Wiper linkage arrangement and wiper arrangement comprising this

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wiper arrangement (22) for use in conjunction with a plurality of wiper arms, wherein this wiper arrangement comprises a wiper element (26) designed to make contact with a surface to be cleaned, a structure (30) supporting the wiper element (26), and a connection arrangement (28) that detachably connects this structure (30) to a plurality of different fastening elements of the wiper arms.The connection arrangement (28) comprises a base (36) attached to the structure (30) and at least one connecting piece (64, 164) which is detachably connected to the base (36) to enable connection with the fastening elements, wherein at least one connecting piece (64, 164) has a tab (76, 176) extending longitudinally from a rear end and arranged in a primary cavity (46) of the base (36), wherein the base (36) has a secondary cavity (60) spaced apart from the primary cavity (46), and wherein a release lever (82) is arranged in the secondary cavity (60) of the base (36) which interacts with the tab (76, 176) of the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) to release the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) from the base (36).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wiper arrangements for vehicles and in particular to a wiper connection arrangement and wiper arrangement comprising the latter, for connecting the wiper arrangement to a wiper arm of a vehicle. 2. Description of the related technology

[0002] Various connection arrangements are known in the prior art for wiper blade adapters. The present invention aims at a universal connection arrangement, i.e., a general solution for various wiper blade adapters.

[0003] Conventional wiper assemblies known in the prior art comprise a type of wiper assembly mounted on an arm, which in turn is attached adjacent to a surface to be cleaned, such as a windshield, and is driven in a pivoting motion to impart a back-and-forth movement to the wiper assembly across the windshield. The wiper assembly typically includes a rubber wiper element that contacts the windshield transversely across the area to be wiped. Generally, wiper assemblies can be classified into one of two categories, most commonly referred to as "tournament" wiper assemblies and "flat-beam" wiper assemblies.

[0004] The wiper assembly typically includes a connector that joins the wiper arm and wiper element. The connector usually comprises a structure that is operatively connected to a fastener for attachment to the wiper arm. For example, some wiper arms used by original equipment manufacturers include bayonet, pin, or hook fasteners of various sizes that are operatively connected to the wiper assemblies. For use with the wiper assemblies, the connector is operatively connected to at least one of these different fasteners.

[0005] While these wiper assemblies are limited to use with a specific type of wiper arm, the wiper assembly connector is typically designed for use with only one type of wiper arm. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a connector for different types of wiper arms. Furthermore, there is a technical requirement for a connector that allows a wiper assembly to be operatively connected to different wiper arm mounting elements. And there is a technical requirement for a connector that operatively connects to a wiper arm designed for a specific wiper assembly.

[0006] Document WO 2012 / 037 211 A2 discloses a beam-type windshield wiper assembly comprising a universal coupling element assembly consisting of a carrier, a saddle which is detachably received and held by the carrier, and a coupling element which is operatively mounted on the saddle. The carrier, the saddle, and the coupling element work together to accommodate various sizes of clamp-type fasteners, push-button-type fasteners, side-pin-type fasteners, and pin-and-bend-tab-type fasteners, which are used to connect the wiper arm and the windshield wiper assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is defined by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the description and the drawings serve to explain the invention in more detail without limiting its subject matter.

[0008] The present invention overcomes many limitations and disadvantages of related technologies relating to a wiper assembly and a connecting arrangement for attaching the wiper assembly to a variety of different mounting elements for wiper arms. The connecting arrangement comprises a base attached to the structure of the wiper assembly and at least one connecting piece that is detachably connected to the base to enable connection with the mounting elements. The connecting arrangement also includes a release lever that interacts with the base and the at least one connecting piece, and serves to detach the at least one connecting piece from the base to allow the detachable connection between a wiper assembly and the mounting elements of the wiper arms.

[0009] The connection assembly allows a wiper assembly to be detachably connected to a variety of different wiper arm mounting elements. It comprises a base attached to the wiper assembly structure. The base includes a primary cavity, a multitude of tabs extending into the primary cavity, a multitude of openings between them, a recess extending longitudinally from one end of the primary cavity, and a secondary cavity spaced longitudinally from the primary cavity.

[0010] The connection arrangement also includes at least one connecting piece detachably attached to the base, by means of which the fastening elements can be connected. The at least one connecting piece has a base wall, a plurality of projections extending laterally from both longitudinal sides of the base wall and passing through the openings and under the tabs of the base, a projection extending outwards from one end of the base wall to be received in the recess of the base, and a tab extending longitudinally from another end of the base wall and located in the primary cavity of the base.The connection arrangement also includes a release lever located in the second recess of the base, which interacts with the tab of the at least one connecting piece to release the at least one connecting piece from the base, thus enabling the releasable fastening between a wiper assembly and the fastening elements of the wiper arms.

[0011] The wiper assembly can be used in conjunction with a variety of wiper arms. It comprises a wiping element designed for contact with a surface to be cleaned, a structure that supports the wiping element, and a connection assembly by means of which the structure can be detachably connected to a variety of different wiper arm mounting elements. The connection assembly includes a base attached to the wiper assembly structure and at least one connector that is detachably connected to the base to allow connection to the mounting elements.

[0012] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a novel connection arrangement in which a wiper assembly is operatively connected to a wiper arm. A further advantage of the present invention is that the connection arrangement provides a wiper assembly with easily replaceable connection adapters. Another advantage of the present invention is that the connection arrangement is suitable for aesthetic purposes and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of a wiper assembly. A further advantage of the present invention is that the connection arrangement provides a wiper system with an interchangeable wiper assembly, thus reducing the costs associated with replacing a wiper assembly.A further advantage of the present invention is that the connection arrangement provides a wiper assembly comprising a replaceable wiper element that can be replaced by readily available wiper elements, thus simplifying the work associated with replacing a wiper assembly. A further advantage of the present invention is that a wiper assembly is provided with easily alignable and replaceable adapters for different arm types. Furthermore, the present invention offers the advantage that the wiper assembly has a connection arrangement with self-adjusting and smooth-sliding locking mechanisms and also features easily detachable adapters.

[0013] Further functions, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent, as they become more understandable after reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective partial view of the front of a motor vehicle with a pair of wiper arrangements according to an embodiment of the present invention, which are pivotably mounted for back-and-forth movement across the windshield of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the wiper arrangement in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wiper arrangement in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of two different adapters, two different additional adapters, two different connecting pieces and a base according to an embodiment of a connection arrangement according to the present invention for the wiper arrangement in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the adapters and connectors, which are designed according to the specifications in Fig. 4. The design shown is connected to the base. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the other adapter and the connecting pieces, which are shown in Fig. 4. The design shown is connected to the base. Fig. 7 is a top view of the base of a connection arrangement according to the Fig. 4. Design shown. Fig. Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevation of one of the connecting pieces and the base of the connecting arrangement according to the one shown in Fig. 4. Design shown in a first position. Fig. Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation of one of the connecting pieces and the base of the connecting arrangement according to the one shown in Fig. 4 in a second position. Fig. Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevation of one of the connecting pieces and the base of the connecting arrangement according to the one shown in Fig. 4 in a third position depicted design. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED DESIGN (EN)

[0014] In the figures where the same numbers are used to denote identical structures, in Fig. Figure 1 below 10 shows a part of a vehicle. The part of the vehicle 10 comprises a body with a cowl 12, a roof 14, and a pair of laterally spaced front or “A”-pillars 16, which extend between the roof 14 and the cowl 12. The A-pillars 16, the roof 14, and the cowl 12 together form a generally rectangular boundary that supports a curved or “backward-facing” windshield 18.

[0015] A wiper system used to clean the windshield 18 is in the Fig. 1 generally designated by 20. In the representative example illustrated here, the wiper system 20 comprises a pair of wiper assemblies, generally designated by 22, which are arranged on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle 10. However, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the wiper system 20 could also consist of only a single wiper assembly 22 without this being beyond the scope of the present invention. Each of the wiper assemblies 22 (hereinafter referred to as "wiper assembly") is held by a corresponding wiper arm assembly, generally designated by 24. The wiper arm assembly 24 comprises a fastening element 25 (partially shown) designed for operative engagement with the wiper assembly 22.The wiper system also includes an electric motor (not shown, but known in the prior art) which is usually used to supply power to the wiper system 20 in order to move the wiper assembly 22 in an oscillating manner over the surface of the windshield 18.

[0016] Although the wiper arrangement 22 in Fig. As the invention is shown in Figure 1 in connection with the windshield 18 of the vehicle 10, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the wiper assemblies 22 can also be used at other locations on the vehicle 10, such as on the rear window (not shown) or a headlight (not shown) that uses a wiper system. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to use exclusively in conjunction with wiper arm assemblies 24 and wiper assemblies 22 designed for use on the windshield 18 of a vehicle, but can be used in all applications where wiper arm assemblies 24 and wiper assemblies 22 are used.

[0017] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. The wiper assembly 22 comprises a wiper element, generally designated 26, designed for contact with the surface to be cleaned – in this representative example, the windshield 18 – of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the wiper assembly 22 generally comprises a connecting arrangement, generally designated 28, which connects the wiper arm assembly 24 and the wiper element 26. The wiper assembly 22 also includes at least one elongated beam, generally designated 30, which forms a longitudinal axis for holding the wiper element 26. The wiper element 26 is attached to one side of the beam 30 by a suitable mechanism, e.g., by means of adhesive. The wiper assembly 22 may also include a wing assembly, generally designated 32, and a pair of end caps, generally designated 34.It is evident that the connection arrangement 28 is designed to connect the wiper assembly 22 to the wiper arm assembly 24. Furthermore, the connection arrangement 28 can be operatively connected to at least one specific type of fastener 25, but it can also be connected to several types of fasteners 25. For example, various original equipment manufacturers use wiper arm assemblies 24 with different fasteners 25, which are designed to be operatively connected to a specific type of wiper assembly 22. Accordingly, the connection arrangement 28 is operatively connected to at least one or more of these different fasteners.Some wiper arm assemblies 24 used by original equipment manufacturers also include, for example, fastening elements 25 of the "bayonet type", "pin type" or "hook type" in various sizes, which are operatively connected to the wiper assemblies 22. Accordingly, the connection arrangement 28 shown here can have one or more adapters to be described, which are operatively connected to at least one or more of these different fastening elements 25 for use in conjunction with the wiper assemblies 22, without this exceeding the scope of the present invention.

[0018] In the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the connection arrangement 28 according to the present invention. The connection arrangement 28 is designed to detachably connect the wiper assembly 22 to the fastening element 25 of the wiper arm assembly 24. In particular, the connection arrangement 28 comprises a base 36 that engages in or is connected to the frame 30. The base 36 has an outer upper wall 38 and a plurality of outer side walls 40 extending from the upper wall 38. The base 36 also has an inner lower wall 42 and a plurality of inner side walls 44, which form a longitudinally extending primary cavity 46. The primary cavity 46 generally has a rectangular shape. The base 36 also has a plurality of tabs 48 that extend laterally from the inner side walls 44 into the primary cavity 46. The tabs 48 generally have a rectangular shape and are spaced apart lengthwise.Each of the tabs 48 has a longitudinal slot 50 and a vertically extending opening 52. The base 36 also has a recess 54 that extends inward at a front end toward the upper wall 38. The recess 54 is generally V2-shaped, but can be any shape for the described function. The base 36 also has at least one, preferably a plurality of, ventilation openings 56 that extend through the inner lower wall 42 adjacent to the side walls 44 to allow water to pass through. The base 36 also has a plurality of ventilation openings 58 that extend through the inner lower wall 42 near a central portion to allow water to pass through, and an intermediate, laterally extending, raised rib 59. The base 36 also has a secondary cavity 60 that is spaced apart from a rear end of the primary cavity 46. The secondary cavity 60 generally has a rectangular shape.The secondary cavity 60 has a recess 62 that extends laterally near a front end. The base 36 has a plurality of tabs 63 that are spaced longitudinally and extend laterally inward from the side walls 40 to overlap the spar 30. The tabs 63 are generally rectangular in shape. The base 36 is integral, uniform, and one-piece. The base 36 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0019] The connecting arrangement 28 also includes a connecting piece, generally designated 64, which interacts with the base 36. The connecting piece 64 comprises a base wall 66 having a recess 67 extending laterally across it. The base wall 66 is generally rectangular in shape. The connecting piece 64 also has side walls 68 extending upwards from the base wall 66. The connecting piece 64 further includes a flange 70 extending outwards from a front end of the base wall 66. The flange 70 is generally rectangular in shape. The connecting piece 64 also includes an outwardly extending projection 72 that overlaps the flange 70. The projection 72 is generally V-shaped and extends longitudinally. The connecting piece 64 includes a plurality of projections 74 extending laterally from both longitudinal sides of the base wall 66.The projections 74 are generally rectangular and spaced apart longitudinally. The connecting piece 64 has a tab 76 extending longitudinally from its rear end. In one embodiment, the tab 76 is generally T-shaped and extends longitudinally from the base wall 66. As is known in the prior art, the connecting piece 64 also includes an adapter 78, which is pivotably mounted between the side walls 68 for connection to one type of fastening element 25 of the wiper arm assembly 24. As is known in the prior art, the connecting piece 64 also has an opening 80 extending through the side walls 68 for fastening another type of fastening element 25 of the wiper arm assembly 24. The connecting piece 64 is integral, uniform, and one-piece. The connecting piece 64 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0020] The connecting arrangement 28 also includes a quick-release lever 82 by means of which the connecting piece 64 can be released from the base 36. The release lever 82 generally has a rectangular shape. Near a front end, the release lever 82 has a pair of laterally spaced recesses to form a shaft element 84. The release lever 82 also has a tab 86 extending longitudinally from its front end. The tab 86 generally has a rectangular shape. The release lever 82 is integral, uniform, and one-piece. The release lever 82 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0021] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the connecting piece 64 according to the present invention. Identical parts of the connecting piece 64 are designated with the same numbers, increased by one hundred (100). In this embodiment, the connecting piece 164 comprises a base wall 166 having a recess 167 extending laterally across it. The base wall 166 generally has a rectangular shape. The connecting piece 164 also comprises a flange 170 extending outwards from a front end of the base wall 166. The flange 170 generally has a rectangular shape. The connecting piece 164 also has a projection 172 extending outwards and overlapping the flange 170. The projection 172 is generally V-shaped and extends longitudinally. The connecting piece 164 comprises a plurality of projections 174 extending laterally from both longitudinal sides of the base wall 166.The cantilevers 174 generally have a rectangular shape and are spaced apart longitudinally. The connecting piece 162 also has a raised section 175 that extends upwards and longitudinally from the base wall 166. The connecting piece 164 includes a tab 176 that extends longitudinally at its rear end. In one embodiment, the tab 176 generally has a rectangular shape and extends longitudinally from the base wall 166.

[0022] As is known in the prior art, the connecting piece 164 also includes an adapter 178 pivotably mounted on the raised part 175 for attaching one type of fastening element 25 of the wiper arm assembly 24. As is known in the prior art, the adapter 178 also has an opening 180 extending through it for attaching another type of fastening element 25 of the wiper arm assembly 24. The adapter 178 also has a cantilevered vertical locking element 182 near a front end. The adapter 178 also includes a cantilevered horizontal locking element 184 at a rear end. The adapter 178 also includes a pair of cantilevered locking tabs 186, which are spaced laterally from the sides at its rear end. The connecting piece 164 is integral, uniform, and one-piece. The connecting piece 164 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0023] Accordingly, the connection arrangement 28 described here can have at least one, preferably first, additional adapter, generally designated 200, and a second additional adapter, generally designated 202, which are operatively connected to at least one or more of these different fastening elements 25 in connection with the use of the wiper arrangements 22. The additional adapters 200 and 202 are used in conjunction with the connecting piece 164. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first auxiliary adapter 200 has a longitudinally extending upper wall 204. The upper wall 204 is generally rectangular. The upper wall 204 has an opening 206 extending through it. The opening 206 is generally rectangular. The first auxiliary adapter 200 has a pair of opposing side walls 208, which generally extend perpendicularly from the upper wall 204 to form an inverted "U" shape. One of the side walls 208 has a slot 210 extending through it. The slot 210 is generally U-shaped. The other of the side walls 208 has an opening (not shown) extending through it opposite the slot 210. The opening is generally round.The first additional adapter 200 has a tab 212 extending longitudinally from one end to engage with the vertical locking element 182 of the connecting piece 164. The tab 212 is generally rectangular. The first additional adapter 200 has projections (not shown) extending longitudinally from the top wall 204 to engage with the connecting piece 164. The projections are generally rectangular and laterally spaced. The first additional adapter 200 is integral, uniform, and one-piece. The first additional adapter 200 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0024] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second auxiliary adapter 202 comprises a longitudinal top wall 214. The top wall 214 generally has a rectangular shape. The top wall 214 has an opening 216 extending through it to accommodate the horizontal locking element 184 of the connecting piece 164. The opening 216 generally has a rectangular shape. The second auxiliary adapter 202 has a pair of opposing side walls 218 that generally extend perpendicularly from the top wall 214 to form an inverted "U" shape. The side walls 218 have a slot 220 that extends through them near one end. The slot 220 generally has an inverted "U" shape. The second auxiliary adapter 202 has projections 222 that extend laterally inward from both ends of the side walls 218 to engage with the locking lugs 186. The second additional adapter 202 is integral, uniform and one-piece.The second additional adapter 202 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0025] The functionality of the connection arrangement 28 is described in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 is described in relation to the connector 64. To connect the connector 64 to the base 36, the projections 74 of the connector 64 are aligned with the openings 52 of the base 36. The connector 64 is moved manually toward the base 36 so that the projections 74 of the connector 64 pass through the openings 52 and the raised bar 59 is received in the recess 67 of the connector 64. The connector 64 can be moved forward manually by an operator until the projections 74 of the connector 64 are located below the tabs 48, the projection 72 is located in the recess 54, and the tab 76 is located in the primary cavity 46, so that the tab 86 of the release lever 82 is overlapped in a locking function. When this is done, the connecting piece 64 is, as in Fig. Figure 8 shows the base 36 connected in a first or assembled position. In this first position, the flange 70 is located below the top wall 38 of the base 36, the projections 74 are located below the tabs 48, and the tab 76 overlaps the tab 86 of the release lever 82.

[0026] Detaching the connecting piece 64 from the base 36 is described in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrates the connecting piece 64. Fig. 9 shown in a second or quickly solvable position. In the Fig. 9. The release lever 82 is manually actuated by an operator, who pushes it so that it rotates around the shaft 84, causing the tab 86 to engage and lift the tab 76 of the connector 64. When this occurs, the connector 64 can be manually moved backward by an operator until the projections 74 are no longer below the tabs 48 and are aligned with the openings 52. The connector 64 can then be manually moved upward and out of the primary cavity 46 by an operator, and the connector 64 is located, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows the connector in a third or disassembled position. The connecting piece 164 has the same function with regard to the assembly and disassembly of the connecting piece 64 from the base 36.

[0027] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is therefore understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the attached claims, the invention may be implemented in practice differently than specifically described.

Claims

[1] A wiper assembly (22) for use in conjunction with a plurality of wiper arms, wherein this wiper assembly comprises the following: a wiping element (26) designed to contact a surface to be cleaned; a structure (30) that supports the wiper element (26); and a connecting arrangement (28) that detachably connects this structure (30) to a variety of different fastening elements of the wiper arms, wherein this connection arrangement (28) comprises a base (36) attached to the structure (30) and at least one connecting piece (64, 164) which is detachably connected to the base (36) to enable connection with the fastening elements, wherein at least one connecting piece (64, 164) has a tab (76, 176) extending longitudinally from a rear end and arranged in a primary cavity (46) of the base (36), wherein the base (36) has a secondary cavity (60) spaced apart from the primary cavity (46), and wherein a release lever (82) is arranged in the secondary cavity (60) of the base (36) which interacts with the tab (76, 176) of the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) to release the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) from the base (36). [2] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the base (36) comprises the primary cavity (46) to accommodate part of the at least one connecting piece. [3] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the base (36) comprises a plurality of tabs (48) extending into the primary cavity (46) and a plurality of openings between these tabs (48). [4] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) has a base wall (66, 166) and a plurality of projections (74, 174) extending laterally from both longitudinal sides of the base wall (66, 166) and passing through these openings and under the tabs of the base (36). [5] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the base (36) has a recess (54) extending longitudinally from one end of the primary cavity (46). [6] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one connecting piece (64, 164) has a projection (72, 172) extending outwards from one end of the base wall (66, 166) to be received in the recess (54) of the base. [7] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, comprising at least one adapter (178) which is connected to the at least one connecting piece (164) in order to be operatively connected to at least one of the fastening elements. [8] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, comprising a first additional adapter (200) which is connected to the at least one connecting piece (164) in order to be operatively connected to at least one of the fastening elements. [9] A wiper arrangement (22) according to claim 1, wherein the base (36) has a plurality of ventilation openings (56) passing through it and communicating with the primary cavity (46) so that water can flow out of the primary cavity.

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