Wiper blade connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (1) for connecting a wiper blade to an arm (101 to 104) of a wiper system, the connection device (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and comprising: - a connector (10) comprising an upper face (10a) configured to bear a wiper rubber of the wiper blade, - a connection module (15) mounted so as to pivot about a first transverse axis (T1) with the connector (10), - a removable adapter (60) secured to the connection module (15), the adapter (60) comprising two lateral tabs (61), the lateral tabs (61) comprising, at their rear end, a stop (611) projecting transversely, the connection device (1) comprising a gap (E) of at least 0.5 mm between the connection module (15) and the lateral tabs (61) such that the lateral tabs (61) are elastically deformable in a direction transverse to one another by an angle of between 2° and 45° towards the inside.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for connecting a mop

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of window wiping systems for motor vehicles, and more particularly to connection devices for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm in such wiping systems.

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with wiping systems designed to clean their glass surfaces, particularly their windshields. Such wiping systems include at least one wiper arm and a wiper blade driven by the wiper arm. The wiper arm is connected to an electric motor in the vehicle, and the wiper blade includes at least one wiping blade designed to come into contact with the glass surface to be wiped.

[0003] To drive the wiper blade, a connection device is arranged between the wiper blade and the wiper arm. Specifically, the connection device includes an adapter positioned between the wiper arm and a connector attached to the wiper blade. The adapter is fixed to the wiper arm, specifically to one of its free ends, and is pivotally mounted on the connector, allowing the wiper blade to pivot on the wiper arm. This connection is removable, enabling the wiper blade to be replaced when worn.

[0004] The connection device as just described must, on the one hand, be configured to meet mechanical criteria to allow the attachment of a wiper blade to an associated wiper arm, and on the other hand meet aesthetic and aerodynamic criteria and include a cover element that hides the pivoting elements relative to each other.

[0005] Various types of wiper arms are currently fitted to motor vehicles, forcing automotive suppliers to design different adapters specific to each type of arm. Each adapter connects a particular type of wiper arm to a specific connector. This characteristic, on the one hand, compels suppliers to develop numerous different adapters, including at least one for each type of wiper arm on the market, and on the other hand, forces users who need to change their wiper blades to adapt and pay close attention to choosing the correct adapter based on the type of wiper arm onto which the wiper blade will be mounted.

[0006] The present invention falls within this dual context by proposing a connection device between a wiper blade and a wiper arm which is standard, that is to say a connection device allowing a wiper blade to be connected to a large number of different types of wiper arms currently on the market, and which meets aesthetic and aerodynamic criteria by incorporating a cover element into this connection device.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to a device for connecting a wiper blade to an arm of a wiping system, the connecting device extending along a longitudinal direction and comprising: - a connector comprising an upper face and an opposite lower face, said lower face being configured to carry a wiping blade of the wiper brush, - a connection module located on the upper face of the connector and pivotally mounted around a first transverse axis with the connector, - a removable adapter disposed on an upper face of the connection module and made integral with said connection module, said adapter having two lateral tabs extending longitudinally towards the rear of the connection device and disposed on opposite lateral sides of the connection module, said lateral tabs having at their rear end a stop projecting transversely, the connection device having a gap of at least 0.5mm between the connection module and the lateral tabs so that the lateral tabs are elastically deformable in a transverse direction towards each other at an angle between 2° and 45° inwards with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection module comprises: - a base disposed on the upper face of the connector and pivotally mounted around the first transverse axis with the connector, said base having a front end and a rear end disposed on either side of the first transverse axis, - a platform arranged on an upper face of the base and having a front end and a rear end, said rear end being mounted pivotally about a second transverse axis with the base, said second transverse axis being arranged on a rear part of the base relative to the first transverse axis, said platform being movable between a first position in which the platform is folded against the upper face of the base and a second tilted position in which its front end is raised relative to the base.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the distance between the rear end of the side tabs and the first transverse axis is greater than the distance between the second transverse axis and the first transverse axis.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a crossbar connecting the rear ends of the lateral tabs, said crossbar being elastically deformable in compression.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the cross member comprises at least one curved portion.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the compression deformation plane of the cross member is inclined at an angle between 35° and 55°, preferably 45°, around the transverse direction with respect to a vertical and transverse plane.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the connection device comprises a removable cover element covering at least the sides and the rear of an assembly formed by the base and the connection module, said cover element comprising a rear wall inclined parallel to the deformation plane of the adapter cross member.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the adapter stops have a face inclined with respect to a vertical and transverse plane, said inclined faces being oriented so as to face the front of the connection device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the connection device comprises a hood disposed at the front of the base and mounted pivotally about a third transverse axis with the base, said third transverse axis being disposed on the front end of the base, said hood being movable between a locked position in which it covers the front end of the base and the platform, locking said platform in its first position, and an unlocked position in which the hood is tilted forward, releasing the platform.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig 1] Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic representation of a wiper blade connection device,

[0018] [Fig 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective representation of a wiper blade connection device in a first orientation,

[0019] [Fig 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective representation of a wiper blade connection device in a second orientation,

[0020] [Fig 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a connection module for a wiper blade connection device,

[0021] [Fig 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic rear view of a connection module for a wiper blade connection device,

[0022] [Fig 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 4,

[0023] [Fig 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective representation of a connection device with a covering element,

[0024] [Fig 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective and cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 7,

[0025] [Fig 9] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective representation of a connection module with a first type of wiper arm,

[0026] [Fig 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective and cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 9 with a first type of wiper arm,

[0027] [Fig 11] Figure 11 shows a schematic perspective and top view representation of the connection module of Figure 9 with a first type of wiper arm,

[0028] [Fig 12] Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective representation of a connection module with a second or third type of wiper arm,

[0029] [Fig 13] Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective and cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 12 with a second type of wiper arm,

[0030] [Fig 14] Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective and cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 12 with a third type of wiper arm,

[0031] [Fig 15] Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective representation of a connection module with a fourth type of wiper arm,

[0032] [Fig 16] Figure 16 shows a schematic perspective and cross-sectional representation of the connection module of Figure 15 with a fourth type of wiper arm.

[0033] In the different figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0034] The following are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0035] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. This indexing does not nor is there a chronological order, for example, to assess this or that criterion.

[0036] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of a wiping system according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a principal direction of extension of a wiping blade of this wiping system, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a stacking direction of a connector, a connection module, and a cover element of the wiping system, this vertical direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the frame L, V, T, and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V.

[0037] Furthermore, the designations "lower" and "upper" concerning the elements of the wiping system are understood in relation to the distance of these elements from the wiping brush, a lower end of such elements corresponding to the end disposed in the vicinity of this wiping brush while an upper end corresponds to the end disposed at a distance from the wiping brush.

[0038] A wiper system is specifically configured to clean a vehicle's glazed surface, such as a windshield, in order to improve a driver's visibility of the road ahead. The wiper system generally includes at least one wiper arm 101 to 104 (visible in Figures 9 to 16) carrying at one end a wiper blade that extends primarily along the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] The wiper blade comprises at least one wiping blade, intended to be in contact with the glass surface to be cleaned, and a support for said wiping blade. The wiper blade is further secured to the wiper arm 101 to 104 by a connection device 1. The connection device 1 according to the invention comprises a connector 10 and a connection module 15 pivotally mounted on the connector 10, the latter being secured to the wiper blade. The connection module 15 is configured to be secured to the wiper arm 101 to 104 of the wiping system.

[0040] More specifically, connector 10 has an upper face 10a and an opposing lower face 10b. The lower face 10b is configured to support the wiper blade of the wiper arm. The connection module 15 is located on the upper face 10a of connector 10.

[0041] The pivoting mounting of the connection module 15 on the connector 10 allows the wiper blade to pivot at one end of the arm. wiper blades 101 to 104 and thus ensure that the wiper blade is pressed against the glass surface to be wiped.

[0042] More particularly, and as can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the connection module 15 may include a base 20 disposed on the upper face 10a of the connector 10. This base 20 is pivotally mounted around the first transverse axis Tl with the connector 10. The base 20 extends longitudinally along the axis L and includes in particular a front end 20a and a rear end 20b disposed on either side of the first transverse axis Tl.

[0043] The connection module 15 may also include a platform 40 disposed on an upper face 20c of the base 20. This platform 40 extends longitudinally along the axis L and has a front end 40a and a rear end 40b. The rear end 40b of the platform 40 is pivotally mounted around a second transverse axis T2 with the base 20. This second transverse axis T2 is located on a rear portion of the base 20 relative to the first transverse axis TL. The platform 40 is thus movable by rotation around the second transverse axis T2 between a first position (visible in Figure 2) in which the platform 40 is folded against the upper face 20c of the base 20 and a second tilted position (not shown) in which its front end 40a is raised relative to the base 20.This second position of the platform 40 allows in particular the mounting of certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104 on the connection device 1.

[0044] The first transverse axis T1 and the second transverse axis T2 can be vertically offset from each other.

[0045] According to figures 1 to 3, the connection device 1 also includes a removable adapter 60 disposed on an upper face 40c of the connection module 15 and made integral with said connection module 15. This adapter 60 allows in particular cooperation between the connection device 1 and certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104 which cannot be fixed directly on the platform 40.

[0046] In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 8, the connection device 1 comprises three parts, namely the connector 10, the base 20 and the platform 40, articulated in pairs to allow, on the one hand, a pivoting of the connector 10, and by extension of the wiper blade, relative to the connection module 15 and, on the other hand, a mounting of different types of wiper arms 101 to 104 on the connection module 15.

[0047] More specifically, the base 20 includes a guide block 22 located at its front end and designed to receive the front end 40a of the platform 40. This guide block 22 is designed to receive, in addition to the front end 40a of the platform 40, a particular type of wiper arm 101 to 104, illustrated in particular in Figures 12 to 14, and thus helps to secure it to the connection module 15. The guide block 22 can, in particular comprising two lateral faces extending parallel to each other. These lateral faces contribute, in particular, to defining a recess for the front end 40a of the platform 40 when the latter is in its initial position. The guide block 22 includes, in particular, at least one recess formed on an inner face of one of the lateral faces. Preferably, each of the inner faces of the lateral faces has a recess. At least one recess contributes to forming a receiving impression for the front end 40a of the platform 40.

[0048] Furthermore, the base 20 may include means for absorbing forces, notably comprising a wing 23 extending in a plane parallel to the planes in which the longitudinal walls of the base 20 are respectively inscribed. This wing 23 forms a projection from one of the longitudinal walls of the base 20, extending in particular towards the connector 10. Preferably, the base 20 comprises a pair of wings 23 extending on either side of the base 20 at its second end 20b. Each wing 23 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal walls and at a distance from them, defining a housing for, in particular, the upper face 10a of the connector 10.

[0049] The base 20 is thus configured so that the wings 23 which form projections transversely frame the connector 10. By this framing, the means of force recovery make it possible to recover a force exerted transversely on the connector 10.

[0050] The platform 40 comprises a body extending along the longitudinal direction L between its first end 40a and its second end 40b. As described above, the first end 40a is specifically configured to cooperate with the guidance block 22 of the base 20.

[0051] The front end 40a of the platform 40 may include, in particular, a first side extending one of the lateral sides opposite the second transverse axis T2 and a second side extending the other lateral side opposite the second transverse axis T2 and parallel to the first side. These sides of the front end 40a are specifically designed to fit into the housing of the guide block 22 of the base 20 when the platform is in its first folded position.

[0052] The platform 40 may include a bore 42 intended to serve as a receiving bearing for a wiper arm rod 101 to 104 (not shown in this embodiment). This bore 42 extends transversely through the body of the platform 40 and is open on at least one of its lateral sides. It is understood here that the wiper arm 101 to 104 is mounted transversely on the connecting device 1, the arm fitting into the bore 42 which serves as a receiving bearing, thus securing the connecting device 1 to the wiper arm 101 to 104.

[0053] The first and second sides define a receiving housing of a type of wiper arms 101 to 104. To allow the wiper arm 101 to 104 to be held in this receiving housing, at least one of the first and / or second sides may include an elastically deformable tab 43 (visible in Figure 6) having a finger extending into the receiving housing of the wiper arm. This tab 43 is surrounded by a groove formed in the corresponding side. The initial shape of the tab 43 and its elastic deformability ensure, on the one hand, that the wiper arm 101 to 104 enters the receiving housing between the sides and, on the other hand, that each finger is in contact with the wiper arm when it is in place in the receiving housing.

[0054] The platform 40 includes at least one attachment zone for the adapter 60 on the platform body 40. This attachment zone may, in particular, take the form of a recess arranged on the lateral side of the platform body 40. Preferably, the platform 40 includes a pair of attachment zones located on either side of a median plane of the platform 40 perpendicular to the second transverse axis T2. These attachment zones are dimensioned to receive elastically deformable means mounted on the adapter 60.

[0055] The attachment of adapter 60 to platform 40 is removable in the sense that said adapter 60 is able to be removed from platform 40 and / or repositioned on the latter.

[0056] The adapter 60 has two lateral tabs 61 extending longitudinally towards the rear of the connection device 1. These lateral tabs 61 are located on opposite sides of the connection module 15. Each lateral tab 61 has a stop 611 at its rear end, projecting transversely. These lateral tabs 61, together with their stop 611, allow for the attachment and locking of certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104.

[0057] Adapter 60 also includes fastening means, for example by snap-fit, suitable for cooperating with the connection device 1, more particularly with the platform 40.

[0058] The adapter 60 further includes other means of fixing certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104, among which are studs 64 delimiting a trench (visible in figures 1 to 6) allowing the positioning of a retaining tab of a type of wiper arm 101 to 104. This trench may in particular include a bottom forming part of the upper face 60c of the adapter 60.

[0059] The adapter 60 also includes on its lateral sides at least one shoulder 65 projecting outwards. These shoulders 65 are more particularly arranged at the lower end of the lateral sides of the adapter 60. These shoulders 65 allow in particular the fixing and locking of certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104.

[0060] The adapter 60 also includes at least one through orifice 66, formed in at least one of its lateral walls such that it is positioned opposite the bore 42 of the platform 40. This orifice 66 is intended in particular to form in cooperation with the bore 42 of the platform 40, the receiving bearing of the rod of a type of wiper arm 101 to 104 (embody not shown).

[0061] The stops 611 of the adapter 60 may include an inclined face 612 with respect to a vertical and transverse plane P2 (visible in Figure 6). These inclined faces 612 are oriented so as to face the front of the connection device 1 and allow, in particular, the attachment of certain types of wiper arms.

[0062] According to the present invention and as illustrated in Figure 5, the connection device 1 has a gap E of at least 0.5 mm between the connection module 15, more particularly the rear end 40b of the platform 40, and the lateral tabs 61, such that the lateral tabs 61 are elastically deformable in a transverse direction towards each other at an angle between 2° and 45° inwards with respect to the longitudinal direction L. More precisely, it is the rear ends of these lateral tabs 61 that can move closer together through elastic deformation. This inward deformation allows, in particular, the installation of a specific type of wiper arm 101 to 104, described in more detail later in this description.

[0063] To further allow this inward deformation, as illustrated in Figure 4, the distance dl between the rear end of the lateral tabs 61 and the first transverse axis Tl can be greater than the distance d2 between the second transverse axis T2 and the first transverse axis TL

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the adapter 60 may also include a cross member 63 connecting the rear ends of the lateral tabs 61, said cross member 63 being elastically deformable in compression. This cross member 63 notably allows for local stiffening of the connection between the lateral tabs 61 and increases the force required to deform said lateral tabs 61 inwards.

[0065] Cross member 63 may include at least one curved portion in order to control its deformation.

[0066] The deformation plane PI in compression of the cross member 63 can in particular be inclined at an angle A between 35° and 55°, preferably 45°, around the transverse direction T with respect to a vertical and transverse plane P2.

[0067] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the connection device 1 may include a removable cover element 80 covering at least the sides and rear of an assembly formed by the base 20 and the connection module 15. The cover element 80 may, in particular, allow cooperation between the connection device 1 and certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104.

[0068] The cover element 80 extends primarily along the longitudinal direction L. It has a substantially U-shaped cross-section consisting of an upper partition and two lateral partitions. These lateral partitions are joined at one upper end of the cover element 80 by the upper partition. This upper partition may, in particular, be traversed by a longitudinal groove extending longitudinally from its rear end to its front end. This cover element 80 notably includes a rear wall inclined 81 parallel to the deformation plane PI of the cross member 63 of the adapter 60.

[0069] In order to secure the connection device 1 and in particular to prevent translation of the cover element 80 relative to the other elements composing this connection device 1, the cover element 80 can be fixed on connection means which are integral with the connection module 15, here of the platform 40.

[0070] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1 to 3, the connecting device 1 can also include a cover 70 disposed at the front of the base 20. The cover 70 can be pivotally mounted around a third transverse axis T3 with the base 20. This third transverse axis T3 can be disposed on the front end 20a of the base 20. The cover 70 and the third transverse axis T3 are thus disposed at a longitudinal end of the base 20 which is opposite the longitudinal end where the second transverse axis T2 is disposed.

[0071] The cover 70 is movable by rotation around the third transverse axis T3 between a locked position (visible figures 2 and 3) and an unlocked position (not shown). In its first position, the cover 70 covers the front end 20a of the base 20 and the platform 40, locking said platform 40 in its first position and fixing certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104 on the connection device 1. In its second position, the cover 70 is tilted forward, freeing the platform 40 and thus allowing the platform 40 to tilt into its second position, allowing the mounting of certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104 on the connection device 1.

[0072] A stop means is associated with the pivot member so as to act as a stop for the pivot of the cover 70 around the third transverse axis T3 and to lock the cover 70 in its first and / or second position. The stop means here, for example, takes the form of a pin or a counter-wall extending from an external face of one of the lateral panels of the base 20 and extending along the transverse direction T.

[0073] The connection module 15 may also have on one of its sides a dedicated opening 150 intended to allow the attachment of certain types of wiper arms 101 to 104. This dedicated opening 150 may in particular be made by an opening provided between the adapter 60, the platform 40 and the base 20. In the example illustrated in particular in figures 2 and 4, this dedicated opening 150 is located in particular at the front of the shoulders 62 of the adapter 60.

[0074] Figures 9 to 16 show in more detail different types of wiper arms 101 to 104 and how they are intended to cooperate with the connection device 1. These different types of wiper arms 101 to 104 are already known and used by different manufacturers or equipment suppliers.

[0075] Figures 9 to 11 show in particular a first type of wiper arm 101 and how it is intended to cooperate with the connecting device 1.

[0076] This first type of wiper arm 101 includes a connecting device 1010 that complements the connection device 1 of the wiper blade. This connecting device 1010 of the arm 101 has a general U-shape with an upper wall 1011 connecting two side walls 1012. The front end 101a of the connecting device 1010 of the arm 101 is open so that the connection device 1 of the wiper blade can be slid from the rear into the connecting device 1010 of the arm. The side walls 1012 of the connecting device 1010 of the arm have, at their lower end, i.e., opposite the upper wall 1011, a shoulder 1013 for cooperating with the shoulders 65 of the adapter 60.The upper wall 1011 of the connection device 1010 of the arm 101 is intended to rest on the pads 64 of the adapter 60, on the upper end of the two lateral faces of the guide block 22 of the base 20 and possibly on the upper end of the sides of the front end 40a of the platform 40.

[0077] The rear end 101b of the connecting device 1010 of the arm 101 connects the connecting device 1010 to the rest of the wiper arm 101. The connecting device 1010 of the arm 101 is offset transversely from the rest of the wiper arm 101 so that its rear end 101b forms an elbow 1013.

[0078] As illustrated in figure 11, this elbow 1013 has an opening allowing the passage of a tab 61 of the adapter 60. It is during the insertion of the connection device 1 of the brush into the connection device 1010 of the arm 101 that this tab 61 undergoes an elastic deformation inwards in order to pass through the opening of the elbow 1013.

[0079] The connection device 1 of the brush 101 is held in position within the connection device 1010 of the arm 101 along the longitudinal axis L, the transverse axis T, and the vertical axis V. Regarding the hold along the longitudinal axis L, the connection device 1010 of the arm can be brought to a forward stop. against the cover 70 in its first position. Furthermore, the arm's connection device 1010 may include a finger 1014 disposed on one of its lateral walls 1012 and designed to insert into the dedicated opening 150 provided on one of the sides of the connection device 1. This finger 1014 thus allows the connection device 1 of the brush to be locked, particularly towards the rear. Vertically, the connection device 1 of the brush is held between the shoulders 1013 and the upper wall 1011 of the connection device 1010 of the arm 101. Transversely, the connection device 1 of the brush is held between the lateral walls 1012 of the connection device 1010 of the arm.

[0080] Figures 12 to 13 show more particularly a second type of wiper arm 102 as well as a third type of wiper arm 103 and how they are intended to cooperate with the connecting device 1.

[0081] These second 102 and third 103 types of wiper arms both have a hook shape that fits around the platform 40. The hook is engaged when the platform 40 is tilted into its second position (not shown). The curved front part of the hook on these second 102 and third 103 types of wiper blades fits around the front end 40a of the platform 40 between its two sides, and the end of the hook rests against the underside of the platform 40. The part of the hook connected to the wiper arm 102, 103 passes through the groove between the studs 64 of the adapter 60 and rests on the upper face 60c of the adapter 60.

[0082] The difference between the second 102 and the third 103 type of wiper arm lies in the opening of the hook and the place where the end of the hook butts up against the underside of the platform 40.

[0083] Figures 15 and 16 show a fourth type of wiper arm 104 and how it is intended to cooperate with the connecting device 1.

[0084] This fourth type of wiper arm 104 includes a connecting device 1040 that complements the connection device 1 of the wiper blade. This connecting device for the arm 104 has a general U-shape with an upper wall 1041 connecting two side walls 1042. The front end of the connecting device 1040 for the arm 104 is open so that the connection device 1 of the wiper blade 104 can be slid from the rear into the connection device 1010 of the arm 104. This front end has a hook 1044 for hooking an additional element within the inner part of the cover 70. The side walls 1042 of the connecting device 1040 for the arm 104 have, at their rear end, a stop 1043 for cooperating with the stops 611 of the side tabs 61 of the adapter 60.The upper wall 1041 of the connection device 1040 of the arm 104 is intended to rest on the pads 64 of the adapter 60, on the upper end of the two lateral faces of the guide block 22 of the base 20 and possibly also. on the upper end of the sides of the front end 40a of the platform 40.

Claims

Demands

1. A connection device (1) for a wiper blade to an arm (101 to 104) of a wiper system, the connection device (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and comprising: - a connector (10) having an upper face (10a) and an opposite lower face (10b), said lower face (10b) being configured to carry a wiping blade of the wiper brush, - a connection module (15) disposed on the upper face (10a) of the connector (10) and pivotally mounted around a first transverse axis (Tl) with the connector (10), - a removable adapter (60) disposed on an upper face (40c) of the connection module (15) and made integral with said connection module (15), said adapter (60) having two lateral tabs (61) extending longitudinally towards the rear of the connection device (1) and disposed on opposite lateral sides of the connection module (15), said lateral tabs (61) having at their rear end a stop (611) projecting transversely, characterized in that the connection device (1) has a gap (E) of at least 0.5mm between the connection module (15) and the lateral tabs (61) so that the lateral tabs (61) are elastically deformable in a transverse direction towards each other at an angle between 2° and 45° inwards with respect to the longitudinal direction (L).

2. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connection module (15) comprises: - a base (20) disposed on the upper face (10a) of the connector (10) and pivotally mounted around the first transverse axis (Tl) with the connector (10), said base (20) having a front end (20a) and a rear end (20b) disposed on either side of the first transverse axis (Tl), - a platform (40) disposed on an upper face (20c) of the base (20) and having a front end (40a) and a rear end (40b), said rear end (40b) being pivotally mounted about a second transverse axis (T2) with the base (20), said second transverse axis (T2) being disposed on a rear part of the base (20) relative to the first transverse axis (T1), said platform (40) being movable between a first position in which the platform (40) is folded down against the upper face (20c) of the base (20) and a second tilted position in which its front end (40a) is raised relative to the base (20).

3. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the distance (dl) between the rear end of the lateral tabs (61) and the first transverse axis (Tl) is greater than the distance (d2) between the second transverse axis (T2) and the first transverse axis (Tl).

4. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the adapter (60) comprises a crossbar (63) connecting the rear ends of the lateral tabs (61), said crossbar (63) being elastically deformable in compression.

5. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cross member (63) comprises at least one curved portion.

6. Connection device (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the compression deformation plane (PI) of the cross member (63) is inclined at an angle (A) between 35° and 55°, preferably 45°, around the transverse direction (T) with respect to a vertical and transverse plane (P2).

7. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a removable cover element (80) covering at least the sides and the rear of an assembly formed by the base (20) and the connection module (15), said cover element (80) comprising an inclined rear wall (81) parallel to the deformation plane (PI) of the cross member (63) of the adapter (60).

8. Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (611) of the adapter (60) have an inclined face (612) with respect to a vertical and transverse plane (P2), said inclined faces (612) being oriented so as to face the front of the connection device (1).

9. Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a hood (70) disposed at the front of the base (20) and pivotally mounted about a third transverse axis (T3) with the base (20), said third transverse axis (T3) being disposed on the front end (20a) of the base (20), said hood (70) being movable between a locked position in which it covers the front end (20a) of the base (20) and the platform (40), locking said platform (40) in its first position, and an unlocked position in which the hood (70) is tilted forward, releasing the platform (40).

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