JP2007204036A - Connection device for connecting wiper brush to wiper arm - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connection device structure bonded to a "snow blade" type wiper brush at a free end of a wiper arm. <P>SOLUTION: In the structure relating to the one having the form including a support member 7 including a base seat 9 for fixing it to the wiper brush and two wings 11a, 11b parallel to each other spaced apart from each other by a predetermined clearance (d) and vertically arranged relative to a plane formed by the base seat, and an adapter constituted so as to be stored by the wings 11a, 11b, on the other hand, be connected to the free end of the wiper arm 16, the adapter 8 is fixed to the support member 7 and has a U-shaped cross section. Width between the legs having the U-shaped cross section is larger than the clearance (d) between the wings 11a, 11b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling a “snow blade” type wiper brush comprising a wiper blade to a free end of a wiper arm.

  The invention also relates to a “snow blade” type wiper brush comprising such a coupling device.

  The title wiper brush is a “snow blade” type brush. A “snow blade” type brush is a pivoting structure (eg lever) covered with a membrane (eg an elastomeric membrane) that prevents snow and ice from accumulating between the elements of the pivoting structure. ). A uniform design can also be obtained by the use of a membrane covering the pivot structure of the brush.

  "Snow blade" type brushes are well known and are described, for example, in US Patent Publications US4342126 and US2728100.

  On the other hand, most automobiles have wiper devices that are not equipped with brushes suitable for winter conditions. The brush is, for example, a “flat blade” type brush that occupies a small space and is excellent in aesthetics.

  Especially in the winter, it is desirable to replace the “flat blade” type brush with a “snow blade” type brush suitable for winter weather and snow conditions.

  "Snowblade" type brushes are generally configured to be installed at the end of a U-curved hook-shaped wiper arm that is not compatible with a wiper arm associated with a "flatblade" type brush.

  An object of the present invention is to propose a simple coupling device that can change a wiper brush according to seasonal changes and can adapt a "snow blade" type brush to various existing wiper arms.

In order to solve the problem, the present invention is a connecting device for connecting a wiper brush having a vertical pivot structure covered with a membrane, to a free end of a wiper arm, comprising a wiper blade, wherein the device comprises:
A support member comprising a pedestal for fixing to the wiper brush and two wings parallel to each other spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and arranged perpendicular to a plane formed by the pedestal;
-On the one hand, of the type including an adapter which is received by the wing and on the other hand is adapted to be connected to the free end of the wiper arm.

  According to the present invention, the adapter is fixed to the support member and has a U-shaped cross section, and the width between the U-shaped legs of the cross section is greater than the spacing between the wings.

  The adapter is fixed to the support member via a column base installed between the free ends of the wings.

  The column base extends laterally and connects the two legs of the adapter so that the adapter is installed and secured at the free end of the wing.

  The space between the wings is smaller than the width of the pedestal.

  Furthermore, the wing is made of the same material as the pedestal.

  The support member is fixed to the pivot structure through a fixing means.

  The adapter has a complementary shape with respect to the connecting means formed at the end of the wiper arm.

  The connecting means can realize a “side lock” or “top lock” type connection state between the wiper arm and the wiper brush.

  The present invention is also a wiper brush comprising a wiper blade and configured to be connected to a wiper arm, wherein the wiper brush includes a generally vertical pivot structure and a membrane covering the pivot structure. It is something to propose.

  The deflector is installed on the wiper brush, and is fixed to the support member and the pivot structure through a fixing means.

  The coupling device proposed by the present invention can reduce the overall height of the wiper and maintain an aesthetic that meets the user's will.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to assist in understanding.

  In the description of the present invention, the indices V, L, and T shown in the drawings indicate the vertical direction, the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction, respectively, without limitation.

  In the following description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element, the similar element, or the similar element.

  FIG. 1 shows a “snow blade” type wiper brush 1 according to the prior art with a wiper blade 2. As already mentioned, “snow blade” type brushes are used in winter and have a special structure that prevents snow or ice from damaging the wiper and impeding its good functioning.

  The illustrated wiper brush comprises a generally vertical general pivoting structure 3, for example a lever (not shown). The wiper blade 2 is supported by a pivot structure 3 and is configured to contact the windshield of the vehicle.

  The pivoting structure 3 is covered by a membrane 4. The membrane 4 is made of an elastomer material and covers the pivot structure 3 to protect against snow and ice.

  In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the wiper brush 1 further includes a deflector 5. This deflector keeps the wiper blade 2 of the wiper brush 1 in contact with the windshield of the car during traveling due to its aerodynamic effect. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the deflector 5 is fixed to the wiper brush 1 by screwing.

  As is clear from FIG. 2 and as shown in detail in FIG. 3, the wiper brush includes a connecting device 6 including a support member 7 provided on the pivoting structure 3 via a membrane 4 and an adapter 8. . The support member 7 has a substantially vertical base 9 fixed to the pivot structure 3 along its longitudinal axis. The pedestal 9 has legs 10a and 10b that are bent sideways on both sides of the plane of the pedestal 9 at each of its end portions 9a and 9b.

  The support member 7 further includes two vertical wings 11 a and 11 b made of the same material as the pedestal 9 and arranged perpendicular to the plane of the pedestal 9 and parallel to each other. The wings 11a and 11b are separated from each other by a distance d substantially the same as the width of the base 9.

  The two wings 11a, 11b are inserted between the free ends of the wings and are joined by a column base 12 fixed to the wings at the level of a circular opening 13 configured at the free ends of the wings 11a, 11b. . The column base 12 is fitted, for example, at the level of the circular opening 13.

  The pedestal 9 is provided on the pivot structure 3 so that the legs 10a and 10b fasten the pivot structure 3 from the side. In the illustrated embodiment, the pedestal 9 is fixed to the pivot structure 3 by fixing means 14 formed from screws 14a and 14b.

The adapter 8 having a known structure is inserted between the wings 11 a and 11 b and fixed to the column base 12. This fixing is performed, for example, in the following manner.
-Insert the part of the adapter 8 in the shape of the column base and the complementary state into the column base 12,
-The adapter is clamped to the column base 12 by the above insertion movement.

  The adapter 8 is configured to be fixed to one end (not shown) of a wiper brush in the form of a hook bent into a U shape.

  4 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the connecting device 6 can connect a “snow blade” type wiper brush to various existing types of wiper blades, in particular to a wiper blade adapted to a “flat blade” type wiper brush.

  In the case of this embodiment, the adapter 8 is configured to be attached to the wings 11a and 11b of the support member 7 according to the present invention. The adapter 8 has a U-shaped cross section, and the width between the U-shaped legs is larger than the distance d between the wings 11a and 11b.

  The adapter 8 shown in this embodiment of the present invention is known and its connection mode to the wiper brush is described in the publication WO-A-2004 / 048163. Therefore, the geometric features of the adapter and its connection to the wiper brush will not be described in detail.

  The adapter 8 has a circular opening 15 that coincides with the circular opening 13 at the level of the U-shaped leg when the adapter is installed in the wings 11a and 11b.

  Next, the column base 12 can fix the adapter 8 to the free ends of the wings 11a and 11b.

  According to the present invention, the column base 12 extends in the lateral direction, and connects the two legs of the adapter 8 when the adapter is provided on the wings 11a and 11b. Thus, the adapter 8 is provided and fixed to the wings 11a and 11b.

  Unlike the prior art shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the column base 12 extends not only between the wings 11 a and 11 b but also through the leg of the adapter 8.

  In particular, as apparent from FIG. 5, the distance d between the wings 11 a and 11 b is smaller than the width of the base 9. The wings 11a and 11b made of a pedestal material are curved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pedestal 9 so that the adapter 8 can be installed at the ends of the wings 11a and 11b.

Therefore, the installation of the coupling device 6 is performed as follows.
The adapter 8 is provided at the ends of the wings 11a and 11b so that the circular opening 15 of the adapter 8 matches the circular opening 13 of the wings 11a and 11b.
The column base 12 is provided in the lateral direction through the circular openings 15 and 13.
A pedestal 9 of the support member 7 is provided on the pivoting structure 3 having a reinforcement zone 3a designed to receive the support member 7 (see FIG. 4).

  In some cases, the wiper brush 1 includes a deflector 5. The deflector 5 has a vertical shape and includes plates 5 a and 5 b arranged perpendicular to a plane formed by the deflector 5 that can be fixed to the wiper brush 1.

  These plates 5 a and 5 b are complementary to the legs 10 a and 10 b of the base 9, and are supported by the base when the support member 7 and the deflector 5 are installed on the wiper brush 1.

  At the same time, in order to finish the brush assembling work, the deflector 5 and the support member 7 as a unit are fixed to the pivot structure 3 through the membrane 4 by the fixing means 14. In this case, the fixing means 14 is formed of a screw, but a rivet can also be used.

  When the wiper brush 1 does not include the deflector 5, the support member 7 is fixed to the pivot structure 3 via the membrane 4 at the level of the end portions 9 a and 9 b or in the vicinity thereof.

  FIG. 6 shows the wiper brush 1 coupled to the wiper blade 16 via a coupling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. At the end of the wiper blade 16, a connecting means 17 having a shape that complements the shape of the adapter 8 is provided so that the wiper brush 1 and the wiper blade 16 can be connected.

  The connecting means 17 is integral with the wiper blade. The connecting means is generally made of metal and is fitted into the end of the wiper blade 16, for example.

  Usually two types of coupling devices for coupling the wiper brush to the wiper blade, namely the type of coupling device known by the English name “Sidelock” and the type of coupling known by the English name “Toplock” The device exists.

  The “side lock” type coupling is a type of coupling in which a wiper blade is coupled to the adapter by a rotating shaft protruding from the side wall of the adapter.

  The “top lock” type coupling is a type of coupling in which the wiper blade is coupled to the adapter by a rotating shaft that penetrates the two walls of the adapter so that the wiper blade can be axially coupled by overlapping the adapters.

  Thus, in the case of a “side lock” type coupling, the rotational axis has a free end and the wiper blade is laterally separated from the wiper brush, whereas in the case of a “top lock” type coupling, the rotational axis Is located directly perpendicular to the upper wall of the wiper brush.

  Particularly in the case shown in FIG. 6, the connecting device between the wiper brush 1 and the wiper blade 16 is of the “top lock” type.

  7, 8a and 8b show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the connecting device 6 can connect a “snow blade” type wiper brush to a wiper blade different from the wiper blade shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

  In this embodiment, the support member 7 is the same as the support member of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the adapter 8 has a different structure, and its connection means to the wiper blade is also different.

  The method of connecting the illustrated adapter 8 to the wiper blade is well known and is of the type described in detail in publications WO-A-2004 / 098962 and WO-A-2005 / 082691. Regarding the members relating to the adapter 8 and the connecting means 17 arranged at the end of the wiper blade 16, refer to the above publication.

  According to the present invention and as shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 8 is provided on the wings 11a and 11b and is supported via the column base 12 by the same method as described for the first embodiment of the present invention. It is attached to the member 7.

  Therefore, when the adapter 8 is installed on the wings 11a and 11b, the adapter 8 covers the wings, and the width of the cross section between the U-shaped legs is larger than the distance between the wings 11a and 11b.

  The support member 7 having the pedestal 9 is also provided on a “snow blade” type brush based on the same method as described in the frame of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The reference numerals of the members already shown are also shown in FIGS. 7, 8a and 8b.

  Figures 8a and 8b show two perspective views of a "snow blade" type brush unit incorporating a coupling device according to the present invention coupled to a wiper blade.

  In these drawings, a wiper arm 16 including a connecting means 17 is attached to a connecting device 6 formed from a base 9 and an adapter 8 and provided on the wiper brush 1.

  9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the connecting device 6 can connect a “snow blade” type brush and a wiper blade of a type different from the wiper blade shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 described above.

  In this embodiment, the adapter 8 and its connection to the wiper blade are known and described in the publication WO-A-2000 / 73111, which can be referred to for a detailed description of the structure of this adapter.

  Based on this embodiment, the adapter 8 is attached to the wings 11a and 11b as follows. After the column base 12 is inserted into the circular opening 13 provided at the free ends of the wings 11a and 11b, the adapter 8 is provided on the wings 11a and 11b and fixed to the column base 12 based on this installation movement.

  In accordance with the present invention, the U-shaped cross section of the adapter 8 has a width between the U-shaped legs that is greater than the spacing between the wings 11a, 11b. As described above, the wings 11 a and 11 b are made of the same material as the pedestal 9 and are curved in the direction of the vertical axis of the pedestal 9.

  The integration operation of the connecting device 6 formed from the support member 7 and the adapter 8 with respect to the wiper brush 1 is the same as the integration operation shown in the frame of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 10 in particular, the connecting device 6 between the wiper brush 1 and the wiper blade 16 is of the “side lock” type based on the connecting means 17 provided on the wiper blade 16. . With this configuration, the height of the wiper blade / wiper brush unit can be kept to a minimum.

  Based on the coupling device of the present invention, and various embodiments thereof, a low-profile wiper blade / wiper brush unit can be used that is particularly appreciated by users.

  On the other hand, this coupling device for “snow blade” type brushes makes it possible to achieve a robust coupling especially suitable for winter conditions, in particular compatible with different types of wiper blades designed by different manufacturers can do.

1 is a perspective view of a prior art “snow blade” type wiper brush that can be coupled to a U-type hook type wiper arm; FIG. It is an expansion perspective view of the specific part of the wiper brush of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support member with an adapter for a prior art “snow blade” type wiper brush similar to FIG. 1. 1 is a developed perspective view of a central portion of a “snow blade” type wiper according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support member comprising an adapter for a “snow blade” type wiper according to the present invention; FIG. It is a perspective view of the wiper brush concerning the present invention provided in the wiper blade of the 1st type. It is a perspective view of a support member provided with an adapter for a “snow blade” type wiper according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a different perspective view of the wiper brush which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention installed in the 2nd type wiper blade. It is a different perspective view of the wiper brush which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention installed in the 2nd type wiper blade. It is a perspective view of a support member provided with an adapter for a “snow blade” type wiper according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the wiper brush which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention provided in the 3rd type wiper blade.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wiper brush 2 Wiper blade 3 Pivoting structure 3a Reinforcement zone 4 Membrane 5 Deflector 6 Connecting device 7 Support member 8 Adapter 9a, 9b End part of 10a, 10b 10a, 10b Leg 11a, 11b Wing 12 Column base 13 Circular opening 14 Fixing means 14a, 14b Screw 15 Circular opening 16 Wiper arm 17 Connection means

Claims (10)

A coupling device for coupling a wiper brush (1) comprising a wiper blade and having a vertical pivot structure (3) covered with a membrane (4) to the free end of a wiper arm (16),
A pedestal (9) for fixing to the wiper brush and two wings (11a, 11b) parallel to each other spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and arranged perpendicular to the plane formed by the pedestal Including support member (7), and
An adapter (8) configured to be received on the one hand by the wings (11a, 11b) and on the other hand to be connected to the free end of the wiper arm (16)
In the form including
The adapter (8) is fixed to the support member (7), has a U-shaped cross section, and the width between the U-shaped legs of the cross section is larger than the interval (d) between the wings (11a, 11b). (6), characterized in that   The adapter (8) is fixed to the support member (7) via a column base (12) provided between the free ends of the wings (11a, 11b). Connecting device (6).   The column base (12) extends in the lateral direction and connects the two legs of the adapter (8) so that the adapter is fixed to the free ends of the wings (11a, 11b). 2. The coupling device (6) according to 2.   The connecting device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance (d) between the wings (11a, 11b) is smaller than the width of the pedestal (9).   The coupling device (6) according to claim 4, characterized in that the wings (11a, 11b) are made of the same material as the pedestal (9).   The coupling device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member (7) is fixed to the pivoting structure (3) via fixing means (14).   The coupling device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adapter (8) has a complementary shape with respect to the coupling means (17) configured at the end of the wiper arm (16). .   8. Connection according to claim 7, characterized in that the connection means (17) form a "side lock" or "top lock" type connection between the wiper arm (16) and the wiper brush (1). Device (6).   A wiper brush (1) comprising a wiper blade (2) and configured to be coupled to a wiper arm (16), said wiper brush comprising a generally vertical pivot structure (3) and a pivot structure (3) A wiper brush (1), characterized in that it comprises a coupling device (6) according to any of claims 1 to 8, in a type comprising a membrane (4) covering the surface.   The deflector (5) is installed on the wiper brush (1) and is fixed to the support member (7) and the pivot structure (3) via a fixing means (14). Wiper (1).

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