Wiper device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper device, comprising at least one wiper arm (12) and at least one connecting unit (16), which is arranged on at least one end region (14) of the wiper arm (12) and is provided for fixing a wiper blade (18) or an adapter (20) arranged on the wiper blade (18) on the wiper arm (12). The connecting unit (16) has at least one fluid channel (22) which is provided for supplying a fluid outlet unit (24), in particular the wiper blade (18), in terms of fluid technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wiper device. Background Art

[0002] A wiper device has already been proposed which comprises at least one wiper arm and at least one connecting unit which is arranged on at least one end region of the wiper arm and is provided for fastening a wiper blade or an adapter arranged on the wiper blade to the wiper arm. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a wiper device having at least one wiper arm and at least one connecting unit which is arranged on at least one end region of the wiper arm and is provided for fixing a wiper blade or an adapter arranged on the wiper blade to the wiper arm.

[0004] It is proposed that the connecting unit has at least one fluid channel which is provided for fluidically supplying a fluid outlet unit, in particular a wiper blade.

[0005] The wiper device is preferably configured to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The wiper device is in particular a part of a glass wiper that is configured to clean the glass of the vehicle, in particular the front window and / or the rear window. The fluid output unit is in particular configured to output, in particular spray, a fluid onto the glass in order to clean the glass. The fluid is preferably designed as wiping water. The wiper blade, in particular the wiper lip of the wiper blade, is preferably configured to wipe on the glass in order to clean the glass. The wiper blade is in particular configured to wipe off dirt located on the glass and / or to wipe off fluid output to the glass by the fluid output unit. The wiper arm is preferably configured to move the wiper blade, in particular fixed to the wiper arm by a connecting unit, on the glass in order to clean the glass. The wiper arm is preferably arranged on at least one drive shaft of a wiper drive of the glass wiper of the vehicle. The wiper arm can be driven in particular by the wiper drive in order to move relative to the glass. The wiper arm is preferably at least partially composed of metal. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the wiper arm is at least partially made of plastic, composite material or another material that is advantageous to a person skilled in the art. "Provided" means in particular specially equipped, specially designed and / or specially constructed. "An object is provided for a certain function" means in particular that the object satisfies and / or implements the certain function in at least one application state and / or operating state.

[0006] The connecting unit comprises in particular at least one connecting element, preferably a separate connecting element, which is arranged to fix the wiper blade or the adapter arranged on the wiper blade on the wiper arm. The connecting element is preferably arranged to be connected to the wiper blade or the adapter arranged on the wiper blade in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The connecting element is preferably arranged on at least one end region of the wiper arm. The end region of the wiper arm is in particular such a region of the wiper arm, in which the at least substantially complete maximum extension of the wiper arm, in particular along the main extension direction of the wiper arm, ends. The "main extension direction" of an object refers in particular to the direction extending parallel to the longest side of the smallest geometric parallelepiped that just still completely surrounds the object. The wiper arm preferably has at least two end regions that are particularly separated from each other. In particular, a connecting unit, in particular a connecting element, is arranged at the end region of the wiper arm. The wiper arm can be connected to the drive shaft of the wiper drive device in particular at the other end region of the wiper arm. The connecting element is preferably fixed on the wiper arm. The connecting element is preferably connected to the wiper arm in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in particular riveted. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element is connected to the wiper arm in a material-fitting manner, or is constructed integrally with the wiper arm. "Integrally" refers in particular to being formed in a single piece. The single piece is preferably made of a separate blank, block and / or casting, particularly preferably by an injection molding method, in particular a single-component and / or multi-component injection molding method.

[0007] The longitudinal axis of the connecting element preferably extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension direction of the wiper arm. In the state arranged on the wiper arm, the longitudinal axis of the connecting element preferably extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main extension direction of the wiper blade. In particular, the longitudinal axis of a cylindrical object refers in particular to an axis that is at least substantially perpendicular to the cross-section of the object spanned by the cylinder radius of the object. The term "substantially perpendicular" in particular specifies the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein, in particular when viewed on a plane, the direction and the reference direction form an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation that is in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and in particular advantageously less than 2°. The connecting element is preferably configured as a connecting pin, a connecting bolt, a connecting screw or another connecting element that is advantageous to a person skilled in the art. The connecting element is preferably made of metal. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element is made of plastic, a composite material or another material that is advantageous to a person skilled in the art. In addition to the connecting element, the connecting unit can also have at least one fixing element, such as a clamp, a locking element, etc., for fixing the wiper blade or an adapter arranged on the wiper blade to the wiper arm. The adapter is in particular configured as a component which, when viewed along the main extension direction of the wiper blade, is in particular releasably fixed at least substantially centrally on the wiper blade and is configured to connect the wiper blade to the wiper arm. In particular, when the adapter is arranged on the wiper blade, the adapter preferably at least partially encloses or covers the spoiler of the wiper blade. Preferably, at least one coupling element is arranged on the wiper blade or the adapter, which coupling element is used to connect to the wiper arm, in particular to the connecting element of the connecting unit. The coupling element is preferably configured correspondingly to the connecting element. The coupling element is preferably configured to be connected to the connecting element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The coupling element is preferably configured to at least partially accommodate the connecting element. The coupling element in particular defines at least one recess into which the connecting element at least partially enters or can be inserted.

[0008] The fluid channel is particularly arranged on the connecting element. The fluid channel is preferably delimited by the connecting element. The fluid channel is preferably provided for conducting the fluid to be output, in particular from a fluid reservoir of a vehicle, to the fluid output unit on which the wiper device is mounted. Preferably, in a state in which the wiper blade is arranged on the wiper arm, the fluid channel extends from the wiper arm to the wiper blade or the adapter. The wiper blade preferably has at least a part of the fluid output unit. The fluid output unit has in particular at least one nozzle element, preferably a plurality of nozzle elements, which are provided for outputting the fluid. The nozzle element can in particular be arranged in a fluid line element extending at least partially along the main extension direction of the wiper blade and / or in at least one nozzle body of the fluid output unit, in particular an end cap of the wiper blade which is configured as a nozzle body. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the adapter has at least one nozzle element, preferably a plurality of nozzle elements, for outputting the fluid.

[0009] By means of the design of the wiper device according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to provide a wiper device with a fluid channel built into the connecting unit. Advantageously, a fluid line unit constructed separately from the connecting unit can be omitted and a cost-effective wiper device can be provided. Advantageously, a visually pleasing and aerodynamically advantageous wiper device can be provided.

[0010] In addition, it is proposed that the fluid channel is configured as a channel-shaped recess in at least one connecting element of the connecting unit. The fluid channel preferably has a cross section that is at least substantially circular. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fluid channel has a polygonal, especially at least substantially square, cross section, an elliptical cross section or another cross section that is advantageous to those skilled in the art. The longitudinal axis of the fluid channel preferably extends at least substantially parallel to, in particular coaxially with, the longitudinal axis of the connecting element. "Substantially parallel to" refers in particular to a direction, in particular on a plane, relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction has a maximum deviation of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2° relative to the reference direction. The fluid channel is preferably at least substantially completely defined by the connecting element along the at least substantially complete circumference of the fluid channel, around the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fluid channel is configured as a fluid line element, for example, as a hose or a tube, which is arranged within the channel-shaped recess in the connecting element. Advantageously, such a connecting element can be provided, which simultaneously realizes the fixing function and the fluid line function.

[0011] It is further proposed that the recess extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element. In particular, the fluid channel of the recess configured as a channel extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element. The maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element is configured as the maximum extension of the connecting element along the longitudinal axis of the connecting element. The recess extends in particular along at least 75% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element, preferably along at least 85% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element, particularly preferably along at least 95% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element. In particular, the recess extends along the longitudinal axis of the connecting element in the direction of the wiper arm and extends away from the wiper arm to a wall of the connecting element that closes the recess in a fluid-tight manner. Advantageously, a fluid line along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension of the connecting element can be realized.

[0012] It is further proposed that the connecting unit has at least one fluid connector for fluidically connecting the fluid channel to at least one fluid line element of the wiper arm. The fluid connector is preferably arranged on the end region of the fluid channel and / or the wiper arm side of the connecting element. The fluid connector is preferably configured as a fluidic connector, in particular a connecting channel connected to the fluid channel. The fluid connector is preferably configured as an opening in the connecting element, which extends from the fluid channel along the complete radius of the connecting element, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, through the connecting element to the outside of the connecting element. In order to mechanically and / or fluidically fix the fluid line element of the wiper arm, the fluid connector may have at least one coupling region, which coupling region is for example provided with a thread, a caliper, etc. The fluid line element of the wiper arm is configured to introduce a fluid, in particular from a fluid reservoir of the vehicle, into the fluid channel. Preferably, the fluid line element of the wiper arm extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension of the wiper arm. Preferably, the fluid line element of the wiper arm is configured as a hose, a tube, etc. The introduction of the fluid into the fluid channel can be advantageously achieved.

[0013] It is further proposed that the connecting unit has at least one further fluid connector for fluidically connecting the fluid channel to the fluid output unit. The further fluid connector is preferably arranged on an end region of the fluid channel and / or of the connecting element on the wiper blade side or on the adapter side, the end region being in particular an end region facing away from the fluid channel and / or on the wiper arm side of the connecting element. The further fluid connector is constructed at least substantially similarly to the fluid connector of the connecting unit. The further fluid connector is preferably provided for fluidically connecting the fluid channel to the fluid output unit of the wiper blade or of the adapter. The further fluid connector is preferably provided for fluidically connecting the fluid channel to at least one fluid line element of the fluid output unit and / or to at least one nozzle body of the fluid output unit. Advantageously, the fluid output unit can be supplied with fluid technology.

[0014] It is further proposed that at least one connecting element of the connecting unit is riveted to the wiper arm in at least one end region of the connecting element, in particular at least substantially fluid-tightly. Preferably, the connecting element is riveted to the wiper arm in an end region of the connecting element on the wiper arm side, in particular at least substantially fluid-tightly. Preferably, the connecting element is riveted to the wiper arm completely fluid-tightly. In particular, the riveting of the connecting element to the wiper arm forms a closure of the fluid channel on the wiper arm side along the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel. Preferably, the connecting element is riveted to the wiper arm on an outer side of the wiper arm, which outer side faces away from the wiper blade when the wiper blade is arranged on the wiper arm. Advantageously, efficient use of the fluid can be achieved.

[0015] In addition, it is proposed that the connecting unit has at least one pipeline element, which is arranged to supply power to an electrical functional unit, in particular, of the wiper blade. Preferably, the pipeline element extends at least partially along the connecting element, in particular inside the connecting element. Preferably, the pipeline element can be configured as a cable, a metal wire, etc. In order to guide the pipeline element, the connecting unit can preferably have at least one pipeline channel extending inside the connecting element, in particular at least substantially parallel to the fluid channel, or the pipeline element can be guided on the outside of the connecting element. The pipeline element constructed to withstand fluid can extend through the fluid channel in particular. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the connecting element at least partially forms the pipeline element. In particular, it is conceivable that the connecting element is at least partially composed of a material that can conduct electricity. Preferably, the wiper blade and / or the adapter have an electrical functional unit. The electrical functional unit is preferably configured as a heating unit, which is configured to heat at least one nozzle body and / or at least one fluid pipeline element, at least one wiper strip of the wiper blade and / or at least one wiper lip of the wiper blade. Advantageously, a connecting unit provided for the fluid supply can be provided with an integrated line element which enables heating of the wiper blade.

[0016] The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a wiper device, in particular a wiper device according to the invention.

[0017] It is proposed that in at least one method step at least one connecting element of at least one connecting unit is riveted in at least one end region of the connecting element to at least one wiper arm in an at least substantially fluid-tight manner. Advantageously, effective sealing of the connecting element can be achieved.

[0018] The invention furthermore relates to a windshield wiper having at least one wiper device, in particular a wiper device according to the invention, and at least one wiper blade.

[0019] The following aspect is proposed, the windshield wiper comprises at least one coupling element, which is arranged on the wiper blade or at least one adapter and is configured to mechanically and fluidically connect the wiper blade to the wiper device, the adapter being arranged on the wiper blade. In particular, the coupling element is configured to mechanically and fluidically connect to the wiper arm, in particular via a connecting element of a connecting unit. The connecting element is preferably configured to at least partially engage in the coupling element. The coupling element is configured in particular to correspond to the connecting element. The coupling element can in particular define a recess arranged in the wiper blade or in the adapter, be configured as a thread in the wiper blade or in the adapter, or be configured as another coupling element that appears advantageous to a person skilled in the art. Advantageously, a stable connection can be achieved between the wiper blade and the wiper device.

[0020] It is further proposed that the coupling element defines at least one recess arranged in the wiper blade or the adapter, into which recess at least one connecting element of at least one connecting unit of the wiper device can be inserted, wherein the coupling element has at least one fluid line which is fluidically connectable to at least one fluid channel of the connecting unit. Preferably, in the state in which the wiper blade is arranged on the wiper arm, the connecting element and the coupling element rest against each other at least essentially in a precisely shaped, in particular jigsaw-like manner. Preferably, the fluid line of the coupling element is fluidically connectable to another fluid connector of the connecting unit. Preferably, the recess defined by the coupling element is at least partially configured as a fluid line. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the coupling element has a fluid line, for example a hose or a tube, which is in particular arranged at the recess defined by the coupling element.

[0021] Advantageously, a fluidic connection can be realized between the fluid channel of the connecting unit and the fluid line of the joining element.

[0022] It is further proposed that the wiper blade comprises at least one fluid output unit, which has at least one fluid connector for fluidic connection to a fluid channel. The fluid connector of the fluid output unit of the wiper blade is particularly fluidicly connectable, preferably fluidicly and mechanically, to another fluid connector of the connecting unit. In particular, the fluid connector is fluidicly connectable to the fluid channel directly and / or indirectly, in particular via a fluid line of a coupling element. The fluid output unit of the wiper blade preferably comprises at least one nozzle body with at least one nozzle element for fluid output, and / or comprises at least one fluid line element, which in particular comprises at least one fluid output opening for fluid output. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the adapter arranged on the wiper blade comprises at least one fluid output unit, which has at least one fluid connector for fluidic connection to a fluid channel. Advantageously, a fluid supply to the fluid output unit can be achieved.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for mounting at least one windshield wiper, in particular a windshield wiper according to the invention.

[0024] The following aspect is proposed, in at least one method step, at least one fluid outlet unit, in particular of a wiper blade, is fluidically connected to at least one wiper arm of a wiper device by means of at least one fluid channel of at least one connecting unit of at least one wiper device. Preferably, the wiper blade is simultaneously fastened to the wiper arm by means of a connecting element of the connecting unit. Advantageously, a windshield wiper with a fluid supply can be conveniently mounted.

[0025] The wiper device according to the invention, the method according to the invention for producing a wiper device, the glass wiper according to the invention and / or the method for installing a glass wiper according to the invention are not to be restricted to the above-described applications and embodiments. In particular, the wiper device according to the invention, the method according to the invention for producing a wiper device, the glass wiper according to the invention and / or the method for installing a glass wiper according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps that differ from the number described here in order to realize the method of operation described here. In addition, for the value ranges given in the present disclosure, the values ​​within the limits are also considered to be public and can be used arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages can be derived from the following description of the drawings. In these drawings, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many combinations of features. A person skilled in the art can also examine these features individually according to the purpose and combine them into other advantageous combinations. Among them:

[0027] Figure 1 A glass wiper according to the invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0028] Figure 2 A portion of a windshield wiper according to the invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0029] Figure 3 shows another part of the windshield wiper according to the invention in a perspective view; and

[0030] Figure 4 A part of a wiper device according to the invention and a wiper blade of a windshield wiper according to the invention are shown in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A windshield wiper 42 is shown in a perspective view. The windshield wiper 42 comprises at least one wiper device 10 and at least one wiper blade 18. The wiper device 10 comprises at least one wiper arm 12 and at least one connecting unit 16, which is arranged on at least one end region 14 of the wiper arm 12 and is provided for fastening the wiper blade 18 or an adapter 20 arranged on the wiper blade 18 to the wiper arm 12. The connecting unit 16 and the adapter 20 are arranged on the wiper arm 12. Figure 1 The connecting unit 16 has at least one fluid channel 22, which is provided for supplying a fluid outlet unit 24 (see, for example, the wiper blade 18) in a fluidic manner. Figure 2 ). The fluid channel 22 is designed as a channel-shaped recess in at least one connecting element 26 of the connecting unit 16 .

[0032] The wiper device 10 is provided for installation on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The wiper device 10 is a part of a windshield wiper 42 provided for cleaning a window, in particular a front window and / or a rear window, of a vehicle. Figure 1 4 shows a side of the windshield wiper 42 which faces away from the windshield when the windshield wiper 42 is arranged on the vehicle. The fluid output unit 24 is configured to output, in particular spray, a fluid onto the windshield in order to clean the windshield. The fluid is designed as wiping water. The wiper blade 18 is configured to wipe the windshield in order to clean the windshield. The wiper lip 52 of the wiper blade 18 is configured to wipe the windshield in order to clean the windshield (see Figure 2). The wiper blade 18 is configured to wipe off dirt located on the glass and / or to wipe off fluid output to the glass via the fluid output unit 24. The wiper arm 12 is configured to move the wiper blade 18, which is fixed to the wiper arm 12 via the connecting unit 16, on the glass in order to clean the glass. The wiper arm 12 is arranged on at least one drive shaft of a wiper drive of a glass wiper 42 of the vehicle (not shown further here). The wiper arm 12 can be driven by the wiper drive in order to move relative to the glass. The wiper arm 12 is at least partially made of metal. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the wiper arm 12 is at least partially made of plastic, a composite material or another material that appears to be advantageous to a person skilled in the art.

[0033] Figure 2 A section of a windshield wiper 42 is shown in a perspective view. A detailed view of the windshield wiper 42 is shown in the end region 14 of the wiper arm 12. For the sake of clarity, the wiper blade 18 is shown only in the region behind the adapter 20. Figure 2 , a side of a windshield wiper 42 is shown which faces the windshield when the windshield wiper 42 is arranged on the vehicle. The windshield wiper 42 comprises at least one engagement element 44 which is arranged on the wiper blade 18 or on at least one adapter 20 which is arranged on the wiper blade 18 and is provided for mechanically and fluidically connecting the wiper blade 18 to the wiper device 10. The engagement element 44 is arranged on the adapter 20. The adapter 20 is designed as a component which, when viewed along a main extension direction 54 of the wiper blade 18, is in particular releasably fastened at least substantially centrally to the wiper blade 18 and is provided for connecting the wiper blade 18 to the wiper arm 12. When the adapter 20 is arranged on the wiper blade 18, the adapter 20 at least partially encloses or covers a spoiler 56 (cf. Figure 4 ). The adapter 20 is arranged at least partially around the spring rail 58 of the wiper blade 18. The coupling element 44 is provided for mechanical and fluidic connection with the wiper arm 12, in particular via the connecting element 26 of the connecting unit 16. The connecting element 26 is provided for at least partially accessing a recess defined by the coupling element 44. The connecting element 26 can be at least partially inserted into the recess defined by the coupling element 44. The coupling element 44 is constructed corresponding to the connecting element 26. The coupling element 44 is provided for connection with the connecting element 26 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The coupling element 44 is provided for at least partially accommodating the connecting element 26.

[0034] The coupling element 44 defines at least one recess arranged in the wiper blade 18 or in the adapter 20, into which recess at least one connecting element 26 of at least one connecting unit 16 of the wiper device 10 can be inserted, wherein the coupling element 44 has at least one fluid line 46 which can be fluidically connected to at least one fluid channel 22 of the connecting unit 16. The coupling element 44 defines a recess arranged in the adapter 20. The connecting element 26 is shown in a state in which it is inserted into the recess defined by the coupling element 44. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the coupling element 44 is configured as a thread in the wiper blade 18 or the adapter 20 or the like. In the state in which the wiper blade 18 is arranged on the wiper arm 12, the connecting element 26 and the coupling element 44 abut against each other at least essentially in a precisely shaped, in particular jigsaw-like manner. The fluid line 46 of the coupling element 44 can be fluidically connected to another fluid connector 34 of the connecting unit 16 (see Figure 3 ).

[0035] The wiper blade 18 comprises at least one fluid outlet unit 24, which has at least one fluid connection 48 for fluid connection to the fluid channel 22. The fluid outlet unit 24 of the wiper blade 18 comprises two fluid connections 48 for fluid connection to the fluid channel 22. The fluid connection 48 of the fluid outlet unit 24 of the wiper blade 18 can be fluidically connected to another fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16, in particular fluidically and mechanically connected. These fluid connections 48 can be fluidically connected to the fluid channel 22 indirectly via the fluid line 46 of the coupling element 44. Alternatively, it is conceivable that these fluid connections 48 can be directly fluidically connected to the fluid channel 22. The fluid outlet unit 24 of the wiper blade 18 comprises at least one nozzle body with at least one nozzle element for fluid outlet and / or comprises at least one fluid line element, which comprises at least one fluid outlet opening for fluid outlet (not shown further here). The adapter 20 arranged on the wiper blade 18 comprises a fluid outlet unit 60. The fluid outlet unit 60 of the adapter 20 is fluidically connected to the fluid channel 22. The fluid outlet unit 60 of the adapter 20 has a plurality of nozzle elements 62 for discharging the fluid. The adapter 20 is designed at least partially as a nozzle body.

[0036] Figure 3Another part of a windshield wiper 42 is shown in a perspective view. A part of a wiper arm 12, a connecting unit 16 and a part of a wiper blade 18 are shown. For the sake of clarity, the adapter 20 is not shown. The connecting unit 16 comprises a single connecting element 26, which is provided for fixing the wiper blade 18 or an adapter 20 arranged on the wiper blade 18 to the wiper arm 12. The connecting element 26 is provided for connecting with the wiper blade 18 or with the adapter 20 arranged on the wiper blade 18 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. The connecting element 26 is arranged on the end region 14 of the wiper arm 12. The end region 14 of the wiper arm 12 is such a region of the wiper arm 12, at which the at least substantially complete maximum extension of the wiper arm 12, in particular along the main extension direction 64 of the wiper arm 12, ends. The wiper arm 12 has at least two end regions 14 that face away from each other. The connecting unit 16, in particular the connecting element 26, is arranged at the end region 14 of the wiper arm 12. The wiper arm 12 can be connected to the drive shaft of the wiper drive at the other end region of the wiper arm 12. The connecting element 26 is fixed to the wiper arm 12. The connecting element 26 is connected to the wiper arm 12 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element 26 is connected to the wiper arm 12 in a material-fitting manner, or is constructed integrally with the wiper arm 12. The connecting element 26 extends through the recess defined by the two fixing protrusions 66 of the wiper arm 12.

[0037] The longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26 extends transversely to, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly to, the main extension direction 64 of the wiper arm 12. When arranged on the wiper arm 12, the longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26 extends transversely to, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly to, the main extension direction 54 of the wiper blade 18. The connecting element 26 is configured as a connecting pin. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element 26 is configured as a connecting bolt, a connecting screw, etc. The connecting element 26 is composed of metal. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connecting element 26 is composed of plastic, a composite material, or another material that appears to be advantageous to a person skilled in the art. In addition to having the connecting element 26, the connecting unit 16 also has at least one fixing element 70 for fixing the wiper blade 18 or the adapter 20 arranged on the wiper blade 18 to the wiper arm 12. The fixing element 70 is configured as a clamp. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fixing element 70 is configured as a locking element, etc. The fluid channel 22 is arranged on the connecting element 26 (see Figure 4 ). The fluid channel 22 is delimited by a connecting element 26. The fluid channel 22 is provided for conducting the fluid to be discharged, in particular from a fluid reservoir of a vehicle on which the wiper device 10 is mounted, to a fluid discharge unit 24 of the wiper blade 18 and to a fluid discharge unit 60 of the adapter 20. In the state in which the wiper blade 18 is arranged on the wiper arm 12, the fluid channel 22 extends from the wiper arm 12 to the wiper blade 18 or the adapter 20.

[0038] The connecting unit 16 has at least one fluid connection 30 for fluidically connecting the fluid channel 22 to at least one fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12. The fluid connection 30 of the connecting unit 16 is arranged at an end region 36 of the fluid channel 22 and / or of the connecting element 26 on the wiper arm side. The fluid connection 30 of the connecting unit 16 is designed as a fluidic connection, in particular a connecting channel connected to the fluid channel 22. The fluid connection 30 of the connecting unit 16 is designed as an opening in the connecting element 26, which extends from the fluid channel 22 along the entire radius of the connecting element 26, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26, through the connecting element 26 to the outside of the connecting element 26 (see Figure 4 In order to mechanically and / or fluidically fix the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12, the fluid connector 30 of the connecting unit 16 can have at least one coupling region, which has, for example, a thread, a clamp or the like (not shown in detail here). Figure 3 1 and 1 . The fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 is covered in the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12, which is connected to the fluid connector 30 of the connecting unit 16. The fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 is provided for introducing a fluid, in particular from a fluid reservoir of the vehicle, into the fluid channel 22. The fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension of the wiper arm 12. The fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 is configured as a hose. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 is configured as a tube or the like. The fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 has a coupling joint 72 for coupling with the connecting element 26. The coupling joint 72 of the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the connecting element 26.

[0039] The connecting unit 16 has at least one further fluid connection 34 for fluidically connecting the fluid channel 22 to the fluid outlet unit 24 of the wiper blade 18. In addition, the further fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16 is provided for fluidically connecting to the fluid outlet unit 60 of the adapter 20. The further fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16 is arranged at an end region 74 of the fluid channel 22 and / or of the connecting element 26 on the wiper blade side or on the adapter side. The end region 74 of the fluid channel 22 and / or of the connecting element 26 on the wiper blade side or on the adapter side faces away from the end region 36 of the fluid channel 22 and / or of the connecting element 26 on the wiper arm side. The further fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16 is designed at least substantially similarly to the fluid connection 30 of the connecting unit 16. The further fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16 is provided for fluidically connecting the fluid channel 22 to the fluid outlet unit 24 of the wiper blade 18 and to the fluid outlet unit 60 of the adapter 20. The other fluid connection 34 of the connecting unit 16 is provided for fluidically connecting the fluid channel 22 to the fluid line 46 of the joining element 44. For the sake of clarity, in addition to the fluid line 46, Figure 3 The coupling element 44 is not shown in the drawing. The fluid line 46 of the coupling element 44 is designed at least substantially similarly to the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12, in particular as a hose. The fluid line 46 has a coupling connector 76 designed at least substantially similarly to the coupling connector 72 of the fluid line element 32 of the wiper arm 12 for coupling to the connecting element 26. The other fluid connector 34 of the connecting unit 16 is at Figure 3 The coupling joint 76 of the fluid line 46 of the coupling element 44 is covered. As an alternative to the fluid line 46 of the coupling element 44 being designed as a hose, it is conceivable that the recess defined by the coupling element 44 is at least partially designed as a fluid line.

[0040] At least one connecting element 26 of the connecting unit 16 is riveted to the wiper arm 12 in at least one end region 36 of the connecting element 26, in particular at least substantially in a fluid-tight manner. The connecting element 26 is riveted to the wiper arm 12 in the end region 36 of the connecting element 26 on the wiper arm side, in particular at least substantially in a fluid-tight manner. The connecting element 26 is riveted to the wiper arm 12 in a completely fluid-tight manner. The riveting of the connecting element 26 to the wiper arm 12 forms a closure of the fluid channel 22 on the wiper arm side along the longitudinal axis 78 of the fluid channel 22. The connecting element 26 is riveted to the wiper arm 12 on the outer side 80 of the wiper arm 12, which outer side faces away from the wiper blade 18 when the wiper blade 18 is arranged on the wiper arm 12. The connecting element 26 is riveted to the wiper arm 12 at the fixing projection 66 of the wiper arm 12. The riveting of the connecting element 26 to the wiper arm 12 can be seen between the fixing projection 66 of the wiper arm 12 and the cover 50.

[0041] The connecting unit 16 has at least one line element 38, which is provided for supplying power to an electrical functional unit 40, in particular, of the wiper blade 18. The connecting element 26 at least partially forms the line element 38. The connecting element 26 is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the line element 38 extends at least partially along the connecting element 26, in particular inside the connecting element 26. As an alternative to configuring the connecting element 26 as a line element 38, the line element 38 can be configured as a cable, a wire, etc. For guiding the line element 38, the connecting unit 16 can have at least one line channel, in particular, extending at least substantially parallel to the fluid channel 22 inside the connecting element 26, or the line element 38 can be guided on the outside of the connecting element 26. The line element 38 configured to withstand fluid can extend through the fluid channel 22. The wiper blade 18 has an electrical functional unit 40 configured as a heating unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the adapter 20 has an electrical functional unit. The electrical functional unit 40 is provided for heating at least one nozzle body, at least one fluid line element, at least one wiper strip of the wiper blade 18 and / or at least one wiper lip 52 of the wiper blade 18. The electrical functional unit 40 has heating elements extending along the spring rail 58 of the wiper blade 18. These heating elements are arranged in a Figure 3 The inner portion is covered by the spring rail 58.

[0042] Figure 4 A portion of a wiper device 10 and a wiper blade 18 of a windshield wiper 42 are shown in a perspective view. A connecting unit 16 is shown. The fluid channel 22 is configured as a channel-shaped recess in a connecting element 26. The fluid channel 22 has a cross section that is at least substantially circular. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fluid channel 22 has a polygonal, in particular at least substantially square, cross section, an elliptical cross section or another cross section that is advantageous to a person skilled in the art. The longitudinal axis 78 of the fluid channel 22 extends at least substantially parallel to, in particular coaxially with, the longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26. The fluid channel 22 is at least substantially completely defined by the connecting element 26 along the at least substantially complete circumference of the fluid channel 22 and around the longitudinal axis 78 of the fluid channel 22. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fluid channel 22 is configured as a fluid line element, for example, a hose or a tube, which is arranged within the channel-shaped recess in the connecting element 26.

[0043] The recess extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26. The fluid channel 22 designed as a channel-shaped recess extends along the at least substantially complete maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26. The maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26 is designed as the maximum extension of the connecting element 26 along the longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26. The recess extends in particular along at least 75% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26, preferably along at least 85% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26, particularly preferably along at least 95% of the complete maximum longitudinal extension 28 of the connecting element 26. The recess extends along the longitudinal axis 68 of the connecting element 26 in the direction of the wiper arm 12 and away from the wiper arm 12 to a wall 82 of the connecting element 26, which closes the recess in a fluid-tight manner.

[0044] The following is a method for producing the wiper device 10. In at least one method step, at least one connecting element 26 of at least one connecting unit 16 is riveted to at least one wiper arm 12 in a fluid-tight manner, in particular at least substantially, in at least one end region 36 of the connecting element 26. With regard to the other method steps of the method for producing the wiper device 10, reference is made to the above description of the wiper device 10, since this description also applies analogously to the method, and therefore all features of the wiper device 10 are also considered to be disclosed for the method for producing the wiper device 10.

[0045] In the following, a method for mounting a windshield wiper 42 is described. In at least one method step, in particular at least one fluid outlet unit 24 of a wiper blade 18 is fluidically connected to at least one wiper arm 12 of a wiper device 10 by means of at least one fluid channel 22 of at least one connecting unit 16 of at least one wiper device 10. The wiper blade 18 is simultaneously fixed to the wiper arm 12 by means of a connecting element 26 of the connecting unit 16. With regard to the other method steps of the method for mounting a windshield wiper 42, reference is made to the above description of the windshield wiper 42, since this description also applies analogously to the method, and therefore all features of the windshield wiper 42 are also considered to be disclosed for the method for mounting a windshield wiper 42.

Claims

1. A wiper device, comprising at least one wiper arm (12) and at least one connecting unit (16), the connecting unit being arranged on at least one end region (14) of the wiper arm (12), the connecting unit being configured to fix an adapter (20) arranged on a wiper blade (18) on the wiper arm (12), characterized in that: The connecting unit (16) has at least one fluid channel (22) which is provided for fluidically supplying a fluid outlet unit (24), wherein the fluid channel (22) is designed as a channel-like recess in at least one connecting element (26) of the connecting unit (16).

2. The wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recess extends along the entire maximum longitudinal extension (28) of the connecting element (26).

3. The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The connecting unit (16) has at least one fluid connection (30) for fluidically connecting the fluid channel (22) to at least one fluid line element (32) of the wiper arm (12).

4. The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The connecting unit (16) has at least one further fluid connection (34) which is used to connect the fluid channel (22) to the fluid outlet unit (24) in a fluidic manner.

5. The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that At least one connecting element (26) of the connecting unit (16) is riveted to the wiper arm (12) in at least one end region (36) of the connecting element (26).

6. The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The connecting unit (16) has at least one line element (38) which is provided for supplying electrical power to an electrical functional unit (40).

7. The wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid outlet unit (24) is a fluid outlet unit (24) of the wiper blade (18).

8. The wiper device according to claim 5, characterized in that The connecting element (26) of the connecting unit (16) is riveted to the wiper arm (12) in at least a substantially fluid-tight manner in at least one end region (36) of the connecting element (26).

9. The wiper device according to claim 6, characterized in that The electrical functional unit (40) is the electrical functional unit (40) of the wiper blade (18).

10. A method for producing a wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that In at least one method step, at least one connecting element (26) of at least one connecting unit (16) is riveted to at least one wiper arm (12) in at least one end region (36) of the connecting element (26).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The connecting element (26) is riveted to the at least one wiper arm (12) in at least one end region (36) of the connecting element (26) in an at least substantially fluid-tight manner.

12. A windshield wiper having at least one wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one wiper blade (18), characterized in that: At least one engagement element (44) is provided, which is arranged on at least one adapter (20) and is provided for mechanically and fluidically connecting the wiper blade (18) to the wiper device.

13. The glass wiper according to claim 12, characterized in that: The coupling element (44) defines at least one recess arranged in the adapter (20), into which recess at least one connecting element (26) of at least one connecting unit (16) of the wiper device can be inserted, wherein the coupling element (44) has at least one fluid line (46) which can be fluidically connected to at least one fluid channel (22) of the connecting unit (16).

14. The glass wiper according to claim 13, characterized in that: The wiper blade (18) comprises at least one fluid outlet unit (24) having at least one fluid connection (48) for fluidic connection to the fluid channel (22).

15. A method for mounting at least one windshield wiper according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that In at least one method step, at least one fluid discharge unit (24) is fluidically connected to at least one wiper arm (12) of at least one wiper device by means of at least one fluid channel (22) of at least one connecting unit (16) of at least one wiper device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The fluid outlet unit (24) is a fluid outlet unit (24) of a wiper blade (18).

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