Means for fixing a drive mechanism of a wiper device to a body shell element

Abstract

A fixing apparatus for fixing two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to a body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle has a plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the body shell element. The plug-type cylindrical body has a locking mechanism configured to prevent the plug-type cylindrical body from disengaging from the first opening on the body shell element. The locking mechanism has a secondary element connected to the plug-type cylindrical body by a material bridge. The secondary element is configured to be partially inserted into a second opening on the body shell element. The secondary element is configured to be unlocked from a locking position by applying transversal and then longitudinal forces on the secondary element in a longitudinal axis defined by the at least one plug-type cylindrical body.

1 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the at least one body shell element, wherein
 the at least one plug-type cylindrical body comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent the at least one plug-type cylindrical body from disengaging from the first opening on the at least one body shell element, 
 the locking mechanism comprises secondary element connected to the at least one plug-type cylindrical body by a material bridge, 
 the secondary element is configured to be partially inserted into a second opening on the at least one body shell element, and 
 the secondary element is configured to be unlocked from a locking position by applying transversal and then longitudinal forces on the secondary element in a longitudinal axis defined by the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
   
       2 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the secondary element is parallelepipedal. 
   
   
       3 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the secondary element comprises on a free end thereof a mechanism configured to exert retaining forces on an outer face of the at least one body shell element when the secondary element is inserted into the second opening. 
   
   
       4 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the mechanism configured to exert the retaining force on the outer face of the at least one body shell element comprises at least one tab provided on the free end of the secondary element, the free end of the at least one tab configured to rest against the outer surface of the at least one body shell element. 
   
   
       5 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one tab is disposed tilted in relation to an longitudinal axis defined by the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
       6 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the at least one body shell element, wherein
 the at least one the cylindrical body comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent the at least one plug-type cylindrical body from disengaging from the first opening on the at least one body shell element, and 
 the locking mechanism is configured to exert a transversal locking force in a longitudinal axis defined by the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
   
       7 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tongue comprising an internal opening configured to cooperate with a tooth disposed on an inner surface of the at least one body shell element. 
   
   
       8 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the tongue is a material extension of the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
       9 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the inner opening is a square shape. 
   
   
       10 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the tooth is disposed tilted in relation to a planar surface of the body shell element. 
   
   
       11 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body, wherein   the fixing apparatus is configured to cooperate with a first opening on the at least one body shell element   the first opening comprise a main loop and a secondary loop, and   the first opening comprises a blocking mechanism for blocking the at least one plug-type cylindrical body in the secondary loop of the first opening.   
   
   
       12 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the blocking mechanism comprises a pair of teeth provided on a circumference of the main loop. 
   
   
       13 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the teeth are tilted in relation to a planar surface defined by a surface of the body shell element at an angle of less than 45°. 
   
   
       14 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the teeth are made by forming a slot through the at least one body shell element and folding a part of a bodywork of the at least one body shell element by lifting. 
   
   
       15 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the at least one plug-type cylindrical body is configured to slide over the teeth after partial insertion into the main loop, to be blocked in the secondary loop. 
   
   
       16 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the blocking mechanism comprises a pair of elevated portions. 
   
   
       17 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the pair of elevated portions are bi-planar. 
   
   
       18 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the pair of elevations are arranged on a circumference of the main loop. 
   
   
       19 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the at least one body shell element, wherein
 the at least one cylindrical body comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent the at least one plug-type cylindrical body from disengaging from the first opening on the body shell element, and 
 the locking mechanism is configured to be inserted into the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
   
       20 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the at least one plug-type cylindrical body can be partially inserted into the first opening provided on an inner face of the at least one body shell element. 
   
   
       21 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the first opening comprises a first loop and a second loop having different diameters. 
   
   
       22 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into the first loop and blocked in the second loop after partial insertion into the first loop. 
   
   
       23 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the at least one plug-type cylindrical body comprises a top circular part, an intermediate circular part and a bottom part, having a truncated pyramid shape with a circular base. 
   
   
       24 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein an opening is provided through the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
       25 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lug configured to be inserted in the opening of the at least one plug-type cylindrical body. 
   
   
       26 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 22 , wherein the secondary loop comprises a material indentation on its periphery. 
   
   
       27 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein the lug is configured to cooperate with the indentation once the at least one plug-type cylindrical body is blocked in the secondary loop and the lug is inserted into the opening of the at least one plug-type cylindrical body preventing removal of the at least one plug-type cylindrical body from the secondary loop. 
   
   
       28 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body, configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the at least one body shell element, wherein   the at least one plug-type cylindrical body comprises locking mechanism configured to prevent the at least one plug-type cylindrical body  3  from disengaging from the first opening,   the locking comprises a secondary body connected to the at least one plug-type cylindrical body by a material bridge, and   the secondary body is configured to deform from a first position in which the secondary body is capable of being inserted into a second opening on the at least one body shell element to a locking position in the second opening.   
   
   
       29 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 28 , wherein a pivoting element is inserted into the secondary body. 
   
   
       30 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein the pivoting element is configured to deform the secondary body. 
   
   
       31 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein a grip tab is disposed on the pivoting element. 
   
   
       32 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 28 , wherein the second opening is oval. 
   
   
       33 . A fixing apparatus for fixing at least two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to at least one body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle, comprising:
 at least one plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a secondary loop of a first opening on the at least one body shell element, and   a locking mechanism, wherein
 wherein the locking mechanism is insertable in a main loop of the first opening on the at least one body shell element once the at least one plug-type cylindrical body is inserted into the secondary loop. 
   
   
   
       34 . The fixing apparatus according to  claim 33 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a longitudinal element comprising, on each of its ends, a curved transversal element.