Coupler assembly for a wiper blade unit

Abstract

The present invention is related to a coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) for a wiper blade unit (100) that comprises a pair of splines (102a, 102b). The coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) comprises: a connection device (109, 209, 309) for an articulated connection of the wiper blade unit (100) to a wiper arm, wherein the connection device (109, 209, 309) comprises at least one pair of spline receiving portions (135a, 135b, 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) configured to receive the pair of splines 9102a, 102b) in a longitudinal direction. The connection device (109, 209, 309) comprises a locking means configured to cooperate with the pair of splines (102a, 102b) for locking the pair of splines (102a, 102b) in position with respect to the connection device (109, 209, 309) to prevent a transversal movement of the pair of splines (102a, 102b).

Description

COUPLER ASSEMBLY FOR A WIPER BLADE UNIT

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupler assembly of a wiper blade unit, and to a vehicle wiper system having the wiper blade unit.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with a windscreen wiper system to ensure that the windscreen is washed and that the driver's view of his environment is not disturbed. The windscreen wiper system usually consists of a wiper blade unit and a wiper arm coupled to the wiper blade unit. The wiper blade unit comprises at least a wiping element which directly contacts the windshield of a motor vehicle. The wiper blade unit further comprises a support frame, at least one spline received inside the support frame, a spoiler, and a coupling assembly for coupling the wiper blade unit to the wiper arm. In order to fasten the wiping element to the support frame, the wiper blade unit further comprises a pair of end caps mounted on longitudinal ends of the support frame. When the wiping element is worn, it has to be replaced with another wiping element. Further, to perform maintenance or repair to the wiper system, it may be required to remove the wiping element from the wiper blade unit.  Conventionally, the wiping element is replaced by changing the entire wiper blade unit. This would results in large amount of waste due to the support frame, the coupling assembly, and the spline being discarded.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the present invention is to alleviate the problems raised above. To be more precise, an object of the present invention is to provide a coupler assembly that makes it possible to replace a wiping element of a wiper blade unit having a pair of splines.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupler assembly, which can arrest the movement of splines of the wiper blade unit during the replacement of the wiping element.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupler assembly which is adapted to be engaged with the pair of splines without employing a welding operation.

[0006] To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a coupler assembly for a wiper blade unit that comprises a pair of splines, the coupler assembly comprises: a connection device for an articulated connection of the wiper blade unit to a wiper arm, wherein the connection device comprises at least one pair of spline receiving portions configured to receive the pair of splines in a longitudinal direction; and the connection device comprises a locking means configured to cooperate with the pair of splines for locking the pair of splines in position with respect to the connection device to prevent a transversal movement of the pair of splines. Advantageously, the coupler assembly of the present invention makes it possible to replace a wiping element of the wiper blade unit having the pair of splines, by arresting a relative movement between the pair of splines and the coupler assembly during the replacement of the wiping element.

[0007] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the at least one pair of spline receiving portions configured to abut the pair of splines disposed therein to prevent a vertical movement of the pair of splines.

[0008] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the pair of splines comprises at least one aperture and wherein the locking means configured to be engaged with the at least one aperture to retain the pair of splines with respect to the connection device.

[0009] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the locking means comprises a pair of locking elements configured to cooperate with the pair of splines and the connection device for locking the pair of splines in position with respect to the connection device.

[0010] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the pair of locking elements are clips.

[0011] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the clips are made of metal.

[0012] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the pair of locking elements are snap locking elements.

[0013] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the snap locking elements are formed on an inner surface of the connection device.

[0014] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the snap locking elements are integrally formed with the at least one pair of spline receiving portions.

[0015] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the at least one pair of spline receiving portions comprises two pairs of spline receiving portions, with a snap locking element of the snap locking elements being disposed between a pair of spline receiving portions in a longitudinal direction of the connection device.

[0016] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the connection device comprises a pair of sidewalls, wherein each side wall comprises an engaging tab disposed between a pair of claws extending laterally outwardly from the corresponding sidewall.

[0017] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the engaging tab is configured to receive an opening of a clip provided at a first end of the clip, and a second end opposite to the first end of the clip is configured to engage with a spline of the pair of splines.

[0018] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the clip is configured to engage with the spline from underside of the corresponding spline.

[0019] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the pair of claws are arranged to face each other and configured to retain the corresponding clip in position.

[0020] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the clip is configured to abut the corresponding sidewall when the connection device and the corresponding spline are locked with each other by means of the clip.

[0021] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the present invention also relates to a wiper blade unit for a motor vehicle, comprising: a wiping element adapted to contact a surface to be wiped; a pair of splines acting to support the wiping element, each of the splines having at least one aperture and opposing longitudinal ends; a spoiler operatively attached to the pair of splines; a pair of end caps operatively attached to each of the opposing longitudinal ends of the pair of splines; and a coupler assembly as has just been presented.

[0022] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the present invention also relates to a windscreen wiping system comprising a wiper blade unit as has just been presented and a wiper arm to drive the wiper blade unit.

[0023] According to one characteristic of the present invention, the present invention also relates to a windscreen wiping system as has just been presented.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention, but only as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following characteristics.

[0026] shows a perspective view of a wiper blade unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] shows a connection device of a coupler assembly engaged with a pair of splines, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] shows a bottom view of the.

[0029] shows a perspective view of a connection device shown in the, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] shows a perspective view of a pair of splines shown in the, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] shows a perspective view of a connection device of a coupler assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] shows a coupler assembly, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] shows a perspective view of a connection device of a coupler assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] shows a coupler assembly, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

[0036] Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, any appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or " in an embodiment” in the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can and do cover modifications and variations of the described embodiments.

[0037] In the figures, the terms longitudinal, transverse, vertical, lateral, left-hand, right-hand, upper, lower refer to the orientation in an orthonormal system of axes Oxyz of a wiper blade unit 100 shown in . In that system of axes, the axis Ox represents the longitudinal direction, the axis Oy represents the transverse direction, and the axis Oz represents the vertical direction of the object concerned, in particular the end cap or the wiper blade unit. In this system of axes, a vertical longitudinal plane is parallel to the plane Oxz, a vertical transverse plane is parallel to the plane Oyz and a horizontal longitudinal plane is parallel to a plane Oxy.

[0038] shows a perspective view of a wiper blade unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to the, a wiper blade unit100 according to the present invention extends along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the axis Ox. The terms left and right relate to a position along a transverse axis Y parallel to the axis Oy on either side of the longitudinal axis X. A vertical axis Z symbolizes a vertical direction parallel to that of the axis Oz that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions described hereinabove. The terms upper, and lower or below refer to orientations along the vertical axis Z, the term lower containing the plane of the windshield

[0040] A motor vehicle is generally equipped with a wiper system (not shown in Figures) for evacuating water and / or dirt present on a glazed surface, in particular a rear window or a windshield at the front of a motor vehicle. The wiper system includes a driving arm that is able to effect an angular to-and-fro movement along and over the glazed surface.  It will be understood that the present invention is not limited for use solely in connection with wiper systems adapted for use on a vehicle's windshield, but for use in all applications where wiper systems are employed.

[0041] The wiper system includes the wiper blade unit 100 that extends along a longitudinal axis X. For example, the wiper blade unit 100 is of a flat blade type. The wiper blade unit 100 comprises a wiping element 101 that also extends along the longitudinal axis X, and the wiping element 101 is adapted to contact a surface of the vehicle to be wiped, for example, the windshield. The wiper blade unit 100 also comprises a support member 102 (shown in) that also extends along the longitudinal axis X and that acts to reinforce or support the wiping element 101. The support member 102 comprises a pair of splines 102a, 102b (shown in,and). The wiper blade unit 100 may also include a spoiler 103 to prevent the wiper blade unit 100 from lifting from the surface of the windshield. Further, the wiper blade unit 100 also comprises a coupler assembly 104, which is adapted to connect the wiper blade unit 100 to the wiper arm via various types of adaptors / attachment members (not shown, but generally known in the art).

[0042] In an embodiment, the wiper blade unit 100 may further include a first end cap 105, which is configured to be installed at a first longitudinal end 100a of the wiper blade unit and a second end cap 106, which is configured to be installed at a second longitudinal end 100b opposite to the first longitudinal end 100a of the wiper blade unit 100.

[0043] The wiping element 101 is constructed from a flexible rubber. While the wiping element of the present invention is constructed from a flexible rubber, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it may be constructed from any flexible material, such as silicone or another polymer, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The wiping element 101 includes an upper portion and a lower portion (not shown in Figures) that are partitioned by a longitudinally extending bridge or hinge portion (not shown in Figures). The hinge portion provides flexibility between the upper portion and the lower portion during operational movement of the wiper blade unit 100 across the surface to be wiped. The upper portion includes opposed grooves (not shown in Figures) extending laterally therein and longitudinally there along between longitudinal ends of the wiping element 101. The grooves may be configured to receive splines 102a, 102b (shown in) of the support member 102 and cooperate with the splines 102a, 102b to engage the splines 102a, 102b therein.

[0044] The support member 102 may be constructed from a resiliently flexible material, such as spring steel or a polymer, and is adapted to apply force from an intermediate position between its longitudinal ends. More specifically, the support member 102 receives a force from the spring loaded wiper arm at an intermediate position and distributes the force across the span of the support member 102 toward its longitudinal ends. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the support member 102 includes the pair of splines 102a, 102b that operatively reinforce or support the wiping element 101. The support member 102 may have a substantially constant width and a constant thickness throughout the length between its longitudinal ends. The constant width and thickness are adapted to provide high lateral and torsional stiffness to avoid lateral and torsional deflections.

[0045] The spoiler 103 may be operatively coupled to the wiping element 101 and the support member 102. The spoiler 103 extends along the length of the wiping element 101 and the support member 102. The spoiler 103 acts to reduce the likelihood of wind buoyancy by allowing air to flow over the wiper blade unit 101 during operational movement across the surface to be wiped. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the spoiler 103 may include a pair of airfoil components that are operatively mounted to the wiping element 101 and the support member 102 with the coupler assembly 104 extending there between. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the spoiler 103 may be defined by a single unitary component without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first end cap 105 and the second end cap 106 are adapted to be disposed adjacent to the distal ends of the airfoil components.

[0046] shows a connection device of a coupler assembly engaged with a pair of splines, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.shows a bottom view of the.shows a perspective view of a connection device shown in the, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.shows a perspective view of a pair of splines shown in the, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The coupler assembly 104 illustrated in theincludes a connection device 109 for an articulated connection of the wiper blade unit 100 to a wiper arm. As illustrated in the, the connection device 109 includes a base portion 120 and a saddle 115 that extends therefrom. The saddle 115 is generally rectangular, but those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it could be configured to be any shape suitable to attach to an adaptor / attachment member, or connect directly to the wiper arm. Referring to the, the coupler assembly 104 includes a pair of side walls 125a, 125b extending from the base portion 120 which define an opening, generally indicated at 130, which may receive the pair of splines 102a, 102b.

[0048] The connection device 109 comprises at least one pair of spline receiving portions 135a, 135b configured to receive the pair of splines 102a, 102b in a longitudinal direction. In one aspect, as can be seen from the, the connection device 109 comprises a pair of spline receiving portions 135a, 135b. The pair of spline receiving portions 135a, 135b are configured to abut the pair of splines 102a, 102b disposed therein to prevent a vertical movement of the pair of splines 102a, 102b. Each of the spline receiving portion 135a, 135b comprises a lower element 140a which extends laterally inwardly and spaced below an upper element 140b, and a retention gap 140c is defined between the upper element 140b and the lower element 140a. The retention gap 140c is configured to be substantially similar in shape to the splines 102a, 102b, which are at least partially disposed therein. The splines 102a, 102b may include one or more apertures 145 (shown in) extending therein. The apertures 145 may be located near the longitudinal center of the splines 102a, 102b. One aperture 145is disposed in each spline 102a or 102b such that the apertures 145 oppose each other. The apertures 145 may be generally rectangular in shape, but may be any suitable shape.

[0049] The connection device 109 comprises a locking means configured to cooperate with the pair of splines 102a, 102b for locking the pair of splines in position with respect to the connection device 109 to prevent a transversal movement of the pair of splines 102a, 102b. In one example, the locking means is integrally formed with the connection device 109 as a single piece. In another example, the locking means and the connection device 109 are formed as separate components. The locking means is configured to be engaged with the one or more apertures 145 to retain the pair of splines 102a, 102b with respect to the connection device 102a, 102b. In one instance, the locking means comprises a pair of locking elements configured to cooperate with the pair of splines 102a, 102b and the connection device 109 for locking the pair of splines 102a, 102b in position with respect to the connection device 109.

[0050] According to the first embodiment illustrated in the,, the pair of locking elements are clips 150a, 150b, which are clearly seen in. For example, the clips 150a, 150b are made of metal. The clips 150a, 150b are configured to engage the connection device 109 and the pair of splines 102a, 102b. Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as can be seen from theand the, each side wall 125a, 125b of the connection device 109 comprises an engaging tab 155 disposed between a pair of claws 160a, 160b which extends laterally outwardly from the corresponding sidewall 125a, 125b. The engaging tab 155 may be configured to receive an opening of a clip 150b (for example) provided at its first end, and a second end opposite to the first end of the clip 150b is configured to be engaged with a spline 102b of the pair of splines 102a, 102b. In one example, the second end of each clip 150a, 150b may be provided with a hook section configured to be engaged with the spline of the pair of splines 102a, 102b. The clips 150a, 150b may be configured to be engaged with corresponding splines 102a, 102b from an underside of the corresponding splines 102a, 102b, as can be seen from the. Further, the clips 150a, 150b abut the corresponding sidewall 125a, 125b when the connection device 109 and the pair of splines 102a, 102b are locked with each other by means of the clips 150a, 150b. In addition, as can be seen from theand the, the pair of claws 160a, 160b on each side wall 125a, 125b are arranged to face each other and configured to retain the corresponding clip 150a, 150b, which is engaged with the engaging tab 155 located on the corresponding side wall 125a, 125b. The clips 150a, 150b engage the connection device 109 and the pair of splines 102a, 102b so to independently retain the splines 102a, 102b with respect to the connection device and independently space the splines 102a, 102b laterally with respect to each other. Thereby, the transversal movement of the pair of splines 102a, 102b can be arrested during the replacement of the wiping element. In addition, with the help of the metal clips, the connection device 109 can be easily engaged with the pair of splines 102a, 102b, without performing the welding operation.

[0051] shows a perspective view of a connection device of a coupler assembly according to a second embodiment of the present inventionshows a coupler assembly, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.shows a perspective view of a connection device of a coupler assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.shows a coupler assembly, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] According to the second embodiment, the connection device 209illustrated in theand the, respectively comprises a locking means having a pair of locking elements, which are snap locking elements, and these snap locking elements are integrally formed with the connection devices 209. Further, in the embodiment illustrated in theand the, the connection device 209 comprises two pairs of spline receiving portions 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d located on two longitudinal sides of the connecting device 209, respectively. Further, as can be seen from the, the snap locking elements 210a is disposed longitudinally between the pair of spline receiving portions 205a, 205b, and the snap locking element 210b is disposed between the pair of spline receiving portions 205c, 205d. Further, as can be seen from the, the snap locking elements 210a is disposed longitudinally between the pair of spline receiving portions 205a, 205b, and the snap locking element 210b is disposed between the pair of spline receiving portions 205c, 205d.

[0053] According to the embodiment illustrated in the, the snap locking elements 210a, 210b are formed on an inner surface of the connection device 209. In other words, the snap locking elements 210a, 210b protrude downwardly from the inner surface of the connection device 209. For example, the snap locking elements 210a, 210b protrude downwardly from the lower elements 240 of the spline receiving portions 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d. These snap locking elements 210, 210b are configured to be disposed in apertures 145 of the pair of splines 102a, 102b so as to engage the connection device 209 with the pair of splines 102a, 102b, as shown in the, to prevent the transversal movement of the pair of splines 102a, 120g which are partially disposed in the spline receiving portions 205, 205b, 205c, 205d.

[0054] According to the third embodiment illustrated in theand the, the snap locking elements 310a, 310b are integrally formed with a pair of spline receiving portions 205b, 205c. As can be seen from the, a snap locking element 310a is integrally formed with a spline receiving portion 205b and extends longitudinally between spline receiving portions 205b and 205a. Similarly, a snap locking element 310b is integrally formed with a spline receiving portion 205c and extends longitudinally between spline receiving portions 205c and 205d. These snap locking elements 310, 310b are configured to be disposed in apertures 145 of the pair of splines so as to engage the connection device with the pair of splines 102a, 102b as shown in the, to prevent the transversal movement of the pair of splines 102a, 102b which are partially disposed in the spline receiving portions 205, 205b, 205c, 205d.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the present invention is also related to a windscreen wiping system comprising at least the windscreen wiper blade unit 100 shown in the, and a wiper arm to drive the windscreen wiper blade unit 100.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the present invention is also related to a motor vehicle comprising the windscreen wiping system.

[0057] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, the skilled person readily realizes that the different embodiments described herein may be combined freely to obtain new combinations.

[0058] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantages.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0059] 100 Wiper blade unit

[0060] 100a First longitudinal end of the wiper blade unit

[0061] 100b Second longitudinal end of the wiper blade unit

[0062] 101 Wiping element

[0063] 102 Support member

[0064] 102a, 102b splines

[0065] 103 Spoiler

[0066] 104 Coupler assembly

[0067] 105 First end cap

[0068] 106 Second end cap

[0069] 109 Connection device

[0070] 115 Saddle of the connection device

[0071] 120 Base portion of the connection device

[0072] 125a, 125b sidewalls of the connection device

[0073] 130 Opening

[0074] 135a, 135b Spline receiving portions of the connection device 109

[0075] 140a Lower element of the spline receiving portions 135a, 135b

[0076] 140b Upper element of the spline receiving portions 135a, 135b

[0077] 140c Retention gap between the upper and lower elements of the spline receiving portions

[0078] 145 Apertures of pair of splines

[0079] 150a, 150b Clips

[0080] 155 Engaging tab of the connection device 109

[0081] 160a, 160b Pair of claws of the connection device 109

[0082] 209 Connection device of the second embodiment

[0083] 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d Spline receiving portions of the connection device 209

[0084] 210a, 210b Snap locking elements of the connection device 209

[0085] 240 Lower elements of the spline receiving portions 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d

[0086] 309 Connection device of the second embodiment

[0087] 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d Spline receiving portions of the connection device 309

[0088] 310a, 310b Snap locking elements of the connection device 309

Claims

A coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) for a wiper blade unit (100) that comprises a pair of splines (102a, 102b), the coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) comprises:a connection device (109, 209, 309) for an articulated connection of the wiper blade unit (100) to a wiper arm, wherein the connection device (109, 209, 309) comprises at least one pair of spline receiving portions (135a, 135b, 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) configured to receive the pair of splines 9102a, 102b) in a longitudinal direction; andwherein the connection device (109, 209, 309) comprises a locking means configured to cooperate with the pair of splines (102a, 102b) for locking the pair of splines (102a, 102b) in position with respect to the connection device (109, 209, 309) to prevent a transversal movement of the pair of splines (102a, 102b).The coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of spline receiving portions (135a, 135b, 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) is configured to abut the pair of splines (102a, 102b) disposed therein to prevent a vertical movement of the pair of splines (102a, 102b).The coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) as claimed in any of preceding claims, wherein the pair of splines (102a, 102b) comprises at least one aperture (145) and wherein the locking means is configured to be engaged with the at least one aperture (145) to retain the pair of splines (102a, 102b) with respect to the connection device (109, 209, 309).The coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking means comprises a pair of locking elements configured to cooperate with the pair of splines (102a, 102b) and the connection device for locking the pair of splines (102a, 102b) in position with respect to the connection device (104, 204, 304).The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pair of locking elements are clips (150a, 150b).The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clips (150a, 150b) are made of metal.The coupler assembly (204, 304) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pair of locking elements are snap locking elements (210a, 210b, 310a, 310b).The coupler assembly (204) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the snap locking elements (210a, 210b) are formed on an inner surface of the connection device (204).The coupler assembly (304) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the snap locking elements (310a, 310b) are integrally formed with the at least one pair of spline receiving portions (205b, 205c).The coupler assembly (204, 304) as claimed in any one of preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one pair of spline receiving portions comprises two pairs of spline receiving portions (205a, 205b, 205c, 205d), with a snap locking element of the snap locking elements (210a, 210b, 310a, 310b) being disposed between a pair of spline receiving portions (205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) in a longitudinal direction of the connection device (209, 309).The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in any one of preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection device (109) comprises a pair of sidewalls (125a, 125b), wherein each side wall (125a, 125b) comprises an engaging tab (155) disposed between a pair of claws (160a, 160b) extending laterally outwardly from the corresponding sidewall (125a, 125b).The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the engaging tab (155) is configured to receive an opening of a clip (150a, 150b) provided at a first end of the clip (150a, 150b), and a second end opposite to the first end of the clip (150a, 150b) is configured to engage with a spline of the pair of splines (102a, 102b).The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the clip (150a, 150b) is configured to engage with the spline from underside of the corresponding spline.The coupler assembly (104) as claimed any one of preceding claims 11 to 13, wherein the pair of claws (160a, 160b) are arranged to face each other and configured to retain the corresponding clip in position.The coupler assembly (104) as claimed in any one of preceding claims 11 to 14, wherein the clip (150a, 150b) is configured to abut the corresponding sidewall (125a, 125b) when the connection device (109) and the corresponding spline are locked with each other by means of the clip.A wiper blade unit (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising:a wiping element (101) adapted to contact a surface to be wiped;a pair of splines (102a, 102b) acting to support the wiping element (101), each of the splines (102a, 102b) having at least one aperture (145) and opposing longitudinal ends;a spoiler (103) operatively attached to the pair of splines (102a, 102b);a pair of end caps (105, 106) operatively attached to each of the opposing longitudinal ends of the pair of splines (102a, 102b); anda coupler assembly (104, 204, 304) as claimed in any one of preceding claims 1 to 15. A windscreen wiping system comprising at least: a wiper blade unit (100) claimed in claim 16, and wiper arm to drive the wiper blade unit (100).A motor vehicle comprising a windscreen wiping system according to preceding claim 17.

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