Device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2020002049
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-02-28
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Device for connecting a wiper blade to a windshield wiper arm
[0001] The field of the present invention is that of wiping systems intended for motor vehicles. More particularly, the field of the present invention is that of the connection means implemented between a windscreen wiper arm and a wiper blade of such a wiping system.
[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with wiping systems intended to clean their glass surfaces, and in particular their windshields. Such wiping systems comprise at least one wiper arm and a wiper blade driven by the wiper arm. The wiper arm is thus connected to an electric motor of the vehicle and the wiper blade comprises at least one wiper blade adapted to come into contact with the glass surface to be cleaned. In order to be able to drive the wiper blade, a connection device is arranged between this wiper blade and the wiper arm. Such a connection device conventionally comprises at least one connector secured to the wiper blade and at least one adapter which allows the connector, and therefore the wiper blade on which it is fixed, to be connected to the wiper arm.
[0003] There are now a multitude of different wiper arms which require, for their attachment to the wiper blade, as many different connection devices. Connection devices suitable for use on most of these wiper arms are now marketed. However, the latest innovations in the field make these connection devices obsolete.
[0004] In particular, a new type of windshield wiper arm which allows the projection of windshield washer fluid from the connection device has recently appeared. These new windshield wiper arms thus comprise at least one projection member attached to the windshield wiper arm, and more particularly to a yoke of this windshield wiper arm, opposite the connection device. In order to supply this projection member, windshield washer fluid lines run along the windshield wiper arm, between the vehicle in which the reservoir containing this windshield washer fluid is located and the projection member. The connection devices allowing the connection of different types of windshield wiper arms are not suitable for these new windshield wiper arms. In particular, these connection devices interfere with the windshield washer fluid lines mentioned above.
[0005] For the purposes of standardization, which allows significant economies of scale to be achieved, there is today a real need to create new devices for connection which adapt both to so-called "conventional" wiper arms and to wiper arms equipped with a washer fluid projection function arranged at the connection with the wiper blade as they have just been described. By "conventional wiper arms" is meant wiper arms adapted to be connected to a wiper blade by means of a connection device such as for example described in patent application EP 1 918 166 A2 or by means of a connection device such as for example described in patent application FR3 066 457 A1 or by means of a connection device such as for example described in patent application FR 2 890 925 A1, this list not being exhaustive.
[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a connection device which makes it possible to ensure the connection between the windscreen wiper blades and the so-called "conventional" windscreen wiper arms and also between the windscreen wiper blades and the windscreen wiper arms equipped with the windscreen washer fluid projection function arranged at the connection with the wiper blade.
[0007] An object of the present invention thus relates to a connection device intended to connect a wiper blade to a windshield wiper arm, the connection device comprising at least one main connection member adapted to be connected to the wiper blade and to a yoke of the windshield wiper arm, the main connection member extending along a main extension axis. According to the invention, and the main connection member comprises at least one base configured to be pivotally mounted on the wiper blade and at least one part removable relative to the base, the removable part and the base being aligned along the main extension axis. In other words, it is understood that the main connection member is adapted to be held on the wiper blade by the at least one base.
[0008] According to a characteristic of the invention, the removable part of the main connection member can participate in the connection of the connection device with the yoke of the windshield wiper arm. According to the invention, the yoke of the windshield wiper arm defines a housing for receiving at least one part of the connection device. The term "removable part" means a portion of the main connection member which can be removed from this main connection member. In other words, the connection device according to the invention allows the wiper blade to be fixed to the windshield wiper arm with or without this removable part. This removable part can in fact, when the connection device is used with a particular type of windshield wiper arm, prevent the connection.In particular, this removable part may interfere with lines running along these wiper arms equipped with a washer fluid projection function arranged at the connection between this wiper arm and the wiper blade. However, there are other types of wiper arms, for which this removable part forms an essential part. to the connection. The present invention thus makes it possible, by making this part removable, to use a single connection device at least on the two types of windshield wiper arms which have just been mentioned. Advantageously, the connection device according to the invention also adapts to other types of windshield wiper arms. All of these windshield wiper arms and their particular characteristics will be described in more detail below.
[0009] According to a characteristic of the invention, at least one first connecting member is provided on the base of the main connection member, at least one second connecting member is provided on the removable part of the main connection member, the at least one first connecting member and the at least one second connecting member being configured to cooperate in a removable manner with each other. For example, the at least one first connecting member and the at least one second connecting member may be configured to cooperate by interlocking. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one first connecting member takes the form of a chimney, the at least one second connecting member takes the form of a tongue, the at least one tongue being received in the at least one chimney.
[0010] According to the invention, the base of the main connection member comprises at least two first flanks connected to each other by a first upper wall, and the tongue forming the at least one second connecting member can extend, mainly in a direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member, a main extension axis of the chimney forming the at least one first connecting member also being perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member. Alternatively, the tongue forming the at least one second connecting member can extend parallel to the main extension axis of the main connection member, the main extension axis of the chimney forming the at least one first connecting member also being parallel to the main extension axis of the main connection member.It is understood that these are only examples of embodiment which do not limit the present invention and that any other connecting member compatible with the invention can be envisaged without departing from the context of the invention provided that it allows a removable connection to be made between the base and the removable part of the main connection member.
[0011] According to the invention, the removable part of the main connection member comprises at least one elastic tab which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the main extension axis of the main connection member, the at least one elastic tab being adapted to cooperate with the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm. The term elastic must here, as well as throughout this document, be understood as implying that the object in question has elastic properties, i.e. properties that allow it to return to its initial shape after being mechanically constrained.
[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the removable part of the main connection member may comprise at least one first side wall and at least one second side wall connected to each other by at least one upper bridge, the first side wall and the second side wall being distributed on either side of a plane transverse to the at least one upper bridge and in which the main extension axis of the main connection member is inscribed, at least one first elastic tab being provided in the extension of the first side wall away from the base of the main connection member, and at least one second elastic tab being provided in the extension of the second side wall away from the base of the main connection member, each of the two elastic tabs being adapted to cooperate with the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm.Optionally, the first side wall of the removable part of the main connection member and the second side wall of this removable part of the main connection member may be parallel to each other. Advantageously, the at least one upper bridge which connects the first side wall of the removable part of the main connection member and the second side wall of this removable part of the main connection member, helps to give the first elastic tab and the second elastic tab their elastic properties. More particularly, this upper bridge allows the two elastic tabs to be brought together, allowing, alternately, the engagement and disengagement of these tabs relative to the yoke of the windshield wiper arm.According to a characteristic of the invention, the base of the main connection member comprises at least one retractable button adapted to be received in an orifice provided in the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm and to be retracted when the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm is free of the orifice. Where appropriate, this retractable button is adapted to be received in the orifice provided in the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm so as to prevent longitudinal movements of the wiper blade, i.e. movements along a longitudinal axis parallel to the main extension axis of the main connection member of the connection device according to the invention.
[0013] According to a characteristic of the present invention, the base of the main connection member comprises at least two first sides connected to each other by a first upper wall, the two first sides and the first upper wall delimiting at least one first space adapted to receive, at least partially, the wiper blade.
[0014] According to the invention, the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member is extended, in the direction of the removable part, by an elastic tab which carries the retractable button. Advantageously, the retractable button comprises at least one retaining member which participates in retaining the removable part against the base. For example, the retaining member of the retractable button may be adapted to come into abutment against a transverse wall of the removable part, this transverse wall being arranged so as to connect the first side wall and the second side wall of the removable part.
[0015] Advantageously, this cooperation between the retractable button, and more particularly the retaining member of this retractable button, and the transverse wall of the removable part makes it possible to perpetuate the removable connection between the base and the removable part of the main connection member, in particular in connections with windshield wiper arms whose yoke is devoid of the orifice in which the retractable button is otherwise adapted to be received. In other words, this retaining member makes it possible to assist and reinforce the removable connection between the base and the removable part of the main connection member. Furthermore, this retaining member forms a means of securing this removable connection between the base and the removable part of the main connection member, that is to say that in the event of breakage of this removable connection, the retaining member guarantees that the wiper blade does not separate from the yoke.For example, this retaining member may take the form of a rod which emerges from the retractable button and which extends perpendicular to the main extension axis of the main connecting member and to the main extension plane of the first upper wall of the base of the main connecting member.
[0016] According to an example of the invention, the connection device may comprise at least one secondary connection member configured to be interposed between the base of the main connection member and the yoke of the windshield wiper arm. In other words, this secondary connection member is adapted to be received in the receiving housing defined by the yoke of the windshield wiper arm. Advantageously, the addition of this secondary connection member makes it possible to use the connection device with at least two types of yokes which differ from each other in their size, in other words, in the dimensions of the receiving housings which they respectively define.
[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the base of the main connection member comprises at least the two first flanks connected to each other by at least the first upper wall, the secondary connection member comprises at least two second flanks connected to each other by at least one second upper wall, the two first flanks and the first upper wall delimiting a first space configured to receive, at least in part, the wiper blade and the two second flanks and the second upper wall delimiting a second space configured to receive, at least partially, the base of the main connection member. In other words, the second space delimited by the two second flanks and the second upper wall of the secondary connection member is adapted to receive the first two sides and the first upper wall of the main connection member. According to the invention, the first space defined by the first sides and by the first upper wall is more particularly adapted to receive a connector made integral with the wiper blade.
[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, at least one of the second flanks of the secondary connection member comprises at least one locking tooth of the secondary connection member on the main connection member. For example, the at least one locking tooth can be folded towards the other second flank of the secondary connection member, this at least one locking tooth being adapted to form a stop against a lower edge of at least one of the first flanks of the base of the main connection member.
[0019] In other words, the secondary connection member and the base of the main connection member both have a U shape, the first and second upper walls forming, respectively, a base of these U shapes and the first and second flanks forming, respectively, the two branches of each U shape. The term "lower edge of one of the first flanks" means a free edge of the flank concerned, opposite the edge by which this flank is connected to the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member. In other words, it is understood that the base of the main connection member is sandwiched between the at least one locking tooth of the secondary connection member and the second upper wall of this secondary connection member.Thus, this secondary connection member allows vertical locking, that is to say along an axis perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member, of the position of the base of the main connection member. Advantageously, at least one locking tooth is provided on each of the second flanks of the secondary connection member. It may also be provided that two locking teeth are provided on one of the second flanks of the secondary connection member or that two locking teeth are provided on each of these second flanks of the secondary connection member without departing from the context of the present invention.
[0020] The connection device according to the invention may also comprise at least one tertiary connection member, this tertiary connection member comprising at least two third flanks and a third upper wall which delimit a third space configured to receive, at least partially, the secondary connection member and the base of the main connection member. Optionally, the tertiary connection member may comprise at least one first lug adapted to cooperate with the main connection member. For example, this first lug may be adapted to cooperate with a lower edge of one of the first flanks of the base of the main connection member. This tertiary connection member may also comprise at least one second lug adapted to cooperate with the secondary connection member. For example, this second lug may be adapted to cooperate with a lower edge of at least one of the second flanks of the secondary connection member.
[0021] The invention also relates to a wiping system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade and at least one windscreen wiper arm connected to each other by at least one connection device as mentioned above.
[0022] The present invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wiping system as just mentioned.
[0023] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below in relation to the different operating modes illustrated, for information purposes, in the following figures:
[0024] [fig. 1] is an exploded view of a connection device according to the invention;
[0025] [fig.2] is an exploded view of a main connection member of the connection device according to a particular embodiment;
[0026] [fig.3] is a representation, in perspective, of the connection device according to a first assembly mode of the invention;
[0027] [fig.4] is a representation, seen from below, of a portion of the device of connection according to the first assembly method of the invention;
[0028] [fig.5] is a partial representation, exploded, of a wiping system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wiping system comprising the connection device according to a second assembly mode of the invention;
[0029] [fig.6] is a partial view, in a longitudinal section, of the wiping system according to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in [fig.5];
[0030] [fig.7] is a partial representation, seen from below, of the wiping system according to a variant of the first exemplary embodiment, comprising at least one connection device according to the second assembly method of the present invention;
[0031] [fig.8] is a view, in a cross-section, of a yoke of a windscreen wiper arm of the wiping system according to the variant of the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in [fig.7];
[0032] [fig.9] is a partial representation, exploded, of the wiping system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wiping system comprising at least one connection device according to a third assembly method;
[0033] [fig. 10] is a partial representation, exploded, of the wiping system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wiping system comprising at least at least one connection device according to a fourth assembly method;
[0034] [fig.l 1] is a partial view, in a longitudinal section, of the wiping system according to the third embodiment illustrated in [fig.10].
[0035] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.
[0036] In the figures, the names longitudinal, transverse, lateral, left, right, above, below, refer to the orientation, in a trihedron L, V, T of a connection device 100 according to the invention. In this reference frame, a longitudinal axis L represents a longitudinal direction, a transverse axis T represents a transverse direction, and a vertical axis V represents a vertical direction of the object considered. In this reference frame, a transverse section corresponds to a section made along a transverse and vertical plane, that is to say a plane in which the transverse axis T and the vertical axis V of the trihedron are inscribed. A longitudinal section refers to a section made along a longitudinal and vertical plane, that is to say a plane in which the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis X are inscribed. In the following description the terms "wiper blade" and "blade" will be used without distinction, as will the terms "wiper arm" and "arm"..
[0037] [Fig. 1] shows, in exploded view, a connection device 100 according to the invention. As illustrated, this connection device 100 comprises at least one main connection member 110 intended to be fixed on a wiper blade - not illustrated here - at least one secondary connection member 120 and at least one tertiary connection member 130, this secondary connection member 120 and this tertiary connection member 130 being adapted to be interposed between the main connection member 110 and a yoke of a windscreen wiper arm, several examples of which are illustrated in Figures 5 to 11.
[0038] The main connection member 110 extends along a main extension axis X parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the illustrated trihedron and comprises at least one base 140 and at least one removable part 150 relative to the base 140, the base 140 and the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 being aligned relative to each other along the main extension axis X. The secondary connection member 120 and the tertiary connection member 130 are adapted to be mounted on each other, in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron.
[0039] The base 140 of the main connection member 110 comprises two first flanks 141 - only one of them being visible in [fig.l] - connected to each other by a first upper wall 142. As shown, this first upper wall 142 extends, mainly, in a longitudinal and transverse plane, that is to say a plane in which the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron are inscribed. These two first flanks 141 and this first upper wall 142 together delimit a first space 148 intended to receive a connector made integral with the wiper blade. The first upper wall 142 is extended, in the direction of the removable part 150, by an elastic tab 143 carrying a retractable button 144. In other words, the elastic tab 143 also extends, mainly, in the main extension plane of the first upper wall 142 mentioned above. The term "elastic tab" means a tab capable of returning to an initial position after having been deformed by mechanical stress.It is thus the elasticity properties of this elastic tab 143 which make the button it carries retractable. More particularly, this retractable button 144 extends beyond each of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110, both along the main extension axis X of the main connection member 110, and along the vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron. As will be detailed in more detail below, this retractable button 144 can participate in making the connection device 100 integral with the yoke of the windshield wiper arm, this retractable button 144 being adapted to be received in an orifice provided in the yoke of the windshield wiper arm. Advantageously, and as will be detailed in more detail below, with reference to [fig.ll], the retractable button 144 can also make it possible to secure the removable connection made between the base 140 and the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110,.
[0040] The base 140 of the main connection member 110 also comprises a head 146 which forms a longitudinal end of the base 140. In other words, the base 140 of the main connection member 110 extends, along its main extension axis X, between the head 146 and the retractable button 144. As shown, this head 146 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 has a notch 146a formed from a rear edge 146b of this head 146, that is to say an edge of this head 146 facing the first upper wall 142 of the base 140.
[0041] Each of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 also has an opening 145 which is configured to receive an axis of rotation of the wiper arm relative to the connection device 100.
[0042] Furthermore, the base 140 of the main connection member 110 comprises at least one first connecting member 149 adapted to cooperate with at least one second connecting member 151 arranged on the removable part 150. According to the invention, this cooperation can for example be achieved by interlocking. Thus, according to the example illustrated in [fig.l], the first connecting member 149 takes the form of at least one chimney 147 adapted to receive at least one tab 152 provided on the removable part 150. As shown, this at least one chimney 147 takes the form of a blind hole, that is to say that it extends along a main straight line C between a bottom wall and an opening through which the at least one tab 152 is able to be inserted. According to the illustrated example, the main line C is parallel to the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron and the opening of the chimney 147 opens at the level of the first upper wall 142 of the base 140 of the primary connection member 110. Advantageously, the first connecting member 149 comprises two chimneys 147, distributed on each of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110, each of these chimneys 147 opening at the level of the first upper wall 142 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 and each of these chimneys 147 being adapted to receive a tab 152.More particularly, these chimneys 147 are arranged on either side of the elastic tongue 143 carrying the retractable button 144. In other words, the second connecting member 151 comprises, according to the example illustrated, two tongues 152 arranged so as to be able to be inserted into the corresponding chimneys 147. Thus, the removable part 150 of the main connecting member 110 comprises at least a first side wall 153 from which a first tongue 152a emerges and at least a second side wall 154 from which a second tongue 152b emerges.
[0043] More particularly, the first side wall 153 and the second side wall 154 extend parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other and they are connected to each other by at least one upper bridge 155. This upper bridge 155 extends, according to the illustrated example, parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron. The first side wall 153 and the second side wall 154 are distributed on either side of a plane transverse to the upper bridge 155 and in which the main extension axis X of the main connection member 110 is inscribed. According to the illustrated example, this plane is more particularly a longitudinal and vertical plane, that is to say a plane in which the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron are inscribed.Each of these side walls 153, 154 thus extends between a front end 153a from which the relevant tab 152a, 152b emerges, and a rear end formed by an elastic tab 153b, 154b. These elastic tabs 153b, 154b each comprise a gripping zone 153c, 154c which projects outwardly from the relevant elastic tab, i.e. away from each other. Furthermore, the upper bridge 155 which connects the first side wall 153 to the second side wall 154 helps to give the elastic tabs 153b, 154b their elasticity. These elastic tabs 153b, 154b are adapted to cooperate with the yoke of certain windshield wiper arms described and illustrated below.
[0044] The tabs 152 more particularly comprise at least one attachment portion 156 through which they emerge from the side wall 153, 154 concerned and at least one nesting portion 157 which extends, from this attachment portion 156, parallel to the main extension line C of at least one of the chimneys 147, and which is adapted to be received, at least partially, in the corresponding chimney 147. It is understood that the attachment portion 156 makes it possible to provide a space between an edge of the tongue 152 concerned and an edge of the side wall 153, 154 which carries it, so as to allow the insertion of this tongue 152 into the chimney 147 provided for this purpose on the base 140 of the main connection member 110.
[0045] Advantageously, the first side wall 153 and the second side wall 154 have a spacing, measured perpendicular to the first side wall 153 and to the second side wall 154, equivalent, or substantially equivalent to a spacing of the chimneys 147 formed on the base 140 of the main connection member 110 measured in a direction perpendicular to the first flanks 141 of this base 140 of the main connection member 110. Thus, once the removable part 150 is connected to the base 140 of the main connection member 110, the front end 153a of each of the side walls 153, 154 of the removable part 150 is arranged opposite, advantageously in contact, respectively, with a rear end edge of one of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110.
[0046] It is therefore understood that, according to the example illustrated, the tabs 152 which form the second connecting member 151 are adapted to be inserted vertically, from above, that is to say by the first upper wall 142 of the base 140 of the main connecting member 110, into the corresponding chimneys 147. Alternatively, the chimneys could open at a lower edge of each of the first flanks of the base of the main connecting member, and the tabs could have a shape reversed to that illustrated in [fig.l], so as to be inserted vertically from below into the corresponding chimneys.
[0047] Finally, as will be described in more detail below, at least one transverse wall - for example visible in FIGS. 2, 10 and 11 - extends between the first side wall 153 and the second side wall 154 of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110.
[0048] As mentioned above, the connection device 100 according to the invention also comprises a secondary connection member 120 and a tertiary connection member 130. The secondary connection member 120 has at least two second flanks 121 connected to each other by a second upper wall 122. According to the example illustrated, the upper wall 122 takes an H shape, seen from above, that is to say seen from the tertiary connection member 130, but it is understood that this is only a exemplary embodiment of the invention which does not limit the latter.
[0049] The two second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120 delimit a second space 123 adapted to receive, at least partially, the base 130 of the main connection member 110. In other words, in the mounted position, the second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120 cover, at least partially, the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 and the second upper wall 122 of the secondary connection member 120 covers, at least partially, the first upper wall 142 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. It is understood from [fig.l], that in the mounted position, the elastic tongue 143 carrying the retractable button 144 faces an openwork portion 124 of the H shape of the second upper wall 122, so that this second upper wall 122 does not hinder the movement of this elastic tongue 143.Each of the second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120 also has an opening 125 arranged opposite the opening 145 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 when the secondary connection member 120 is mounted on this base 140 of the main connection member 110.
[0050] The tertiary connection member 130 comprises two third flanks 131 connected to each other by a third upper wall 132. The two third flanks 131 and the third upper wall 132 delimit a third space 133 adapted to receive both the secondary connection member 120, that is to say at least a part of the two second flanks 121 and the second upper wall 122 of this secondary connection member 120, and at least a part of the base 130 of the main connection member 110. In a manner similar to what has been described previously, each third flank 131 comprises at least one opening 134 positioned opposite the openings 125, 145 respectively provided on the secondary connection member 120 and on the base 140 of the main connection member 110. It is noted that the third upper wall 132 has a recess 135.In the mounted position, this recess 135 receives the retractable button 144 carried by the base 140 of the main connection member 110.
[0051] [Fig. 2] illustrates the main connection member 110, seen in exploded view, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. According to this particular embodiment, the chimneys 147 are made so that their main extension line C is parallel to the main extension axis X of the main connection member 110, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the trihedron illustrated, and their respective openings open at the rear longitudinal end 170 of each of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. The interlocking portions 157 of each of the tabs 152 provided on the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 extend also parallel to the main extension axis X of the main connection member 110, that is to say that they extend longitudinally, respectively, one of the side walls 153, 154 of the removable part 150 so as to be inserted, longitudinally, into the corresponding chimneys 157.
[0052] Furthermore, it is noted that each of the interlocking portions 157 of each of the tabs 152 emerges from the front end 153a, 154a of one of the side walls 153, 154 of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 and that it separates into two branches 171, 172, these two branches 171, 172 being adapted to be received in one of the corresponding chimneys 147, by the rear end 170 of the first flank 141 concerned. Advantageously, these two branches 171, 172 are elastic, that is to say that they are configured to return to their initial shape after having been deformed by mechanical stress.In other words, it is understood that these two branches 171, 172 are brought together to be able to be inserted into the corresponding chimney 147, then that once inserted into this chimney 147, they tend to return to their initial position, then cooperating with an internal wall of the chimney 147 so as to ensure the maintenance of this tab 152 in the chimney 147 and therefore the connection between the removable part 150 and the base 140 of the main connection member 110. It is understood that to separate the removable part 150 from the base 140, it is then sufficient to exert a mechanical force on the tab 152, so as to allow the bringing together of its two branches 171, 172 and thus allow their removal from the chimney 147.
[0053] It is understood that these are only exemplary embodiments which do not limit the invention and that any other embodiment of the first and second connecting members is conceivable without departing from the context of the present invention provided that they effectively make it possible to generate a removable connection between the base and the removable part of the main connecting member.
[0054] [Fig. 2] also makes visible the transverse wall 158 which connects the first side wall 153 to the second side wall 154 of the removable part 150 as previously described and the function of which will be detailed in more detail below, with reference to [Fig. 11].
[0055] [Fig. 3] illustrates the connection device 100 according to a first assembly mode of the invention. It should be noted that this first assembly mode corresponds to the assembly mode used for the sale of the connection device 100 according to the invention. In other words, [Fig. 3] illustrates the connection device 100 as sold in the original equipment and aftermarket after-sales networks. According to this first assembly mode, the main connection member 110, that is to say the base of this main connection member - not visible in [Fig. 3] - as well as its removable part 150, the secondary connection member - not visible in [Fig. 3] - and the tertiary connection member 130 are assembled.
[0056] According to this first assembly method, the base of the main connection member 110 and the secondary connection member are completely covered by the tertiary connection member 130, so that this base of the main connection member 110 and this secondary connection member are not visible in [fig. 3]. However, as previously mentioned, the third upper wall 132 of the tertiary connection member 130 has a recess 135 through which the retractable button 144 carried by the base 140 of the main connection member extends, this retractable button 144 thus being visible in [fig. 3]. Furthermore, the head 146 of the base 140 of the main connecting member 110 also extends beyond the tertiary connecting member 130, so that it is also visible in this [fig. 3]. As previously mentioned, this head 146 includes a notch 146a which extends from its rear edge 146b.As shown, a hole 101 is thus provided between the head 146 and the first, second and third upper walls, respectively, of the base, of the secondary connection member and of the tertiary connection member 130. As will be detailed in more detail below, this hole 101 is configured to receive a portion of the yoke of certain windshield wiper arms.
[0057] Finally, the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 also extends beyond the tertiary connection member 130. More particularly, the elastic tabs 153b, 154b of this removable part 150 extend beyond the third flanks 131 of the tertiary connection member 130, and therefore also beyond the secondary connection member, thus allowing, as detailed in more detail below, their cooperation with the yoke of certain windscreen wiper arms.
[0058] [Fig. 4] illustrates, seen from below, a part of the connection device 100 according to the first assembly mode, that is to say the assembly mode in which the connection device 100 can be offered in the original equipment and second-party after-sales networks. It is therefore understood that the characteristics described below can be taken individually or in different combinations without departing from the context of the present invention as long as they are not incompatible with each other.
[0059] Thus, as illustrated, it is noted that the secondary connection member 120 comprises at least one locking tooth 126 which emerges from a lower edge 127 of one of the second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120, and which extends in the direction of the other second flank 121 of this secondary connection member 120. The term “lower edge” means a free edge of the second flank 121 concerned opposite an edge of this second flank 121 by which it is connected to the second upper wall of the secondary connection member 120. As illustrated, this at least one locking tooth 126 abuts against a lower edge 160 of one of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. Here, the term "lower edge" means a free edge of the first flank 141 concerned opposite an edge of this first flank 141 by which it is connected to the first upper wall. In other words, it is understood that the base 140 of the main connection member 110 is sandwiched between the at least one locking tooth 126 of the secondary connection member 120 and the second upper wall - not visible in [fig. 4] - of this secondary connection member 120. Advantageously, the secondary connection member 120 may comprise a plurality of locking teeth distributed between these two second flanks and which come into abutment against, respectively, the two first flanks of the base of the main connection member.
[0060] This figure also makes visible a first lug 136 which emerges from one of the third flanks 131 of the tertiary connection member 130 and which comprises at least one vertical portion 136a which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the vertical axis V and at least one transverse portion 136b which emerges from the vertical portion 136a and which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the transverse axis T, in the direction of the other third flank of this tertiary connection member 130. More particularly, this first lug 136 emerges from a lower edge 138 of the third flank 131 concerned, that is to say that it emerges from a free edge of this third flank opposite an edge by which it is connected to the third upper wall of the tertiary connection member 130.As illustrated, the transverse portion 136b of this first lug 136 comes, according to the first assembly method, into abutment against the lower edge 160 of one of the first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110.
[0061] According to the example illustrated, the locking tooth 126 of the secondary connection member 120 and the first lug 136 of the tertiary connection member 130 abut against the lower edge 160 of the same first flank 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. It is understood that this is only an exemplary embodiment and that this first lug 136 could abut against the other first flank of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 without departing from the context of the present invention. Advantageously, the tertiary connection member 130 may comprise a plurality of first lugs distributed between the two third flanks of this tertiary connection member.
[0062] The tertiary connection member 130 further comprises, according to the example illustrated, at least one second lug 139 which emerges from the lower edge 138 of one of the third flanks 131 of the tertiary connection member 130 and which extends in the direction of the other third flank 131 of this tertiary connection member 130.
[0063] According to the example illustrated, the first lug 136 and the second lug 139 are arranged on the same third flank 131 of the tertiary connection member 130 but it is understood that this is only an example of embodiment and that the second lug 139 could be provided on the other third flank 131 of this tertiary connection member 130 without departing from the context of the present invention.
[0064] As shown, this second lug 139 abuts against the lower edge 127 of one of the second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120. In other words, the base 140 of the main connection member 110 is thus sandwiched, on the one hand between the locking tooth 126 of the secondary connection member 120 and the second upper wall of this secondary connection member 120 and, on the other hand, between the first lug 136 of the tertiary connection member 130 and the third upper wall of the tertiary connection member 130. The secondary connection member 120 is for its part sandwiched between the second lug 137 of the tertiary connection member 130 and the third upper wall of this tertiary connection member 130.
[0065] Furthermore, [fig.4] makes visible a portion of the removable part of the main connection member 110. More particularly, this [fig.4] makes visible the front end 153a of the first side wall 153 of this removable part. As illustrated, an internal face 153d of the first side wall 153 is extended longitudinally, in the direction of the base 140, by a force-recovering member 159 which comes to bear against a shoulder 161 formed on an internal face 162 of the first flank 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. The term "internal face of the first side wall" means a face of this first side wall 153 facing the second side wall of the removable part, and the term "internal face of the first flank of the base of the main connection member" means a face of this first flank facing the other first flank of this base of the main connection member.Advantageously, the cooperation between this force-recovering member 159 and the shoulder 161 makes it possible to prevent the elastic tabs 153b, 154b from breaking when a mechanical force is applied to them, in particular during phases of assembly and disassembly of the connection device 100 on certain types of windscreen wiper arms, for example described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0066] With reference to figures 5 to 11, we will now describe the cooperation between the connection device 100 according to different assembly modes and wiper arms of wiping systems illustrated according to different exemplary embodiments.
[0067] According to any one of the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the wiping system 200 comprises at least one wiper blade - not illustrated here - connected to a windshield wiper arm 201 by the connection device 100 according to the invention. The wiper blade comprises at least one wiper blade intended to sweep a glazed surface of a motor vehicle to remove dirt therefrom, this wiper blade being carried by at least one stiffening member of this wiping blade. The wiping blade further comprises at least one connector adapted to be received in the first space delimited by the first sides and the first upper wall of the base of the main connection member of the connection device 100 according to the invention and at least one air deflector, adapted to ensure the maintenance of contact between the wiping blade and the glazed surface to be wiped.
[0068] The wiper arm 201 comprises at least one rod 202 fitted into a yoke 210. This yoke 210 has, seen in a transverse and vertical plane, that is to say a plane in which the transverse axis T and the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron are inscribed, an inverted U shape which defines a receiving housing 211 adapted to receive, at least partially, the connection device 100 according to the invention. In other words, this yoke 210 comprises at least two fourth flanks 212 connected to each other by a fourth upper wall 212, these two fourth flanks 212 and this fourth upper wall 213 defining the receiving housing 211 of the connection device 100.
[0069] [Fig. 5] is an exploded view of the wiper arm 201 and the connection device 100 of a wiping system 200 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to this first exemplary embodiment, the connection device 100 is assembled according to a second assembly mode which differs from the first assembly mode in that it is devoid of the removable part. [Fig. 6] is a longitudinal sectional view of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 and the connection device 100 of the wiping system 200 illustrated in [Fig. 5].
[0070] In Figures 5 and 6, the wiper arm 201 is shown without the rod. In other words, these figures only illustrate the yoke 210 of this wiper arm 201. As mentioned above, this yoke 210 comprises two fourth flanks 212 connected to each other by the fourth upper wall 213, these two fourth flanks 212 and this fourth upper wall 213 delimiting the receiving housing 211 of the connection device 100. More particularly, according to this first exemplary embodiment, the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 has, seen from above, a Z shape.Thus, the fourth upper wall 213 and the fourth flanks 212 have, respectively, a first portion 214 which extends mainly in a first direction D1, a second portion 215 which extends mainly in a second direction D2 parallel to the first direction D1 and at least one third portion 216 which extends mainly in a third direction D3 transverse to the first direction D1 and to the second direction D2. According to the invention, the receiving housing 211 is more particularly formed by the first portions 214 of the fourth upper wall 213 and the fourth flanks 212. In [fig.6], only the first portion 214 is visible.
[0071] As mentioned previously, the retractable button 144 is adapted to be received in an orifice 217 formed in the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. As illustrated, this orifice 217 is formed in the fourth upper wall 213, and more particularly in the first portion 214 of this fourth upper wall 213. This orifice 217 is through so that the retractable button 144 can extend through this orifice 217, as shown in [fig.6].
[0072] The yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 further comprises a retaining tab 218 of the connection device 100. According to the example illustrated here, the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 comprises two retaining tabs 218 respectively carried by each of the fourth flanks 212. One of these retaining tabs 218 is partially visible in [fig.5], while the other retaining tab 218 is visible in [fig.6].
[0073] Each of these retaining tabs 218 thus emerges from one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210, and more particularly from a lower edge 219 of these fourth flanks 212. In a manner similar to what has been previously described, the term “lower edge of the fourth flank” means a free edge of this fourth flank, opposite the fourth upper wall 213. These retaining tabs 218 thus extend, each, in the direction of the other retaining tab 218. In other words, each retaining tab 218 is folded towards the fourth flank 212 which does not carry it and participates, as illustrated in [fig. 6], in defining the receiving housing 211 of the connection device 100.
[0074] Indeed, it is understood from [fig.6] that each of these retaining tabs 218 is configured to come into abutment against the lower edge of one of the third flanks of the tertiary connection member 130. In this [fig.6] is more particularly visible, only the first portion 214 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. This [fig.6] also makes visible a retaining means 161 which longitudinally extends the retractable button 144, in the direction of the head 146 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. It is understood that this retaining means 161 is adapted to come into abutment against the fourth upper wall 213 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 and thus prevent the connection device 100 from disengaging from the yoke 210 from below.In other words, this retaining means 161 makes it possible to limit, in cooperation with the retaining tabs 218, the vertical movements, that is to say along the vertical axis V of the trihedron illustrated, of the connection device 100 once the latter is engaged in the yoke 210 and the retractable button 144 is engaged in the orifice 217 formed in this yoke 210.
[0075] [Fig. 6] also shows the first upper wall 142 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110, the second upper wall 122 of the secondary connection member 120 and the third upper wall 132, which are, as shown in FIG. previously mentioned, stacked on top of each other along the vertical axis V of the illustrated trihedron.
[0076] [Fig. 7] illustrates, in perspective, seen from below, the wiper arm 201 according to a variant of the first exemplary embodiment which has just been described and the connection device 100 according to the second assembly method. [Fig. 8] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wiper arm 201 according to the variant of the first exemplary embodiment, this section being more particularly made in the first part 214 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201.
[0077] This variant of the first exemplary embodiment differs from this first exemplary embodiment in that the windshield wiper arm 201 comprises at least one projection member 300 for a windshield washer fluid and at least one pipe 301 adapted to allow the routing of this windshield washer fluid to the projection member 300.
[0078] As illustrated, the windshield washer fluid projection member 300 is mounted on the yoke 210 of the windshield wiper arm 201, opposite the connection device 100 and it extends mainly in a longitudinal direction D parallel to the main extension axis X of the main connection member 110. As shown, this projection member 300 comprises at least one supply orifice 302 to which the pipe 301 is hydraulically connected. The projection member 300 further comprises at least one means 310 for attachment to the yoke 210 of the windshield wiper arm 201. This projection member 300 is described in more detail below with reference to [fig.8].
[0079] The pipe 301 runs from this projection member 300, and more particularly from the supply orifice 302 of this projection member 300, along the windscreen wiper arm 201. This pipe 301 is also connected to a windscreen washer fluid reservoir arranged on the vehicle for which the wiping system according to the invention is intended.
[0080] As illustrated, at least one holding member 303 of the pipe 301 makes it possible to hold this pipe 301 against the wiper arm 201. According to the example illustrated, this holding member 303 takes the form of a ring 304 which encloses both the pipe 301 and the wiper arm 201. It is understood that the wiper arm 201 comprises in practice a plurality of holding members 303 distributed along this wiper arm 201. Furthermore, this holding member 303 could take other forms than that which has just been described without departing from the context of the present invention.
[0081] The connection device 100 according to the second assembly method illustrated in [fig.7] is identical to the connection device 100 described with reference to figures 5 and 6. Advantageously, it is understood from [fig.7] that the use of the connection device 100 according to the second assembly method allows the passage of the pipe 301. Indeed, it appears clearly from this figure that if the connection device 100 was used according to the first assembly method, the removable part of the main connection member would interfere with this pipe 301.
[0082] The rest of the elements are common with the elements illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 and reference may be made to the description given with reference to these figures.
[0083] [fig.8] illustrates the yoke 210 of the wiper arm according to the variant of the first embodiment which has just been described, seen in cross-section. As shown, the projection member 300 comprises a body 320 formed of at least a first part 321 and at least a second part 322 attached to one another, this first part 321 and this second part 322 delimiting, together, a chamber 323 in fluid communication with the supply orifice - not visible in [fig.8]. Alternatively, the projection member can be a single piece, that is to say that the first part and the second part then form a single assembly which cannot be separated without causing deterioration of the first part or the second part. Thus, the windshield washer fluid which arrives from the reservoir via the pipe 301 enters the projection member 300, and more particularly into the chamber 323 of this projection member 300 via the supply orifice.The projection member 300 further comprises at least one projection orifice 324, advantageously a plurality of projection orifices 324 distributed along the projection member 300, adapted to allow the projection of the windshield washer fluid received in the chamber 323 towards the glazed surface to be cleaned.
[0084] As mentioned above, the projection member 300 comprises a means 310 for attachment to the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. According to the illustrated example, this attachment means 310 comprises at least one latching means 311 adapted to cooperate with a hollow space 220 formed in the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. According to the illustrated example, this hollow space 220 is through and is formed in one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 and the latching means 311 takes the form of a hook which abuts against a portion of the fourth flank 212 concerned which participates in defining the hollow space 220. According to an alternative not illustrated, the hollow space could be a blind hole without departing from the context of the present invention.
[0085] According to the example illustrated, the latching means 311 is made in one piece with the second part 322 of the projection member 300, that is to say that this latching means 311 and this second part 322 of the projection member 300 form a single assembly which cannot be separated without causing deterioration of the second part 322 of the projection member 300 or of the latching means 311. It is understood that this is only an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and that the attachment means 310 of the projection member 300 on the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 is conceivable without departing from the context of the present invention. may for example provide that the projection member is glued to the screed, that the projection member is made of the same material as the screed, or that the projection member includes a magnet, the screed being made of a metallic material, the projection member is then held by magnetization.
[0086] [Fig.9] illustrates the wiper arm 201 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment, on the one hand by a transverse dimension of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 as well as by the method of assembling the connection device 100. The term "transverse dimension of the yoke 210" means a dimension measured between the two fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210, in a transverse direction, that is to say a direction perpendicular to the two fourth flanks 212. The transverse dimension of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to the second exemplary embodiment is less than the transverse dimension of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and more particularly than the transverse dimension of the first portion of the yoke of the wiper arm according to the first exemplary embodiment.It results from this difference in dimension that the connection device 100 according to the second assembly method is incompatible with the yoke 210 according to the second embodiment, that is to say that it cannot be used to connect this yoke 21 to the wiper blade concerned.
[0087] On the other hand, the wiper arm 201 has a generally rectilinear shape, that is to say that this wiper arm 201 according to this second exemplary embodiment extends mainly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the trihedron illustrated. In other words, this wiper arm 201 does not comprise the first, second and third portions previously described.
[0088] Finally, the wiper arm 201 according to the second embodiment differs from the wiper arm according to the first embodiment in that it comprises at least one first retaining tab 223 and at least one second retaining tab 224 which both emerge from the lower edge 219 of one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 of this wiper arm 201 and which are spaced apart from each other. Each of these first and second retaining tabs 223, 224 thus emerges from the lower edge 219 of one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 and extends substantially parallel to the transverse axis T of the trihedron illustrated, in the direction of the other fourth flank 212 of this yoke 210.Although not visible here, the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to the second embodiment more particularly comprises two first retaining tabs 223 arranged opposite one another and two second retaining tabs 224 also arranged opposite one another. In other words, the two first retaining tabs 223 emerge, respectively, from . one of the fourth flanks 212 and extend towards the other fourth flank 212 and the two second retaining tabs 224 emerge, respectively, from one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 and extend towards the other fourth flank 212. Advantageously, these first and second retaining tabs 224 come into abutment, at least, against the lower edges of the second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member 120 and participate, together with the retractable button 144 in maintaining the connection device 100 in the yoke 210, and therefore, consequently, in maintaining the connection made between the wiper blade and the wiper arm 201 by means of this connection device 100.
[0089] As shown in [fig.9], the wiping system 200 according to the second embodiment comprises the connection device 100 produced according to a third assembly method. According to this third assembly method, the connection device 100 comprises the base 140 of the main connection member 110 and the secondary connection member 120. In other words, the connection device 100 according to the third assembly method differs from the connection device according to the second assembly method in that it is devoid of the tertiary connection member. It is understood that by removing the tertiary connection member, a transverse dimension of the connection device according to the third assembly method is less than a transverse dimension of the connection device according to the first or second assembly method.According to the invention, the transverse dimension of the connection device is measured parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron, between the two second flanks 121 of the secondary connection member according to the third assembly method and between the two third flanks 131 of the tertiary connection member 130 according to the first or second assembly method. Thus the connection device 100 according to the third assembly method is adapted to be interposed between the base 140 of the main connection member 110 and the yoke 210 of the windscreen wiper arm 201.
[0090] The rest of the characteristics of this second exemplary embodiment are identical with the first exemplary embodiment and the description given previously concerning this first exemplary embodiment applies mutatis mutandis to the second exemplary embodiment.
[0091] According to a variant of the second exemplary embodiment not illustrated here, the windshield wiper arm may comprise the windshield washer fluid projection member, as described above with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Advantageously, the connection device according to the third assembly mode is also compatible with this variant of the second exemplary embodiment. In other words, it is understood that the connection device according to the invention can easily be adapted for use on at least three different types of windshield wiper arms.
[0092] Figures 10 and 11 both illustrate the wiper arm 201 according to a third exemplary embodiment, [fig.10] being an exploded view of this wiper arm 201 and the connection device 100 according to a fourth assembly mode and [fig.ll] being a longitudinal sectional view of the wiper arm 201 according to the third exemplary embodiment illustrated in cooperation with the connection device 100 according to the fourth assembly mode. The wiper arm 201 according to the third exemplary embodiment differs from the wiper arm according to the first and second exemplary embodiments, inter alia, by its transverse dimension, this transverse dimension being measured as previously described.The yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to the third exemplary embodiment thus has a transverse dimension smaller than the transverse dimension of the yoke 210 according to the first exemplary embodiment and than the transverse dimension of the yoke 210 according to the second exemplary embodiment. As a result, the connection device according to any one of the assembly methods described above cannot be used with the wiper arm according to this third exemplary embodiment.
[0093] The connection device 100 according to the fourth assembly method thus comprises, as shown, only the main connection member 110, that is to say both the base 140 and the removable part 150 of this main connection member 110. Thus, a transverse dimension of the connection device 100 according to the fourth assembly method measured parallel to the transverse axis T, between the two first flanks 141 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110, is less than the transverse dimension of the connection device 100 according to any one of the assembly methods described above.
[0094] The wiper arm 201 according to this third exemplary embodiment comprises the yoke 210 and the rod 202 fitted into this yoke 210 as described above, the yoke 210 also comprising, as previously mentioned, the two fourth flanks 212 connected to each other by the fourth upper wall 213. According to this third exemplary embodiment, the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 extends mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the trihedron illustrated. As illustrated, the two fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to the third exemplary embodiment each have a stop 221 intended to cooperate with one of the elastic tabs 153b, 154b of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110.The fourth upper wall 213 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 according to this third embodiment is extended longitudinally, away from the rod 202, by a protrusion 222 adapted to be received in the hole 101 generated by the formation of the notch 146a in the head 146 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110. As more fully detailed below with reference to [fig. 11], this protrusion 222 forms more particu . ly a means for retaining the wiper arm 201 relative to the connection device 100.
[0095] It is also noted that the fourth upper wall 213 of the yoke 210 according to the third exemplary embodiment differs from the fourth upper wall 213 of the yoke 210 according to any one of the exemplary embodiments which have just been described in that it is devoid of the orifice adapted to receive the retractable button 144. Thus, as illustrated in [fig. 11], this retractable button 144 is retracted, that is to say pushed downwards, in the direction of the wiper blade once the connection device 100 is mounted on this wiper blade.
[0096] [Fig. 11] illustrates more particularly the cooperation between the connection device 100 according to the fourth assembly method and the yoke 210 of the windscreen wiper arm according to the third embodiment.
[0097] As illustrated in this [fig.l 1], a bead 146b is provided under the head 146 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 of the connection device 100 according to the invention. As previously mentioned, the protrusion 222 formed in the extension of the fourth upper wall 213 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201 is inserted into the hole 101 delimited by the notch 146a formed in the head 146 of the base 140 of the main connection member 110 and it is understood from this [fig. 11] that this protrusion 222 engages with the bead 146b formed under this head 146, thus forming a first retaining zone 230 of the wiper arm 201 on the connection device 100 configured to limit the longitudinal movements of the wiper arm 201, that is to say the movements along the longitudinal axis L of the illustrated trihedron, in a first direction SI illustrated in [fig. 11].
[0098] This [fig.l 1] also makes visible the cooperation between one of the elastic tabs 154b of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 and one of the stops 221 formed on the fourth flanks 211 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. As shown, this is more particularly a cooperation between an edge of the gripping zone 154c and the stop 221 formed on one of the fourth flanks 212 of the yoke 210 of the wiper arm 201. As mentioned above, the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 comprises the upper bridge 155 which connects the first side wall to the second side wall 154 of this removable part 150 and which participates in giving the elastic tabs carried by this removable part 150 their elastic properties.More particularly, this upper bridge 155 allows the two elastic tabs to be brought together towards each other, allowing, alternately, the engagement and disengagement of these elastic tabs, and more particularly of the gripping zones of these elastic tabs, relative to the stops 221 provided on the fourth sides 212 of the yoke 210.
[0099] It is understood from this [fig.l 1] that the cooperation between the elastic legs of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110 and the stops 221 of the yoke 210 form a second retaining zone 240 of the wiper arm 201 on the connection device 100 configured to limit the longitudinal movements of the wiper arm 201, that is to say the movements along the longitudinal axis L of the trihedron illustrated, in a second direction S2, opposite to the first direction SI.
[0100] The fourth upper wall 213 being devoid of the orifice adapted to receive the retractable button 144 and the latter being carried by an elastic tab 143, the retractable button 144 is retracted, by this fourth upper wall 213 downwards. Advantageously, this retractable button 144 comprises a retaining member 144a which, according to the example illustrated, takes the form of a rod which emerges from this retractable button 144, and which extends downwards. As particularly visible in [fig. 11], this retaining member 144a is adapted to come into abutment against the transverse wall 158 of the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110, and more particularly against a rear face of this transverse wall 158, that is to say a face of this transverse wall 158 facing the flexible tabs 153b, 154b of this removable part 150.Advantageously, this cooperation between the retaining member 144a of the retractable button 144 and the transverse wall 158 of the removable part 150 makes it possible to assist and reinforce the removable connection between the base 140 and the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110. In addition, this retaining member 144a forms a means of securing this removable connection between the base 140 and the removable part 150 of the main connection member 110, that is to say that in the event of breakage of this removable connection, the retaining member 144a guarantees that the wiper blade does not separate from the yoke 210 of the wiper arm.
[0101] Advantageously, a projection member as well as the pipe for conveying the windshield washer fluid to this projection member as described above can be attached to the windshield wiper arm according to the third embodiment without the connection device having to be modified. Indeed, the elastic tabs of the removable part being engaged on the stops of the yoke of the windshield wiper arm as has just been described, these elastic tabs do not interfere with the pipe, and the connection can thus be ensured by the connection device according to the fourth assembly method.
[0102] It is understood from the above that the present invention thus provides a connection device intended to connect a wiper blade to a windshield wiper arm which can be easily adapted to be used with at least three different types of windshield wiper arms, it being understood that the description which has just been given does not limit the scope of the present invention. In particular, other assembly methods not described here may be provided without departing from the context of the present invention, thus allowing the connection device to be adapted to a very large number of different wiper arms.
Claims
Claims
1. A connection device (100) for connecting a wiper blade to a windshield wiper arm (201), the connection device (100) comprising at least one main connection member (110) adapted to be connected to the wiper blade and to a yoke (210) of the windshield wiper arm (201), the main connection member (110) extending along a main extension axis (X), characterized in that the main connection member (110) comprises at least one base (140) configured to be pivotally mounted on the wiper blade and at least one removable part (150) relative to the base (140), the removable part (150) and the base (140) being aligned along the main extension axis (X),the base (140) of the main connection member (110) comprising at least one retractable button (144) adapted to be received in an orifice (217) provided in the yoke (210) of the windscreen wiper arm (201) and to be retracted when the yoke (210) of the windscreen wiper arm (201) is devoid of the orifice (217), the retractable button (144) comprising at least one retaining member (144a) which participates in retaining the removable part (150) against the base (140).,
2. Connection device (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the removable part (150) of the main connection member (110) participates in the connection of the connection device (100) with the yoke (210) of the windscreen wiper arm (201).
3. A connection device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one first connecting member (149) is provided on the base (140) of the main connecting member (110), wherein at least one second connecting member (151) is provided on the removable portion (150) of the main connecting member (110), the at least one first connecting member (149) and the at least one second connecting member (151) being configured to cooperate removably with each other.
4. Connection device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one first connecting member (149) and the at least one second connecting member (151) are configured to cooperate by interlocking.
5. Connection device (100) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one first connecting member (149) takes the form of a chimney (147), wherein the at least one second connecting member (151) takes the form of a tongue (152) received in the at least one chimney (147).
6. Connection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable part (150) of the main connection member (110) comprises at least one elastic tab (153b, 154b) which extends mainly in a direction parallel to the main extension axis (X) of the main connection member (110), the at least one elastic tab (153b, 154b) being adapted to cooperate with the yoke (210) of the windscreen wiper arm (201).
7. Connection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one secondary connection member (120) configured to be interposed between the base (140) of the main connection member (110) and the yoke (210) of the windscreen wiper arm (201).
8. Connection device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (140) of the main connection member (110) comprises at least two first flanks (141) connected to each other by at least one first upper wall (142), the secondary connection member (120) comprising at least two second flanks (121) connected to each other by at least one second upper wall (122), the two first flanks (141) and the first upper wall (142) delimiting a first space (148) configured to receive, at least in part, the wiper blade and the two second flanks (121) and the second upper wall (122) delimiting a second space (123) configured to receive, at least partially, the base (140) of the main connection member (110).
9. Connection device (100) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one of the second flanks (121) of the secondary connection member (120) comprises at least one tooth (126) for locking the secondary connection member (120) on the main connection member (110).
10. Connection device (100) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, comprising at least one tertiary connection member (130), this tertiary connection member (130) comprising at least two third flanks (131) and a third upper wall (132) which delimit a third space (133) configured to receive, at least partially, the secondary connection member (120) and the base (140) of the main connection member (110).
11. Wiping system (200) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least at least one wiper blade and at least one wiper arm (201) connected to each other by at least one connection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.