Hydraulic connector for a windshield wiper blade with guidance by an elongated arm

Abstract

A connecting device for a windshield wiper system, comprising an end piece (2) positioned at the end of a blade holder (1) extending in a longitudinal direction, a blade (3), a mechanical connector (10) attached to the blade (3) for attachment to the blade holder (1) by an adapter (20) inserted between the end piece (2) and the mechanical connector (10), wherein the blade holder (1) is designed to guide the blade (3) over a surface to be wiped, wherein a hydraulic connector (30) comprises at least one line (31, 32) for conveying a liquid to the blade (3) via the mechanical connector (10), and wherein the hydraulic connector (30) comprises at least one guide (34) separate from the at least one line (31, 32).which can interact with a corresponding element (14) of the mechanical connector (10) for its alignment on the latter during the installation of the blade (3) of the blade holder (1), characterized in that the guide means (34) is an arm extending in a direction corresponding to a direction of travel of the line (31, 32), and that the element (14) is a guide ramp formed on the mechanical connector (10).

Description

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of vehicle equipment and, in particular, that of equipment for wiping the windows of motor vehicles.

[0002] Motor vehicles are generally equipped with windshield wiper systems that wash the windshield and prevent the driver's view of their surroundings from being obscured. These windshield wipers are usually driven by a blade support that performs an angular back-and-forth motion and comprise elongated blades, which themselves support cleaning blades made of an elastic material. These cleaning blades rub against the windshield and remove water, directing it away from the driver's field of vision. The blades are formed either in a traditional version in the form of articulated spacers that hold the cleaning blade at several separate points, or in a more recent version, known as a "flat blade," consisting of a semi-rigid assembly that supports the rubber cleaning blade along its entire length.In this second solution, the blade is attached to the rotating blade support of the windshield wiper by an assembly consisting of a mechanical connector and an adapter. The mechanical connector is a piece crimped directly onto the flat blade, while the adapter is an intermediate piece that allows the connector to be attached to the windshield wiper blade support. These two pieces are connected by a transverse spindle, which allows their relative rotation in a plane perpendicular to the windshield and passing through the blade support.

[0003] Windshield wipers are also equipped with devices for conveying washer fluid, which is sprayed from a reservoir located on the vehicle and directed toward the windshield through nozzles located either around the windshield or on the windshield wiper itself for better fluid distribution. In the case of nozzles positioned on the blades, the washer fluid, before being distributed, is conveyed through pipes attached to the windshield wiper blade support and connected to the blade distribution system at the mechanical connector by a rigid piece called a hydraulic connector.These lines, which are usually flexible and of which two are provided for cleaning during both the outward and return movements of the blade, open into the hydraulic connector, which is attached to the mechanical connector by suitable end pieces that ensure the necessary sealing. The mechanical connector thus includes openings that, via a sealed connection, can accommodate the end pieces of the hydraulic connector.

[0004] Top-of-the-range models also include windshield heating devices for defrosting the blade in very cold weather and preventing it from sticking to the windshield due to icing. These devices, particularly suitable for flat blades, generally include a heater incorporated into the assembly supporting the cleaning blade, on which electrical resistance elements are arranged. These also require an electrical connection device capable of interacting with the mechanical connector to transmit electrical current from the vehicle to the heater. The electrical connector is generally attached to the hydraulic connector before the latter is connected to the mechanical connector, so that it can be attached at the same time.Quick-connect devices then provide contact between the pins of the electrical connector and those of the mechanical connector and ultimately contact with the heating resistors of the assembly carrying the cleaning blade.

[0005] WO 2010 / 034445 A1 and WO 2010 / 034447 A1 show embodiments of mechanical connectors that accommodate a hydraulic connector through which windshield washer fluid flows. They also show an electrical connector that supplies electricity to the mechanical connector 15. Furthermore, WO 2010 / 034445 A1 has the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Furthermore, guide elements for a plug are known from JP 2003-341 484 A, which are supported on the upper side of a rail of a wiper blade.

[0007] While the fluid lines and hydraulic connector are typically connected to the windshield wiper blade support, the mechanical connector is connected to the blade. Thus, the hydraulic connector and, if necessary, the electrical connector, must be connected to the mechanical connector when changing a blade. This operation is typically performed in a position known as the service position, in which the blade is positioned at an angle relative to the blade support by rotating it around the transverse spindle that connects the mechanical connector to the adapter.

[0008] It is important to ensure that the hydraulic and electrical connectors are correctly aligned during installation into the mechanical connector, as a poorly assembled assembly could result in the risk of washer fluid leaking from the connection between the two connectors and / or poor electrical contact. This operation is performed blindly, as the hydraulic connector is located beneath the upper part of the blade support, preventing a clear view of the components that need to be assembled.

[0009] Furthermore, when the blade is released or removed from the blade mount, it is important that the hydraulic connector and, if necessary, the electrical connector, if attached, remain attached to the blade mount. This prevents the hydraulic connector from being pulled out of the wiper blade mount with the mechanical connector during the separation movement. However, it is also unacceptable to leave the hydraulic connector hanging below the end of the wiper arm when the blade is removed.

[0010] Finally, during reinstallation, the mechanic cannot be expected to hold the hydraulic connector in position with one hand while inserting the blade on the arm with the other. This situation makes inserting the blade particularly difficult and ergonomic, as inserting the blade on the arm itself requires the use of both hands, with one hand used for the blade and the other for the windshield wiper.

[0011] It is therefore important to facilitate the insertion and removal of the hydraulic connector from the mechanical connector and to ensure that the connection and disconnection are performed correctly, even in the hands of an inexperienced mechanic. The same applies to electrical continuity, which must be guaranteed between the pins of the electrical connector and those of the mechanical connector.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a device that allows the hydraulic connector to be automatically guided as it is inserted into the mechanical connector and that holds it in position on the blade holder while the blade is removed. This guiding function can also provide guidance for the electrical connector when it is first plugged into the hydraulic connector.

[0013] This object is achieved with a connecting device having the characterizing features of claim 1 in that the guide means is an arm extending in a direction corresponding to a direction of travel of the line, and in that the element is a guide ramp formed on the mechanical connector.

[0014] Thanks to this guide, the hydraulic connector automatically aligns its lines with the holes in the mechanical connector into which they must enter, without requiring any intervention from the mechanic. This ensures proper locking of the connectors and a tight seal between them, making them particularly easy to install.

[0015] Advantageous further developments of the connecting device according to the invention are listed in the subclaims.

[0016] Preferably, the guide means is positioned laterally relative to the hydraulic connector. In other words, the guide means is formed on the outside of one of the lines.

[0017] Preferably, the hydraulic connector also comprises at least one support element that can interact with a support means attached to the blade support while maintaining at least one degree of freedom, wherein the guide means is arranged so that the hydraulic connector can move according to this degree of freedom. The degree of freedom corresponds to the need for the hydraulic connector to move, for example, rotationally, so that it is aligned with the mechanical connector.

[0018] Preferably, the degree of freedom is rotation and the support element consists of at least one pin or projection positioned laterally relative to the hydraulic plug and extending in a direction corresponding to a lateral direction relative to a direction of travel of the conduit.

[0019] The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more apparent in the course of the following detailed explanatory description of an embodiment of the invention, given only as a purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0020] Of these drawings is / are: - Fig. 1 a perspective view of a windshield wiper system for a windshield of a motor vehicle; - Fig. 2 a detailed view of Fig. 1, showing the connection between the blade bracket and the windshield wiper blade; - Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a windshield wiper incorporating a hydraulic connector according to the invention; - Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a hydraulic connector according to an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 5 a perspective view of a system for locking the plug of Fig. 4 during the removal of the sheet; - Fig. 6 a side view of a connection of Fig. 2, with the windshield wiper in the use position; - Fig. 7 a partial cross-sectional view of the connection of Fig. 6; - Fig. 8 to 10 consecutive views of a windshield wiper according to the invention, showing the installation or insertion of a plug of Fig. 4 point into a mechanical connector, and - Fig. 11 to 13 are successive views of a windshield wiper according to the invention, illustrating the release of the plug from Fig. 4 from the mechanical connector during retraction or removal of the windshield wiper blade.

[0021] It should be noted that the figures explain the invention in detail and that they can, of course, serve to better define the invention if necessary.

[0022] Throughout the remainder of the description, the terms "longitudinal" or "lateral" refer to the orientation of the blade support on which the windshield wiper blade is mounted. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main axis of the blade support, along which it extends, while the lateral orientation corresponds to straight lines intersecting the longitudinal direction, which are primarily perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade support in its plane of rotation. In the case of longitudinal directions, the terms "outer" or "inner" are to be understood relative to the point of attachment of the blade to the blade support, with "inner" corresponding to the section in which the blade support and half of a blade extend. Finally, directions referred to as "upper" or "lower" correspond to orientations perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the blade support, with "lower" including the plane of the windshield.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, they show a windshield wiper system consisting of an arm or blade support 1 extended at its outer end by a terminal 2, which is fixed on the inside by a flange to the blade support 1. The terminal 2 covers an adapter 20 carrying a blade 3 by means of its mechanical connector 10. The adapter 20 is designed to be inserted into the terminal 2 by a translation movement along a longitudinal axis to reach the use position in which it rests against an interacting shape given to the terminal 2. There, it is reversibly fixed by means of a retractable locking knob 4, which interacts with a recess formed for this purpose in the upper part of the terminal 2.

[0024] It will now Fig. 3, which shows in detail elements for attaching the blade 3 to the blade holder 1.

[0025] The end piece 2 has the shape of an inverted "U", with the opening of this "U" shape facing the windshield. This end piece 2 comprises a base 2c at the upper portion and two lateral branches 2a and 2b extending towards the glazing. An opening 7 is formed on the base 2c, in which the retractable locking button 4 of the adapter 20 is housed. The lower end surface of each lateral branch 2a and 2b comprises a rim bent at 90° toward the internal volume defined by the base 2c and the branches 2a and 2b, whose function is, on the one hand, to guide the longitudinal insertion of the adapter 20 and, on the other hand, to serve as a stop in the displacement relative to corresponding stops arranged on the adapter 20.On each lateral branch 2a and 2b of the end piece 2, a locking element 8 is arranged, the function of which is to hold a hydraulic plug 30 in its displacement during the retraction of the blade 3, as will be described in detail below.

[0026] The adapter 20 is in the shape of a bracket that fits the internal volume of the end piece 2 so as to be housed therein. Two side walls 20a and 20b are connected by a bridge 21, and each includes, at its free end, an edge 22 bent toward the outside of the adapter 20. These edges 22 form a displacement stop when they come to rest against the folded edges of the lateral branches of the end piece 2. This adapter 20 also includes two holes formed by the side walls 20a and 20b, which have a common axis intended to serve as the axis of rotation between the blade 3 and the blade support 1 when assembling the windshield wiper system incorporating the hydraulic connector 30.In particular, the blade 3 must have at least one degree of freedom in rotation with respect to the blade support 1, and in particular with respect to the end piece 2, so that the blade 3 can follow the curvature of the windshield to be wiped.

[0027] The mechanical connector 10 is non-removably attached to the blade 3, thereby transmitting the mechanical force originating from the blade support 1 to the blade 3. It has a substantially parallelepipedal shape extending along the axis of the blade 3, with two lateral flanks from which two pins 17 extend laterally, the function of which is, on the one hand, to attach the mechanical connector 10 to the adapter 20 and, on the other hand, to serve as a spindle for the rotation of the blade 3 with respect to the blade support 1, by interacting with the holes formed in the side walls 20a and 20b of the adapter 20.

[0028] On the outside, the mechanical connector 10 has a wall 11, called the cap, which, firstly, closes the front portion of the terminal 2 and serves as a shield to protect the components contained inside this terminal 2, and secondly, provides a well-designed exterior. The surface of the mechanical connector 10 opposite the cap 11, called the inner surface, includes openings (not visible) for hydraulic and electrical connection to the corresponding elements of the hydraulic connector 30 and an electrical connector 40.

[0029] This inner surface of the mechanical plug 10 includes two hydraulic inlet openings, extended by internal distribution channels for the windshield washer fluid, designed to interact with the lines 31 and 32 of the hydraulic plug 30, supplying them with fluid. These distribution channels (not shown in the figures) extend inside the mechanical plug 10 and open in alignment with the supply channels 12 of the tubes 6 for spraying the fluid through the blade 3. As previously indicated, these tubes 6 extend along the two edges of the blade 3, so that the windshield washer fluid is sprayed during the outward and return movement of the blade 3.

[0030] The inner surface of the mechanical connector 10 also has openings containing plug connections 42 and 43, onto which sockets held by the mechanical connector 10 are fitted. This electrical connection provides the electrical current necessary for the operation of the heating element incorporated into the blade 3.

[0031] The hydraulic connector 30 takes the form of two lines 31 and 32, positioned parallel in the longitudinal direction and mechanically connected to each other by connecting bridges. For example, if the line 31 or 32 forms a tube with a cylindrical cross-section, the direction of travel is defined by a centered straight line of the cylindrical cross-section.

[0032] These lines 31 and 32 each have sectors extending in directions aligned at an angle to each other, with the junction between these sectors forming a knee. Such a structure allows the shape of the lines 31 and 32 to be adapted to the shape of the end piece 2 under which they are arranged. On the inside, each of these lines has a snap-back or shoulder connector to which the flexible windshield washer fluid supply pipes are plugged, which run along the blade support 1 from the fluid reservoir.

[0033] On the outside, in other words, on the side of the mechanical connector 10, each of the conduits 31 and 32 has a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the opening of one of the internal distribution channels of the mechanical connector 10. O-ring seals 36 are positioned near this outer end to provide a seal between the conduits 31 and 32 and the openings of the distribution channels into which they penetrate.

[0034] At its lower portion, the hydraulic connector 30 comprises coupling means 37 designed to interact with corresponding support means on the electrical connector 40 in the configuration in which the electrical connector 40 is held by and secured to the hydraulic connector 30 before the assembly is coupled to the mechanical connector 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the coupling means 37 consists of a loop or arch that closes on the lower surface of the hydraulic connector 30, into which the electrical connector 40 is inserted. Means for immobilizing the electrical connector in longitudinal displacement on the hydraulic connector 30 may also be used, thus preventing withdrawal of the electrical connector 40 once it has been placed in position. It is clear that any other method for coupling the electrical connector 40 to the hydraulic connector 30 may be envisaged without departing from the spirit of the invention, or even omitting the coupling, which would then be carried out directly on the mechanical connector 10.

[0035] Laterally, the hydraulic plug 30 comprises two projections 33 in the form of pins that extend from or protrude from the conduits 31 and 32 to form a spindle whose length is approximately the width of the terminal 2, while remaining less than this, to allow the movement of the hydraulic plug 30 in the inner portion of the terminal 2. These pins are formed from a tube of circular cross-section extending along an axis perpendicular to a direction of travel of the conduit from which the pin originates.

[0036] Finally, the hydraulic connector 30 comprises, on at least one of the lines 31, a guide element 34 which extends laterally relative to the hydraulic connector 30 in the direction of the mechanical connector 10 with which it is intended to interact during the attachment of the blade 3 to the blade holder 1.

[0037] As shown, the electrical connector 40 comprises a body inserted into the coupling means 37. The electrical connector 40 also houses a sealing device 41 screwed onto the body. This sealing device 41 provides sealing of the electrical connection between the electrical connector 40 and the mechanical connector 10. Two hollow tubes pass longitudinally through the electrical connector 40, in which metal plugs are positioned, providing the electrical connection between the power supply wires (not shown) coming from the passenger compartment via the blade support 1, and the connectors 42 and 43, providing the electrical connection to the electrical circuit inside the mechanical connector 10, which passes through it to reach the heating resistors of the blade 3.

[0038] With reference now to Fig. Figure 4 shows a detail of a hydraulic connector 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The two conduits 31 and 32 are parallel and connected to each other by two securing bridges 35, forming a single-piece component. The two studs 33 are arranged perpendicular to two flat pieces positioned on either side of the conduits 31 and 32 and molded together with the conduits 31 and 32. Generally, each stud 33 protrudes perpendicularly from the conduit that supports it.

[0039] One of the flat pieces extends downward and forward to form a guide arm 34, which is designed to be integrated into a guide ramp 14 provided for this purpose and formed in a lateral surface of the mechanical connector 10. This guide ramp 14 thus forms the element formed on the mechanical connector 10 with which the guide arm 34 interacts.

[0040] Its length and origin are defined with respect to this guide ramp 14 such that the lines 31 and 32 face the channels inside the mechanical connector 10 for distributing windshield washer fluid when the blade holder 1 is inserted into the guide ramp 14. For example, the guide arm 34 has its origin on the flat piece and extends in a direction inclined relative to a general direction of extension of the blade holder 1. In other words, the flat piece and the blade holder 1 form an elbow relative to each other. It is also noted that the free end of the blade holder 1 protrudes from an outer end of the immediately adjacent line. The length of the blade holder 1 is greater than the length of the line on which the blade holder 1 originates. The free end of the blade holder 1 also includes a support tooth formed by a widening of the blade holder 1 at its end.This tooth has at least one inclined web which facilitates the insertion of the blade holder 1 into the guide ramp 14.

[0041] O-rings are arranged in a groove near the outer end of each of the conduits 31 and 32 to ensure that they are sealed with the corresponding internal distribution channels of the mechanical connector 10.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows the detail of the locking element 8, viewed from the inside of the end piece 2. It has the shape of a parallelepiped between an outer surface and an inner surface, the two surfaces being spaced apart at least equal to the thickness of a lateral surface of the end piece 2. This locking element 8 includes a cutout 78 slightly projecting longitudinally from a lateral surface of the parallelepiped. This cutout 78 forms a sliding surface into which the thickness of the lateral surface 2a or 2b on which the locking element 8 is mounted is integrated. The parallelepiped is extended towards the inside of the end piece 2 by a cavity 9 in a shape known as a keyhole. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity 9 has the shape of an "Ω".

[0043] A lower portion 19 of the cavity 9 has the hollow shape of a rotary cylinder, extending perpendicular to the inner and outer surfaces of the parallelepiped, while the upper portion 29 tapers in a "V" shape. The two portions 19 and 29 are joined to form a bottleneck 39 having an opening substantially equal to the diameter of the pins 33 of the hydraulic plug 30. The purpose of this dimension is to create a hard point during engagement of the pins 33 in the cylindrical portion 19 of the cavity 9 and subsequently prevent these pins 33 from becoming loose once the mechanical plug 10 is placed in the service position.

[0044] With reference now to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, these show the blade 3 mounted on the blade holder in the use position, in a front view and in partial cross-section of the end piece 2, respectively, so that the mechanical connector 10, the adapter 20 and the hydraulic connector 30 are exposed.

[0045] In this position, the conduits 31 and 32 of the hydraulic connector 40 are positioned in the internal distribution channels of the mechanical connector 10, and the guide arm 34 is fully inserted into the guide arm 14 of the mechanical connector 10. The adapter 20, in turn, comprises a means for immobilizing the hydraulic connector 20 in longitudinal displacement, effective in the use position.

[0046] The immobilization means is in the form of a finger 23 attached or formed at the inner end of the lateral surface 20a of the adapter 20. The finger 23 extends in the lower portion, i.e., toward the vehicle windshield, to form a hook along the lateral surface 20a. This finger 33, primarily equipped with its hook, can close over the corresponding pin 33 to keep the hydraulic connector 30 pressed against the mechanical connector 10 in the use position. This secures the hydraulic connection and / or electrical connection between the hydraulic connector 30 and the mechanical connector 10. It should be noted, however, that in the use position, the hook is located at a slight distance from the pin 30 to ensure clearance between the finger 23 and the pin 33.This clearance is necessary for the correct operation of the windscreen wiper system in the operating position.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7 also shows, in a thin line, the relative position of the cavity 9 with respect to the pin 33, which is located in the lower section due to the closure of the end piece 2 to the mechanical connector 10. It therefore does not interfere with the pin 33 of the hydraulic connector 30, making it possible to release any mechanical connection between the hydraulic connector 30 and the end piece 2.

[0048] Fig. 8 to 10 show, in sequence, the insertion of a hydraulic connector 30 according to the invention into a mechanical connector 10 with a suitable guide ramp 14.

[0049] In the three figures, the blade holder 1 is arranged in the service position, that is, the longitudinal axis of the blade 3 forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the blade holder 1 to provide access to the mechanical connector 10 and the adapter 20. The end piece 2 of the blade holder 1 and the adapter 20 are shown in cross-section to show the hydraulic connector 30 and the mechanical connector 10. The hydraulic connector 30 is attached to the end piece 2, its pins 33 positioned in the cylindrical portions 19 of the two locking elements 8 located on each side of the end piece 2. In this case, the hydraulic connector 30 is held by the end piece 2 of the blade holder 1.

[0050] The adapter 20 is in Fig. 8 at the beginning of its movement to insert into the internal volume of the end piece 2, while in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 is shown in the middle or at the end of this movement. This movement shows the insertion of blade 3 into blade holder 1.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 shows the guide arm 34 of the hydraulic plug 30 in isolation, the plug 30 being held by the locking element 8 and being free to rotate about an axis passing through at least one pin 33.

[0052] In Fig. 9, the guide arm 34 engages the guide ramp 14 located on the lateral surface of the mechanical connector 10. The guide arm 34 has thus rotated around the axis passing through the pin 33 in a vertical plane, so that it follows the orientation dictated by this ramp. It should be noted that this insertion of the guide arm 34 into the guide ramp 14 is facilitated by the presence of a taper on the guide ramp 14. In other words, the guide ramp 14 includes an inlet sector having a tapered cross-section.

[0053] In the angular position shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the conduits 31 and 32 are aligned with the axis of the internal channels for supplying fluid to the mechanical connector 10, since the guide arm 34 is now located in a rectilinear sector of the guide ramp 14. The latter is thus formed by a rectilinear sector extending along an axis parallel to the direction in which the internal fluid supply channel(s) of the mechanical connector 10 extend.

[0054] In Fig. 10, the adapter 20 is located at the end of its travel on the end piece 2. The guide arm 34 is fully inserted into the guide ramp 14, and the retractable locking button 4 is positioned in the opening 7. The insertion of the hydraulic connector 30 is then completed, with the lines 31 and 32 installed in the internal channels and providing their O-ring seals 34.

[0055] Likewise, Fig. 11 to 13 show in turn the removal of a hydraulic plug 30 according to the invention from the mechanical plug 10 to which it was plugged.

[0056] In Fig. In Figure 11, the blade 3 is in an intermediate position relative to the blade holder 1 between the use position and the service position. This figure shows the lowering of the pin 33 into the cavity 9 of the locking element 8, the latter still being V-shaped in its upper section 29.

[0057] In Fig. 12 it is fully in its service position and in Fig. 13 the mechanical plug 10 has come out of the end piece 2.

[0058] The lowering of the pin 33, after the complete opening of the angle between the blade 3 and the blade support 1, is completed, and the pin is positioned in the cylindrical section 19 of the cavity 9. In this position, the hydraulic connector 30 is held by the end piece 2 by the locking element 8. In parallel, the arrangement of the blade in the service position has released the pin 33 from the finger 23 of the adapter 20, allowing the latter to slide longitudinally relative to the end piece 2.

[0059] Fig.Figure 13 shows the end of the extraction and removal of the used blade 3 from the blade holder 1. After the blade 3 has been pulled, the adapter 20 has slid completely along the end piece 2 and is ready for separation from the blade holder 1. The hydraulic connector 30, for its part, is still attached to the end piece 2 because, as indicated above, it is held by its pins 33 positioned in the cylindrical portions of the locking elements 8 arranged on the two side surfaces 2a and 2b of the end piece 2.

[0060] The replacement of a blade 3 on a blade holder 1 of a windscreen wiper system comprising a hydraulic connector 30 according to the invention, including the removal of the used blade 3 and its replacement with a new blade 3, will now be described.

[0061] The mechanic begins by positioning the blade 3 in the service position by separating it at an angle of 5° and 25° from the direction of the blade support 1. This causes the pins 33 of the hydraulic connector 20 to penetrate the locking elements 8, particularly the cylindrical portions 19 of the cavities of the parallelepiped attached to each of the two lateral surfaces 2a and 2b of the end piece 2. The hydraulic connector 30 is then held longitudinally in position by these locking elements, while retaining freedom of rotation about the axis supporting its pins 33.

[0062] This movement toward the service position also causes the blade 3 to rotate relative to the adapter 20, which remains aligned with the end piece 2 to which it is attached. Thus, the pin 33 in question is released from the finger 23 of the adapter 20, allowing a relative longitudinal movement or displacement between the adapter 20, and consequently the mechanical connector 10 and the blade 3, and the end piece 2.

[0063] After separating the adapter 20 from the end piece 2 by pressing the retractable locking button 4 to remove it from the opening 7, the mechanic can slide the adapter 20 in the sliding tracks formed by the folded edges of the side surfaces 2a and 2b of the end piece 2, either by pulling on the adapter 20 or on the mechanical connector 10, until the complete separation of the blade 3 from the blade holder 1 is achieved.

[0064] The insertion of a new blade 3 is carried out in the reverse direction, starting with the opening of the adapter 20 to position it at an angle with the mechanical connector 10. The insertion continues with an alignment of the adapter 20 with the end piece 2, followed by its insertion into the internal volume of the end piece 2 until the edges 22 come to rest against the stops of the lateral surfaces 2a and 2b of the end piece.

[0065] During this displacement maneuver, the mechanical connector 10 is gradually moved closer to the hydraulic connector 30, and the guide arm 34 enters the guide ramp 14 of the mechanical connector 10, this entry being facilitated by the presence of the tapered sector. Once inserted into the guide ramp 14, the guide arm 34 gradually causes the hydraulic connector 30 to rotate about the axis passing through the pins 33 to bring it into an angular position in which the conduits 31 and 32 are aligned with the internal channels of the mechanical connector 10.

[0066] While the mechanical connector 10 and the adapter 20 are pushed further against the end piece 2, the lines 31 and 32 are inserted into the internal channels of the mechanical connector 10 and guarantee the supply of windscreen washer fluid to the spray pipes 6 of the blade 3.

[0067] By closing the blade 3 again against the blade support 1, i.e., by moving it from the service position to the use position, the finger 23 of the adapter 20 immobilizes the pin 33, ensuring longitudinal retention of the hydraulic connector 30 and its securing to the mechanical connector 10. There is therefore no reason to fear loosening of this hydraulic connection during use. At the same time, the closure of the blade 3 to the blade support 1 and the lowering of the adapter 20 against the mechanical connector 10 causes the pin 33 to emerge from the cavity 9 in which it was enclosed. The hydraulic connector 30 is therefore no longer secured to the end piece 2 and can follow the relative movements of the mechanical connector 10 relative to the blade support during windshield wiping.

[0068] The invention has been described for a flat-blade blade 3, with two spray tubes 6, i.e., two conduits 31, 32 on the hydraulic connector 30. It is quite obvious that it could equally well be used in the case of a hydraulic connector 30 comprising only one conduit 31, 32. Likewise, the locking system by a finger 23 positioned on the adapter 20 and locking a pin 33 can be replaced by a tongue held by the adapter 20 and interacting with a rod positioned on the hydraulic connector 30. A device for unlocking this tongue must then be installed on site to release the hydraulic connector 30 once it reaches the service position.

[0069] The invention described above shows the guide arm 34 coming from the hydraulic connector 30, which interacts with an element forming a guide ramp 14 formed on the mechanical connector 10. It goes without saying that the invention also covers a reverse case, in which the guide means, for example the guide arm 34, is formed from the mechanical connector 10 to interact with a corresponding element, in particular a guide ramp 14 formed on the hydraulic connector 30, for example, on at least one of its lateral surfaces.

[0070] This last variant has a significant advantage. In particular, the hydraulic connector 30 is a single piece that remains on the vehicle throughout its lifetime. It is therefore not inevitable that it will be replaced each time the blade 3 is replaced, as is the case with the mechanical connector 10. Therefore, it is advantageous to form the guide ramp 14 on the hydraulic connector 30, since this element is formed inside the volume defined by the hydraulic connector 30. This prevents the guide arm 14 from forming a projection that protrudes beyond this volume and risks breaking due to the successive, repeated manipulations during the insertion and removal of the blade 3. Likewise, it is advantageous to have this guide arm 14 on the mechanical connector 10, which is connected to the blade 3, since this mechanical connector 10 is replaced each time the blade is replaced.Therefore, the guide arm 14 is new each time the blade 3 is changed, which guarantees correct alignment of the hydraulic connector 30 on the mechanical connector 10 each time the blade is changed.

Claims

[1] A connecting device of a windscreen wiper system, comprising an end piece (2) positioned at the end of a blade holder (1) extending in a longitudinal direction, a blade (3), a mechanical connector (10) attached to the blade (3) for its attachment to the blade holder (1) by an adapter (20) inserted between the end piece (2) and the mechanical connector (10), the blade holder (1) being designed to guide the blade (3) over a surface to be wiped, a hydraulic connector (30) comprising at least one conduit (31, 32) for conveying a liquid to the blade (3) via the mechanical connector (10), the hydraulic connector (30) comprising at least one guide means (34) separate from the at least one conduit (31, 32),which can interact with a corresponding element (14) of the mechanical connector (10) for its alignment with the latter during the installation of the blade (3) of the blade holder (1), , characterized by that the guide means (34) is an arm extending in a direction corresponding to a direction of travel of the line (31, 32), and that the element (14) is a guide ramp formed on the mechanical connector (10). [2] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized by that the guide means (34) is positioned laterally relative to the hydraulic plug (10). [3] Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the guide ramp is formed in one of the side surfaces of the mechanical connector (10). [4] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that at least one support element is provided which can interact with a support means (8) fixed to the blade holder (1) while maintaining at least one degree of freedom, the guide means (34) being arranged so that the hydraulic plug (30) can move according to this degree of freedom. [5] Connecting device according to claim 4, characterized by in that the degree of freedom is rotation and the support element consists of at least one pin (33) which is positioned laterally relative to the hydraulic plug (30) and extends in a direction corresponding to a lateral direction relative to a direction of travel of the line (31, 32). [6] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the connecting device has a use position and a service position, wherein the adapter (20) comprises a means for immobilizing the hydraulic plug (30) in a displacement in the longitudinal direction, which means is effective in the use position. [7] Connecting device according to claim 6, characterized by in that the means for immobilizing comprise a finger (23) formed on a side wall (20a, 20b) of the adapter (20), wherein the finger (23) can interact with a projection (33) extending laterally from the hydraulic plug (30). [8] Connecting device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by that the end piece (2) comprises the support means (8) carrying the hydraulic plug (30) which is effective in the service position.

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