Adapter for articulating the connection of a wiper blade to a wiper arm

Abstract

TITLE: "Adapter for articulating a wiper blade to a wiper arm" Adapter for articulating a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade comprising a base element (2) for connecting to the wiper blade and a connecting element (3) for connecting to the wiper arm (4). The base element (2) and the connecting element (3) can rotate relative to each other. The base element (2) and the connecting element (3) are connected by a hinge element (5) which has a reduced cross-section and / or is made of a more flexible material (6). It is movable due to the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) or the reduced cross-section. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: "Adapter for articulating a wiper blade to a wiper arm" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting in an articulated manner a wiper arm to a wiper blade which includes a base element for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element for being connected to the wiper arm, the base element and the connecting element being able to rotate relative to each other.

[0002] Such an adapter applies to a windshield wiper blade, driver's or passenger's side, but also to the rear window of a vehicle. PRIORITY OF THE ART

[0003] The windshield wiper blade is usually connected to the wiper arm by an adapter consisting of two parts linked to each other around an axis, thus providing a degree of rotational freedom. Since one part of the adapter is connected to the wiper blade, the other part of the adapter has connecting elements for the wiper arm. Therefore, the wiper blade, mounted on the wiper arm via the adapter, can, during the sweeping motion, tilt within certain limits and adapt to the curvature of the windshield relative to the wiper arm.

[0004] Document DE 102011082676 A1 describes a windshield wiper comprising a wiping blade held by a pre-bent support element concave to the wiping lip and formed by an elastic rail having the elasticity of a spring; this support element is rigidly connected at its end facing the wiper drive device equipped with a wiper arm. The end of the support element on the side of the wiper arm has a curved shape opposite to the wiping blade, connecting a lower arm extending from the support element to an upper arm parallel to it, the free end of which is fixed to the corresponding end of the wiper arm.

[0005] Document DE 102010040186 describes a wiper arm equipped with a wiper blade; the latter is connected to the wiper arm by a shaped spring. In this embodiment, the connection between the shaped spring and both the wiper arm and the wiper blade is a rigid connection; the necessary lifting movement of the wiper blade is ensured by the elastic deformation of the spring.

[0006] According to document DE 10 2012210945 Al, a windshield wiper device is known comprising a wiper arm and at least one leaf spring-shaped rail which are joined together in one piece by being connected by a connecting spacer.

[0007] Document WO 2015 / 032579 A1 describes a windshield wiper device comprising an elongated upper part that is at least partially flexible and a similar lower part. The upper and lower parts are connected by several connecting elements spaced apart from each other and connected respectively to the upper and lower parts by a hinge film.

[0008] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to an adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade which includes a base element for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element for being connected to the wiper arm, the base element and the connecting element being able to rotate relative to each other, this adapter being characterized in that the base element and the connecting element are connected by a hinge element which has at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or is made of a more flexible material and which is mobile thanks to the elasticity of the more flexible material or the reduced cross-section.

[0010] The adapter according to the invention has the advantage that the base element and the connecting element are linked by a hinge element having at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or made of a more flexible material, the elasticity of which, thanks to the more flexible material or the reduced cross-section, ensures mobility. In particular, the adapter comprises a single component and not several components. Thus, it is perfectly possible to make the entire adapter in a single piece and to ensure mobility simply by the reduced cross-section and the elasticity of the material in this area. Similarly, it is possible to make the adapter in the form of a single piece instead of several parts to be assembled. For this purpose, the base element and the connecting element have an area of ​​material whose elasticity or flexibility allows movement.This allows for simpler construction designs which, due to the smaller number of parts, do not require assembly and thus enable economical manufacturing.

[0011] Advantageously, the hinge element is made of a plastic material; in particular, the reduced cross-section area forms a hinge film. This results in particularly economical production, for example, in the form of an injection-molded part.

[0012] Furthermore, and advantageously, the hinge element comprises several hinge films in parallel. The hinge films made of plastic parts, which connect parts of this part by means of a thin, film-shaped zone, are reliably functioning devices that allow for a large number of actuations or alternating movements. When using several hinge films, greater holding forces can be transmitted between the base element and the connecting element, and the lateral guiding force will be greater.

[0013] Advantageously, the hinge films have a fold. When the base element rotates relative to the connecting element, the hinge films can unfold independently of each other or stretch out, thus enabling this movement.

[0014] According to an advantageous development, the hinge element is U-shaped, one arm of which constitutes the base element and the other arm simultaneously constitutes the connecting element.

[0015] Advantageously, the elasticity of the least rigid material is defined by recesses, particularly in the defined direction. Thus, for example, the most flexible material is formed of a flat, rectangular parallelepiped, and recesses or holes are made in the parallelepiped on two head sides, allowing it to compress more easily on these two head sides. This makes it possible to define the mobility of the area forming the hinge both in this direction and with respect to the required forces.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the elasticity of the more flexible material is obtained by hollows, in particular of a defined direction.

[0017] The invention also relates to an adapter for connecting the wiper arm to the wiper blade in an articulated manner, having a base element for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element for being connected to the wiper arm, the base element and the connecting element being able to rotate relative to each other, this adapter being characterized in that the base element and the connecting element are connected by a hinge element which is constituted by at least one torsion element.

[0018] The invention also relates to an adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade, having a base element for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element for being connected to the wiper arm, the base element and the connecting element being able to rotate relative to each other,

[0019] this adapter being characterized in that the base element and the connecting element are connected by a hinge element which is made up of at least one torsion element.

[0020] This adapter has the advantage that the base element and the connecting element are linked by a hinge element consisting of a torsion element. When using the adapter, when the base element with the wiper blade When rotated relative to the connection point with the wiper arm, this generates tension or creates torsion that provides a restoring force. The adapter as defined above is entirely independent of the embodiments and characteristics of the adapter described previously.

[0021] According to another feature, the base element and the hinge element are connected respectively by a torsion element provided on both sides of the median plane of the adapter.

[0022] Advantageously, the base element and the connecting element are linked respectively by a torsion element provided on both sides of the adapter's median plane. This results in a structure symmetrical with respect to the adapter's median plane, which allows for a regular distribution of forces. The torsion elements can advantageously be in the form of torsion bars.

[0023] The invention also relates to an adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade and a wiper arm, the adapter (1) being formed by a pin (15) oriented transversely and housed in rotation in a recess (16) of the arm (4) by being connected to the wiper blade,

[0024] this adapter being characterized in that it comprises an elastic tension element, in particular a rubber band (14) which is held around the pin (15), the arm (4) and again around the pin (15), this pin (15) being held in the recess (16) of the wiper arm (4).

[0025] According to another feature, the adapter includes an elastic tensioning element, in particular a rubber band that surrounds the spindle, then the wiper arm, and then the spindle again, so that the spindle is held in the recess of the wiper arm. This results in a particularly simple and economical way of connecting the wiper arm to the wiper blade using a wiper blade adapter. A very small number of components are required, and these do not need any particular embodiment for the connection elements to the wiper arm, regardless of the recess, which may be in the form of a groove, for example, with a V-shaped cross-section or a rounded shape. Such an adapter is completely independent of the embodiments and features of the adapter described above.

[0026] Advantageously, the invention relates to a windshield wiper blade whose base element and / or hinge element are connected rigidly or in one piece to any of the adapters described above and the wiper blade component. For example, it is possible that the base element of the adapter, which also serves as the wiper blade support element, forms a single component with the wiper blade itself, for example, an injection-molded part. This results in the advantage to further reduce the number of components or parts and enable economical manufacturing.

[0027] Advantageously, the wiper blade is a flat beam wiper blade with a support element that exerts a preload in the direction of the windshield, in particular a spring steel band. The wiper blades have no other joints, and the entire application force of the wiper arm is transmitted by a single adapter to the corresponding point on the flat wiper blade. In this particular case, the simplicity of the embodiment is a special advantage.

[0028] Advantageously, the base element and / or the hinge element are connected to the support element or form an integral part of it. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The present invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of embodiment examples shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] First example of an embodiment of adapter 1

[0031] [Fig.2] Second example of an embodiment of adapter 1

[0032] [Fig.3] Side view of the adapter of the [Fig.2]

[0033] [Fig.4] Third example of an embodiment of adapter 1

[0034] [Fig.5] Fourth embodiment of adapter 1

[0035] [Fig.6] variant, fifth embodiment of adapter 1

[0036] [Fig.7] variant, sixth embodiment of adapter 1

[0037] [Fig.8] Perspective view of the adapter of the [Fig.7]

[0038] [Fig.9] seventh example of an embodiment of the adapter and

[0039] [Fig. 10] adapter of the [Fig.9] seen in perspective.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION METHOD

[0041] Figure 1 shows a first example of an embodiment of an adapter 1. The lower part constitutes a base element 2 for connection to a wiper blade (not detailed). The upper part constitutes the connecting element 3 for connection to a wiper arm 4. The base element 2 is connected to the connecting element 3 via a hinge element 5; in the embodiment shown, this hinge element is made of a flexible material 6 (non-rigid material). This flexible material 6 can be compressed and, after compression, returns to its original shape. This allows it to withstand significant stresses exerted on it by the wiper blade and the wiper arm 4. The flexible material 6 is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE elastomer) and, in particular, a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV element).

[0042] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of adapter 1. The elements The components corresponding to those described above bear the same reference numbers. In this example, the base element 2 is also connected to the connecting element 3 by the flexible material 6, which constitutes the hinge element 5. The parallelepiped-shaped hinge element 5 has recesses 7 on its head side. The same is true on the opposite side of the parallelepiped. The recesses 7 extend only along the outer part of both sides. When the base element 2 moves relative to the connecting element 3, this affects the areas of greatest deformation. The middle area of ​​this flexible material 6 of the hinge element 5 does not have a recess 7. Thus, the resistance opposing rotation in the principal direction of rotation is reduced, while at the same time ensuring a significant lateral guiding force, as required for wiping movements; these forces are transmitted by the adapter 1.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the adapter of Figure 2 in side view. The hinge element 5 between the base element 2 and the connecting element 3, which is made of a flexible material 6, has recesses 7 shown as dashed lines. The recesses 7 extend only over part of the length of the hinge element 5.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of adapter 1 with the wiper arm 4 connected to connecting element 3 and to base element 2 between which hinge element 5 has been formed. Both base element 2 and connecting element 3 are made of the same material 8 as that used for hinge element 5 whose cross-section has been reduced to form hinge film 9.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the adapter in which, between the base element 2 and the connecting element 3, both made of plastic material 8, several hinge films 9 with a fold 10 constituting the hinge element 5 are provided.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment as a fifth example of the adapter 1 between the base element 2 and the connecting element 3; it is located in the U-shaped base element 2 and has a connection 13 for attaching the wiper arm; on either side of the connecting element 3, there is a hinge element 5 in the form of a torsion element 11 such as a torsion bar. The embodiment thus presented is independent of the features of the embodiments described above.

[0047] Figure 7 shows, as an alternative, a sixth embodiment of adapter 1. A rubber band 14 surrounds a pin 15 then passes over the wiper arm 4 and back over the pin 15 which is thus held in the recess 16 of the wiper arm 4. The pin 15 can be connected to a wiper blade not shown. This example implementation is completely independent of the implementation examples presented and described above.

[0048] Fig. 8 shows adapter 1 of Fig. 7 in perspective view with rubber band 14, pin 15 and wiper arm 4.

[0049] Figure 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the adapter with the base element 2 and the connecting element 3, as well as the hinge element 5 between these two elements. The adapter 1 has a U-shaped form.

[0050] Figure 10 shows the adapter 1 of Figure 9 in perspective view. One arm of the U-shaped adapter constitutes the base element 2 and the other arm constitutes the connecting element 3. The hinge element 5 of this embodiment is produced by reducing the cross-section and using the elasticity of the material of the adapter 1, for example, as an injection-molded plastic part.

[0051] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0052] 1 Adapter

[0053] 2 Basic element

[0054] 3 Connecting element

[0055] 4 Windshield wiper arm

[0056] 5 Hinge element

[0057] 6 Flexible material

[0058] 7 Obviously

[0059] 8 Plastic material

[0060] 9 Hinge film

[0061] 10 Fold

[0062] 11 Torsion element

[0063] 13 Connection

[0064] 14 Rubber band

[0065] 15 Pin

[0066] 16 Obviously in the wiper arm

Claims

Demands

1. Adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade which includes a base element (2) for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element (3) for being connected to the wiper arm (4), the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) being able to rotate relative to each other, the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) are connected by a hinge element (5) which has at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or of a more flexible material (6) and which is movable thanks to the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) or of the reduced cross-section, characterized in that the hinge element (5) is a plastic material (8) and in particular the area of ​​the reduced cross-section comprises several parallel connecting hinge films (9) which have a fold (10).

2. Adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade which includes a base element (2) for being connected to the wiper blade and a connecting element (3) for being connected to the wiper arm (4), the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) being able to rotate relative to each other, the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) are connected by a hinge element (5) which has at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or of a more flexible material (6) and which is movable thanks to the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) or of the reduced cross-section, characterized in that the hinge element (5) has a U-shape of which one arm forms the base element (2) and the other arm forms the connecting element (3).

3. Adapter according to claim 2 characterized in that the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) is obtained by recesses (7) in particular of defined direction.

4. Adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade comprising a base element (2) for connecting to the wiper blade and a connecting element (3) for connecting to the wiper arm (4), the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) being able to rotate relative to each other, the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) are connected by a hinge element (5) which has at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or of a more flexible material (6) and which is mobile thanks to the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) or of the reduced cross-section, characterized in that the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) are connected by a hinge element (5) which is constituted by at least one torsion element (11).

5. Adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the base element (2) and the hinge element (3) are connected respectively by a torsion element (11) provided on both sides of the median plane of the adapter (1).

6. Adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade, the wiper arm adapter (1) being formed by a transversely oriented pin (15) rotatably housed in a recess (16) of the arm (4) by being connected to the wiper blade, the adapter characterized in that it comprises an elastic tension element, in particular a rubber band (14) which is held around the pin (15), the arm (4) and again around the pin (15), this pin (15) being held in the recess (16) of the wiper arm (4).

7. An adapter for articulatingly connecting a wiper arm (4) to a wiper blade, comprising a base element (2) for connecting to the wiper blade and a connecting element (3) for connecting to the wiper arm (4), the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) being rotatable relative to each other, the base element (2) and the connecting element (3) being connected by a hinge element (5) having at least one area of ​​reduced cross-section and / or made of a more flexible material (6) and being movable due to the elasticity of the more flexible material (6) or the reduced cross-section, characterized in that the base element (2) and / or the hinge element (5) of the adapter (1) are joined securely or made in one piece with a component of the wiper blade, and The windshield wiper blade is a flat beam wiper blade with a support element exerting a prestressing force towards the glass, in particular a spring steel band.

8. Adapter according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, characterized in that the base element (2) and / or the hinge element (5) are connected to the support element or form a single piece with it.