Adapter for wiper system

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (20) for a device (8) for connecting a wiper blade (2) to an arm of a wiper system (1), the connecting device (8) comprising at least a connecting module (12) and an adapter extending in a longitudinal main extension direction (L), characterized in that the adapter comprises fastening means for at least a plurality of different types of wiper arms, the fastening devices are configured to provide at least four different fastening planes in each of a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and also in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wiper systems for motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of connection devices positioned between a wiper arm and a wiper blade of such a wiper system.

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

[0003] A connection device is arranged between the wiper blade and the wiper arm so that the wiper blade can be driven. More particularly, the connection device comprises an adapter arranged between the wiper arm and a connector attached to the wiper blade. The adapter is then fixed to the wiper arm, more particularly to the free end of the wiper arm, this cooperation being reversible so that the wiper blade can 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 equipment manufacturers to develop many different adapters (wherein for each type of wiper arm on the market, at least one adapter is developed) and secondly requires users who need to replace their wiper blades to adapt and pay extra attention when choosing the correct adapter according to the type of wiper arm on which the wiper blade is to be mounted.

[0005] The present invention falls within this field and proposes a universal connection device between a wiper blade and an arm, ie a connection device allowing the wiper blade to be connected to at least two different types of arms currently on the market.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to an adapter for a device for connecting a wiper blade to an arm of a wiper system, the connection device comprising at least a connection module and an adapter extending in a longitudinal main extension direction, the adapter comprising at least two side walls opposite to each other in a transverse direction of the adapter, and at least one upper wall, the at least one upper wall extending in a longitudinal and transverse plane so as to connect these side walls together, the adapter comprising reversible fixing devices, which are configured to removably fix the adapter to the connection module, characterized in that the adapter comprises fastening devices for at least a plurality of different types of wiper arms, which fastening devices are configured to provide at least four different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions and also in a vertical direction perpendicular to these two directions.

[0007] The wiper blade and the wiper arm form part of a wiper system of a vehicle for at least partially cleaning the glazed surface of the vehicle. More particularly, the wiper system comprises: a wiper arm; a motor configured to rotate the arm and allow the wiper blade to move back and forth along the glazed surface and clean the glazed surface by means of a rubber supported by the wiper blade when the wiper blade moves with the arm via a connection device and, where applicable, an adapter forming the object of the present invention.

[0008] As already stated, the adapter according to the invention is configured to cooperate with different types of wiper arms, making it possible to use the same connection module and the same adapter to fix the wiper blade to different types of wiper arms. This standardization helps to limit costs for the user and facilitates the installation operations, since it is no longer necessary to ensure that the connection module or the adapter mounted on it is indeed the correct part for fixing a specific wiper arm.

[0009] For this purpose, the adapter comprises a plurality of fastening means configured to define a plurality of fastening planes in each of three directions perpendicular to one another (longitudinal, vertical and transverse), and at least one of these fastening planes and / or another plane is usable depending on the type of wiper arm to be fixed to the wiper blade. Thus, a connection assembly formed on the adapter and dedicated to fixing a certain type of wiper arm can be formed by several fastening means present on the adapter, provided that the same fastening means can form part of a plurality of connection assemblies. In other words, a fastening means can form a first connection assembly with a first set of further fastening means and can also form a second connection assembly with a second set of further fastening means to cooperate with another type of wiper arm.

[0010] According to a feature of the invention, the fastening means are configured to provide at least five fastening planes in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] According to a feature of the invention, the fastening means are configured to provide at least six fastening planes in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to a feature of the invention, the fastening means are configured to provide at least five fastening planes in the transverse direction.

[0013] According to a feature of the invention, the fastening means are configured to provide at least five fastening planes in the vertical direction.

[0014] According to a feature of the invention, the first fastening means is configured to form two fastening paths for a certain type of wiper arm along the upper wall, namely a longitudinal fastening path and a transverse fastening path. In particular, the longitudinal fastening path is configured to receive a hook-type wiper arm, which rests on the upper wall of the adapter, wherein the first fastening means are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal fastening path and form two separate fastening planes in the transverse direction so as to fasten the hook-type wiper arm in each direction. In particular, the transverse fastening path is configured to receive a certain type of wiper arm by means of side fixing, the wiper arm being arranged on one side of the side wall of the adapter and having a supporting lug, which rests on the upper wall of the adapter in the transverse fastening path so as to engage on the other side wall, wherein the first fastening means are arranged on both sides of the transverse fastening path so as to form two separate fastening planes in the longitudinal direction so as to fasten the supporting lug of the wiper arm by means of side fixing in each direction. In each of these cooperations, the upper wall forms a fastening plane in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, the fastening means comprises additional fastening means at least longitudinally offset relative to the first fastening means, the first fastening means and the additional fastening means being configured to allow the fixation of another type of wiper arm and / or the fixation of the cover element of the connection module in a coordinated manner. The additional fastening means contribute to forming at least a fastening plane in the longitudinal direction and a fastening plane in the vertical direction, which are separated from the fastening plane formed by the first fastening means. In addition, in this coordinated fixation of the first fastening means and the additional fastening means, the first fastening means acts on the upper face of the upper wall facing away from the adapter, which upper face forms a specific fastening plane in the vertical direction.

[0016] According to a feature of the invention, the side walls and the upper wall delimit a receiving space for the connection module, in which the reversible fixing means are formed.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, the fixing means are formed in a receiving space of the platform of the connection module.

[0018] According to a feature of the invention, the fixing means are formed so as to protrude from the side wall of the adapter. The positioning of the fixing means on the side wall allows the adapter to be resiliently clipped to the platform of the connection module (which is thus reversible), these fixing means having a free end facing away from the upper wall and thus being flexible about a flexure axis formed at the junction of the side wall with the upper wall.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the fixing means comprises at least one supporting wall turned towards the upper wall of the adapter. This supporting wall forms a stop element which helps to block the position of the adapter on the platform when the fixing means returns to their original position under the elastic recovery of the side walls of the adapter.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, a hook extends from the upper wall of the adapter at least partially towards the receiving space of the platform. The hook contributes to forming a fixing device allowing the adapter to be held in position on the rotating platform of the connection module.

[0021] According to a feature of the invention, the first fastening means comprise at least two uprights protruding from the upper wall of the adapter, the uprights being arranged such that their side faces at least partially delimit the fastening path and define two different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0022] According to a feature of the invention, the first fastening means comprise four uprights, each upright participating in forming two different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0023] According to a feature of the invention, the upright has an upper face perpendicular to the side faces, said upper face defining a separate vertical fastening plane parallel to the vertical fastening plane defined by the upper wall.

[0024] According to a feature of the invention, the additional fastening means comprise at least one elastically deformable locking tab extending longitudinally along one of the side walls of the adapter.

[0025] According to a feature of the invention, the at least one locking tab comprises at least one overthickness protruding laterally from the free end of the locking tab, which overthickness forms an additional longitudinal fastening plane, an additional transverse fastening plane, and an additional vertical fastening plane for another type of wiper arm and / or a cover element of a connecting module.

[0026] According to a feature of the invention, one of the fastening means comprises a stop means extending partially one of the side walls, facing away from the upper wall, said stop means being configured to form a longitudinal fastening plane or a vertical fastening plane.

[0027] According to a feature of the invention, at least one of the connection assemblies comprises at least one through hole formed in at least one of the side walls of the adapter. The hole or holes is configured and dimensioned to receive a fixing handle of a wiper arm with a side fixation, wherein, for this purpose, each hole and the peripheral edge delimiting the hole form two fastening planes in the longitudinal direction and two fastening planes in the vertical direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the handle, along which the handle is inserted into the hole or holes.

[0028] According to a feature of the invention, the through hole is formed on the side wall of the adapter at the second longitudinal end.

[0029] The invention also relates to a connection assembly comprising the above-mentioned adapter and a connection module, the adapter being removably fixable to the connection module via a reversible fixing device.

[0030] The invention also relates to a device for connecting a wiper blade to an arm of a wiper system, the connection device comprising at least one connector capable of being fixed to the wiper blade and a connection assembly as described above, wherein the connection assembly is attached to the connector by cooperation of the connector with a connection module. In particular, the connection module can be pivotably mounted on a connector fixed to the wiper blade, the pivot axis allowing the assembly formed by the connector and the wiper blade to pivot relative to the wiper arm in a generally known manner in order to adapt the position of the wiper blade against the glass surface to be wiped during the back and forth movement of the wiper blade.

[0031] According to a feature of the invention, the connection module comprises a base pivotably mounted on the connector and a platform mounted on the base so as to be rotatable around a transverse rotation axis, to which the adapter is removably fixed via a reversible fixing device. In this case, the connection module is divided into at least two parts, which are rotatable relative to each other, namely, a base providing the pivoting function of the connection module relative to the connector as described above, and a rotating platform movably mounted relative to the base. The connection module can then be configured so that the transverse rotation axis is longitudinally offset relative to the pivot axis formed between the base and the connector, thereby allowing an angular movement of the platform relative to the base, which angular movement is sufficient to allow the adapter fixed to the platform to cooperate with different types of wiper arms independently of the base in a release position of the platform relative to the base, the platform and the base also being 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.

[0032] The invention also relates to a wiper blade comprising at least one wiper rubber and a connection device similar to the one described above, the rubber being supported directly or indirectly by a connector and the connection module being pivotably mounted relative to the connector.

[0033] The invention also relates to a wiper system for a vehicle, comprising: a wiper blade, which is fixed to a connection device similar to the connection device described above; and an arm, which is attached to the wiper blade by an adapter that fixes the arm to the connection module, the arm being fastened by the adapter at least in each of the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction, and the different fastening planes are formed by fastening means contained in the adapter.

[0034] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description given by way of indication with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a wiper blade on which a connection device according to the invention is mounted;

[0036] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the wiper blade and connecting device shown;

[0037] [ Figure 3 ] is formed Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of a connector of the connection device, a connection module including a base and a rotating platform, and a cap body;

[0038] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the connection module and the cap body shown, wherein the rotating platform is in the installed position;

[0039] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the rotating platform shown from above;

[0040] [ Figure 6 ] is a perspective view of an adapter for connecting a device mounted on a rotating platform;

[0041] [ Figure 7 ] is from Figure 6 A stereoscopic view of an adapter;

[0042] [ Figure 8 ] is installed from Figure 6 a perspective view from below of an adapter on an end of a wiper arm according to a first type, wherein the associated connection device is not shown here for the sake of illustrating the adapter;

[0043] [ Fig. 9 ] is from Figure 8 a perspective view from above of an arm mounted on a connection device;

[0044] [ Fig.10] is along the Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a longitudinal plane of an arm mounted on a connecting device;

[0045] [ Fig.11 ] is a perspective view of a wiper blade and a connecting device cooperating with a wiper arm according to a second type, the arm here covering the wiper blade from Figure 6 adapter;

[0046] [ Fig.12 ] is as Fig.11 a cross-sectional view of a wiper blade, a connecting device and a wiper arm according to a second type shown;

[0047] [ Fig.13 ] is a perspective view of a wiper blade and a connection device cooperating with a wiper arm according to a third type, the arm being in particular with a wiper blade from Figure 6 Adapter collaboration;

[0048] [ Fig.14 ] is a perspective view of a wiper blade and a connection device cooperating with a wiper arm according to a fourth type, the arm being in particular with a wiper blade from Figure 6 adapter collaboration.

[0049] First, it should be noted that although the drawings disclose the embodiments of the present invention in detail, these drawings can obviously be used to better define the present invention where appropriate. It should also be noted that these drawings disclose only exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] The features, variants and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are compatible or not mutually exclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that the variant of the present invention only includes the selection of the features described below that are separated from the other features described, provided that this selection of features is sufficient to confer technical advantages and / or distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0051] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference numerals.

[0052] 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 wiper blade of the wiper system and, in the present case, to the main extension direction of the adapter that is the subject of the invention and that participates in fixing the wiper blade to the arm of the wiper system, parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the coordinate system L, V, T shown in the attached figures. The vertical direction corresponds to the stacking direction of the connector and the connection module on which the adapter is mounted, parallel to the vertical axis V of the coordinate system L, V, T and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, the transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to the transverse axis T of the coordinate system L, V, T, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V.

[0053] Figure 1 A wiper system 1 is shown, which is configured to clean a glass surface of a vehicle (e.g. a windshield) so as 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 at least one wiper arm supports at one end a wiper blade 2 extending mainly in the longitudinal direction L.

[0054] The wiper blade 2 comprises at least one wiper rubber 4 intended to come into contact with the glazed surface to be cleaned, and a support 6 of said wiper rubber 4 .

[0055] The wiper blade 2 is also connected to the wiper arm by a connection device 8. The connection device 8 according to the invention comprises at least one connector 10 connected to the wiper blade 2 and a connection module 12 pivotably mounted on the connector 10, the connection module 12 being intended to be connected to the wiper arm of the wiper system 1.

[0056] The pivotable mounting of the connecting module 12 on the connector 10 thus allows the wiper blade 2 to be pivoted at one end of the wiper arm and thus ensures that the wiping rubber 4 is pressed onto the glazed surface to be wiped.

[0057] In the example shown, and as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the connection module 12 includes 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.

[0058] It should be noted that, according to the invention and as will be described in detail below, the connection device differs in that it comprises a removable adapter providing a plurality of fastening planes in a plurality of different directions, thereby allowing a large number of different types of wiper arms to be fixed to the same adapter mounted on the connection module. Such a configuration can be implemented independently of the presence of a rotating platform pivotably mounted on the base. The following description gives details of the structure of the rotating platform, which is not a limitation of the invention.

[0059] More specifically, as in Figure 3 As can be seen from the figure, the pivot axis P and the rotation axis R can extend parallel to and apart from each other. 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. Figure 4 As shown, the longitudinal offset of the rotation axis R relative to the pivot axis P allows the swivel platform to be swung into a mounting position inclined relative to the longitudinal and transverse planes of the base, which swivel allows certain types of wiper arms to be mounted on the connection device 8 .

[0060] The pivot axis P and the rotation axis R may be vertically offset from each other.

[0061] In particular, as in Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the connection device 8 comprises a cap 18 mounted so as to be pivotally movable about a pivot axis A which, in the example illustrated, is parallel to the pivot axis P and to the axis of rotation R. The pivot axis A is formed here at a longitudinal end of the base 14 which is opposite to the longitudinal end forming the axis of rotation R. The cap 18 is configured so as to be movable between a covering position, in which certain types of wiper arms are fixed to the connection device 8, and a release position which allows certain types of wiper arms to be mounted on the connection device 8.

[0062] According to the present invention, Figure 2 As can be seen above, the connection device 8 comprises a removable adapter 20 configured to be fixed on the connection module according to the type of wiper arm to be associated with the wiper blade, wherein the adapter 20 forms an assembly with the connection module configured to allow cooperation between the connection device 8 and certain types of wiper arms that cannot be fixed directly to one of the parts of the connection module. In the example illustrated, the adapter 20 is mounted on the rotating platform 16, but as mentioned above, the configuration of the adapter and its distinctive features are not associated with the presence or absence of a rotating platform in the connection module, and the adapter 20 can be fixed to any part of the connection module 12.

[0063] The connector 10 , the connection module 12 , and the cap 18 (in the illustrated example of a connection module including the base 14 and the rotating platform 16 ) will now be described in greater detail.

[0064] Figure 3 The connector shown comprises at least one main wall 24 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, the main wall 24 comprising an upper face 26 facing the connection module 12 and a lower face (not visible) facing the wiper blade. More particularly, the lower face of the main wall 24 contributes to defining a housing for a support for a wiper blade, in particular for a wiper rubber.

[0065] The connector 10 comprises two flat faces 34, only one of which is visible here, extending parallel to each other and projecting from the upper face 26 of the main wall 24, each extending the side wall 30 of the connector 10. The two flat faces 34 extending away from the lower face of the main wall 24 contribute to at least partially delimiting the housing of the base 14. The flat faces 34 each have a convexly curved free end and are symmetrical to each other relative to a median plane of the connector 10 parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V.

[0066] At least one of the two flat faces 34 comprises a pivot element 36 capable of cooperating with a pivot member 38 of the base 14 to form a pivot device between the connector 10 and the base 14. Preferably, each of the two flat faces 34 comprises a pivot element 36 cooperating with a pivot member 38 of the base 14, wherein the openings of the pivot elements 36 are aligned in the transverse direction T.

[0067] The pivot element 36 here takes the form of an aperture formed in the flat face 34, here an aperture that passes transversely through the flat face 34, while the pivot member 38 takes the form of a pin intended to extend at least partially into the aperture. Thus, the cooperation of the aperture and the pin forms a pivot device.

[0068] The base 14 of the connection module 12 (at Figure 4 The base 14 (particularly clear in FIG) comprises: at least one rotating member 40 capable of cooperating with the rotating platform 16 so as to allow the platform to rotate relative to the base 14 about the rotation axis R; and a guide block 42 intended to receive a free end 44 of the rotating platform 16. The base 14 extends longitudinally, has a first longitudinal end 46, the guide block 42 is arranged near the first longitudinal end, and the rotating member 40 is arranged near the second longitudinal end.

[0069] The rotating member 40 allows the rotating platform 16 to be rotated as follows: Figure 3 The first working position shown is similar to Figure 4The rotary platform 16 can be rotated between a first working position in which the free end 44 of the rotary platform 16 is arranged in the guide block 42 and a second mounting position in which the free end 44 of the rotary platform 16 is arranged at a distance from the guide block 42 .

[0070] Thus, the first position is defined as the working position of the rotating platform 16, and the second position is defined as the installation position of the rotating platform 16. In other words, in the working position, the main extension axis of the base 14 is substantially parallel to the main extension axis of the platform, considering the longitudinal direction L and the vertical plane V, and in the installation position, an inclination angle is formed between the main extension axis of the platform and the main extension axis of the base. According to the invention, this inclination angle can be between 25° and 45°.

[0071] The base 14 comprises at least two longitudinal walls 50 extending in the longitudinal direction L between the first longitudinal end 46 and the second longitudinal end 48 and parallel to each other, and two transverse walls perpendicular to the longitudinal walls and extending between the longitudinal walls 50, the first transverse wall being arranged at the first longitudinal end 46 of the structure and facing the guide block 42, and the second transverse wall being arranged at the second longitudinal end 48 and supporting the rotating member 40.

[0072] 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 should be understood that the pin of the pivot member 38 extends toward 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 flat wall 34 of the connector 10.

[0073] The longitudinal walls 50 are spaced apart from one another so that when the base 14 is secured to the connector by clips, the longitudinal walls extend between the planar walls 34 of the connector 10, and the base 14 at least partially extends into the housing defined by the planar walls 34 of the connector 10, as described above. In addition, the longitudinal walls 50 each have a notch 56 extending longitudinally on an upper edge of the longitudinal wall 50.

[0074] Furthermore, the base 14 comprises a pivoting member 68 which is capable of cooperating with a pivoting element of the cap 18 so as to form a pivoting device between the base and the cap about the pivot axis A. The cap 18 is thus movable between a covering position, in which it is in contact with the guide block, thereby at least partially covering the housing of the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 and the end of the wiper arm that is fixed to the connection device, and a release position, in which the cap 18 is at a distance from the guide block 42, in particular to allow the wiper arm to be mounted in its mounting position on the rotating platform.

[0075] In addition, a projection 57 extends from at least one of the longitudinal walls 50, a distance away from the longitudinal wall from the upper edge of said longitudinal wall 50. This projection 57 helps to form a means for mounting a certain type of arm directly on a base. In the example shown, the projections 57 are arranged on each longitudinal wall in the longitudinal direction, and it can be provided that these projections are formed at the transverse ends of a reinforcing bridge extending transversely from one longitudinal wall to the other longitudinal wall.

[0076] Figure 5 The rotating platform 16 of the illustrated connection module 12 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 an element 82 is mounted for rotating the rotating platform 16 about the axis of rotation R.

[0077] 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 has: an upper surface 84 designed to face the wiper arm to be fixed on a connecting device or on an adapter between a platform and the wiper arm; a lower face (not shown) intended to face the base; and two lateral sides 88.

[0078] The rotating platform 16 comprises a hole 90 intended to form a bearing 90 for receiving the handle of a wiper arm, extending transversely in the body 78 and opening on at least one of the lateral sides 88 .

[0079] In particular, the above-mentioned rotating element 82 is configured to cooperate with the rotating member 40 of the base 14 so that it can rotate the rotating platform 16 between the first working position and the second installation position, as described above. The rotating element 82 here comprises two rotating lugs 92, each of which comprises an orifice that passes transversely through the rotating lug 92 and is configured to cooperate with one of the supporting surfaces of the rotating member 40 of the base 14. The form of the rotating lugs 92 differs from the lateral side faces 88 firstly in the vertical extension towards the base 14 and secondly in the longitudinal extension of these lateral side faces 88 away from the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16.

[0080] According to the invention, the rotating platform 16 comprises a guide wall 94 extending in a plane parallel to and separated from the longitudinal direction L and the transverse plane T, in which the upper surface 84 of the body 78 extends between the rotating lugs 92 of the rotating element 82. In other words, the guide wall 94 forms a vertical projection relative to the upper surface 84 of the body 78.

[0081] The guide wall 94 has a stop edge 96 capable of coming into contact with a device for limiting the rotation of the base when the rotating platform 16 is in the second mounting position so as to limit the rotation of the rotating platform 16 about the rotation axis R. In particular, the stop edge 96 is arranged at the longitudinal end of the rotating platform 16 opposite to the free end 44 and extends transversely between the rotating lugs 92. In addition, at least one of the lateral sides 88 includes a support member 112, which protrudes from a ridge between the lower surface 86 and the lateral side 88 so as to form a support edge 114 turned toward the base 14, the support edge 114 being intended to rest on the recess 56 on the upper edge of the longitudinal wall of the base when the rotating platform 16 is in the first working position. The support member 112 also forms a stop shoulder 115 between the lower surface 86 and the support edge 114. As shown Figure 3 As illustrated, which shows this working position of the rotating platform 16 , the specific form of the stop shoulder 115 and the recess 56 helps to define an opening 116 which itself participates in blocking a wiper arm of a certain type in position relative to the connection module 12 , such cooperation forming the subject of the following detailed description.

[0082] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the rotating platform 16 is configured to cooperate with the removable adapter 20 so as to fix the removable adapter 20 on the rotating platform 16. For example, Figure 6 As shown, 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 156 of the adapter 20 .

[0083] Furthermore, the rotating platform 16 comprises at least one area 100 for fixing the removable adapter 20 on the body 78 of the rotating platform 16, the fixing area 100 taking the form of a recess formed in the thickness of the lateral side 88 of the body 78. Preferably, the rotating platform 16 comprises: a first pair of fixing areas 100, each produced in the lateral side of the adapter and arranged on either side of a midplane of the rotating platform perpendicular to the axis of rotation R; and a second pair of fixing areas 102, also produced in the lateral side of the adapter and arranged on either side of this midplane and offset longitudinally relative to the first pair of fixing areas. These fixing areas 100, 102 are dimensioned to receive fixing means provided on the removable adapter.

[0084] A description has been given of means arranged on a rotating platform for cooperating with a removable adapter which is the subject of the invention, but it should be recalled here that the connection module 12 can take a form other than that described having a base and a rotating platform, and in this case the means supported here by the rotating platform will be provided by another component of the connection module.

[0085] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cap 18 of the illustrated connection device 8 is pivotally mounted on the base at a pivot member 68 formed on the base so as to form a pivot device between the base and the cap about the pivot axis A. Thus, the cap 18 can be pivoted on the base. Figure 3 The coverage positions shown are Figure 4 4. The cap 18 is shown in the figure in a release position, in which the cap 18 is in contact with the guide block 42, thereby at least partially covering the free end of the rotating platform 16 when the free end 44 of the rotating platform is in the guide block 42, and in which the cap 18 is at a distance from the guide block 42, so as to allow in particular the rotation of the rotating platform and to allow a certain type of wiper arm to be mounted in its mounting position on the rotating platform. Here, the pivoting element of the cap is an orifice, and the pivoting member 68 includes at least one shaft, which protrudes laterally from the base 14 close to the first longitudinal end 46.

[0086] The cap 18 also comprises at least one extension wall 19 extending in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse plane T towards the connection module 12 and comprising at least one inner surface 21 which, when the cap 18 is in its covering position, is turned towards the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16. It will be understood that such an extension wall 19 is intended to form a vertical stop to prevent a certain type of wiper arm from being released in the first vertical direction SV1.

[0087] The adapter 20, which is the subject of the present invention, will now be described in more detail, in particular the fastening means of the adapter, which are configured to allow the adapter to be connected to different types of wiper arms of a wiper system. More particularly, the adapter comprises a plurality of fastening means which contribute to the formation of a plurality of fastening surfaces in each of the longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions, wherein some of these different fastening surfaces are used in combination with each other depending on the type of wiper arm to be attached to the adapter. For a better understanding, first the different fastening means will be described individually, thereby indicating the fastening surfaces provided by these different fastening means in a specific plane, and secondly the connection assembly formed by using a specific fastening means will be described.

[0088] Adapter 20 (in Figures 6 to 81 , and particularly clearly shown in the figure, comprises a body 128 comprising at least two side walls 130 opposite one another in the transverse direction T of the wiper system and at least one upper wall 132 extending in the longitudinal L and transverse plane T so that it connects the side walls 130 together. The arrangement of these walls gives the adapter a U-shape, observed in section in the vertical and transverse planes, which internally delimits a receiving space 134, in particular, which is configured to at least partially accommodate components of the connection module 12 and of the rotating platform (for example in the example represented).

[0089] The adapter 20 comprises reversible fixing means 136 allowing the adapter to be removably fixed to the connection module. In the example illustrated, these fixing means 136 protrude from the side wall 130 into the receiving area 134, these fixing means 136 being able to cooperate with fixing areas present on the connection module, more particularly here with the fixing areas described above of the rotating platform 16. Positioning the fixing means 136 on the side wall of the adapter 20 facilitates the mounting of the adapter 20 on the connection module 12 by elastic deformation of said side wall, so that the fixing means 136 can be clipped into said fixing area of ​​the connection module. The fixing of the adapter 20 on the connection module is therefore removable, in the sense that said adapter can be withdrawn from the connection module and / or repositioned on the connection module by moving the side wall away so as to allow the release of the fixing means 136, depending on the type of wiper arm to be secured to the wiper blade.

[0090] As in Figure 7 and Figure 8 As is particularly clear from the figure, the adapter 20 comprises a first pair of fixing means 136a and a second pair of fixing means 136b which protrude from the same side wall 130 and extend into the receiving space 134, these pairs of fixing means being intended to cooperate respectively with a first pair of fixing areas and a second pair of fixing areas provided here on the rotating platform 16. Figure 7 In the example of the invention, the fixing means 136a, 136b take the form of hooks, each hook comprising a support wall 138, which is turned toward the upper wall 132 of the adapter 20 and can be connected with the Figure 5 The longitudinal receiving surfaces 140 of the fixing areas 100, 102 shown cooperate. Once the hooks forming the fixing means 136 are in position in the fixing area, the support wall 138 allows the adapter 20 to be blocked in position on the connection module in the vertical direction V. The hooks here take the form of a ramp, so that the thickness of the hooks increases as the hooks get closer to the support wall 138.

[0091] Furthermore, each of the fixing means 136a, 136b is delimited longitudinally by two longitudinal end edges 142. In the example shown here, the fixing means are arranged close to a first longitudinal end 146 of the body 128 of the adapter 20, so that one of the longitudinal end edges 142 of these fixing means, here the first pair of fixing means 136a, is flush with a free end edge 144 of the corresponding side wall 130. It should be noted that this feature does not limit the invention and that another arrangement of the longitudinal end edges 142 of the fixing means can be implemented, in particular at a distance from the free end edge 144 of the corresponding side wall. Each of the longitudinal end edges 142 of the fixing means 136a is capable of cooperating with a stop face 148 which delimits longitudinally one of the fixing areas and which is located at the bottom of the fixing area. Figure 5 , wherein such cooperation allows the adapter 20 to be blocked in position on the connection module 12 in two opposite directions in the longitudinal direction L.

[0092] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a hook 156 capable of cooperating with the window 98 formed on the rotating platform 16 as described above extends from the upper wall 132 of the adapter 20 at a second longitudinal end 158 of the body 128 of the adapter 20 longitudinally opposite to the first longitudinal end 146. In particular, the hook 156 of the adapter 20 holds the adapter 20 in the vertical direction V and in the direction along the longitudinal direction L.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown in the example of the adapter 20 in FIG. 1 , at least one of the side walls 130 comprises a projection 150 extending from a vertical end edge 152 of the body 128 of the adapter 20 at a first longitudinal end 146. The projection 150 extends away from the upper wall 132 in the vertical direction V, so that it extends substantially in the extension plane of the side wall 130 from which it extends locally. One of the fastening means provided on the adapter is formed by a vertical shoulder 154 between the free end edge 144 of the side wall 130 and the projection 150 extending said side wall 130, which fastening means participates in ensuring that at least four separate fastening planes are provided for the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction and the vertical direction, the vertical shoulder forming a longitudinal stop and thus forming one of the specific fastening planes allowed by the adapter (here the longitudinal fastening plane). According to an example of the invention, each of the two side walls 130 comprises such a projection 150 and such a vertical shoulder 154 participating in the mounting of a wiper arm of the particular type forming the subject of the detailed description given below.

[0094] In the embodiment shown, each projection 150 comprises straight edges substantially perpendicular to the vertical end edge 152 so as to be able to form a stop element against movement of the wiper arm in one or the other direction in the longitudinal direction. However, it should be noted that only one of these edges, in particular the edge of the free end edge 144 of the projection turned towards the side wall 130, can form a vertical shoulder acting as a stop.

[0095] Another stop means forming a fastening plane in the sense of the invention comprises a support wall 162 extending from a vertical end edge 152 of one of the side walls 130 away from the receiving space 134 of the platform 16 and from the other of these side walls in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse plane T. According to the example of the invention, each of the side walls 130 comprises a support wall 162 as described above.

[0096] The support wall 162 includes at least one contact surface 164, such as Figure 7 As shown, the at least one contact surface faces away from the upper wall 132 and forms a vertical stop for a certain type of arm in the first vertical direction SV1. The support wall 162 also includes at least one receiving surface 165 opposite to the contact surface 164 in the vertical direction V, such as Figure 6 As shown, this receiving surface 165 forms a vertical stop for a certain type of arm in a second vertical direction SV2 opposite to the first vertical direction SV1 .

[0097] At least one of the supporting walls 162 of the adapter 20 also comprises at least one transverse end edge 166 extending in the longitudinal direction L and in the vertical plane V and forming a transverse stop for a certain type of arm on the adapter 20. In the example of the invention, each of the supporting walls 162 protruding from the side wall 130 has such a transverse end edge 166, and each of these transverse end edges 166 forms a specific fastening plane in the transverse direction.

[0098] In the fastening device provided on the adapter, and as Figure 6 As particularly clearly shown in the figure, the first fastening means are configured to form two separate fastening paths along the upper wall 132, namely a longitudinal fastening path 171 intended to receive a portion of a wiper arm of a specific type and a transverse fastening path 169 intended to receive a portion of a wiper arm of another type. These first fastening means are configured to form at least two separate fastening surfaces in each of the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction.

[0099] More specifically, the first fastening means comprise at least two posts 168 projecting vertically from the upper wall 132 away from the receiving space 164. The at least two posts are arranged to define two paths perpendicular to each other on the upper wall and each capable of receiving a certain type of wiper arm.

[0100] More precisely, and according to the example of the invention illustrated, the upper wall 132 has a substantially rectangular form with a stud 168 extending at each of the four corners, the first fastening means being formed here by four studs 168. The four studs 168 projecting at a distance from one another from the upper wall define between them a first transverse path 169 and a second longitudinal path 171 extending respectively in the transverse direction T and in the longitudinal direction L of the adapter.

[0101] The first transverse path 169 is defined by first side faces 1681 of each of the uprights 168 arranged facing each other on either side of the first transverse path 169. These first side faces 1681 form two different fastening planes arranged on either side of the first transverse path 169 in the longitudinal direction.

[0102] Similarly, the second longitudinal path 171 is defined by second side faces 1682 of each of the pillars 168 arranged to face each other on both sides of the second longitudinal path 171. These second side faces 1682 form two different fastening planes arranged on both sides of the second longitudinal path 171 in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] In addition, each upright has an upper face 1680 facing away from the upper wall 132, and these upper faces 1680 form a vertical fastening plane, as long as according to the invention and in the use case of an adapter, the adapter is intended to be completely covered by a certain type of wiper arm. It should be noted that the vertical fastening plane defined by the upper faces 1680 is separated from the vertical fastening plane defined by the upper wall.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the adapter 20 comprises at least one through hole 170 formed in at least one of its side walls 130, so that this at least one through hole is arranged facing the hole of the rotating platform 16 intended to form a receiving support 90 for a handle of a certain type of wiper arm. According to the example of the invention, each of the side walls 130 of the adapter 20 comprises a hole 170 formed facing the receiving support 90 of the platform 16, these holes 170 being arranged in the lateral extension of the receiving hole when the adapter 20 is removably fixed to the rotating platform 16.

[0105] In addition, the holes 170 of the adapter 20 are formed on the side wall 130 of the adapter so that the holes are arranged longitudinally between the fixtures 136 of the adapter 20 and the rotating platform 16. In the illustrated example, for a given side wall 130, the first pair of fixtures 136a and the second pair of fixtures 136b are arranged on both sides of the holes 170 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0106] Each hole is delimited by a peripheral edge formed in the corresponding side wall 130 and forming a stop against the movement of the handle of the wiper arm received in one or more holes. Thus, each hole forms fastening means for the handle and therefore for the wiper arm comprising it in both directions in the longitudinal direction and in both directions in the vertical direction, so that the holes define two fastening planes in the longitudinal direction and two fastening planes in the vertical direction.

[0107] The adapter comprises further fastening means, here referred to as additional fastening means, in the form of at least one elastically deformable locking tab 108, which extends longitudinally from one of the side walls 130 of the adapter 20 at the second longitudinal end 158 of the body. "Elastically deformable" means that the locking tab 108 can be deformed and then restored to the initial undeformed state without destroying its material or irreversible deformation. At least one locking tab 108 comprises a finger 110 formed at the free end of said locking tab 108 facing away from the receiving space 134 of the rotating platform 16. In particular, the finger can have an inclined surface 111 relative to the vertical and transverse planes, thereby forming a slope that can cooperate with a corresponding form on a certain type of wiper arm to be fixed, thus forming a fastening plane in both the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction. According to an example of the invention, the locking tab 108 as described above extends from each of the side walls 130 of the adapter 20, and the fingers 110 protrude from these locking tabs relative to each other.

[0108] Now about Figures 8 to 10 A method is described for mounting a first type of wiper arm 119a on an adapter 20. In this mounting method, some of the fastening means described above will be used to form a first assembly for connecting the adapter 20 to the first type of wiper arm 119a.

[0109] This first type of arm 119a has an end that may take the form of a shield 124, fixed to the end of the arm 119a intended to cooperate with the adapter 20 of the connection device 8. In particular, this end of the arm 119a comprises two lateral partitions 174, each extending opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction L and in the vertical plane V in the transverse direction T, and at least one upper partition 176 extending in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse plane T, such that it connects the lateral partitions 174 together so as to delimit a receiving volume 178 of the adapter 20 of the connection device 8.

[0110] In particular, it will be appreciated that the upper partition 176 of this end of the arm 119a is intended to rest on the stud 168 of the adapter 20 forming the first fastening means as described above, so that the arm is blocked in the second vertical direction SV2. More particularly, the upper face 1680 of the stud 168 forms a fastening plane in the vertical direction, which supports the upper partition of this end of the arm 119a, which thus extends offset relative to the upper wall 132 of the adapter, which forms another fastening plane for other types of wiper arms.

[0111] Each of the lateral partitions 174 comprises a free longitudinal edge 180 facing away from the upper partition 176. A curved wall 182 extends from each free longitudinal edge 180 of each of the lateral partitions 174 in the direction of the receiving volume 178 of the adapter 20. More precisely, each of the curved walls 182 comprises an inner face 184 turned towards the upper partition 176, which is intended to come into contact with a contact surface 164 of one of the support walls 162 forming one of the stop means of the adapter, the contact surface 164 forming a fastening plane in the vertical direction capable of blocking the arm 119a in position on the adapter 20 in a first vertical direction SV1. The adapter 20 thus provides fastening means capable of blocking the vertical position of a wiper arm of the first type in both directions (i.e. by means of a first vertical direction SV1). Fig.10 Arbitrarily, in this description of the accompanying drawings, a first fastening plane PV1 in the vertical direction refers to a fastening plane formed by an upper face 1680 of a column 168 forming a first fastening device, and a second fastening plane PV2 in this direction refers to a fastening plane formed by a contact surface 164 of the support wall 162.

[0112] like Figure 8As shown, the end of the arm 119a, here the shield 124, also comprises at least one finger 186 extending in the transverse extension of one of the curved walls 182, substantially in the same longitudinal L and transverse plane T in which said curved wall 182 extends. In particular, the finger 186 is formed on the end of the arm 119a so that, when the arm is fixed to the removable adapter, it cooperates with a vertical shoulder 154 formed on the adapter 20 at the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter. More particularly, when the arm 119a is mounted on the removable adapter, the vertical shoulder 154 forms a longitudinal stop in a first longitudinal direction SL1 extending from the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter towards the second longitudinal end 158 of the adapter. Arbitrarily, in this description of the figures, a first fastening plane PL1 in the longitudinal direction refers to the fastening plane formed by the vertical shoulder 154 forming one of the fastening means or stop means of the adapter.

[0113] in addition, Fig.10 The support wall 162 is shown to protrude laterally from the adapter, the protrusion being sized so that each lateral end edge 166 is substantially in contact with the shield 124 and helps to block the lateral position of the shield relative to the adapter. The fastening plane formed by each of the lateral end edges 166 is referred to as a first fastening plane PT1 in the lateral direction and a second fastening plane PT2 in the lateral direction.

[0114] As described above, the boss 150 may include two straight edges forming a vertical shoulder so that the arm 119a can be mounted on the removable adapter in the second longitudinal direction SL2 continuing from the second longitudinal end 158 of the adapter towards the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter. The following description mainly relates to mounting in the first longitudinal direction SL1 in the context of an application with a connection module including a rotating platform, wherein, recalling that the adapter and the first fastening plane just described can be used without a connection module including such a rotating platform.

[0115] The installation method of the wiper system 1 including the arm 119a according to the first type comprises at least a first step during which the cap 18 is moved to its release position. In particular, such a first step may allow the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 to be released so that the free end of the rotating platform is moved from its working position to its installation position during a second step. In other words, during the second step, the rotating platform 16 is swiveled to its installation position so that the main extension axis of the rotating platform is inclined relative to the main extension axis of the base 14.

[0116] Such a mounting position of the rotating platform 16 allows during the third step the shield 124 of the arm 119a to slide along the rotating platform 16 supporting the adapter 20 in a translation parallel to the main extension axis of the rotating platform 16, this translation being performed in a first longitudinal direction SL1 from the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter towards the second longitudinal end 158 of the adapter. More precisely, a free end 188 of the shield 124 of the arm 119a and a connection end 190 of the shield 124 of the arm 119a opposite to the free end 188 in the longitudinal direction L can be defined, wherein the translation of the shield 124 of the arm 119a along the rotating platform 16 starts with the engagement of the connection end 190 around the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter in the case of mounting in the first longitudinal direction SL1, or with the engagement of the free end 188 around the second longitudinal end 148 in the case of mounting in the second longitudinal direction SL2. During this third step, the end of the arm 119a moves along the adapter 20 so that the inner face 184 of the curved wall 182 of the arm 119a slides along the contact surface 164 of each of the support walls 162 of the adapter 20 until the finger 186 of the shield 124 contacts the vertical shoulder 154 of the longitudinal stop device formed on the adapter 20 and formed in the first longitudinal direction SL1 or in the second longitudinal direction SL2.

[0117] Then, during a fourth step, the rotating platform 16 supporting the adapter 20 and the end of the arm 119a fixed thereto is moved into its working position so that the free end 44 of the rotating platform cooperates with the guide block 42 of the base 14 of the connection module 12. Finally, in a fifth step, the cap 18 is pivoted from its release position to its covering position so that the cap forms a vertical stop for the arm in the first vertical direction SV1 and a longitudinal stop for the arm in the second longitudinal direction SL2. More specifically, as Fig. 9 As shown, when the cap is moved to its covering position, the edge of the cap 18 is in contact with the upper partition 176 of the shield 124. In addition, during this fifth step, the extension wall 19, in particular the inner surface 21 of the extension wall 19, is arranged to face the upper partition 176 of the shield at the free end 188 of the shield 124 and form a vertical stop for the arm in the first vertical direction SV1.

[0118] As an alternative to the process just described, the arm 119 can be mounted with a connection module without a rotating platform. In this case, the method still includes the first step of releasing the cap and then arranging the shield above the connection module so as to be positioned in contact with the column 168 of the removable adapter along the vertical movement direction SV2. When the shield contacts the second fastening plane in the above-mentioned vertical direction SV2 formed by the upper face of the column 168, the shield is locked in its vertical position. It should be ensured here that the finger 186 of the protective cover 124 slides vertically correctly facing the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter. According to the above description of the third step, the arm is then moved in the first longitudinal direction SL1 from the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter toward the second longitudinal end 158 of the adapter until the finger 186 of the shield 124 contacts the vertical shoulder 154 formed on the adapter 20 and forming the first fastening plane PL1 in the longitudinal direction. In this position, after the longitudinal sliding has been blocked by the first fastening plane PL1 in the longitudinal direction, the curved wall 182 is arranged facing the stop formed by the support wall 162 of the adapter and the first fastening plane PV1 in the vertical direction ensures the blocking of the arm relative to the adapter in the vertical direction.

[0119] Accordingly, the first connecting assembly is thus formed by at least a plurality of fastening devices supported by the adapter, which fastening devices include: columns 168, which here in particular participate in blocking the arm against the vertical part; a support wall 162, which in particular participates in blocking the arm against the vertical part and the transverse part; and one or more straight edges of the protrusion 150, which form a vertical shoulder 154, which acts in the longitudinal displacement direction SL1 or SL2 and participates in blocking the arm against the longitudinal part.

[0120] Now about Figure 11 to Figure 12 A method for mounting a second type of wiper arm 119b on an adapter 20 is described. In this mounting method, some fasteners in the fastening device will be used to form a second assembly for connecting the adapter 20 to the second type of wiper arm 119b. It should be recalled that only the features that differ between the first arm 119a and the second arm 119b constitute the subject of a detailed description, and for the common features of the two types of arms, reference should be made to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Description.

[0121] Like the first type of arm, the second type of arm 119b according to the invention comprises an upper partition 176 and two lateral partitions 174 formed by the free end of the arm, where appropriate via the shield 124. At least one rear tab 208 extends from at least one of the lateral partitions 174 at the end of the arm 119b, in the present case at the connection end 190 of the shield 124. The rear tab 208 is configured to cooperate with the finger 110 of one of the locking tabs 108 of the adapter 20. According to the example of the invention, the rear tab 208 as described above extends from each of the lateral partitions of the shield, and each of these rear tabs is configured to cooperate with the finger 110 of the locking tab.

[0122] The arm 119b of the second type according to the invention also comprises at least one nose 212 extending from the upper partition 176 at the free end 188 of the arm. More particularly, the nose 212 extends in a substantially longitudinal direction L and has an inwardly curved profile extending substantially within the receiving volume 178 of the adapter. The nose 212 is here intended to be housed in the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16, which free end is itself housed in the guide block 42 of the base 14 when the rotating platform is in the above-mentioned working position.

[0123] The mounting of such a second type of arm 119b according to the invention can be carried out when the rotating platform 16 is in its mounting position or, in a configuration without a rotating platform, when the cap 18 is moved from its covering position to its releasing position in a first step. In a second step, the end of the arm 119b is placed on the adapter 20 by tilting the end of the arm relative to a plane containing the upper wall 132 of the adapter and by moving the end of the arm in the first longitudinal direction SL1 so that the rear surface 210 of at least one rear tab 208 comes into contact with the corresponding finger 110 of the locking tab 108 of the adapter 20. The second type of arm 119b is thus blocked in position on the adapter 20 in the first longitudinal direction SL1, the face of the locking tab forming the fastening plane in the longitudinal direction being referred to here as the second fastening plane PL2 in the longitudinal direction, which face follows the arbitrary designation of the description of the figures.

[0124] More specifically, this face of the tab comprises an inclined surface 111 relative to the vertical and transverse planes, which inclined surface then forms a second fastening plane PL2 in the longitudinal direction and a third fastening plane PV3 in the vertical direction.

[0125] After the second step, during a third step, the end of the arm 119b is pivoted so that the free end 188 of the support nose 212 of the arm is positioned in the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 and the upper partition 176 of the arm rests on the column 168 of the adapter 20. In particular, it should be understood that, as in particular Fig.12 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the upper face of the post 168 of the adapter 20 blocks the arm 119 b in position on the adapter 20 in the second vertical direction SV2 along the second fastening plane PV2 in the vertical direction described above.

[0126] Finally, in a fifth step, the cap 18 is moved into its covering position so that it blocks the ends of the arms 119b of the adapter 20 in the vertical direction V and in the longitudinal direction L, more particularly in the second longitudinal direction SL2 and in the first vertical direction SV1.

[0127] According to this, the second connection assembly is thus formed by a plurality of fastening means supported by the adapter, wherein the upper face of the stud 168 and the locking tab 108 cooperate to block the second type of wiper arm 119b. Most of the fastening means for allowing the fixing of this type of arm are supported by the adapter, and only the cap is also used to fix the position of the arm.

[0128] Now about Fig.13 A method is described for mounting the third type of wiper arm 119c on the adapter 20. In this mounting method, some of the fastening means will be used to form a third assembly for connecting the adapter 20 to the third type of wiper arm 119c.

[0129] The third type of wiper arm 119c according to the invention takes the form of a hook extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged in the second longitudinal path 171 formed between the uprights 168 of the adapter 20. More precisely, the wiper arm 119c according to this third type comprises at least a straight portion 216 extending in the second longitudinal path 171 between the uprights 168 of the adapter 20 and a curved portion 218 at the free end 188 of the wiper arm, the straight portion 216 extending in the second longitudinal path 171 between the uprights 168 of the adapter 20 and the curved portion 218 extending beyond the first longitudinal end 146 of the adapter 20, in particular around the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16.

[0130] Thus, the method for mounting such an arm 119c according to the third type comprises at least a first step during which the cap 18 is moved to its release position. In a second step, the arm 119c is placed on the adapter 20 so that the straight portion 216 of the arm is housed in the second longitudinal path 171 and the curved portion 218 of the arm is positioned around the connection module (here the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16). The first fastening means formed by the columns 186, in particular at the second side surfaces 1862 of these columns that define the second longitudinal path 171, form two fastening planes in the transverse direction here, which are arranged on both sides of the second longitudinal path 171 and are referred to here as the third fastening plane PT3 in the transverse direction and the fourth fastening plane PT4 in the transverse direction. It should also be noted that the upper wall 132 forms a fastening plane in the vertical direction here, because the arm 119c rests on this upper wall in the second longitudinal path 171, and the upper wall forms a fourth fastening plane PV4 in the vertical direction here. Finally, in a fourth step, the cap 18 is moved into its covering position so that it blocks the free end 44 of the rotating platform 16 in the guide block 42 of the base 14 , thereby blocking the arm 119 c in place on the adapter 20 .

[0131] According to this, the third connection assembly is therefore formed by a plurality of fastening means supported by the adapter, these fastening means comprising posts 168, which here in particular participate in blocking the arm against the transverse part by defining a longitudinal path, and an upper wall of the adapter, from which posts protrude, and the upper wall of the adapter in particular participates in blocking the arm against the vertical part.

[0132] Now about Fig.14 A method is described for mounting a fourth type of wiper arm 119d on an adapter 20. In this mounting method, some of the fastening means described above will be used to form a fourth assembly for connecting the adapter 20 to a fourth type of wiper arm 119d, which is mounted laterally on the connection device and the associated adapter 20.

[0133] The fourth type of wiper arm 119d comprises at least one handle 222 and a support lug 224, both extending from the arm 119d in the transverse direction T. More precisely, the handle 222 protrudes transversely from the end of the wiper arm so that it is received in the receiving support 90 of the rotating platform 16 and in the hole 170 of the adapter 20 arranged facing the receiving support. In addition, the support lug 224 extends transversely from the arm 119d so that it is received in the first transverse path 169 formed between the posts 168 of the adapter 20.

[0134] The method for mounting such an arm 119d of the fourth type thus comprises at least a first step during which the handle 222 is inserted into the hole 170 formed by the receiving support 90 of the adapter 20 facing the rotating platform 16, by arranging the arm 119d in a main orientation inclined with respect to the main extension direction of the adapter and the connection device as a whole, so that the support lug 224 is not in contact with the stud 168 of the adapter 20. Here, the walls delimiting the hole 170 ensure that the handle 222 is blocked in both directions in its longitudinal and vertical position and thus forms two fastening planes opposite in the vertical direction (arbitrarily referred to as the fourth fastening plane PV4 in the vertical direction and the fifth fastening plane PV5 in the vertical direction) and two fastening planes opposite in the longitudinal direction (arbitrarily referred to as the third fastening plane PL3 in the longitudinal direction and the fourth fastening plane PL4 in the longitudinal direction), in which Figure 6 These different fastening planes are marked on the figure. Then, in a second step, the arm 119d is pivoted on the adapter 20 about the axis formed by the handle 222 in the receiving support so that the support lug 224 is positioned in the first transverse path 169 of the adapter 20. The support lug 224 has a return edge at its free end which, in this movement, is positioned facing the side wall of the adapter facing away from the arm. This side wall forms a fastening plane in the transverse direction, arbitrarily referred to here as the fifth fastening plane PT5 in the transverse direction. It should be noted that the fifth fastening plane PT5 in the transverse direction formed by this side wall 130 is also used for mounting a third type of wiper arm 119c, such as Fig.12 As shown, the wiper arm of the third type presses laterally against the side wall 130 .

[0135] As regards the cooperation of the adapter with the arm 119d of the fourth type, the first fastening means formed by the uprights 186, in particular at the first side surfaces 1861 of these uprights delimiting the first transverse path 169, form here two fastening planes in the longitudinal direction, which are arranged on both sides of the first transverse path 169 and are referred to here as the fifth fastening plane PL5 in the longitudinal direction and the sixth fastening plane PL6 in the longitudinal direction. It should also be noted that, according to the above description of the arm of the third type, here the upper wall 132 forms the fastening plane in the vertical direction, since the arm 119d of the fourth type rests on this upper wall, here in the first transverse path 169, which again forms here the fourth fastening plane PV4 in the vertical direction.

[0136] Accordingly, the fourth connecting assembly is therefore formed by a plurality of fastening means supported by the adapter, comprising: posts 168, which here in particular participate in the blocking of the arm against the longitudinal part by defining a transverse path; an upper wall of the adapter, from which the posts protrude and which in particular participates in the blocking of the arm against the vertical part; and holes 170, which here in particular participate in the blocking of the arm against the longitudinal part and the vertical part via the handle, the arm being blocked against the transverse part by the cooperation of the support lug with the side wall of the adapter, which here forms one of the fastening means.

[0137] The above detailed description, in particular the detailed description of the connection assembly and the various installation examples, demonstrates that the invention achieves its set objectives, in particular allowing different types of wiper arms to be fixed via a single adapter providing multiple fastening planes, in particular providing at least four different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions perpendicular to each other.

[0138] However, as described above, the present invention is not limited to the specifically described and illustrated devices and configurations, but also applies to all equivalent devices or configurations, and any combination of such devices or configurations.

Claims

1. An adapter (20) for a device (8) for connecting a wiper blade (2) to an arm (119a, 119b, 119c, 119d) of a wiper system (1), the connection device (8) comprising at least a connection module (12) and the adapter (20) extending in a longitudinal main extension direction (L), the adapter (20) comprising at least two side walls (130) opposite to each other in a transverse direction (T) of the adapter (20), and at least one upper wall (132), the at least one upper wall extending in a longitudinal and transverse plane in order to connect the side walls (130) together, the adapter (20) comprising a reversible fixing device (136) configured to removably fix the adapter (20) to the connection module (12), characterized in that The adapter comprises fastening means for at least a plurality of different types of wiper arms (119a, 119b, 119c, 119d), the fastening means being configured to provide at least four different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

2. The adapter (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein The first fastening means (168) are configured to form two fastening paths for a certain type of wiper arm along the upper wall (132), the two fastening paths being a longitudinal fastening path (171) and a transverse fastening path (169).

3. The adapter (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein The fastening means comprise additional fastening means (108) which are at least longitudinally offset relative to the first fastening means (168), the first fastening means (168) and the additional fastening means (108) being configured to allow, in a coordinated manner, the fixing of another type of wiper arm and / or the fixing of a covering element of the connecting module.

4. An adapter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The side wall (130) and the upper wall (132) delimit a receiving space (134) of the connection module (12), and the reversible fixing device (136) is formed in the receiving space (134).

5. The adapter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein: The first fastening device comprises at least two posts (168) protruding from an upper wall (132) of the adapter (20), the posts being arranged such that side faces (1681, 1682) of the posts at least partially define the fastening path by defining two different fastening planes in each of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

6. The adapter (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein The post (168) has an upper face (1680) perpendicular to the side faces, the upper face defining a separate vertical fastening plane parallel to the vertical fastening plane defined by the upper wall (132).

7. An adapter (20) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 3, wherein: The additional fastening means comprises at least one elastically deformable locking tab (108) extending longitudinally of one of the side walls (130) of the adapter (20).

8. The adapter (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein The at least one locking tab (108) comprises at least one excess thickness (110) protruding laterally from a free end of the locking tab (108), the excess thickness forming an additional longitudinal fastening plane, an additional transverse fastening plane, and an additional vertical fastening plane for another type of wiper arm and / or a cover element of the connection module.

9. The adapter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the fastening means comprises a stop means (154, 162) extending partially from one of the side walls (130) away from the upper wall, the stop means being configured to form a longitudinal fastening plane or a vertical fastening plane.

10. The adapter (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the fastening means comprises at least one through hole (170) formed in at least one of the side walls (130) of the adapter (20).

11. A connection assembly comprising an adapter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and a connection module (12), the adapter (20) being removably fixable to the connection module (12) via reversible fixing means (136).

12. A device (8) for connecting a wiper blade (2) to an arm (119a, 119b, 119c, 119d) of a wiper system (1), the connection device (8) comprising at least one connector (10) and a connection assembly as claimed in the preceding claim, the connection assembly being attached to the connector by cooperation of the connector (10) with the connection module (12).

13. A wiper system (1) for a vehicle, the wiper system comprising: a wiper blade (2) which is fixed to a connection device (8) according to the preceding claim; and an arm (119a, 119b, 119c, 119d) attached to the wiper blade (2) by securing the arm (119a, 119b, 119c, 119d) to an adapter (20) of the connection module (12), the arm being secured at least by the adapter (20) in each of the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction and the transverse direction.

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