FR2835802A1 - Fixing device for automobile wiper system support piece comprises damper unit with central bore for passage of tubular fixing elements having deformable upper part with axial tongues able to be subjected to deformations - Google Patents

Abstract

The fixing device (100) for a support piece (200) for a wiper system on an automobile structure element (300) comprises a cylindrical damper unit (1) with a central bore (13) for the passage of fixings to the structure element. The fixings comprise a first tubular element (21) in the bore and a mounting threaded rod (31) partly inserted in the tubular element. A pin (2) comprises the first tubular element and a second tubular element (22) in two adjacent parts (22A,22B). In the upper deformable part (22A) are two axial tongues (220,221,222) able to be subjected to two successive types of deformation. The tongues deform against the lower transverse outer face of the damper unit during clamping, and under the effect of an impact load applied from the outside of the vehicle

Description

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DEVICE FOR FIXING A SUPPORT PART OF A WIPING SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Llnvention relates to a device for fixing a support part of a wiping system of a motor vehicle.

In known manner, the regulations impose in the event of an external impact on the vehicle, such as an impact with a pedestrian, a deformation of the sheet metal of the vehicle body determined, currently of the order of 60 mm to 80 mm. Therefore, the wiping system, which is integral with this body, is subject to the same requirement and must be able to disengage from its fasteners. Indeed, the wiper arm and / or the arm fixing pivot can also be subjected to an impact load, and, without this clearance in the event of an impact, the wiping system can cause other damage such as a broken glass.

Wiper system fasteners of the prior art are designed to allow the retractability towards the interior of the vehicle of the wiper arm fixing pivots in order to absorb the impact load.

In a first configuration, this is done for example using weakening points, breakable in the event of impact, made in the body panel on which is fixed by means of a flange the support of the pivot of fixation. However, the cost and difficulty of manufacturing such panels as well as the cost of their restoration is prohibitive.

In a second configuration, this is achieved by means of fastening elements of a damping block secured to the support plate of the geared motor drive group of the wiping system, these fastening elements being deformable in the event of impact.

Document EP-0916559 discloses a device for fixing a plate of a wiping system on a sheet metal tab integral with the body. More specifically, this device comprises a substantially cylindrical damping block, of given axis of revolution, which is provided with an annular groove formed in its lateral external surface to receive the

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 edge of a substantially circular orifice arranged in the plate. This damping block comprises, along the axis of revolution, a substantially cylindrical central bore for the passage of means for fixing the block relative to the pierced tab secured to the body.

 The means of fixing the shock absorber block include: a spacer axially engaged in the shock absorber block, a screw comprising: * a head, disposed on the upper transverse external face side of the block and dedicated to tightening the shock absorber block, * a threaded body, partially inserted in the spacer for mounting the device, this body having a length greater than that of the block and comprising a lower end opening on the lower transverse external side of the block, a nut cooperating with the lower end of the screw body for tightening the block, an annular washer, interposed between the upper transverse external face of the block and the screw head, and which bears against this face.

 The tab and the washer are designed so that in the event of an impact, one and / or the other deform by crushing for absorption of the impact load. However, the deformation is not reliable below a certain impact threshold.

 The object of the invention is to provide a device for fixing a plate of a wiping system on a structural element of a motor vehicle, allowing the system to be retracted with an impact from a predetermined threshold . In addition, such a device must be resistant to the constraints of simple operation, manufacture and installation, as well as inexpensive reconditioning.

 To this end, the present invention provides a device for fixing a support part of a wiping system on a structural element.

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 of a motor vehicle, comprising a substantially cylindrical damping block, of given axis of revolution and which is integral with the support piece, and in which the damping block comprises, along the axis of revolution, a substantially cylindrical central bore for the passage of means for fixing the block with respect to the structural element, which is drilled, the means for fixing the damper block comprising: * a tubular element engaged axially in the bore of the damper block, * a rod partly inserted in the tubular element for mounting the device, the rod having a length greater than that of the block and comprising a lower end opening out on the lower transverse external face side of the block, this lower end comprising a male thread, an upper holding element of the head type of screws, arranged on the upper transverse external face side of the block and dedicated to clamping the block, a lower element r, substantially cylindrical and having a female thread cooperating with the lower end of the rod for tightening the block, characterized in that the pierced structural element is disposed on the upper transverse external face side of the block, and in that it comprises a dowel comprising in one piece: - said tubular element called first tubular element, - a second tubular element, extending axially the first tubular element and being in two adjacent parts: - a deformable upper part, adjacent to the first tubular element, in which is arranged at least two axial tongues capable of undergoing two types of successive deformations, the tongues being deformed substantially against the lower transverse external face of the damping block during

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serrage, et sous l'effet d'une charge d'impact appliquée depuis l'extérieur du véhicule sensiblement selon l'axe de révolution, se déformant à nouveau de façon à permettre un dégagement du bloc le long de l'axe de révolution, - une partie inférieure correspondant à l'élément inférieur.

tightening, and under the effect of an impact load applied from outside the vehicle substantially along the axis of revolution, deforming again so as to allow clearance of the block along the axis of revolution, - a lower part corresponding to the lower element.

The release of the damper block according to the invention causes the support part and therefore the wiping system to be retracted. The triggering threshold for this retraction is predetermined as a function of several parameters, among which: - the material of the dowel and in particular that of the tongues, - the number and thickness of the tongues, - any play between the internal wall of the shock absorber and the second tubular element.

The support piece may be integral with the block, for example in the vicinity of its ends.

By way of example, the damping block according to the invention is provided with an annular groove formed in its lateral external surface to receive the edge of a substantially circular orifice arranged in the support part.

In addition, the tongues can also extend in the first tubular element, also without thread.

In addition, when tightening the block to hold it relative to the structural element, the tongues may, when deformed, be in contact with part or all of the entire lower transverse external face of the damper block, this according to their initial length.

The first and second tubular elements can be of the same diameter and / or of the same material for a simpler embodiment of the device.

Advantageously, the first tubular element according to the invention may comprise a retaining ring which is received in a cavity arranged inside the damping block.

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Such a crown allows the ankle to be lost during transport before being mounted on the vehicle.

Preferably, the dowel may comprise an annular washer received in a counterbore arranged in the damping block and bearing against the upper transverse external face of the block, this washer being extended axially by the first tubular element and of diameter greater than that of this element. .

This support washer makes it possible to limit the axial crushing of the block which is then moderately compressed after tightening. The washer and retaining ring may be of substantially the same diameter and / or of the same material as the first tubular element for a simpler embodiment of the device.

Furthermore, the tongues may preferably have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2 mm depending in particular on the deformable nature of the material chosen for these tongues.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a clearance between the first tubular element and the internal wall of the block containing the bore, for example in the case where the tongues are very thick.

In another embodiment of the invention, the internal wall of the block containing the bore comprises axial grooves facilitating the passage of the deformed tongues after the effect of an impact load applied from outside the vehicle.

Advantageously, each tab according to the invention may comprise at least one zone folded towards the outside of the ankle before the deformations to help during tightening so that the tongues buckle on the right side.

Preferably, the internal wall of the block containing the bore may comprise a flared part opening onto the lower transverse external face of the block.

In addition, preferably the tongues can be distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of revolution.

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 The characteristics and objects of the present invention will emerge from the detailed description given below with reference to the appended figures, presented by way of illustration and in no way limitative.

 In these figures: * Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a fastening device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown before its complete mounting on a structural element of a motor vehicle, 'ta figure 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 in which the device according to the invention is represented after the tightening of the damping block included in the device, your FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 in which a part of the device according to the invention is shown after having undergone an impact load applied from outside the vehicle substantially along the axis of revolution of the damper block, 'your Figure 4 shows a partial view in axial section of a damper block and a partial view of a dowel in a variant of the first embodiment of a fastening device according to) Invention, FIG. 5 represents an example of embodiment of a wheelhouse of a system wiper comprising a plate integral with damping blocks of fixing devices, in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

 Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a fastening device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown before its complete mounting on a lug 300 of bodywork, for example metal, of a motor vehicle.

 This fastening device 100 for a plate 200 of a wiping system on a body-pierced tab 300, includes a flexible shock-absorbing block 1, for example made of plastic, and means for

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fixation du bloc par rapport à la patte 300, comprenant une cheville 2 et une vis 3.

fixing the block relative to the tab 300, comprising a dowel 2 and a screw 3.

The block 1 is substantially cylindrical, of axis of revolution A, with lower and upper transverse external faces 10, 11 and a lateral external surface 12 provided with an annular groove to receive the edge of a substantially circular orifice 201 arranged in plate 200.

The damping block 1 is provided, along the axis of revolution A, with a substantially cylindrical central bore 13, allowing the passage of the dowel 2 and then of the screw 3, for its fixing relative to the lug 300.

In addition, the block 1 comprises a counterbore 14 arranged in the upper transverse external face 11, and a cavity 16 arranged in the internal wall 15 of the block 1.

The pin 2 comprises: - an annular support washer 20, received in the counterbore 14 of the block 1, - a first tubular element 21 extending the washer 20 and engaged axially in the bore 13 of the damper block 1, which comprises a crown 210 holding which is received in the cavity 16 of the block 1, - a second tubular element 22, extending axially the first tubular element 21 and being two adjacent parts 22A, 22B: - a deformable and unthreaded upper part 22A, adjacent to the first tubular element 21, in which four axial tongues 220 to 222 are arranged (the fourth being invisible) distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of revolution A and able to undergo two types of successive deformations, these tongues 220 to 222 being in a deformable material, for example of the metallic type and having a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm,

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 - A substantially cylindrical lower part 22B and having a female internal thread (not visible).

 Furthermore, there is a clearance J between the first and second tubular elements 21, 22 and the internal wall 15 of the block. In a variant of this embodiment, this clearance J can be replaced by axial grooves in the wall 15.

The screw 3 comprises: - a screw head 30, disposed on the upper face side 311 of the tab
300 for tightening the block 1, - a screw body 31 partly inserted in the first tubular element 21 for mounting the device 100,
The screw body 31 has a length greater than that of block 1 and has a lower end opening out on the lower transverse external face side of block 10 and having a male thread 32 cooperating with the female thread of part 22B of dowel 2 for tightening of the block 1. Preferably, the screw body 31 is not threaded over its entire length so as to ensure the correct tightening of the block 1 without authorizing the deterioration of the folding function of the tabs 220 to 222.

 Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 in which the device 100 is shown after tightening of the block 1 which is then compressed.

 Only the main elements of the device 100 are referenced.

 After tightening, the four tabs 220 to 222 are deformed and are substantially folded in half against the lower transverse external face 10 of the block.

 Furthermore, the crown 210 bears during tightening against the lower transverse face of the cavity 160.

 Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 in which a part of the device 100 is shown after being subjected to a load

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 impact applied from outside the vehicle substantially along the axis of revolution A of the shock absorber block 1.

 Only the main elements of the device 100 are referenced.

 Under the effect of an impact load applied from outside the vehicle substantially along the axis of revolution A and transmitted by the plate to the fixing device 100, the four tabs 220 to 222 are deformed again and are substantially parallel to the axis of revolution A so as to allow the release of the damping block (not shown) along the axis of revolution A and thus the retraction of the plate (not shown).

 FIG. 4 represents a partial view in axial section of a damping block 1c and a partial view of a pin 2 ′ in a variant of the first embodiment of a fixing device 100 ′ according to the invention.

 The other elements of the device 100 ′ (vehicle foot, screws, plate) are not shown for the sake of simplification.

 The block is substantially cylindrical, of axis of revolution A ′, with a lower transverse external face 10 ′ and a lateral external surface 12 ′. The damping block is provided with it, along the axis of revolution A ′, with a central bore 13 ′ which is substantially cylindrical, in particular allowing the passage of a dowel 2 ′.

 Furthermore, there is a clearance J between the first and second tubular elements 21 ′, 22 ′ and the internal wall 15 ′ of the block 1 ′ and this internal wall 15 ′ includes a flared part 15 A opening onto the lower transverse external face 10 ′ .

 The dowel 2 ′ includes in particular: - a first tubular element 21 ′ engaged axially in the bore 13 ′ of the damping block l ′, - a second tubular element 22 ′, axially extending the first tubular element 21 ′ and being two adjacent parts 22 'A, 22'B:

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 - a deformable and non-threaded upper part 22'A, adjacent to the first tubular element 21 ', in which four axial tabs 220' to 222' are arranged (the fourth being invisible) distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of revolution A ′ and capable of undergoing two types of successive deformations, these tabs 220 to 222 being slightly bent towards the outside of the dowel 2 ′ before the deformations at an angle e between approximately 00 and 20 relative to the axis A ′ , - a substantially cylindrical lower part 22'B and having a female internal thread (not visible).

 FIG. 5 represents an exemplary embodiment of a wheelhouse of a wiping system comprising the plate 200 integral with three damping blocks 1, 1 ′ (one of which is not visible in part C) of axes of revolution A, A 'and fixed to structural elements of the leg type 300,300 ′ of bodywork by plugs 2,2 ′ and screws 3,3 ′ in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

 The plate 200 supports the motor 5 for driving the system and is connected via two bearings 6,6 ′ to the two pivots 60,61 for fixing the wiper arm of axis Ao, Ai substantially parallel to the axis of revolution A.

 When an impact load is applied from the outside of the vehicle to the pivots 60, 61 substantially along their respective axes Ao, Ai, the three shock absorbing blocks 1, are released towards the inside of the vehicle, which allows the retractability of pivots 60,61.

 Of course, the above description has been given purely by way of illustration. Without departing from the scope of the invention, any means can be replaced by equivalent means.

 The tabs according to the invention can also be made of a plastic material, loaded or not with fibers.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. Fixing device (100, 100 ') of a support part (200) of a wiping system on a structural element (300) of a motor vehicle, comprising a damping block (1, 1' ) substantially cylindrical, of given axis of revolution (A, A ') and which is integral with the support part, and in which the damping block comprises, along the axis of revolution, a central bore (13, 13') substantially cylindrical for the passage of fixing means (2,2 ', 3) of the block with respect to the structural element, which is drilled, the fixing means of the damping block comprising:' a tubular element (21, 21 ') axially engaged in the bore of the damping block, 'a rod (31) partly inserted in the tubular element for mounting the device, the rod having a length greater than that of the block and comprising a lower end opening out on the transverse external face lower (10) of the block, this lower end comprises ant a male thread (32), * an upper holding element (30) of the screw head type, disposed on the upper transverse external face side (11) of the block and dedicated to clamping the block, 'a lower element (22B, 22' B), substantially cylindrical and having a female thread cooperating with the lower end of the rod for tightening the block, characterized in that the pierced structural element is disposed on the upper transverse external face side of the block, and in that it includes a dowel (2, 2 ') comprising in a single piece: - said tubular element called first tubular element (21, 21'), <Desc / Clms Page number 12>  - a second tubular element (22, 22 '), extending the first tubular element axially and being two adjacent parts (22A to 22'B): - a deformable upper part (22A, 22'A), adjacent to the first tubular element, in which is arranged at least two axial tongues (220 to 222 ') capable of undergoing two types of successive deformations, the tongues deforming substantially against the lower transverse external face of the damping block (10, 10') during tightening, and under the effect of an impact load applied from outside the vehicle substantially along the axis of revolution, deforming again so as to allow clearance of the block along the axis of revolution, - a lower part (22B, 22'B) corresponding to the lower element.

2. A fixing device (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that the first tubular element (21) comprises a retaining ring (210) which is received in a cavity (16) arranged inside the damping block (1). 3. Fastening device (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the dowel (2) comprises an annular washer (20) received in a countersink (14) arranged in the damping block and bearing against the upper transverse external face (11) of the block, this washer being extended axially by said first tubular element (21). 4. Fastening device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the tongues (220 to 222) have a thickness preferably between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. 5. Fastening device (100, 100 ') according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that there is a clearance (J) between the first element <Desc / Clms Page number 13>  tubular (21, 21 ') and the internal wall (15, 15') of the block (1, 1 ') containing the bore (13, 13').

6. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the internal wall of the block containing the bore comprises axial grooves. 7. Fastening device (100 ') according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that each tongue (220' to 222') comprises at least one zone folded outwards from the dowel (2 ') before the deformations. 8. Fastening device (100 ') according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the internal wall (15') of the block (1 ') containing the bore (13') comprises a flared part (15A) opening onto the lower transverse external face of the block (10 '). 9. Fastening device (100, 100 ') according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the tongues (220 to 222') are distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of revolution.