Windscreen wiping device for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a windscreen wiper device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade (34), the at least one wiper blade comprising a slide (36) fixed to a wiper blade element (35) and an adapter (37) connected in an articulated manner to the slide (36), the adapter being connected to a structural element of a wiper arm (2) of the windscreen wiper device via a receiving portion (38), wherein the adapter (37) is connected to a wiper rod (3) of the wiper arm (2) via the receiving portion (38), and a further functional element (1) is arranged on the wiper rod (3) of the wiper arm (2) separately from the adapter (37).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a windscreen wiping device according to the invention for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Such a windshield wiping device is known, for example, from DE 10 2012 021 489 A1 and comprises at least one wiper blade, which comprises a slider fixed to a wiper blade element and an adapter connected in an articulated manner to the slider, which is connected via a receptacle to a structural element in the form of a box-shaped connecting element of a wiper arm of the windshield wiping device. The connection of the adapter to the connecting element is carried out via a positive-locking sliding connection until a latching connection of the adapter to the connecting element is ensured.

[0003] The windshield wiping device comprises a corresponding dry wiper arm, in which in addition to the windshield wiping device, a windshield washing device constructed completely separately therefrom is also provided, which windshield washing device usually comprises a nozzle in the rear region of the front hood of the motor vehicle, via which the windshield cleaning liquid can be applied to the front windshield, while so-called wet wiper arms have been increasingly used for many years, in which the windshield washing device is integrated into the windshield wiping device. In this case, different structural elements, such as hose lines, channels and nozzles are integrated into the corresponding wiper arm and the associated wiper blade, so that the front windshield can be directly loaded with cleaning liquid via the corresponding wiper arm and the associated wiper blade. In order to achieve this, it is provided in many systems that parts of the windshield washing device are integrated into the corresponding wiper blade. However, this is associated with significant costs and is not very durable, because the wiper blade must be replaced from time to time as is known, and therefore parts of the windshield washing device must also be replaced. An example of such a windscreen wiper device is known from EP 2 786 906 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, it is already known to provide parts of the corresponding wiper arm with wind deflecting elements. This is also known from DE 10 2012 021 489 A1. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a windshield wiper device of the type mentioned in the introduction which is of particularly simple construction while offering different functions and which allows a suitable replacement of the wiper blade.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a windshield wiper device according to the invention.

[0007] The windscreen wiping device according to the invention comprises at least one wiper blade, which comprises a slide fixed to a wiper blade element and an adapter connected in an articulated manner to the slide. The adapter is connected via a receptacle to a structural element of a wiper arm of the windscreen wiping device, wherein the structural element according to the invention is a wiper rod of a wiper arm, which is connected to the adapter, for example, via a plug connection. The direct connection of the adapter to the wiper rod of the associated wiper arm has the advantage of a particularly simple and cost-effective design, in particular, since a connecting element between the wiper rod and the adapter is omitted. Instead, the adapter is directly fixed and latched to the wiper rod.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is provided that a further functional element is arranged at the wiper rod of the wiper arm separately from the adapter. In particular, the functional element is a wind deflector element, by means of which the aerodynamic properties of the corresponding wiper arm or wiper blade are improved. Alternatively or additionally, the functional element can also be provided for integrating a windscreen cleaning device, so as to thereby create a so-called wet wiper arm. Since the functional element (which can therefore be configured as a component of a wind deflector and / or a windscreen cleaning device) can be fixed to the wiper rod separately from the adapter, an independent design of the adapter and the functional element is obtained. This has the advantage, for example, that when the wiper blade is replaced (in this case, the adapter is also removed), the functional element in the form of a component of a wind deflector and / or a windscreen cleaning device remains at the wiper rod and thus the replacement of the wiper blade does not bring disadvantages in terms of cost or durability. On the contrary, the functional element remains completely present at the wiper rod by the design of the adapter and the functional element being separated.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the functional element can be used both as a wind deflector and as part of a windscreen cleaning device. The combination of these two functions has the advantage that the wind deflector function can also allow the cleaning liquid to be applied particularly conveniently and in the windshield area of ​​the wind deflector to the windscreen to be cleaned. Furthermore, the dual function of the functional element as both a wind deflector and as part of a windscreen cleaning device has the advantage of dual utilization, so that the corresponding components can be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively.

[0010] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the adapter is at least substantially covered by the functional element. This results in a particularly convenient, concealed arrangement of the adapter, which brings considerable advantages, for example, in terms of aerodynamics.

[0011] Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the adapter is connected to the wiper rod in the region of the free end and if the functional element is connected to a length region ( The adapter and the functional element are connected to the wiper rod in a simple and cost-effective manner. The adapter is preferably arranged at the end of the wiper rod, so that the wiper blade can be replaced from time to time in a simple manner. In order to replace the functional element (if this is necessary), the wiper blade must first be removed from the wiper rod via the adapter, and then the functional element can be removed from the wiper rod.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, it has been found to be advantageous if the functional element extends as far as the spring box (sometimes also called spring housing) of the wiper arm. If the functional element is designed as part of a windscreen cleaning device, a particularly large area of ​​the front windscreen can be wetted with cleaning liquid right on the driver's side or a wiper blade with a considerable length can be loaded with cleaning liquid.

[0013] Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the functional element ends at a distance in front of the spring box of the wiper arm. This makes it possible to provide a more cost-effective functional element, which is designed, for example, as part of a windshield cleaning device and which easily meets the requirements in terms of its operating principle, especially in compact vehicles with a small front windshield area or with a shorter wiper blade.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the functional element is arranged on the wiper rod of the wiper arm in a locking manner in the extension direction by means of a fixing device, thereby resulting in a particularly secure fixing of the functional element on the wiper rod.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the adapter is fixed to the wiper rod by means of a latching device, wherein the latching device can be released by means of an actuating element. By means of such a latching device on the side of the adapter, it is possible to design the wiper rod particularly simply and, for example, to provide only one latching recess, into which a latching element of the adapter can engage and which can in turn be disengaged from the latching recess by means of the actuating element.

[0016] Finally, it has been found to be advantageous if the functional element has a through-hole in which the actuating element of the latching device is arranged. The actuating element can thus be actuated through the functional element. This has the advantage that the adapter can be arranged behind the functional element and at the same time the actuating element can be triggered in a simple manner in order to release the adapter or the entire wiper blade from the wiper rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention are described below. To this end:

[0018] Figure 1a-1cCorresponding perspective views showing the sequence of mounting a functional element on a wiper rod of a wiper arm for a windscreen wiping device for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment, the functional element being designed as a wind deflector and comprising a windscreen cleaning device, wherein: Figure 1a The functional element is shown also separated from the wiper rod, Figure 1b The functional element is shown in a position partially plugged into the wiper rod, and Figure 1c The functional element is shown fully plugged into the wiper rod;

[0019] Figure 2a-2c A perspective view of a corresponding detail of a functional element of a first specific embodiment of a windscreen wiper device is shown, wherein: Figure 2a The functional element is shown before being plugged onto the wiper rod. Figure 2b The functional element is shown in a completely plugged-in position, but not yet locked by means of a fixing device, and Figure 2c The functional element is then shown fastened to the wiper rod by means of a fastening device;

[0020] Figure 3a , 3b A corresponding section through the functional element is shown in the position in which the functional element is arranged on the wiper rod, wherein Figure 3a A fastening device is shown for fastening the functional element to the wiper rod in the open state, and Figure 3b The fixing device is shown in a closed position, fixing the functional element on the wiper rod;

[0021] Figure 4a , 4b A corresponding perspective view of a functional element fastened to a corresponding wiper rod according to another embodiment is shown, wherein the functional element is shorter and therefore does not extend to the spring box of the wiper arm, wherein Figure 4a The functional elements are shown when the fixing device is open, and Figure 4b showing the functional elements when the fastening device is closed; and

[0022] Figure 5a , 5b The wiper arm is shown together with the Figure 4a and 4b A corresponding perspective view of the functional element mounted thereon, wherein Figure 5a shows the wiper blade before it is assembled, and Figure 5b The wiper blade is shown after being mounted with the aid of an adapter which is arranged independently of the functional element and is fixed at the free end of the wiper rod of the wiper arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the described parts of the embodiments present individual features of the present invention that should be considered independently of each other, and the features further expand the present invention independently of each other. Therefore, the disclosure should also include features that are different from the shown feature combinations of the embodiments. In addition, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the already described features of the present invention.

[0024] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements with the same function.

[0025] Figure 1a , 1b 1 and 1c show in corresponding perspective views the assembly process for arranging and fixing the functional element 1, which will be explained in more detail below, on the wiper arm 2. The wiper arm 2 and the functional element 1 are shown in the following figures. Figure 1a In the figure, the components are first shown separately in an exploded manner.

[0026] It can be seen here in particular that the wiper arm 2 comprises a wiper rod 3, which is designed at an angle in the bending region 4. On the side opposite the free end 5, the wiper rod 3 is fixedly connected to a spring box 6, which is designed at least substantially rectangular in cross section in the coupling region 7 and is crimped onto the wiper rod 3, which is also at least substantially rectangular in cross section. The spring box 6 is connected in an articulated manner via a bearing opening 8 to a lever element (not shown) of the windscreen wiping device (which lever element is sometimes also referred to as a fixing part), which itself is connected to a drive shaft of an associated drive motor in a rotationally fixed manner. The wiper arm 2 can be pivoted about the axis formed by the bearing pin 8 relative to the associated lever element, counteracting the spring force of a spring element, which itself can be hooked into a spring receptacle 9 at the corresponding end of the wiper rod 3, in order to press the wiper arm 2 or an associated wiper blade against the surface of the front windscreen, for example, in the operating position.

[0027] The functional element 1 has a first sub-region 10 and a second sub-region 11 which is formed integrally with the first sub-region, in which a continuous receiving channel 12 for the wiper rod 3 is provided. The receiving channel 12 here at least substantially matches the approximately rectangular cross-section of the wiper rod 3 in terms of cross section, which has at least substantially uniform cross-section over its entire course. Therefore, the receiving channel 12 also has a substantially uniform cross-section over its entire length in the functional element 1.

[0028] As the following overview Figure 1b and 1cAs can be seen, the functional element 1 can thus be plugged or pushed onto the wiper rod 3 from the free end 5 until the end 13 of the first subregion 10 of the functional element 1 is at least substantially flush with the connection region 7 of the spring box 6. In order to enable the functional element 1 to be plugged onto the wiper rod 3 up to the spring box 6, the functional element 1 is made of an elastic material, such as a corresponding plastic, in the first subregion 10 (starting from the end 13) at least over the bending region 4. With this soft and elastic material, it is also conceivable that the connection region 7 of the spring box 6 protrudes in a sleeve-like manner from the end 13 of the subregion 10 of the functional element 1.

[0029] The end 13 of the sub-region 10 furthermore projects from a pipe piece 14, via which the functional element 1 can be supplied with a windshield cleaning liquid in a manner described in further detail below. Thus, at least one supply channel 15 for a windshield cleaning liquid is formed in the pipe piece 14, via which the functional element 1 can be supplied with a windshield cleaning liquid in a manner described in further detail below. The supply channel 15 furthermore also extends through the sub-region 10 and the sub-region 11 of the functional element 1. Thus, a windshield cleaning device 16 or part of a windshield cleaning device is formed in the functional element 1, so that in the present case the wiper arm 2 is a so-called wet wiper arm. This means that, by means of a windshield wiping device, a windshield to be cleaned, in particular a front windshield of a motor vehicle, can be charged with windshield cleaning liquid via a nozzle, which is carried by the wiper arm 2. The end of the pipe piece 14 of the functional element 1 is connected here via a channel arrangement, not shown in further detail, to a windshield cleaning device for windshield cleaning liquid together with an associated pump. Usually the channel assembly is arranged in the front space or the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. Figure 1c It can be seen that the line piece 14 in the present case extends further on the underside of the wiper rod 3 into the interior of the spring cassette 6 .

[0030] In addition, the overview Figures 1a to 1c It can be seen that the displacement of the functional element 1 onto the wiper rod 3 takes place to such an extent that the wiper rod 3 is Figure 1c As can be seen in the final assembly position of the functional element 1, at the free end 5 it protrudes over a considerable length region from the receiving channel 12. This in turn means that the functional element 1 is connected with the sub-regions 10, 11 via the receiving channel 12 to a length region of the wiper rod 3 which is spaced apart from the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3.

[0031] In other words, the free end 5 projects out of the partial region 11 of the functional element 1 or out of the receiving channel 12 .

[0032] The windshield cleaning device 16 integrated into the functional element 1 currently comprises a channel system, which has corresponding channels integrated into the functional element 1 and open into different nozzles, via which the windshield to be cleaned or to be wiped or an associated wiper blade (explained in more detail below) can be loaded with windshield cleaning liquid.

[0033] Thus, the windshield cleaning device 16 firstly comprises two outer circle nozzles 17, 18, via which the wiper blade is acted upon in the vicinity of its outer circle, i.e., in the region in which the wiper blade passes through the maximum radius of its surface to be wiped. The outer circle nozzle 17 covers the region closer to the functional element 1, and the outer circle nozzle 18 covers the region closer to the outer circle of the corresponding wiper blade, which is still further away from the functional element 1.

[0034] Furthermore, the windshield cleaning device 16 comprises a plurality of, in the present case five, central nozzles 19, which all extend at least substantially in a row in the direction of extension of the functional element 1. The respective nozzles 19 are respectively attached in the manner described below to the corresponding protuberances 20 which protrude from the functional element 1 or from the wiper arm 2 in the direction of the windshield to be wiped and cleaned. Finally, the windshield cleaning device 16 comprises at least one inner circle nozzle 21, via which the wiper blade of the wiper arm 2 is supplied with cleaning liquid in the region of its inner circle in which the wiper blade passes the shortest radius of its corresponding wiping surface during the wiping process. All nozzles 17, 18, 19 and 21 can be adjusted in this case so that they apply the cleaning liquid to the windshield, in particular the front windshield, at the start of the movement, i.e. in the case of the front windshield, when the respective wiper arm 2 moves upwards, at a corresponding spacing in front of the moving wiper blade there. If possible, the wiper blade can also be directly loaded with windshield cleaning liquid.

[0035] In addition to the integration of the windshield cleaning device 16, the functional element 1 comprises the further function of air deflection. Therefore, the functional element 1 is designed in the present case as a deflector 22 and comprises a deflector contour 23 on the front side or the upper side facing away at least substantially from the nozzle 19 and the wiper rod 3, in order to thereby achieve a particularly favorable overflow of the air which usually flows from the front to the respective wiper arm 2 or the corresponding wiper blade.

[0036] The present functional element 1 is therefore designed as a wind deflector 22 and is designed for integration of a windshield cleaning device 16 . However, it is to be considered as being included within the scope of the invention that the functional element 1 can also perform only one of these two functions.

[0037] Figures 2a to 2c Shown in a corresponding partial and perspective sub-view Figures 1a to 1c Functional element 1 of the embodiment described in Figure 2a In particular, the receiving channel for the wiper rod 3 and the third subregion 24 of the functional element 1 , which is also formed in one piece with the subregions 10 and 11 , can be seen. Figure 2b and 2c Here the position of the functional element 1 is shown when the functional element is completely plugged onto the wiper rod 3. In this position, the third sub-region 24 of the functional element 1 covers the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3, in particular with respect to the installed position of the wiper arm 2 at its front side and at its underside. It can also be seen that the wiper rod 3 is arranged in a recessed manner relative to the sub-region 24.

[0038] By Overview Figure 2a and 2b Together with the basis Figure 2c It can also be seen that in the present case the functional element 1 is arranged in a locked manner on the wiper rod 3 of the wiper arm 2 by means of a fixing device 25 in the extension direction of the receiving channel 12. The locking is achieved in the present case by means of a tab 26 which is pivotably arranged on the functional element 1 via a film hinge 27. If the tab 26 is inserted into a locking receptacle 29 provided for this purpose in the region of the receiving channel 12 by means of a locking element 28, the locking element 28 also engages with a groove 30 ( Figure 1a ) engagement. This results in a certain degree of axial locking of the functional element 1 on the wiper rod 3, so that the functional element 1 is correspondingly locked in position after being pushed onto the wiper rod 3.

[0039] Fixing device 25 in Figure 3a and 3b The corresponding sectional view of the arrangement of the functional element 1 on the wiper rod 3 is again explained in terms of its mode of action. In particular, it can be seen here how the axial stop of the latching element 28 in the latching receptacle 29 on the side of the web 26 or in the groove 30 of the wiper rod 3 is achieved.

[0040] In addition, from Figure 3a and 3b It is clear from the different hatching that the functional element 1 is currently manufactured as a plastic part using a two-component method. In particular, it can be seen here that the receiving channel 12 is formed by a hard part 31 in the area of ​​the fixing device 25. Likewise, the corresponding channels for conducting the cleaning liquid in the second and third sub-areas 11, 24 of the functional element 1 are formed by the hard part 31 at least in the area of ​​the corresponding nozzles 17, 18, 19, 21. In between, parts can also be formed by a soft part 32 of plastic, which also forms the first sub-area 10 and the pipe part 14 as already explained. This can be done by Figure 3a and3b As can be seen, the flow-guiding contour 23 of the functional element 1 is also formed by the soft component 32. The components 31, 32 are designed in particular to be UV-resistant in this case, in order to be able to maintain a correspondingly long-lasting effect.

[0041] exist Figure 4a and 4b , an alternative embodiment of a functional element 1 is shown in a corresponding perspective view. The functional element 1 is substantially identical in its design and function to those according to the described first exemplary embodiment, so that only the differences will be discussed below.

[0042] Essentially, this functional element 1 differs in that, in this functional element, the first subregion 10 of the functional element 1 is not provided here, which extends between the second subregion 11 and the connection region 7 of the spring cassette 6. Instead, the functional element 1 ends with one end 33 at a distance before the kink region 4 and thus at a considerable distance before the connection region 7 of the spring cassette 6. The line piece 14 of the functional element 1 therefore extends over a considerable length from the wiper rod 3 downward or on the inside into the spring cassette 6, from where a further connection is made for supplying cleaning liquid.

[0043] Depending on how short the functional element 1 is designed, one or more corresponding inner round nozzles 21 may be omitted in some embodiments. Such a design is implemented, for example, in compact vehicles, where a relatively small windshield surface needs to be wiped or cleaned. Such a design may also be provided on the passenger side of a larger windshield. In addition, the windshield cleaning device 16 integrated into the functional element 1 has a different design from that already integrated. Figures 1a to 3b The described embodiments are at least essentially of the same design. However, depending on the length of the functional element 1 or in particular the sub-regions 11 and 24, a smaller number of intermediate nozzles 19 can be provided. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latching element 28 can also be seen, by means of which the functional element 1 can be locked after being plugged onto the wiper rod 3.

[0044] Finally Figure 5a and 5b, the installation of a wiper blade 34 at the corresponding free end 5 of the wiper rod 3, which protrudes from the receiving channel 12 of the functional element 1, is shown in a corresponding perspective view. The wiper blade 34 comprises a wiper blade element 35, to which a base body in the form of a slide 36 is fixed. The slide 36 is in turn connected in an articulated manner to an adapter 37, so that the wiper blade element 35 together with the slide 36 can be pivoted relative to the adapter 37 within certain limits. The adapter 37 comprises a receptacle 38, which is at least partially open in the present case, via which the adapter 37 or thus the entire wiper blade 34 can be plugged into the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3. For this purpose, the receptacle 38, which is designed as a plug-in receptacle, is coordinated with the cross section of the wiper rod 3 in terms of its cross section or in terms of its shape. After the adapter 37 is plugged onto the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3 with the receptacle 38 over a certain length region, a latching device 39 is engaged, which comprises corresponding latching elements both on the side of the adapter 37 and on the side of the wiper rod 3. The latching device 39 can, for example, comprise a latching pin or the like on the side of the adapter 37, which engages with a latching recess on the side of the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3. The latching device 39 can be released here by means of an actuating element 40 in the form of a button or the like, which in the present case must be pressed in the direction of the wiper blade element 39.

[0045] In its locked position, the actuating element 40 passes through a through-opening 42 in the subregion 24 of the functional element 1. Thus, in the locked position of the locking device 39, the actuating element 40 is at least substantially arranged in the through-opening 41 and can therefore be actuated from the front from the outside in order to remove the wiper blade 34 from the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3.

[0046] Since the functional element 1 is thus fixed to the wiper rod 3 in a length region of the wiper rod 3 spaced apart from the free end 5 and the adapter 37 of the wiper blade 34 is fixed to the free end 5 of the wiper rod, a completely independent arrangement and fixing of the functional element 1 and the wiper blade 34 on the wiper rod 3 is obtained. This has the advantage that the wiper blade 34 can be removed and replaced from time to time, for example, completely independently of the functional element 1, without this affecting the mode of action of the functional element 1. In particular, it should be taken into account that even if the adapter 37 is removed, but the functional element 1 remains on the wiper rod 3, both the air guide function of the functional element 1 and the windscreen cleaning function of the functional element are fully maintained. Unlike other systems, when replacing the wiper blade 34, no part of the air guide device or the windscreen cleaning device is removed and, for example, disposed of, which poses corresponding economic and durability problems. On the contrary, a system is thereby provided in which the attachment of the wiper blade 34 and the attachment of the functional element 1 and the execution of the functions realized by the functional element 1 are completely independent of one another.

[0047] Further elements can also be integrated into the functional element 1. In particular, a heating device for a windshield cleaning device can also be integrated. The advantages already described in connection with the windshield cleaning device are also obtained here.

[0048] Overall, the example described shows how the invention can provide a windscreen washing device in which the functional element 1 and the wiper blade 34 can be arranged and fastened completely independently of one another on the wiper rod 3 .

Claims

1. A windscreen wiper device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade (34), the at least one wiper blade comprising a slide (36) fixed to a wiper blade element (35) and an adapter (37) connected in an articulated manner to the slide (36), the adapter being connected via a receiving portion (38) to a structural element of a wiper arm (2) of the windscreen wiper device, in, The adapter (37) is connected to the wiper rod (3) of the wiper arm (2) via the receiving portion (38), and a further functional element (1) is arranged on the wiper rod (3) of the wiper arm (2) separately from the adapter (37), wherein the wiper rod (3) is fixed to the adapter (37) by means of a locking device (39), which can be released by means of an actuating element (40), and wherein the functional element (1) has a through hole (41), in which the actuating element (40) of the locking device (39) is arranged.

2. The windshield wiping device according to claim 1, characterized in that The functional element (1) is designed as a flow deflector (22).

3. The windshield wiping device according to claim 1, characterized in that A windshield cleaning device (16) is integrated into the functional element (1).

4. A windshield wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The adapter (37) is covered by the functional element (1).

5. The windscreen wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The adapter (37) is connected to the wiper rod (3) in the region of the free end (5), and the functional element (1) is connected to a length region of the wiper rod (3) which is spaced apart from the free end (5).

6. A windscreen wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The functional element (1) extends as far as the spring box (6) of the wiper arm (2).

7. A windscreen wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The functional element (1) ends at a distance before the spring box (6) of the wiper arm (2).

8. A windscreen wiping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The functional element (1) is arranged in a fixed manner on a wiper rod (3) of the wiper arm (2) by means of a fixing device (25).

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