 comprises two fastening areas 100 for fastening the adapter 20 , which are arranged on the same lateral side 88 of the body 78 in order to hold the removable adapter on the rotating platform.

[0095] like Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 includes a first side 104 and a second side 106, wherein the first side extends one of the lateral sides 88 in a direction away from the rotating element 82, and the second side extends the other lateral side 88 in a direction away from the rotating element 82 and is parallel to the first side 104, and the first side 104 and the second side 106 define a housing for accommodating a type of wiper arm, in particular a wiper arm with a hook portion.

[0096] To this end, at least one of the first side 104 and / or the second side 106 comprises an elastically deformable tongue 108 with fingers 110 extending into the housing for receiving the wiper arm, the elastically deformable tongue 108 being surrounded by a slit formed in the corresponding side 104, 106. The initial shape of the tongue 108 and its elastically deformable nature make it possible, on the one hand, to ensure the penetration of the wiper arm into the receiving housing between the sides and, on the other hand, to ensure that each of the fingers 110 is in contact with the wiper arm when the wiper arm is in place in the receiving housing.

[0097] Furthermore, the first side 104 and the second side 106 are situated on either side of a receiving portion 107 of the rotating platform 16 intended to receive a portion of a hook of an arm of a type, the receiving portion 107 having, for example, a curved profile.

[0098] In addition, at least one of the lateral sides 88 includes a support member 112, which forms a protrusion on the edge between the lower surface 86 and the lateral side, in such a way as to form a support edge 114 facing the base 14, and when the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position, the support edge 114 is intended to be supported on the upper edge of the longitudinal wall 50 of the base 14 at the recess 56 when the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, the specific shape of the support member 112 and the recess 56 participates in defining an opening 116, which participates in blocking a specific type of wiper arm in place relative to the connection module 12, this specific type of wiper arm including a fastening element that can be accommodated in the opening 116, which is closed when the rotating platform is folded down on the base and makes it possible to retain the fastening element of the wiper arm.

[0100] We will now refer specifically to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The cover 18 pivotably mounted on one of the components of the connection module and more particularly in this case on the base 14 is described in more detail.

[0101] According to the invention, the cover 18 has an elastically deformable tongue 198 on which means for blocking at least one type of wiper arm are provided, and on which means for blocking different types of wiper arms may be provided.

[0102] As in Figure 8As can be seen in FIG, the cover 18 comprises at least a front wall 184, an upper wall 186 and two lateral walls 188, the front wall 184 and the upper wall 186 extending transversely between the lateral walls 188. More specifically, the front wall 184 extends generally in a plane parallel to the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V, the upper wall 186 extends generally in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, and the lateral walls 188, for their part, extend in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V.

[0103] The lateral walls 188 at least partially support the pivot element 182 at the ends opposite to the upper wall 186. It can be defined that the lateral walls 188 each have an upper end in contact with the upper wall 186 and a lower end vertically opposite to the upper end, and the pivot element 182 is therefore at least partially arranged at the lower end of the pivot element 182.

[0104] More specifically, each of the lateral walls 188 includes an extension portion 190 extending at a lower end thereof, and the pivot element 182 is at least partially disposed on one and / or the other of the extension portions 190 of the lateral walls 188 .

[0105] As in Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the extensions 190 are laterally offset relative to a main extension plane of the lateral walls 188. In other words, the main extension plane of each of the extensions 190 is separated from the plane in which one or the other of the lateral walls 188 extends.

[0106] In addition, the extensions 190 have a larger spacing than the spacing between the lateral walls 188, which spacing in this case is measured in a direction parallel to the pivoting direction A and is measured respectively between the inner face of the extensions 190 and the inner face of the lateral walls 188. This difference between the spacing optimizes the mounting of the cover 18 on the base 14 while facilitating the pivoting of the cover 18 on the base 14.

[0107] The pivoting element 182 for its part comprises at least one orifice passing through one of the extensions 190 of the lateral wall 188. It will be understood that the shaft of the pivoting member 68 of the base 14 has an end at least partially housed in the orifice of the pivoting member 182, thereby forming a pivoting device allowing the cover 18 to pivot about the pivoting direction A.

[0108] Preferably, each of the extensions 190 supports a pivoting element 182 aligned relative to one another in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A. The base 14 advantageously supports two pivoting members 68 each of which cooperates with one of the two pivoting elements 182 to form a pivoting device allowing the cover 18 to be movable between a covering position and a release position.

[0109] According to one feature of the invention, the pivoting element 182 includes at least one boss 192 protruding from the inner face of one of the lateral walls 188. The term "boss 192" should be understood to refer to a protrusion of relatively small size compared to the width of the lateral wall 188 from which it protrudes. For example, in this case, the boss 192 takes a substantially spherical shape. However, the boss 192 taking another shape would not depart from the scope of the invention.

[0110] In this case, the boss 192 is intended to tightly guide the cover 18 against the wall of the base 14 when the cover 18 pivots about the pivot axis A. More particularly, this tight guidance is achieved against the outer face of one of the longitudinal walls 50 of the base 14 and / or against the outer face of one of the lateral sections 64 of the guide block 42.

[0111] As in Figure 8 As can be seen in the figure, the cover 18 comprises at least one rib 194 extending along the inner face of the lateral wall 188 and configured to abut against the wall of the guide block of the base. More precisely, the rib 194 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction from the front wall 184 towards the free end of the lateral wall 188. In addition, the rib 194 forms a transverse projection from a lateral wall 188 of the cover towards the other lateral wall 188 of the cover.

[0112] The lateral wall 188 advantageously comprises two ribs 194 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction V, the two ribs 194 extending parallel to each other.

[0113] Preferably, the cover body includes at least one first rib 194 provided on one of the lateral walls 188 and at least one second rib 194 provided on the other lateral wall 188, and these ribs 194 protrude toward the inside of the cover body. The first rib 194 and the second rib 194 are aligned relative to each other in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A. In addition, the first rib 194 extends parallel to the second rib 194.

[0114] In this case, the aforementioned ribs 194 make it possible to guide the lateral walls 188 tightly against the lateral sections 64 of the guide blocks 42 or against the longitudinal walls of the base 14 , in particular when the cover 18 is in the covering position.

[0115] The front wall 184, for its part, is formed in the continuation of the upper wall 186 and has, on the side opposite to the upper wall 186, a stop edge 196, which is laterally delimited by the lateral walls 188. In this case, this stop edge 196 is configured to cooperate with the base 14 in order to define the release position of the cover 18. In other words, the stop edge 196 is in contact with the base 14 when the cover 18 is in the release position.

[0116] More specifically, when the cover 18 is in the release position, the stop edge 196 comes into contact with the guide block 42 of the base 14 and / or with the transverse wall 52 extending at the first longitudinal end 46 of the base 14 .

[0117] Preferably, a stop edge 196 of the front wall 184 extends between the two extensions 190 of the lateral walls 188 . The stop edge 196 is in this case linear and extends parallel to the pivot axis A and is delimited transversely by the extensions 190 of the lateral walls 188 .

[0118] According to the invention, the cover 18 comprises an elastically deformable tongue 198 on which means for blocking at least one wiper arm are arranged.

[0119] In the example illustrated, the tongue extends on the upper wall 186 towards the free end of the upper wall 186. The term "elastically deformable" is understood to mean that the tongue returns to its initial position after undergoing a deformation due to a force exerted on said tongue.

[0120] As in Figure 8 As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 1 , the elastically deformable tongue 198 extends primarily toward the base 14 and / or the rotating platform 16. More precisely, the elastically deformable tongue 198 extends longitudinally from the front wall 184 toward the base 14 and / or the rotating platform 16 and has a free end edge 200.

[0121] The elastically deformable tongue 198 advantageously has a thickness greater than the average thickness of the upper wall 186, in this case measured in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the upper wall 186 and / or of the elastically deformable tongue 198. This additional thickness reinforces the elastically deformable tongue 198 so as to optimize the solidity of said tongue.

[0122] The tongue is movable about a bending direction parallel to the pivoting direction A. More particularly, in this case, the elastically deformable tongue 198 is delimited by two longitudinal grooves 181 opening on the free end edge 200 of the upper wall 186 and the arrangement of these longitudinal grooves imparts mobility to the elastically deformable tongue 198 about a bending direction parallel to the pivoting direction A. Preferably, the two grooves 181 extend parallel to each other and have the same transverse and longitudinal dimensions from the free end edge of the top wall.

[0123] The free end edge 200 of the elastically deformable tongue 198 has a shoulder 183 intended to cooperate with a type of wiper arm. Fig.12More particularly described, the shoulder 183 forms one of the blocking means provided on the elastically deformable tongue, since it is configured to cooperate with the yoke of the arm, for example in order to block the position of the connecting device 8 on the arm longitudinally and vertically.

[0124] The elastically deformable tongue 198 has a gripping tab 185 extending in the continuation of the free end edge 200. This gripping tab 185 enables the user to more easily move the cover from the covering position to the releasing position. The gripping tab 185 takes a curved shape seen in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis A. In addition, and as will be referred to Fig.11 Described in more detail, the gripping tab 185 may form one of the blocking means provided on the elastically deformable tongue, the gripping tab being configured to cooperate with the yoke of the arm, for example in order to longitudinally and vertically block the position of the connecting device 8 on the arm.

[0125] The cover according to the invention may include other blocking mechanisms, including, for example, Figure 8 The wedging means 187 can be seen in the figure, which takes the form of a fin extending from the front wall 184 towards the connection module in a plane perpendicular to the pivoting direction. The fin 187 forming the wedging means is fastened to the front wall 184 and also to the elastically deformable tongue 198, so that it forms one of the blocking means provided on the elastically deformable tongue within the meaning of the invention. As will be particularly referred to Fig.10 Described, wedging mechanism 187 is therefore configured to longitudinally block the position of one type of arm. In addition, wedging mechanism 187 strengthens the bending of elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece 198, thereby limiting the risk of irreversible deformation or fracture of the elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece 198.

[0126] In this case, the fin forming the wedging means 187 has a front edge 189 facing the base and / or rotating platform, which participates in longitudinally blocking the position of a type of arm on which the connecting device 8 is mounted, and a curved edge 191 facing the front wall.

[0127] Preferably, the cover comprises two fins 187 which are symmetrical to each other relative to a median plane of the base 14 perpendicular to the pivot axis A.

[0128] The cover also comprises a locking mechanism 196 in this case in the form of a locking tooth extending from an elastically deformable tongue 198, the locking tooth 193 being intended to cooperate with the cutouts 66, 66a, 66b of the guide block 42 in order to block the cover in the covering position. More precisely, the locking tooth 193 cooperates with the first cutout 66a of the guide block 42.

[0129] Preferably, the cover comprises two locking teeth 193 which are symmetrical to each other relative to a median plane of the base 14 perpendicular to the pivot axis A. Each of the locking teeth 193 cooperates with one of the first notches 66 a of the guide block 42 to block the cover 18 in the covering position. In addition, the two locking teeth 193 are laterally located on both sides of the two fins 187.

[0130] In this context, for example Figure 8 As can be seen in Figure 1, one or more locking mechanisms 193 and the blocking mechanism of the wiper arm are supported by an elastically deformable tongue. In order to be able to integrate these different mechanisms on this single tongue, at least one locking mechanism and at least one wedging mechanism are offset relative to each other along the pivot axis A. And a further blocking mechanism is provided at the free end edge of the tongue.

[0131] In a variant (not shown), the locking mechanism 196 of the cover may take the form of a locking stud provided on at least one lateral face of the cover, configured to cooperate with a corresponding through opening of the guide block 42 of the base to block the cover in the covering position.

[0132] Furthermore, the cover 18 can be particularly useful in the context described above, in which the connector 10, the base 14 and the rotating platform 16 cooperate with one another so that the connection device 8 can adopt a mounting position during which the rotating platform 16 is in the second mounting position and a working position during which the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position. When it is in the covering position, the cover 18 makes it possible to form a stop for the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16, in particular when the rotating platform is in the first working position. The free end 44 then abuts against the lower face of, for example, an elastically deformable tongue 198, thereby preventing the rotating platform from adopting the second mounting position.

[0133] By means of the specific shape of the cover and the integration of different blocking, wedging and locking mechanisms on the elastically deformable tongue of the cover, different types of wiper arms can be mounted on the connecting device 8 .

[0134] like Fig.10As shown, one type of wiper arm 119 may include a hook 121 extending at least partially into a receiving housing defined by a component of the connection module, in this case at least partially by the first side 104 and the second side 106 of the rotating platform 16. It will be understood here that, in order to mount the connection device 8 on the hook 121 of the arm 119, the cover 18 is pre-positioned in a release position by pivoting about the pivot axis A, so as to enable the rotating platform 16 to be positioned in the second mounting position, if necessary, by rotating about the rotation axis R, so as to release the free end 44 of the rotating platform and in particular the receiving portion 107 formed between the two sides 104, 106. The end of the hook 121 slides under the rotating platform 16, so as to face the lower surface 86 of the body 78, and the hook returns in the direction of the platform until the hook abuts against the receiving portion 107 and the end of the hook comes into contact with the guide element 118. In this movement, the wiper arm first moves apart the elastic tongue 108 and the finger 110 formed on the sides 104, 106 of the free end of the rotating platform 16. The wiper arm with the hook 121 is held in position against the rotating platform by elastically returning to the position of the finger 110 tending to press the hook against the receiving portion. The position of the arm relative to the connecting device is then secured and locked by folding the rotating platform down on the base and positioning the cover 18 in the covering position, thereby blocking the position of the rotating platform by the free end 44 against the elastically deformable tongue 198 of the cover 18 and in particular against the wedging mechanism 187. In this position, for example, if the fingers 110 no longer fulfil their longitudinal retention function or if no such fingers are provided, the wedging mechanism 187 also participates in forming a longitudinal stop for the movement of the wiper arm with the hook 121.

[0135] Alternatively, once the rotating platform 16 is in the working position and the covering member 22 covers the connecting module 12 , a wiper arm 119 of this type with the hook 121 can be inserted into the connecting device 8 in the above-described manner, as long as the cover 18 is in its release position.

[0136] Furthermore, in this case, the installation and cooperation of the wiper arm 119 with the hook 121 has been described and illustrated without the presence of the above-mentioned covering member 22, but it should be noted that the connection according to the present invention and in particular the shape of the covering member is designed to allow the hook 121 to be installed on the connection module in the presence of the covering member.

[0137] like Fig.11As shown, a type of wiper arm 123 comprises a yoke 124 at least partially covering the connection module 12, the arm 123 comprising at least one fastening element 126 which is trapped in the opening defined by the support member 112 of the rotating platform 16 and the recess 56 of the base 14 when the rotating platform 16 is folded down on the base 14. It will be understood here that in order to mount the connection device 8 on a wiper arm 123 of this type, the cover 18 is pre-positioned in a release position by pivoting about the pivot axis A so as to enable the rotating platform 16 to be positioned in a second mounting position by rotating about the rotation axis R so as to be able to introduce the fastening element 126 into the opening without forcing it and weakening it. The rotating platform 16 is then folded down on the base 14 by rotating about the rotation axis R so as to close the opening and trap the fastening element. The cover 18 is then folded down into the covering position so as to block the position of the rotating platform 16. More particularly, in this cooperation with a wiper arm 123 of this type, it is the gripping tab 185 that forms one of the blocking means provided on the elastically deformable tongue, by vertically covering the end edge of the yoke of a wiper arm 123 of this type.

[0138] Fig.12 , another type of wiper arm 125 is shown, which also comprises a yoke 124 capable of at least partially covering the connection module 12. The free end of the yoke 124 is covered by the cover 18 in its covering position so as to vertically block the yoke 124 relative to the connection device 8 and the yoke 124 rests opposite to at least one of the studs 168 of the removable adapter 20 / the other side of the yoke rests on the at least one stud. One end of the yoke 124 is thus received in the shoulder 183 of the elastically deformable tongue 198 of the cover 18, which, as mentioned, forms one of the blocking means supported by the cover.

[0139] This type of wiper arm 125 can be mounted on the connection device with the rotating platform 16 in its first working position and in its second mounting position, as long as the cover is pivoted to adopt its release position. Once the wiper arm is in place on the connection module and in particular on the removable adapter 20, the cover can be folded down to capture the free end of the yoke 124.

[0140] These different examples of cooperation between the connection device and the wiper arm illustrate the benefits of arranging the blocking means and in this case, for example, the shoulder, on an elastically deformable tongue, since this makes it possible to absorb assembly play and ensure contact between the wiper arm to be blocked and the blocking means. Regardless of the number of components forming the connection module, and for example in the case of a rotatable platform relative to the base, in which the possible movement of the various components within the connection module increases the assembly play, it is advantageous to be able to rely on the flexibility of the elastically deformable tongue to adapt the position of the wiper arm to be blocked and to ensure that the blocking means carried by the cover is in contact with or as close as possible to the wiper arm to be blocked.

[0141] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but also extends to any equivalent means and configurations, as well as any technically operable combination of such means.

Claims

1. A connection module (12) for connecting a connection device (8) of a wiper (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) to an arm (119, 123, 125) of a wiper system (1), the connection module (12) being mountable on a connector (10) of the connection device (8) configured to support the wiper (2) and connectable to the arm (119, 123, 125) on the other hand, the connection module (12) comprising a cover (18) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (A) and comprises a blocking mechanism (183, 187) for blocking at least one type of arm, characterized in that The cover body (18) has an elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece (198), and the blocking mechanism is arranged on the elastically deformable tongue-shaped piece.

2. The connection module (12) according to the preceding claim, wherein The elastically deformable tongue (198) is movable about a bending direction parallel to the pivot axis (A).

3. The connection module (12) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastically deformable tongue (198) is formed in an upper wall (186) configured to at least partially cover the arm in a covering position of the cover.

4. The connection module (12) according to the preceding claim, wherein The thickness of the elastically deformable tongue (198) is greater than the average thickness of the upper wall (186).

5. The connection module (12) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein: The elastically deformable tongue (198) is delimited by two longitudinal grooves (181) opening at the free end edge (200) of the upper wall (186).

6. The connection module (12) according to claim 3, wherein One of the blocking means comprises a shoulder (183) formed in a free end edge (200) of the upper wall (186), the shoulder (183) being intended to cooperate with a type of wiper arm (119, 123, 125).

7. The connection module (12) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: A gripping tab (185) extends in the continuation of said free end edge (200) of said elastically deformable tongue (198).

8. The connection module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein One of the blocking mechanisms comprises at least one wedging mechanism (187), which extends at least partially from the elastically deformable tongue (198) in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (A), and the wedging mechanism (187) is intended to longitudinally wedge the position of a type of arm (119, 123, 125).

9. The connection module (12) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (18) is pivotally mounted on the base (14) of the connection module (12), and wherein the cover (18) includes at least one locking mechanism (193) extending from the elastically deformable tongue (198) and configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member (66, 66a, 66b) formed on the base (14).

10. The connection module (12) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one locking mechanism (193) and the at least one wedging mechanism (187), at least partially supported by the elastically deformable tongue (198), are offset relative to each other along the pivot axis (A).

11. The connection module (12) according to the preceding claim, wherein The base (14) is pivotally mounted on the connector (10) about a pivot axis (P), and the rotating platform (16) is rotatably mounted on the base (14) about a rotation axis (R), and wherein the cover body (18) and the rotating platform (16) are arranged on the base (14) so ​​that the cover body (18) in the covering position can cover the free end (44) of the rotating platform (16) so as to lock the rotating platform (16) on the base (14).

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