Windshield wiper device, wiper blade adapter therefor and windshield wiper with windshield wiper device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a windshield wiper device having at least one wiper blade adapter, at least one wiper arm adapter, and at least one connecting unit for electrically and / or fluidically connecting the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter, wherein the wiper blade adapter is arranged on the wiper arm adapter so as to be rotatable about a bearing axis of the wiper arm adapter, wherein the connecting unit has at least one connecting element on the wiper arm side and at least one connecting element on the wiper blade side. It is proposed that the windshield wiper device includes at least one force transmission unit, which is configured to cause at least the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side to move relative to each other at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A windshield wiper device has been proposed, comprising at least one wiper blade adapter, at least one wiper arm adapter, and at least one connecting unit for an electrical and / or fluidic connection of the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter, wherein the wiper blade adapter is arranged on the wiper arm adapter so as to be rotatable about a bearing axis of the wiper arm adapter, wherein the connecting unit comprises at least one connecting element on the wiper arm side and at least one connecting element on the wiper blade side. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The present invention provides a windshield wiper device having at least one wiper blade adapter, at least one wiper arm adapter, and at least one connecting unit for an electrical and / or fluidic connection of the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter, wherein the wiper blade adapter is rotatably arranged on the wiper arm adapter about a bearing axis of the wiper arm adapter, wherein the connecting unit has at least one connecting element on the wiper arm side and at least one connecting element on the wiper blade side.

[0003] It is proposed that the windshield wiper device comprises at least one force transmission unit, which is configured to move at least the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side relative to each other at least essentially parallel to the bearing axis when the wiper blade adapter moves relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis.

[0004] "Provided" is to be understood in particular as meaning specially designed and / or specially equipped. Being an object (in particular the force transmission unit) configured for a certain function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object performs and / or executes the certain function in at least one state of use and / or operation. "Substantially parallel" is to be understood in particular as meaning an orientation of lines, planes or vectors (in particular the direction vectors of the movement of the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade) relative to one another, relative to another line, another plane or another vector (in particular the bearing axis); wherein the line, the plane or the vector has a deviation relative to the other line, another plane or vector (in particular as viewed in at least one projection plane) of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Particularly preferably, the force transmission unit is configured to convert at least a rotational or rocking movement of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter into a translational movement of the connecting elements of the connection unit (particularly the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side) relative to one another, wherein force is particularly transmitted. Preferably, the force transmission unit is configured such that the translational movement occurs along at least one direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis. In particular, the force transmission unit is at least partially arranged on the wiper blade adapter and / or at least partially at the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the connection unit has at least one connection direction, wherein, in particular, the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side can be connected to one another by movement along or against the connection direction for electrical and / or fluidic connection of the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter. Preferably, the connecting unit, in particular the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side, is designed such that the connecting direction is oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis and / or relative to the direction of translational movement of the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side relative to each other. In particular, the bearing axis, the connecting direction and / or the direction of translational movement are oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and / or the wiper blade adapter."Substantially perpendicular" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, the alignment of a straight line, a plane or a vector (in particular of the bearing axis, the connection direction and / or the direction of the translational movement) relative to another straight line, plane or vector (in particular relative to the main extension axis of the wiper blade adapter and / or the wiper arm adapter); wherein the straight line, the plane or the vector and the other straight line, plane or vector (in particular when viewed in a projection plane) enclose an angle of 90°, and wherein the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. A "main extension axis" of an object (in particular of the wiper blade adapter and / or the wiper arm adapter) is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an axis running parallel to the longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that completely encloses the object.

[0005] Preferably, a wiper blade, in particular comprising the wiper blade adapter, can be fastened or fixed to a wiper arm, in particular comprising the wiper arm adapter, by movement about the bearing axis. Preferably, the wiper arm adapter comprises at least one bearing element, in particular extending along the bearing axis. In particular, the wiper blade (in particular of the wiper blade adapter) is mounted on the bearing element so as to be movable or pivotable relative to the wiper arm (in particular relative to the wiper arm adapter) about the bearing axis. Preferably, the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade are each designed as a hydraulic and / or electrical connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade are each designed as a plug, as a projection, as a contact element, etc. In particular, the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade are designed to correspond to one another. For example, the wiper arm-side connecting element is designed as a hollow cylindrical projection, and the wiper blade-side connecting element is designed as a connecting pipe, wherein, in particular, the wiper arm-side connecting element is pushed onto the wiper blade-side connecting element for fluid connection. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the wiper blade-side connecting element is designed as a male electrical plug, and the wiper arm-side connecting element is designed as a female electrical plug, wherein, in particular, the wiper blade-side connecting element is plugged into the wiper arm-side connecting element for electrical connection. In particular, in embodiments in which the connecting unit is provided for fluid connection of the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter, the connecting elements are preferably provided for guiding wiping fluid (in particular a wiping water mixture) from a fluid reservoir of a windshield wiper via the wiper arm (in particular the wiper arm adapter) to at least one fluid channel of the wiper blade (in particular of the wiper blade adapter). In particular, in a solution in which the connecting unit is provided for electrically connecting the wiper arm adapter to a wiper blade adapter, the connecting element is preferably provided for transmitting current and / or voltage for supplying at least one power consumer of the wiper blade (such as, for example, a heater and / or a lighting element) from a supply unit of the windshield wiper via the wiper arm to the wiper blade (in particular the wiper blade adapter), or for connecting the wiper blade (in particular the wiper blade adapter). Other solutions of the connecting unit (in particular the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade) are also conceivable.

[0006] The technical solution of the windshield wiper device according to the invention allows the electrical and / or hydraulic connection of the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter to be actuated, loosened, or otherwise influenced by a rocking motion of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter. This advantageously allows for simple and rapid removal of the wiper blade, in particular the wiper blade adapter, when replacing the wiper blade. In particular, since an advantageously high leverage can be achieved with the wiper blade or wiper arm, an advantageously low connection force can be applied to disconnect the connecting element.

[0007] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit includes at least one force transmission element designed as a projection and arranged on the wiper blade adapter. In particular, since the force transmission element can be designed to be replaceable together with the wiper blade or the wiper blade adapter, a force transmission unit that is advantageously independent of wear or loss can be achieved. This allows advantageously low manufacturing costs, in particular since the force transmission element can be advantageously manufactured simply or from inexpensive materials. The force transmission element being “arranged on the wiper blade adapter” should be understood to mean that the force transmission element is arranged on at least one component of the wiper blade adapter independently of the position of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the force transmission element is arranged on the wiper blade adapter base body of the wiper blade adapter. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the force transmission element, in particular together with the connecting element on the wiper blade side, is movably mounted on the wiper blade adapter. In particular, the force transmission element is connected directly or indirectly to the connecting element on the wiper blade side in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. "Connected in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner" is to be understood here as a detachable connection, wherein the holding force between the two components is preferably transmitted by geometric engagement of the components with each other and / or frictional forces between the components. Preferably, the force transmission unit comprises at least one contact surface, which is designed to cooperate with the force transmission element to achieve relative movement of the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side when the wiper blade adapter moves relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis. Preferably, the contact surface is arranged on the wiper arm adapter. In particular, the force transmission element is arranged on the side of the wiper blade adapter facing the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the force transmission element of the wiper blade adapter, which is designed as a projection, extends at least partially in the direction of the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the contact surface is arranged on the side of the wiper arm adapter facing the wiper blade adapter. Preferably, the contact surface is at least partially oriented at least substantially parallel to the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter. It is conceivable that the contact surface is at least partially planar and / or at least partially curved. In an alternative embodiment of the windshield wiper device, the force transmission element is arranged on the wiper arm adapter, wherein, in particular, the contact surface is arranged on the wiper blade adapter.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit comprises at least one force transmission element (in particular, the aforementioned one) that is integrally formed with the wiper arm adapter or the wiper blade adapter. This allows for an advantageously simple and robust design of the wiper blade adapter or the wiper arm adapter or the force transmission unit. This allows for an advantageously small number of different components. This allows for advantageously low manufacturing and / or assembly costs. "Integrally" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, integrally bonded, for example, by welding and / or gluing processes, etc., and particularly advantageously, molded, such as by production from a casting and / or in a single- or multi-component injection molding process. Preferably, the contact surface is formed as an outer surface of the wiper arm adapter or the wiper blade adapter.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit is designed to, when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis, in particular to at least substantially completely disconnect the electrical and / or fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter. In particular, since the electrical and / or fluidic connection can advantageously be connected or disconnected simultaneously when the wiper blade is rotated about the bearing axis to detach and / or secure the wiper blade from the wiper arm, simple and rapid disassembly or assembly of the wiper blade, in particular of the wiper blade adapter, is advantageously possible. In particular, the force transmission unit is designed to, when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis, move the connecting elements relative to one another by, in particular, at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm. The force transmission unit is configured to substantially completely disconnect the electrical and / or fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter. This should be understood in particular to mean that the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element are moved away from each other along the connecting direction to such an extent that contact surfaces (in particular electrical contacts) of the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element are arranged disconnected from each other; that the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element are arranged disconnected from each other, at least substantially perpendicularly to the bearing axis; and / or that a connecting function of the connecting unit (such as, for example, fastening the connecting elements to each other, insulating the electrical contacts, sealing, etc.) is decoupled between the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element. Preferably, the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element are movable relative to each other about the bearing axis in at least one disconnected state of the connecting elements. In particular, the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side are arranged spaced apart from one another in the disconnected state of the connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side are fixed relative to one another or secured to one another in at least one connected state of the connecting element with respect to a movement about the bearing axis.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit comprises at least one (particularly the aforementioned) force transmission element and at least one (particularly the aforementioned) contact surface, which is configured to cooperate with the force transmission element to enable a relative movement between the connecting element on the wiper arm and the connecting element on the wiper blade, wherein the force transmission element and the contact surface are spaced apart from one another in at least one assembled state of the wiper blade adapter. Advantageously, wear and / or loss of the force transmission element or the contact surface in the assembled state of the wiper blade (particularly of the wiper blade adapter) can be prevented, particularly during operation of a windshield wiper. It is also possible to transmit a force for moving the connecting elements relative to one another with a time delay, for example to previously release the fastening of the wiper blade adapter to the wiper arm adapter.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit is configured to move the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element relative to the wiper arm adapter at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis through an angle that is at least greater than 15°, preferably greater than 20°, and particularly preferably greater than 25°. This allows for a time-delayed transmission of the force for moving the connecting elements relative to each other, for example, to previously release the fastening of the wiper blade adapter to the wiper arm adapter. It is conceivable that the wiper arm adapter includes at least one fastening element that is configured to secure the wiper blade adapter to the wiper arm adapter in the assembled state (in particular, to prevent movement about and / or along the bearing axis). For example, in particular in a side-lock connection of the wiper blade adapter to the wiper arm adapter, the fixing element at least partially surrounds or encloses the wiper blade adapter, wherein in particular the wiper blade adapter is arranged along the bearing axis between the fixing element and the wiper arm adapter. In particular, in the assembled state, a movement of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis is blocked or limited by the fixing element and the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, in particular in a solution in which the force transmission element is integrally formed with the wiper blade adapter or wiper arm adapter, or is arranged directly on the wiper blade adapter or wiper arm adapter, the force transmission unit is configured to move the wiper arm-side connecting element and the wiper blade-side connecting element relative to each other as soon as the fastening element is released from the wiper blade adapter, in particular when the wiper blade adapter is tilted relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis by at least more than 15°, preferably more than 20°, and particularly preferably more than 25°. Preferably, the main extension axes of the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter are oriented at least substantially parallel to each other in the assembled state. Preferably, in particular in a state different from the assembled state, the angle at least substantially corresponds to the angle of the main extension axes of the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter relative to each other.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit is designed to at least substantially completely disconnect the electrical and / or fluidic connection of the wiper arm adapter to the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis over an angular range of up to 90°, preferably up to 80°, and particularly preferably up to 70°. In particular, when the wiper blade adapter is simultaneously disconnected and the fluidic and / or hydraulic connection is disconnected, an advantageously small space requirement can be achieved when disassembling the wiper blade, in particular when replacing the wiper blade. Advantageously, the wiper blade can be disassembled simply and quickly.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the force transmission unit includes at least one force transmission element (particularly the aforementioned force transmission surface) having at least one force transmission surface, which extends at least partially obliquely relative to the bearing axis and at least partially obliquely relative to the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and / or the wiper blade adapter. This allows for an advantageously simple and cost-effective design of the force transmission unit (particularly the force transmission element), wherein the force transmission element can advantageously be constructed in one piece. This allows for an advantageously small number of different components of the windshield wiping device. This allows for advantageously low manufacturing and / or assembly costs. "Obliquely" is to be understood as meaning an orientation other than parallel and perpendicular. In particular, the force transmission surface has an angle relative to the bearing axis from an angular range, in particular between 85° and 5°, preferably between 75° and 15°, preferably between 65° and 25°, and particularly preferably between 55° and 35°. In particular, the force transmission surface has an angle relative to the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and / or the wiper blade adapter from an angle range, in particular between 85° and 5°, preferably between 75° and 15°, preferably between 65° and 25°, and particularly preferably between 55° and 35°. It is conceivable that the force transmission surface, in particular along the main extension axis of the force transmission element, is designed as a flat surface. It is also conceivable that the force transmission surface is at least partially curved, wherein the angle between the force transmission surface and the bearing axis or the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and / or the wiper blade adapter varies along the main extension axis of the force transmission element. Preferably, the angle between the force transmission surface and the bearing axis or the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and / or the wiper blade adapter along the main extension axis of the force transmission element corresponds to an angle from the angular range, which is in particular between 85° and 5°, preferably between 75° and 15°, preferably between 65° and 25°, and particularly preferably between 55° and 35°. Preferably, the force transmission element is designed to enable a relative movement of the connecting elements (in particular the connecting element on the wiper arm side and the connecting element on the wiper blade side) by moving the force transmission surface relative to each other along the wiper arm adapter (in particular along the contact surface) when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis. In particular, the force transmission surface is designed to exert a force via the contact surface when the wiper blade adapter is moved relative to the wiper arm adapter about the bearing axis.Particularly preferably, the force acting from the contact surface on the force transmission surface acts on the force transmission element at least partially along a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis, in particular due to the inclined orientation of the force transmission surface relative to the main extension axis of the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter. Preferably, the force transmission element is designed to transmit the force acting from the contact surface on the force transmission surface at least to the connecting element on the wiper blade side or to the connecting element on the wiper arm side.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper arm-side connecting element is movably mounted on the wiper arm adapter in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis, and / or the wiper blade-side connecting element is movably mounted on the wiper blade adapter in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis, wherein the force transmission unit is provided to move the wiper arm-side connecting element relative to the wiper arm adapter and / or to move the wiper blade-side connecting element relative to the wiper blade adapter. In particular, since it is possible that only the wiper arm-side connecting element and / or the wiper blade-side connecting element must be moved by means of the force transmission unit by means of the force for disconnecting the fluidic and / or hydraulic connection, the force transmitted to the connecting unit (in particular the wiper arm-side connecting element and / or the wiper blade-side connecting element) for disconnecting the fluidic and / or hydraulic connection can be advantageously designed to be small. The wiper blade adapter preferably includes at least one bearing unit, which is provided for movably supporting the wiper blade-side connecting element relative to the wiper blade adapter base body. Preferably, the bearing unit is provided for at least partially limiting movement of the wiper blade-side connecting element in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis. The bearing unit is particularly provided for retaining the wiper blade-side connecting element in at least one position arranged on the wiper blade adapter base body, in particular in at least one bearing recess of the bearing unit. For example, the bearing unit (in particular, at least one bearing element of the bearing unit) is designed as a recess, groove, slot, projection, or the like. In particular, the bearing unit (in particular, the bearing element) is designed to correspond to the wiper blade-side connecting element. Preferably, the bearing unit (in particular, the bearing element) is arranged directly on the wiper blade adapter base body. Particularly preferably, the bearing unit (in particular, the bearing element) is integrally formed with the wiper blade adapter base body. It is also conceivable that the connecting element on the wiper blade side is designed to be removable from the wiper blade adapter base body by a movement in at least one direction, in particular in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis. As an alternative or in addition, in particular in the case of a solution in which the force transmission element is arranged on the wiper arm adapter, it is conceivable that the wiper arm adapter comprises at least one bearing unit which is provided for movably supporting the connecting element on the wiper arm side relative to the wiper arm adapter base body.

[0015] Furthermore, a wiper blade adapter for a windshield wiper device according to the invention is proposed.

[0016] The technical solution of the wiper blade adapter according to the invention allows the electrical and / or hydraulic connection to the wiper arm adapter to be operated, loosened, or influenced advantageously by a rocking movement of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter. This advantageously allows for simple and rapid removal of the wiper blade, in particular the wiper blade adapter, when replacing the wiper blade. In particular, since an advantageously high leverage can be achieved with the wiper blade or wiper arm, an advantageously low connection force can be applied for disconnecting the connecting element.

[0017] Furthermore, a windshield wiper having at least one windshield wiper device according to the invention is proposed.

[0018] The technical concept of the windshield wiper according to the invention allows the electrical and / or hydraulic connection of the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter to be actuated, loosened, or otherwise influenced by a rocking motion of the wiper blade adapter relative to the wiper arm adapter. This advantageously allows for simple and rapid removal of the wiper blade, in particular the wiper blade adapter, when replacing the wiper blade. In particular, since an advantageously high leverage can be achieved with the wiper blade or wiper arm, an advantageously low connection force can be applied to disconnect the connecting element.

[0019] The windshield wiper device according to the invention, the wiper blade adapter according to the invention, and / or the windshield wiper according to the invention are not limited to the uses and embodiments described above. In particular, to achieve the function described herein, the windshield wiper device according to the invention, the wiper blade adapter according to the invention, and / or the windshield wiper according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the numbers mentioned herein. Furthermore, within the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further advantages are apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous combined features. A person skilled in the art will also appropriately consider these features individually and combine them into further useful combinations.

[0021] in:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a windshield wiper according to the invention with a windshield wiper device according to the invention in the assembled state; and

[0023] Figure 2A detailed view of the windshield wiper according to the invention is shown in the region of the wiper blade adapter according to the invention of a windshield wiper device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] exist Figure 1 1 shows the windshield wiper 10 in the assembled state on the windshield 12. The windshield 12 is designed in particular to Figure 1 The windshield of the vehicle not shown in the figure. It is also conceivable that the windshield wiper 10 is arranged on the windshield 12 of a stationary object, such as, for example, a building or another forward moving mechanism. The windshield wiper 10 comprises a wiper arm 14 (which comprises a wiper arm adapter 16), a wiper blade 18 (which comprises a wiper blade adapter 20), a drive unit 22 and a supply unit 24. The supply unit 24 is designed as a battery. Other technical solutions of the supply unit 24 are also conceivable, such as a fluid container with a pump. The supply unit 24 designed as a battery is provided for supplying electricity to a power consumption unit 26 designed as a heating body of the wiper blade 18. Other technical solutions of the power consumption unit 26 are also conceivable, such as a light-emitting element and / or as a controllable valve. Preferably, the drive unit 22 has a drive element (the drive element is particularly at Figure 1 The wiper arm 14 is connected to a drive shaft 28 (not shown in the drawings), wherein the wiper arm 14 is fastened to the drive shaft 28 and can be moved along the surface of the windshield 12 via the drive shaft 28. The wiper blade 18 includes a wiper strip 30 and the power consumption unit 26, which is provided for heating at least one fluid-conducting channel of the wiper strip 30 (not shown in the drawings). The wiper arm 14 includes the wiper arm adapter 16 and a conductor element 32 for electrically connecting the supply unit 24 to the wiper blade 18.

[0025] The wiper blade 18 can be fastened to the wiper arm 14, in particular the wiper arm adapter 16, via a wiper blade adapter 20. In particular, the wiper blade 18 is rotatably or pivotably mounted relative to the wiper arm 14 via the wiper blade adapter 20 and the wiper arm adapter 16 in at least one operating state of the windshield wiper 10 (in particular for installing or removing the wiper blade 18). The wiper arm 14 has a bearing element 34, in particular designed as a bearing cap screw, and a securing element 36, in particular designed as a retaining finger. The securing element 36 is provided in particular to secure or retain the wiper blade 18 (in particular the wiper blade adapter 20) in at least one position relative to the wiper arm 14 (in particular the wiper arm adapter 16). Preferably, the fastening element 36 is provided to at least partially surround the wiper blade adapter 20, in particular the wiper blade adapter base body 38 of the wiper blade adapter 20, in at least one assembled state of the wiper blade 18. In particular, the wiper blade 18, in particular the wiper blade adapter 20, is mounted on the wiper arm adapter 16 so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, about a bearing axis 40 of the wiper arm adapter 16 via a bearing element 34 of the wiper arm adapter 16.

[0026] The windshield wiper device 10 includes a windshield wiper device 42, which includes the wiper blade adapter 20 and the wiper arm adapter 16. The windshield wiper device 42 includes a connecting unit 44 for electrically connecting the wiper arm adapter 16 to the wiper blade adapter 20, wherein the wiper blade adapter 20 is arranged on the wiper arm adapter 16 so as to be rotatable or pivotable about the bearing axis 40. The connecting unit 44 is provided for electrically connecting the conductor element 32 of the wiper arm 14 to the power consumption unit 26 and / or the conductor element of the wiper blade 18 (which conductor element is not shown in the drawings). The connecting unit 44 includes a connecting element 46 on the wiper arm side and a connecting element 48 on the wiper blade side, which are connected to each other, in particular for electrically connecting the wiper arm adapter 16 to the wiper blade adapter 20. The connecting elements 46, 48 are designed as electrical plugs, wherein the connecting element 48 on the wiper blade side is designed as a male plug and the connecting element 46 on the wiper arm side is designed as a female plug. Figure 2is shown in the connected state. Specifically, the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 is plugged onto the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 in this connected state for the electrical connection between the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 . The connecting elements 46 , 48 are provided for transmitting current and / or voltage for supplying the power consumption unit 26 of the wiper blade 18 from the supply unit 24 of the windshield wiper 10 via the wiper arm 14 (in particular the conductor element 32 ) to the wiper blade 18 (in particular the wiper blade adapter 20 ), or for connecting to the wiper blade 18 (in particular the wiper blade adapter 20 ). Other designs of the connecting unit 44 are also conceivable, for example for a fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 , preferably for the conduction of a fluid. In an alternative embodiment of the connecting unit 44 , the connecting units 46 , 48 are preferably designed as fluid connecting elements, for example as connecting pipes, pipe extensions, hoses or the like.

[0027] The windshield wiper device 42 includes a force transmission unit 50, which is configured to cause at least the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 to move relative to each other at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. Particularly preferably, the force transmission unit 50 is configured to convert at least a rotational or rocking movement of the wiper blade adapter 20 relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40 into a translational movement of the connecting elements 46, 48 of the connecting unit 44 (in particular, the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48), wherein in particular force is transmitted. The force transmission unit 50 is configured such that the translational movement occurs along at least one direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40. The force transmission unit 50 is at least partially arranged on the wiper blade adapter 20 and at least partially on the wiper arm adapter 16. The connecting unit 44 has a connecting direction 52, wherein, in particular for the electrical connection of the wiper arm adapter 16 to the wiper blade adapter 20, the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 can be connected to one another by a movement along or against the connecting direction 52. The connecting unit 44, in particular the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48, is designed such that the connecting direction 52 is oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40 and relative to the direction of translational movement of the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48. The bearing axis 40, the connecting direction 52, and the direction of translational movement are oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension axes 54, 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20. In particular, the force transmission unit 50 is provided for moving the connecting element 48 on the wiper blade side relative to the connecting element 46 on the wiper arm side, in particular by at least 5 mm, preferably by at least 10 mm, particularly preferably by at least 15 mm, when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40 .

[0028] The force transmission unit 50 is provided for disconnecting the electrical connection between the wiper blade adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. A technical embodiment of the force transmission unit 50 is also conceivable in which the force transmission unit 50 is provided for disconnecting the fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. In particular, it is conceivable that the force transmission unit 50 is provided for disconnecting the fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40.

[0029] exist Figure 2 , the windshield wiper device 42 is shown in a detailed view. The force transmission unit 50 includes a force transmission element 58, which is designed as a projection and is arranged on the wiper blade adapter 20. The force transmission element 58 is arranged on the wiper blade adapter base body 38 of the wiper blade adapter 20. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the force transmission element 58 is movably supported on the wiper blade adapter 20, in particular together with the wiper blade-side connecting element 48. The force transmission element 58 is connected to the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 via the wiper blade adapter base body 38 in a non-positive and / or positively locking manner. The force transmission unit 50 includes a contact surface 60, which is designed to cooperate with the force transmission element 58 in the relative movement of the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. The contact surface 60 is arranged on the wiper arm adapter 16. The force transmission element 58 is arranged on a side of the wiper blade adapter 20 (in particular of the wiper blade adapter base body 38) that faces the wiper arm adapter 16. The contact surface 60 is arranged on a side of the wiper arm adapter 16 that faces the wiper blade adapter 20. The contact surface 60 is at least partially oriented at least substantially parallel to the main extension axis 54 of the wiper arm adapter 16. The contact surface 60 is designed to be curved when viewed along the main extension axis 54 of the wiper arm adapter 16. The force transmission element 58 is designed integrally with the wiper blade adapter 20. The contact surface 60 is designed as an outer surface of the wiper arm adapter 16, in particular as a single piece with the wiper arm adapter 16. The force transmission element 58 and the contact surface 60 are in at least one assembled state of the wiper blade adapter 20 (in particular in Figure 2 ) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0030] The force transmission element 58 has a force transmission surface 62 which extends at least partially obliquely relative to the bearing axis 40 and obliquely relative to the main extension axes 54, 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and / or the wiper blade adapter 20. The force transmission element 58 is provided to move relative to one another via the force transmission surface 62 along the wiper arm adapter 16 (in particular along the contact surface 60) in response to the relative movement of the wiper blade adapters 46, 48 (in particular the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48) when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. The force transmission surface 62 is provided to exert a force via the contact surface 60 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40. The force transmission element 58 is provided to transmit the force acting from the contact surface 60 on the force transmission surface 62 to at least the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 or the wiper arm-side connecting element 46. The force transmission surface 62 has an angle 74 relative to the bearing axis 40 from an angular range, in particular, between 85° and 5°, preferably between 75° and 15°, preferably between 65° and 25°, and particularly preferably between 55° and 35°. The force transmission surface 62 has an angle 76 relative to the main extension axes 54, 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20, respectively, from an angular range, in particular, between 85° and 5°, preferably between 75° and 15°, preferably between 65° and 25°, and particularly preferably between 55° and 35°. The force transmission surface 62 is designed as a flat surface, in particular along the main extension axis 72 of the force transmission element 62. It is also conceivable that the force transmission surface 62 is at least partially curved, wherein the angles 74 , 76 between the force transmission surface 62 and the bearing axis 40 or the main extension axes 54 , 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and / or the wiper blade adapter 20 vary along the main extension axis 72 of the force transmission element 62 .

[0031] The force transmission unit 50 is designed to move the connecting element 46 on the wiper arm side and the connecting element 48 on the wiper blade side relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40 from an angle 64 (the angle being at least greater than 15°, preferably greater than 20° and particularly preferably greater than 25°). The fastening element 36 at least partially surrounds the wiper blade adapter 20, in particular when the wiper blade adapter 20 is connected to the wiper arm adapter 16 in a side-locking manner, wherein in particular the wiper blade adapter 20 is arranged between the fastening element 36 and the wiper arm adapter 16 along the bearing axis 40. In the assembled state (see Figure 2 The movement of the wiper blade adapter 20 relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40 is blocked or limited by the fastening element 36 and the wiper arm adapter 16. In particular, the angle 64 corresponds to a rocking movement of the wiper blade adapter 20 relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40, for releasing the fastening element from the wiper blade adapter 20. The force transmission unit 50 is configured to move the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 and the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 relative to each other as soon as the fastening element 36 is released from the wiper blade adapter 20, in particular when the wiper blade adapter 20 is tilted relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40 at an angle 64 that is at least greater than 15°, preferably greater than 20°, and particularly preferably greater than 25°. Preferably, the main extension axes 54, 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 are oriented at least substantially parallel to each other in the assembled state. Preferably, in particular in a state different from the assembled state, the angle 64 corresponds at least substantially to the angle 64 of the main extension axes 54, 56 of the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 relative to one another. The force transmission unit 50 is provided to at least substantially completely disconnect the electrical connection between the wiper arm adapter 16 and the wiper blade adapter 20 relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 when the wiper blade adapter 20 moves relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 about the bearing axis 40 over an angular range 66 of at most 90°, preferably at most 80° and particularly preferably at most 70°.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment of the windshield wiper device 42, it is conceivable that the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 is movably mounted on the wiper arm adapter 16 along a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40 and / or the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 is movably mounted on the wiper blade adapter 20 along a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40, wherein, in particular, the force transmission unit 50 is provided to move the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 relative to the wiper arm adapter 16 and / or to move the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 relative to the wiper blade adapter 20. In an alternative embodiment of the windshield wiper device 42, the force transmission element 58 is preferably arranged on the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 or the wiper blade-side connecting element 48. Preferably, in an alternative embodiment of the windshield wiper device 42, the contact surface 60 is arranged on the wiper arm adapter 16, the wiper blade adapter 20, the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 or the wiper blade-side connecting element 48, which is designed, in particular in the disassembled state, to be independent of the force transmission element 58. It is conceivable that the wiper blade adapter 20 and / or the wiper arm adapter 16 comprises at least one bearing unit 68, which is provided for movably supporting the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 or the wiper arm-side connecting element 46, wherein in particular the bearing unit 68 is Figure 2 . The bearing unit 68 is preferably provided to at least partially limit a movement of the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 or the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 in a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis 40. The bearing unit 68 is provided in particular to hold the wiper blade-side connecting element 48 or the wiper arm-side connecting element 46 in at least one position arranged on the wiper blade adapter base body 38 or the wiper arm adapter 16, in particular in at least one bearing recess 70 of the bearing unit 68.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper device comprising at least one wiper blade adapter (20), at least one wiper arm adapter (16), and at least one connection unit (44) for electrically and / or fluidically connecting the wiper arm adapter (16) to the wiper blade adapter (20), wherein: The wiper blade adapter (20) is arranged on the wiper arm adapter (16) so as to be rotatable about a bearing axis (40) of the wiper arm adapter (16), wherein the connecting unit (44) has at least one connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side and at least one connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side, and is characterized in that at least one force transmission unit (50) is provided for causing at least the connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side and the connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side to move relative to each other at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis (40) when the wiper blade adapter (20) moves relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) about the bearing axis (40).

2. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) comprises at least one force transmission element (58) which is designed as a projection and is arranged on the wiper blade adapter (20).

3. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) comprises at least one force transmission element (58) which is formed integrally with the wiper arm adapter (16) or the wiper blade adapter (20).

4. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) is provided for disconnecting the electrical and / or fluidic connection between the wiper arm adapter (16) and the wiper blade adapter (20) when the wiper blade adapter (20) moves relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) about the bearing axis (40).

5. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) comprises at least one force transmission element (58) and at least one contact surface (60) which is configured to cooperate with the force transmission element (58) to achieve a relative movement of the connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side and the connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side, wherein the force transmission element (58) and the contact surface (60) are arranged spaced apart from each other in at least one assembled state of the wiper blade adapter (20).

6. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) is configured to move the connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side and the connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) at least substantially parallel to the bearing axis (40) relative to each other when the wiper blade adapter (20) moves relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) about the bearing axis (40) from an angle (64) of at least greater than 15°.

7. The windshield wiper device according to claim 4, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) is configured to at least substantially completely disconnect the electrical and / or fluidic connection of the wiper arm adapter (16) to the wiper blade adapter (20) relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) when the wiper blade adapter (20) moves relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) about the bearing axis (40) over an angular range (66) of up to 90°.

8. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The force transmission unit (50) comprises at least one force transmission element (58) having at least one force transmission surface (62), which extends at least partially obliquely relative to the bearing axis (40) and at least partially obliquely relative to the main extension axis (54) of the wiper arm adapter (16) and / or the wiper blade adapter (20).

9. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side is movably supported on the wiper arm adapter (16) along a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the support axis (40) and / or the connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side is movably supported on the wiper blade adapter (20) along a direction oriented at least substantially parallel to the support axis (40); wherein the force transmission unit (50) is configured to: move the connecting element (46) on the wiper arm side relative to the wiper arm adapter (16) and / or move the connecting element (48) on the wiper blade side relative to the wiper blade adapter (20).

10. A wiper blade adapter for a windshield wiper device according to at least claim 2.

11. A windshield wiper having at least one windshield wiper device (42) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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