Device for coupling wiper blade to drive arm

Abstract

SOLUTION: There is provided, a coupling device 1 for coupling a wiper blade to a drive arm of a vehicle, the coupling device (1) has at least one connector (24) which is fixed to the wiper blade, according to the invention, the coupling device (1) has a base adapter (25) and at least one complement adapter (26, 27), the base adapter (25) has at least one pivot member (50) for coupling the base adapter (25) to the connector (24), the base adapter (25) is configured to couple the connector (24) to a first type of a drive arm, and the base adapter (25) has at least one reference, the complement adapter (26, 27) has at least one label, a combination between the base adapter (25) and the complement adapter (26, 27) generates, a code which is visually associated with another type of a drive arm being different from, the first type of the drive arm, on the basis of the combination between the reference and the label.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle wipers, and more particularly to a connecting device that enables a wiper blade to be connected to a drive arm.

Background Art

[0002] A wiper system for a vehicle is designed to remove liquids and dirt that may obstruct the driver's view by wiping. These wiper systems generally include a drive arm that performs an angular back-and-forth movement and a long wiper blade with a blade rubber made of an elastic material. The blade rubber wipes the front glass and removes this liquid and dirt by sweeping it from the driver's view.

[0003] The wiper blade is attached to the drive arm by a connecting device that includes a connector and an adapter. The connector is a component that is fixed to the wiper blade and generally fixed to the blade rubber. The adapter is a component that intervenes between the drive arm and the connector and is shaped to fit into an end piece belonging to the drive arm. The connector and the adapter then provide a joint connection and cooperate to attach the wiper blade to the drive arm, thus forming a device for connecting the wiper blade to the drive arm.

[0004] The joint connection between the connector and the adapter includes at least one transverse axis of pivoting of the connector relative to the adapter, which is also the axis of pivoting of the wiper blade relative to the drive arm. One of the members, for example the connector, generally has a substantially cylindrical shape that forms a pivot and is received within a complementary-shaped housing in the other member, in this example the adapter.

[0005] Adapters allow wiper blades to be combined with specific types of end pieces or drive arms, and there are many types of end pieces. These types are similar in appearance but differ from one another in their dimensions, particularly in their width or lateral dimensions. They also differ in the position of the orifice, which is designed to interact with the push button for locking the adapter.

[0006] Therefore, there are different adapters that allow a given wiper blade to be combined with several end pieces and, consequently, several drive arms.

[0007] Therefore, users who have a reason to replace their wiper blades need to ensure that the implementation of these different adapter-based connectors is adequately compatible with the drive arms of the vehicle in which they are designed to be implemented. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, understanding how these adapters are implemented for a given type of drive arm can be complex for the user. This problem is all the more pronounced when the user is a novice, that is, an individual lacking the necessary skills to perform the required assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the various proposed adapters within the wiper blade packaging to accommodate different existing types of drive arms are bulky and excessively heavy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention solves these technical problems by proposing a coupling device that allows a user to easily verify that an adapter mounted on a wiper blade corresponds precisely to a drive arm of a vehicle designed to receive the wiper blade. Such a coupling device has an adapter having visual markings or references that, when combined, form a code, and when the user reads this code, it can be combined with a given drive arm. The present invention enables easier reading by combining individual markings or references rather than the code of each adapter.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention offers advantages related to the packaging of the adapters. Since these adapter embodiments result in a reduction of the plastic material required to manufacture them, the bulk and weight of these adapters are also reduced.

[0012] Accordingly, the subject of the present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a wiper blade to a drive arm for a vehicle, comprising at least one connector configured to be fixed to the wiper blade. According to the present invention, the device comprises a base adapter and at least one complementary adapter, the base adapter comprising at least one pivot member for connecting the base adapter to a connector, the base adapter configured to connect the connector to a first type of drive arm, the base adapter having at least one reference designed to associate the base adapter with this first type of drive arm, the complementary adapter having at least one indicator, the combination of the base adapter and the complementary adapter generating a code from the combination of the reference and the indicator that is visually associated with another type of drive arm, different from the first type of drive arm.

[0013] Therefore, the connection device comprises at least one connector and at least two adapters. The connector provides a connection between the connection device and the wiper blade, and the adapters contribute to connecting the connector to a particular type of drive arm. The adapters may connect the connector directly to the particular type of drive arm, or they may be accompanied by other components, such as one or more complementary adapters, when making this connection.

[0014] The base adapter includes a pivot member that connects to the connector. This pivot member constitutes a joint that allows the connector to rotate relative to the adapter. Thus, once the connector is fixed to the wiper blade, the wiper blade can pivot relative to the adapter and to the drive arm to which the adapter is connected. As a result, the wiper blade can follow its surface closely in order to adequately sweep the windshield of the vehicle to which it is mounted.

[0015] Each adapter has a reference or marking that allows the user to visually associate the adapter with a specific type of drive arm. By reading the reference and marking, the user can identify each adapter, but it will be understood that these adapters can also be combined. The combination of reference and marking gives a code that allows identification of a specific type of drive arm. Advantageously, the reference and marking are positioned on the adapter's surface that is visible to the user when using the connector. These references or markings may, among other things, be letters or numbers.

[0016] According to one feature of the present invention, one and / or the other of a connecting device, in particular an adapter, comprises at least one stopper and one locking member, intended to fix the adapter to a drive arm intended to be associated with it. The adapter and the drive arm are thus fixed to each other, and the stopper and locking member prevent translational movement of the drive arm relative to the adapter. The locking member may be, for example, a push button, a tongue, or a leg of the adapter.

[0017] According to one feature of the present invention, the locking member is positioned on the upper wall of the adapter. Thus, the locking member can be positioned on the upper wall of the base adapter or the upper wall of the complementary adapter. In particular, the locking member is positioned on an upper wall protruding therefrom.

[0018] According to another feature of the present invention, at least one complementary adapter comprises a first adapter having at least one cavity, the cavity having an end wall, and a marking on the first adapter positioned on this end wall, and the combination of the marking on the first adapter and the reference on the base adapter forms a code that is visually associated with a second type of drive arm. The cavity corresponds to a recess in part of the first adapter, in particular a recess made in the upper wall of the adapter, the latter having a U-shaped cross section with an upper wall interposed between two lateral walls. In this case, the second type of drive arm is a different type of drive arm from the first type of drive arm to which the base adapter is associated.

[0019] According to one feature, at least one complementary adapter comprises a second adapter having at least one projection, the markings of the second adapter being positioned on this projection, and the combination of the markings of the second adapter and the reference of the base adapter forms a code that is visually associated with a third type of drive arm. This projection corresponds to a portion of the second adapter protruding from the body of this adapter, and this projection extends, for example, from one of the side walls of the second adapter. It will be understood that the third type of drive arm is a different type of drive arm from the first type of drive arm and the second type of drive arm.

[0020] The second adapter differs from the first adapter in that it has a curved tab that is housed at least inside the head of the base adapter.

[0021] According to another feature, the projection of the second adapter is housed in the cavity of the first adapter, and the markings of the second adapter are at least partially superimposed with the markings of the first adapter, and the combination of the markings of the first adapter, the second adapter, and the base adapter reference forms a code that is visually associated with the fourth type of drive arm. The first adapter is housed in the second adapter, and therefore they are superimposed. The projection has the markings of the second adapter. The second adapter is at least partially superimposed with the first adapter by being housed in the cavity of the first adapter, which has the markings of the first adapter. This then covers the markings of the first adapter so that they are no longer readable. Such superimposition allows for the formation of a new combination of markings with the base adapter reference, which forms a code that is visually associated with the fourth type of drive arm. This fourth type of drive arm is structurally different from the first, second, and third types of drive arms.

[0022] According to another feature of the present invention, at least one complementary adapter comprises a third adapter, the third adapter having at least one identifier, and the combination of the identifier of the third adapter and the reference of the base adapter forms a code designed to visually associate the third adapter with a fifth type of drive arm. It will be understood that this fifth type of drive arm is a different type of drive arm structurally different from the first, second, third, and fourth types of drive arms.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least two adapters fit together. Such a mutual fit is evident in the fact that adapters which are substantially U-shaped components can be nested within each other. Thus, one U-shaped adapter can cover another U-shaped adapter, which itself can cover yet another U-shaped adapter, particularly the base adapter. In one embodiment, the base adapter may be covered by at least one complementary adapter, particularly by the first adapter, and itself may be covered by the second adapter.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a wiper blade comprising a connecting device as described in this document.

[0025] Finally, the present invention relates to a wiper system comprising a drive arm supporting a wiper blade comprising a connecting device, the wiper blade being connected to the drive arm by the connecting device described above.

[0026] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent by reading the following illustrative embodiments provided by way of non-limiting examples, on the one hand by the following description and on the other hand by the following attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. is a schematic perspective view of a wiper system in which a connecting device according to the present invention connects a wiper blade to a drive arm. [Figure 2] Upper perspective view of a part of the connecting device of FIG. 1 having a first adapter and a second adapter. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the base adapter of the connecting device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the connecting device of FIG. 1 separated from the wiper blade. [Figure 5] Another perspective view of the connecting device of FIG. 1 fixed to the wiper blade. [Figure 6] Diagram showing various adapters that can be combined with a connector to form a connecting device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Top view of a connecting device also comprising a second adapter and a base adapter, and a specific type of drive arm. [Figure 8] Top view of a connecting device also comprising a first adapter and a base adapter, and a specific type of drive arm. [Figure 9] Top view of a connecting device also comprising a first adapter, a second adapter, and a base adapter, and a specific type of drive arm. [Figure 10] Top view of a connecting device also comprising a first adapter, a base adapter, and a third adapter, and a specific type of drive arm.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0028] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference numerals.

[0029] In the following detailed description, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the connector according to the present invention. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the principal extension direction of the wiper blade to which the connector is fixed, and this longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the coordinate system L, V, T shown in the figure. The lateral direction corresponds to the direction containing the axis of rotation of the pivot member that enables pivoting between the base adapter and the connector of the connector, and this lateral direction is parallel to the transverse axis T of the coordinate system L, V, T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, the vertical direction corresponds to the direction parallel to the vertical axis V of the coordinate system L, V, T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.

[0030] Furthermore, the references to "down" and "up" in relation to the elements of the connecting device mean that, relative to the distance of these elements from the wiper blade, the lower end of such an element corresponds to the end positioned near the wiper blade, and the upper end corresponds to the end positioned away from the wiper blade.

[0031] Figure 1 schematically shows a wiper system 10 according to the present invention, which has a wiper blade 12 and a drive arm 65 for driving the wiper blade 12. The wiper blade 12 comprises a longitudinal body 16, a blade rubber 18 which is generally made of rubber, and at least one spine (not shown) which reinforces the blade rubber 18 and causes it to press against the vehicle windshield.

[0032] The schematicly shown wiper blade 12 further comprises end fittings or clips 22 for attaching the blade rubber 18 and spine to the longitudinal body 16, the end fittings 22 being located at each of the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal body 16.

[0033] The wiper blade 12 substantially supports the connecting device 1 according to the present invention in its center. This connecting device 1 comprises, among other things, a connector 24 and at least two adapters. In this example, these adapters are a base adapter 25 and a complementary adapter, a first adapter 26 in this example.

[0034] The base adapter 25 and the first adapter 26 contribute to connecting the connector 24 to a particular type of drive arm, in this example, a second type of drive arm 65. The base adapter 25 and the first adapter 26 are mounted on the connector 24 so as to maintain a degree of freedom of pivoting around an articulation axis Y, which is a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 12. This degree of freedom allows the wiper blade 12 to pivot relative to the drive arm 65 and thus to follow the curvature of the windshield as the wiper blade 12 moves. The base adapter 25 and the first adapter 26 may be disconnected from the drive arm 65, for example, by pressing an actuation button, in this example a push button 20, supported by the base adapter 25.

[0035] The drive arm 65 is driven by a motor (not shown) to follow an angled back-and-forth motion that allows it to remove water and, if any, other undesirable elements covering the windshield. The base adapter 25 and the first adapter 26 provide the connection between the wiper blade 12 and the drive arm 65. More specifically, they contribute to connecting a head or end piece 28 that belongs to the drive arm 65 and can be formed integrally with the drive arm 65 or attached and fixed to its rod.

[0036] The end piece 28 has an elongated shape in an overall direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12. The end piece 28 extends at one of its longitudinal ends by a connecting portion 30 for connection to the rod of the drive arm 65.

[0037] Figure 2 corresponds to a perspective view of a part of the connection device from Figure 1, showing the first adapter 26 and the second adapter 27 combined. The first adapter 26 and the second adapter 27 are complementary adapters intended to be used in combination with the base adapter 25.

[0038] The first adapter 26 is a component whose cross-section is substantially U-shaped and comprises a top wall 260 and a first lateral wall 261 and a second lateral wall 262. These walls 260, 261, and 262 define an internal housing 263, which can receive, among other things, a connector 24 or another adapter. The top wall 260 extends mainly in the transverse longitudinal plane, and the lateral walls 261 and 262 extend in parallel and separate longitudinal vertical planes. Thus, the lateral walls 261 and 262 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top wall 260. Furthermore, the first adapter 26 is substantially symmetrical about planes of symmetry extending in the longitudinal and vertical directions and is equidistant from the first lateral wall 261 and the second lateral wall 262.

[0039] The upper wall 260 does not extend beyond the entire length of the side walls 261 and 262. In other words, the upper wall 260 does not extend from one longitudinal end of the first adapter 26 to the other longitudinal end. Specifically, the first adapter 26 has clearance from the upper wall 260 near each longitudinal end of the first adapter 26. Therefore, when viewed from above, the first adapter 26 is H-shaped.

[0040] The side walls 261 and 262 have inner surfaces 264 that face toward the internal housing 263. These opposing inner surfaces 264 support stoppers 265 that protrude from the inner surfaces 264 and extend into the internal housing 263. These stoppers 265, when assembled with another adapter, contribute particularly to holding the first adapter 26 in place, thus serving as retaining means for fixing the assembly of several components.

[0041] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the upper wall 260 has two square-shaped cavities 266 located near the side walls 261 and 262. These cavities 266 are recesses in the upper wall 260 that extend from their upper surface toward the internal housing 263. The cavities 266 have end walls 267 that extend in the extensional direction of the connector 1 corresponding to the longitudinal direction. These end walls 267 have markings 268, in this example the letter O. These markings 268 can be read regardless of the longitudinal orientation of the first adapter 26. When combined with a reference 258 on the base adapter 25, these markings 268 are intended to associate the first adapter 26 with a particular type of drive arm, for example, visually. Such combinations will be described in more detail later.

[0042] Each of the side walls 261 and 262 has a clearance 269 extending from the free edge of the side wall toward the upper wall of the first adapter 26. The clearance 269 of side wall 261 is symmetric with respect to the clearance 269 of side wall 262 with respect to the plane of symmetry. These arc-shaped clearances 269 can accommodate the shaft of the drive arm.

[0043] The second adapter 27 is also a component with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The second adapter 27 has an upper wall 270 and a first lateral wall 271 and a second lateral wall 272. The upper wall 270 extends mainly in the transverse longitudinal plane, while the lateral walls 271 and 272 extend mainly in parallel and separate longitudinal vertical planes. Thus, the lateral walls 271 and 272 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper wall 270. These walls 270, 271, and 272 define an internal housing 273, which can receive, in particular, another adapter, in this example the first adapter 26 described above. The upper wall 270 has a notch 600 in its center so that the upper wall 270 constitutes a mere frame. In this central notch 600 of the upper wall 270, the internal housing 273 communicates with the external environment of the associated adapter. The upper wall 270 further has a curved tab 276 extending away from one of the longitudinal ends of the second adapter 27. This curved tab 276 contributes to the assembly of the second adapter 27 with other components, in particular other adapters.

[0044] The side walls 271 and 272 have inner surfaces 274 that face the internal housing 273. These opposing inner surfaces 274 support stoppers 275 that protrude from the inner surfaces 274 and extend into the internal housing 273. These stoppers 275, among other things, allow the second adapter 27 to be fixed to another adapter and prevent vertical translational motion of the second adapter 27.

[0045] Each of the side walls 271 and 272 has a clearance 279 extending from the lower end to the upper end of the second adapter 27. The clearance 279 of side wall 271 is symmetric with respect to the clearance 279 of side wall 272 with respect to the plane of symmetry. These arc-shaped clearances 279 can accommodate the shaft 573 of a drive arm, for example, a third type of drive arm 57, such a shaft 573 is shown in Figure 7.

[0046] One of the side walls 271 or 272 supports at least one projection 277, for example, square in shape, projecting from this side wall 271 or 272 in the plane of the upper wall of the second adapter. This projection 277 consists of a continuity of material toward the other side wall 271 or 272, or in other words toward the side wall 271 or 272 toward which it does not project. Thus, the projection 277 makes the second adapter 27 substantially asymmetrical about a plane extending longitudinally and vertically, and positions it equidistant from the first side wall 271 and the second side wall 272.

[0047] The projection 277 has a marking 278, indicated here by the letter P, which is intended to visually associate the second adapter 27 with a certain type of drive arm when this marking is combined with the reference 258 of the base adapter 25. Such combinations of marking 278 and reference 258 will be described in more detail later.

[0048] When the first adapter 26 and the second adapter 27 are combined with the connecting device 1, the first adapter 26 is housed in the internal housing 273 of the second adapter 27. Thus, the side walls 261 and 262 of the first adapter 26 face the side walls 271 and 272 of the second adapter 27. The top wall 260 of the first adapter 26 is housed in a central notch 600 formed in the top wall 270 of the second adapter 27 such that the top wall 260 is covered by the top wall 270 in only one region of the two cavities 266.

[0049] Specifically, the projection 277 is housed in one of the cavities 266 such that at least one of the labels 268 of the first adapter 26 is covered by the label 278 of the projection 277 of the second adapter 27. Thus, the label 278 of the second adapter 27 is superimposed on at least one of the labels 268 of the first adapter 26, as shown in the figure by the dashed line of the projection 277.

[0050] The first adapter 26 and / or the second adapter 27 may be combined with the base adapter 25, a first embodiment of which is shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The base adapter 25 extends primarily in the longitudinal direction. This base adapter 25 has a body 254 comprising a first lateral wall 251 and a second lateral wall 252, these walls being substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another. These walls 251, 252 are connected to one another by a top wall 250 that is substantially perpendicular to them. The walls 250, 251, 252 of this base adapter 25 have a longitudinally elongated shape, between which they define an internal housing 253 intended to accommodate the connector 24.

[0052] At one of its longitudinal ends, the body 254 of the base adapter 25 is connected to the head 255, whose vertical and lateral dimensions are greater than those of the body 254 of the base adapter 25. Thus, it will be understood that the head 255 extends beyond the longitudinal and lateral planes over which the upper wall 250 extends, and beyond the longitudinal and vertical planes over which the lateral walls 251 and 252 extend. The head 255 functions, among other things, as a locking member. This is because, when the wiper blade 12 is assembled onto the drive arm 65 via the connector 1 as shown in Figure 1, the head 255 forms a stopper for the end piece 28, thus preventing the end piece 28 from translating beyond the body 254 of the base adapter 25. The head 255 further has a curved inner portion on one of its inner surfaces, not visible in Figure 3, which can receive the curved tab 276 of the second adapter 27, thus forming another retaining means.

[0053] On the other end of its longitudinal section, the upper wall 250 of the base adapter 25 narrows toward a point 257 that extends beyond the main body 254. This point 257 has a reference point 258, indicated here by the letter X, which is intended to associate the base adapter 25 with a first type of drive arm, and is not shown.

[0054] At the other longitudinal end, the body 254 of the base adapter 25, more specifically the side walls 251 and 252, are continuous in the form of elastically deformable legs 256. These legs 256 can therefore be brought closer to each other by elastic deformation. The legs 256 are substantially symmetrical about a plane of symmetry extending in the longitudinal and vertical directions and are equidistant from the first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252. Each leg 256 further has a locking portion 426 shaped to cooperate with a notch in the end piece 28 to lock the base adapter 25 assembly with it, thus forming another locking means suitable for a type of drive arm specific to the base adapter 25.

[0055] The upper wall 250 is perforated with three openings: a first opening 259, a second opening 359, and a third opening 459, all aligned longitudinally and providing access to the internal housing 253. The first opening 259 allows engagement with a tab provided on the end piece 28 of the drive arm 5. The third opening 459, located near the leg 256, is partially occupied by a tongue 458. This tongue 458 extends primarily longitudinally and has a fixed end 457 some distance from the leg 256, connected to the transverse walls 251 and 252 by a bridge of material, and a free end 456 that can move near the leg 256. The tongue 458 is elastically deformable, and its free end 456 supports the push button 455. When stationary, i.e., not under stress, the tongue 458 is positioned so that the push button 455 is located above the plane on which the upper wall 250 extends. When the base adapter 25 is mounted within the end piece 28, the push button 455 engages with the corresponding opening of the end piece 28 by elastic clip fastening to lock the base adapter 25 to the end piece.

[0056] Furthermore, the side walls 251 and 252 are provided with through orifices 451 and 452, respectively, which open onto the internal housing 253. Orifice 451 is substantially circular, and orifice 452 is substantially parallelepiped, and together they define the pivot axis Y of the base adapter 25 to the connector 24 (not shown in this figure), and by extension, the wiper blade 12 connected to the base adapter 25 to the drive arm connected to the connector 24. Orifice 451 has a ring 453 that extends from the side wall 251 toward the internal housing 253 and projects onto the side wall 251. The ring 453 contributes to the assembly of the base adapter 25 and the connector 24 by elastically clipping the ring 453 to a complementary means of the connector 24. Orifices 451 and 452 and the ring 453 associated with orifice 451 form a pivot means for pivoting the base adapter 25 relative to the connector 24.

[0057] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the connecting device 1 from Figure 1. In Figure 4, the connecting device 1 is detached from the wiper blade 12, but in Figure 5, it is fixed to it. Therefore, Figure 5 shows a wiper blade 12 equipped with the connecting device 1 according to the present invention.

[0058] According to the embodiments shown in these figures, the connection device 1 comprises, among other things, a connector 24, a base adapter 25, a first adapter 26, and a second adapter 27, each of which adapters 25, 26, and 27 contributes to connecting the connector 24 to a particular type of drive arm 56 shown in Figure 9. The connector 24 comprises a base 70 that extends mainly in the longitudinal direction. The connector 24 is fixed to the wiper blade 12 via this base 70.

[0059] The base adapter 25 includes at least one pivot member 50 that is mechanically connected to the connector 24 at its orifices 451 and 452. This pivot member 50 constitutes a joint that allows the connector 24 to rotate relative to the base adapter 25. Thus, when the connector 24 is fixed to the wiper blade 12, as shown in Figure 5, for example by crimping, the wiper blade 12 can pivot relative to the base adapter 25 and the drive arm to which the base adapter 25 is connected. As a result, the wiper blade 12 can, in its movement, perfectly follow the curved surface of the windshield of the vehicle to which it is mounted.

[0060] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base adapter 25, the first adapter 26, and the second adapter 27 are combined via the connecting device 1.

[0061] According to the present invention, the combination of a mark and a reference on an adapter forms a code, such as a visual code, associated with a particular type of drive arm. The mark, which was represented by letters in Figure 4, is shown by numbers in Figure 5. Thus, it will be understood that the combination of the reference 258 on the base adapter 25 and the mark 268 on the first adapter 26 forms a code associated with a particular type of drive arm, namely the second type of drive arm 65. The combination of the reference 258 on the base adapter 25 and the mark 278 on the second adapter 27 forms another code that is visually associated with another particular type of drive arm, namely the third type of drive arm 57. The combination of the base adapter 25's reference 258, the first adapter 26's marking 268, and the second adapter 27's marking 278 forms yet another code visually associated with yet another specific type of drive arm, namely a fourth type of drive arm 56, shown in Figures 8, 7, and 9, respectively. These specific types of drive arms 65, 57, and 56 are all structurally different from each other, and also structurally different from the first type of drive arm to which only the base adapter 25 is associated. The relationship between each combination of references and markings and the corresponding drive arm of each specific type will be described in more detail later.

[0062] Figure 6 shows exploded views of various adapters that can contribute to the configuration of the connection device 1. This exploded view is given as an example and does not mean that all adapters presented are interchangeable with one another, or that a randomly selected combination of standards and labels from these various adapters corresponds to a particular type of drive arm.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least two of these various adapters are interlocked. Such interlocking is evident in the fact that the first, second, or base adapters, which are substantially U-shaped components, can be nested within each other. Thus, one U-shaped adapter can cover another U-shaped adapter, which in turn can cover yet another U-shaped adapter, and so on.

[0064] These various adapters include, among others, the base adapter 25, the first adapter 26, and the second adapter 27. The connection device 1 may also be accompanied by another complementary adapter, in this example, a third adapter 29. The connection device 1 may also be accompanied by a primary adapter 31, which is a base adapter according to a different embodiment than the one described in relation to the base adapter 25 in the previous figure. Thus, this primary adapter 31 corresponds to a substitute for the base adapter 25.

[0065] The base adapter 25 and the primary adapter 31 are not interchangeable, meaning that the connecting device 1 may have one or the other, but cannot have a combination of these two elements. Similar to the base adapter 25, the primary adapter 31 is in direct contact with the connector 24 and is provided with means for rotating it relative to it. Therefore, each of these two adapters 25 and 31 can be combined with the connector 24, but they are not configured to mate with each other.

[0066] The primary adapter 31 extends primarily in the longitudinal direction. This primary adapter 31 has a body 314 comprising a first lateral wall 311 and a second lateral wall 312, these walls being substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another. These walls 311, 312 are connected to one another by an upper wall 310 that is substantially perpendicular to them. The walls 310, 311, 312 have an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction, and between them they define an internal housing 313 intended to accommodate a connector 24 (not shown).

[0067] On one of its longitudinal ends, the body 314 of the primary adapter 31 is connected to the head 315, whose vertical and lateral dimensions are greater than those of the body 314 of the primary adapter 31. Thus, it will be understood that the head 315 extends beyond the longitudinal and lateral planes over which the upper wall 310 extends, and beyond the longitudinal and vertical planes over which the lateral walls 311 and 312 extend. The head 315 contributes to acting as a fixation member. This is because, when the wiper blade 12 is assembled on a certain type of drive arm associated with the primary adapter 31 via the connecting device 1, the head 315 forms a stopper for the end piece 28, thus preventing translational motion of the end piece 28 beyond the body 314 of the primary adapter 31. The head 315 further has a curved inner portion on one of its inner surfaces, not visible in Figure 6, which can receive the curved tab 276 of the second adapter 27, thus forming another locking means.

[0068] The upper wall 310 of the primary adapter 31 has a cavity 316 and two parallel slots 317, the cavity and slots being positioned substantially centrally in the longitudinal direction of the body 314 of the primary adapter 31. The cavity 316 has a substantially square shape, and the parallel slots 317 extend parallel to the lateral walls 311 and 312. The upper wall has a reference 318 between the cavity 316 on one side and these parallel slots 317 on the other, intended to visually associate the primary adapter 31 with a particular type of drive arm not shown. It will be understood that this particular type of drive arm, either in combination or alone, is structurally different from the particular type of drive arm associated with the base adapter 25, the first adapter 26, and the second adapter 27 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The cavity 316, like the cavity 266 of the first adapter 26, can accommodate the projection 277 of the second adapter 27 when the second adapter 27 is combined with the primary adapter 31. Thus, it will be understood that the primary adapter 31 and the second adapter 27 can be combined.

[0070] In contrast to the base adapter 25, the primary adapter 31 does not have tabs. Therefore, when the primary adapter 31 is included in a wiper system, it is possible to incorporate a spray function that is incompatible with the tabs 256 of the base adapter 25 into this wiper system. Thus, it will be understood that the primary adapter 31, in particular, the tabless configuration, makes it possible to incorporate this spray function whether the primary adapter 31 is used alone or in combination with the second adapter 27.

[0071] The upper wall 310 is further perforated with a first opening 507 and a second opening 508, which are aligned longitudinally and provide access to the internal housing 313. The first opening 507 allows engagement with a tab provided on the end piece 28 of the drive arm associated with the primary adapter 31. The second opening 508, located near the longitudinal end of the primary adapter 31 opposite the head 315, is partially covered by a tongue 500. This tongue 500 has a fixed end 501 connected to the upper wall 310 and a movable free end 502 located at a distance from the longitudinal end supporting the head 315 that is greater than the distance separating the head 315 from the fixed end 501. The tongue 500 is elastically deformable, and its free end 502 supports the push button 503. When stationary, i.e., not under stress, the tongue 500 is positioned so that the push button 503 is located above the plane over which the upper wall 310 extends. When the primary adapter 31 is mounted within the end piece 28, the push button 503 engages with the corresponding opening of the end piece 28 by elastic clip fastening to lock the primary adapter 31 to the end piece.

[0072] Furthermore, the side walls 311 and 312 of the primary adapter 31 are provided with through orifices 504 and 505, respectively, which open onto the internal housing 313, with the through orifice 505 not visible. Orifice 505 is substantially circular, and orifice 504 is substantially parallelepiped, and together they define the pivot axis Y of the primary adapter 31 to the connector 24 (not shown in this figure), and by extension, the wiper blade 12 connected to the primary adapter 31 to the drive arm connected to the connector 24. Orifice 505 has a ring projecting onto the side wall 311, extending from the side wall 311 toward the internal housing 313. This ring contributes to the assembly of the primary adapter 31 and the connector 24 by being elastically clipped to a complementary means of the connector 24. Orifices 504 and 505 and the ring associated with orifice 505 form a pivot means for pivoting the primary adapter 31 relative to the connector 24.

[0073] The third adapter 29 is a complementary adapter that functions within the scope of the present invention as a replacement for the first adapter 26, the second adapter 27, or a combination thereof. It is a component with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The third adapter 29 has a top wall 290 and a first lateral wall 291 and a second lateral wall 292. The top wall 290 extends mainly in the transverse longitudinal plane, and the lateral walls 291 and 292 extend mainly in parallel and separate longitudinal perpendicular planes. Thus, the lateral walls 291 and 292 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top wall 290. These walls 290, 291, and 292 define an internal housing 293, which can, among other things, receive a connector 24 or another adapter. The third adapter 29 has a shoulder 301 with a curved tab 296 that extends outward from one of the longitudinal ends of the third adapter 29. This curved tab 296 contributes to the assembly of the third adapter 29 with other components, and in particular with other adapters such as the base adapter 25.

[0074] The shoulder 301 at the longitudinal end of the third adapter 29, which has a curved tab 296, extends away from the curved tab 296 by two lugs 302 pressed tightly against the side walls 291 and 292. These lugs 302 allow the third adapter 29 to be fixed to the drive arm, and in this respect constitute a locking mechanism.

[0075] Each of the side walls 291 and 292 has a clearance 299 extending from the lower end to the upper end of the third adapter 29. The clearance 299 of side wall 291 is symmetric with respect to the clearance 299 of side wall 292 with respect to the plane of symmetry. These arc-shaped clearances 299 can accommodate the shaft of a drive arm that fits into the third adapter 29, such a shaft is not shown in this figure.

[0076] Two parallel slots 294 are drilled in the upper wall 290 of the third adapter 29, positioned in the upper wall 290 near the respective lateral walls 291 and 292. These parallel slots 294 are aligned laterally with each other and open onto the internal housing 293. These parallel slots 294 open onto an opening 297 similarly drilled in the upper wall 290 at the longitudinal end of the third adapter 29 that does not support the curved tab 296. This opening 297 is partially covered by a tongue 400. The tongue 400 has a fixed end 401 connected to the upper wall 290 and a movable free end 402 located at a distance from the longitudinal end that supports the curved tab 296 that is greater than the distance separating the curved tab 296 from the fixed end 401. The tongue 400 is elastically deformable, and its free end 402 supports the push button 403. When stationary, i.e., not under stress, the tongue portion 400 is positioned such that the push button 403 is located above the plane on which the upper wall 290 extends. When the third adapter 29 is assembled with another adapter, such as a base adapter 25, to form the connecting device 1 according to the present invention, the tongue portion 400 of the third adapter 29 covers the tongue portion 458 of the base adapter 25.

[0077] The upper wall 290 of the third adapter 29 has a marking 298, in this example the letter S. When the third adapter 29 is combined with the first adapter 26 and / or the second adapter 27, the upper wall 290 covers at least partially the markings of these adapters 26 and 27, which are markings 268 and 278, respectively. Conversely, when the third adapter 29 is combined with the base adapter 25, the reference 258 of the base adapter 25 is not covered by the upper wall 290 of the third adapter 29. Thus, a user of the connecting device 1 can combine the marking 298 of the third adapter 29 and the reference 258 of the base adapter 25 to form a code. This code can be associated, for example, visually, with a fifth specific type of drive arm 59 shown in Figure 10, which is structurally different from the type of drive arm described above.

[0078] Figures 7 to 10 show various embodiments of the connector 1 in several possible adapter combinations, with drive arms intended to be visually associated with different combinations of references and markings of these adapters. Such references and markings are preferably positioned on parts of the adapter visible to the user when the connector 1 is being used. In these Figures 7 to 10, the connector 1 is shown in a top view, while the drive arms are shown in a perspective side view. In this example, these drive arms are positioned on the side of the connector 1, but it will be understood that they are intended to be driven into these connectors 1 to form a wiper system together with wiper blades and connectors.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a connecting device 1 comprising a base adapter 25 and a second adapter 27. In this example, the connecting device 1 is associated with a third type of drive arm 57.

[0080] The second adapter 27 partially covers the base adapter 25 such that its side walls 271, 272 are positioned facing the side walls 251, 252 of the base adapter 25. A curved tab 276 of the second adapter 27 can receive and contact a curved inner portion positioned on one of the inner surfaces of the head 315, the curved tab 276 and this inner surface are not visible in this figure. The top wall 270 of the second adapter 27 covers the top wall 250 of the base adapter 25, and a central notch 600 of the second adapter 27 leaves the tongue 458 and push button 455 of the base adapter 25 accessible.

[0081] Once these two adapters 25 and 27 are assembled, a user of the thus formed connecting device 1 can refer to a code formed by the combination of the reference 258 of the base adapter 25 and the indicator 278 of the second adapter 27, and thus they can confirm that this combination forms a code that is visually associated with a particular type of drive arm mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to a third type of drive arm 57.

[0082] The drive arm 57 includes a yoke 570 formed at the end portion 578 of the third type of drive arm 57. The yoke 570 consists of a longitudinal wall 571 extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive arm 57, which is adjacent to two transverse walls 572 perpendicular thereto. One of these two transverse walls 572 supports a shaft 573 and a locking arm 574 extending perpendicularly from this transverse wall 572. When the connector 1, comprising the base adapter 25 and the second adapter 27, is combined with the third type of drive arm 57, the connector 1 pivots 45° so that the shaft 573 is inserted into the orifices 451 and 452 of the base adapter, and is then aligned longitudinally. The locking arm 574 then grips the connector 1, thus securing it to the wiper blade.

[0083] Figure 8 shows a connecting device 1 comprising a base adapter 25 and a first adapter 26, which is associated with a second type of drive arm 65 in this figure.

[0084] The first adapter 26 partially covers the base adapter 25 such that its side walls 261, 262 are positioned facing the side walls 251, 252 of the base adapter 25. The top wall 260 of the first adapter 26 covers the top wall 250 of the base adapter 25, and the first adapter 26 rests on the body 254 of the base adapter 25. More specifically, the body 254 covers a second opening 359 drilled in the top wall 250. This arrangement of the first adapter 26 leaves the tongue 458 and push button 455 of the base adapter 25 accessible.

[0085] Once these two adapters 25 and 26 are assembled, a user of the thus formed connector 1 can refer to a code formed by the combination of the reference 258 of the base adapter 25 and the indicator 268 of the first adapter 26, and thus they can confirm that this combination precisely forms a code associated with a particular type of drive arm mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to the second type of drive arm 65.

[0086] The drive arm 65 includes a yoke 650 formed at the end portion 658 of the second type of drive arm 65. The yoke 650 consists of a longitudinal wall 651 extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive arm 65, which is adjacent to two transverse walls 652 perpendicular thereto. The yoke 650 is provided with two bent edges formed at the free ends of each of the transverse walls 652. The first bent edge 653A is longer than the second bent edge 653B, the latter being positioned near an entrance providing access to the receiving cavity 654.

[0087] When the connector 1, comprising the base adapter 25 and the first adapter 26, is combined with the second type of drive arm 65, the connector 1 slides longitudinally into a receiving cavity 654 defined within the yoke 650 by the longitudinal wall 651, the lateral wall 652, and the bent edges 653A and 653B. For this purpose, the legs 256 of the base adapter 25 elastically deform to bring them closer to each other so that they can be accommodated within the receiving cavity 654. Similarly, the tongue 458 and push button 455 of the base adapter 25 retract and are thus pushed toward the internal housing 253 of the base adapter 25. The longitudinal translational motion of the connector 1 is prevented when the push button 455 enters an orifice 655 drilled in the longitudinal wall 651 of the yoke 650, which can receive it.

[0088] Figure 9 shows a connection device 1 according to the present invention, which consists of, in particular, a base adapter 25, a first adapter 26, and a second adapter 27. In this example, the connection device 1 is associated with a fourth type of drive arm 56.

[0089] These adapters 25, 26, and 27 are fitted together such that the second adapter 27 covers the first adapter 26, and the first adapter 26 itself covers the base adapter 25.

[0090] The projection 277 of the second adapter 27 is housed in one of the cavities 266 of the first adapter 26, and the markings 268 of the first adapter 26 consequently cover the markings 278 of the projection 277 of the second adapter 27. The criterion 258 of the base adapter 25 is not covered.

[0091] When these three adapters 25, 26, and 27 are mated together, the user of the thus formed connector 1 can refer to a code formed by the combination of the reference 258 of the base adapter 25, the indicator 268 of the first adapter 26, and the indicator 278 of the second adapter 27, and thus they can confirm that this combination precisely forms a code associated with a particular type of drive arm equipped on the vehicle, corresponding to the fourth type of drive arm 56.

[0092] This drive arm 56 includes a yoke 560 formed at the end portion 568 of the fourth type of drive arm 56. The yoke 560 is composed of a longitudinal wall 561 extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive arm 56, which is adjacent to two transverse side walls 562 perpendicular thereto. Some distance perpendicular to the longitudinal wall, the yoke 560 is provided with bent edges 563 formed at the free ends of each of the transverse side walls 652.

[0093] When the connector 1, comprising the base adapter 25, the first adapter 26, and the second adapter 27, is combined with the fourth type of drive arm 56, the connector 1 is inserted into a receiving cavity 564 defined within the yoke 560 by the longitudinal wall 561, the lateral wall 562, and the bent edge 563. For this purpose, the legs 256 of the base adapter 25 elastically deform to bring them closer to each other so that they can be accommodated within the receiving cavity 564. Similarly, the tongue 458 and push button 455 of the base adapter 25 are pushed toward the internal housing 253 of the base adapter 25. The longitudinal translational motion of the connector 1 is prevented from causing the push button 455 to open into an orifice 565 drilled in the longitudinal wall 561, which can receive it.

[0094] Figure 10 shows a connection device 1 according to the present invention, which consists of, in particular, a base adapter 25 and a third adapter 29. In this example, the connection device 1 is associated with a fifth type of drive arm 59.

[0095] When the base adapter 25 and the third adapter 29 are assembled, the third adapter 29 partially covers the base adapter 25, and they are nested together. Thus, it will be understood that the third adapter 29 covers the base adapter 25 such that its side walls 291, 292 are positioned facing the side walls 251, 252 of the base adapter 25. The top wall 290 of the third adapter 29 partially covers the top wall 250 of the base adapter 25, and the third adapter 29 rests on the body 254 of the base adapter 25. Similarly, the tongue 400 of the third adapter 29 covers the tongue 458 of the base adapter 25.

[0096] Once these two adapters 25 and 29 are assembled, a user of the thus formed connector 1 can refer to a code formed by the combination of the reference 258 of the base adapter 25 and the indicator 298 of the third adapter 29, and thus they can confirm that this combination precisely forms a code associated with a particular type of drive arm mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to a fifth type of drive arm 59.

[0097] This drive arm 59 includes a yoke 590 formed at the end portion 598 of the fifth type of drive arm 59. The yoke 590 consists of a longitudinal wall 591 extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive arm 59, which is adjacent to two transverse walls 592 perpendicular thereto. Each transverse wall 592 has an opening 593 extending longitudinally from the first longitudinal end of the yoke 590.

[0098] When the connector 1, comprising the base adapter 25 and the third adapter 29, is combined with the fifth type of drive arm 59, the connector 1 is inserted into a receiving cavity 594 defined within the yoke 590, particularly by the longitudinal wall 591 and the lateral wall 592. For this purpose, the legs 256 of the base adapter 25 elastically deform to bring them closer to each other so that they can be accommodated within the receiving cavity 594. Similarly, the tongue 400 and push button 403 of the third adapter 29 are pushed toward the internal housing 293 of the base adapter 25. The longitudinal translational motion of the connector 1 is prevented when the push button 403 reaches an orifice 595 drilled in the longitudinal wall 591, which can receive it. The interaction between the lug 302 and the opening 593 of the third adapter 29 contributes to preventing vertical movement between the third adapter 29 and the yoke 590.

[0099] Accordingly, the present invention proposes a device for connecting a wiper blade to a drive arm, the device having a base adapter and at least one complementary adapter. The base adapter has a reference, and the complementary adapter has a marking, such as a visual marking, and these are combined to form a code, which a user can read and combine with the corresponding drive arm. Such a connecting device allows a user to verify that the wiper blade and drive arm assembly are compatible. This verification is more reliable because unused references or markings are hidden by the adapter portion covering them, thus reducing the risk of error.

[0100] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but extends to all equivalent means and configurations, as well as any technically functional combination of such means.

Claims

1. A connection device (1) for connecting a wiper blade (12) to a drive arm (56, 57, 59, 65) for a vehicle, comprising at least one connector (24) configured to be fixed to said wiper blade (12), The connection device (1) comprises a base adapter (25) and at least one complementary adapter (26, 27, 29), The base adapter (25) includes at least one pivot member (50) connecting the base adapter (25) to the connector (24); The base adapter (25) is configured to connect the connector (24) to a first type of drive arm; the base adapter (25) has at least one datum (258) designed to associate the base adapter (25) with this first type of drive arm; said complementary adaptor (26, 27, 29) having at least one label (268, 278, 298); A connection device (1), characterized in that a combination of the base adapter (25) and the complementary adapter (26, 27, 29) generates a code that is visually associated with another type of drive arm (56, 57, 59, 65) different from the first type of drive arm from a combination of the reference (258) and the indicator (268, 278, 298).

2. 2. A connecting device (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one stopper and one locking member intended to fix at least one of said adapters (25, 26, 27, 29) to a drive arm (56, 57, 59, 65) of the type with which it is intended to be associated.

3. The connecting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the locking members (250, 260, 270, 290) are positioned on an upper wall (250, 260, 270, 290) of the adapter (25, 26, 27, 29).

4. The at least one complementary adaptor (26, 27, 29) comprises a first adaptor (26) having at least one cavity (266); The cavity (266) has a bottom wall (267); The indicia (268) of the first adapter (26) is positioned on this bottom wall (267); 2. The connection device (1) of claim 1, wherein the combination of the indicia (268) of the first adapter (26) and the reference (258) of the base adapter (25) forms a code visually associated with a second type drive arm (65).

5. The at least one complementary adaptor (26, 27, 29) comprises a second adaptor (27) having at least one protrusion (277); The marking (278) of the second adapter (27) is positioned on this protrusion (277); 2. The connection device (1) of claim 1, wherein the combination of the indicia (278) of the second adapter (27) and the reference (258) of the base adapter (25) forms a code visually associated with a third type drive arm (57).

6. The protrusion (277) of the second adapter (27) is received in the cavity (266) of the first adapter (26); the indicia (278) of the second adapter (27) is at least partially overlapped with the indicia (268) of the first adapter (26); 5. The connection device (1) of claim 4, wherein a combination of the indicia (268) of the first adapter (26), the indicia (278) of the second adapter (27), and the reference (258) of the base adapter (25) forms a code visually associated with a fourth type drive arm (56).

7. The at least one complementary adaptor (26, 27, 29) comprises a third adaptor (29); The third adapter (29) has at least one indicator (298); 2. The connection device (1) of claim 1, wherein a combination of the indicia (298) of the third adapter (29) and the reference (258) of the base adapter (25) forms a code designed to visually associate the third adapter (29) with a fifth type drive arm (59).

8. 2. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least two adapters (25, 26, 27, 29) mate with each other.

9. A wiper blade (12) comprising a connection device (1) according to claim 1.

10. A wiper system comprising a drive arm (56, 57, 59, 65) supporting a wiper blade (12) according to claim 9, The wiper system, wherein the wiper blade (12) is connected to the drive arm (56, 57, 59, 65) by the connection device (1).

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