Wiper device, wiper provided with wiper device, and method for assembling wiper device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper device having a wiper blade (10), at least one heating element (12) and a connecting element (14) at least for connecting the heating element (12) to a heating energy source (60). It is proposed that the connecting element (14) forms a connecting direction (16), which forms a minimum angle (18) of at least 45 DEG, preferably at least 60 DEG, with a main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10) in a vertical projection towards a predetermined wiping plane of the wiper blade (10).

Description

Background Art

[0001] A windshield wiper device has already been proposed which has a wiper blade, has at least one heating element and has at least a connecting element for connecting the heating element to a heating energy source. Summary of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a windshield wiper device having a wiper blade, at least one heating element and at least one connecting element for connecting the heating element to a heating energy source.

[0003] It is proposed that the connecting element forms a connecting direction which, at least in a vertical projection onto a predetermined wiping level of the wiper blade, forms a minimum angle of at least 45°, preferably at least 60° with the main extension direction of the wiper blade. The design of the wiper device according to the invention can advantageously simplify assembly. The reliability during assembly can advantageously be increased. The complexity can advantageously be reduced.

[0004] Preferably, a "wiper blade" is to be understood as at least a part of a wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper, preferably a subassembly thereof. The wiper blade is preferably provided for use on a vehicle. The wiper blade preferably forms part of a wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper. Preferably, the wiper blade, in particular as part of a windshield wiper, is designed for cleaning a surface on a vehicle, preferably a surface of a window, preferably a vehicle window. Preferably, the wiper blade is coupled to the vehicle, preferably to a wiper arm drive of the vehicle, for cleaning the window, preferably a vehicle window, for example a windshield. The scraping level is preferably formed by the vehicle window. Preferably, the wiper blade consists of a wiper lip and at least one spring rail, which is provided for fixing the wiper lip and / or increasing and / or ensuring the rigidity of the wiper blade. An object is provided or constructed for a specific function, which is preferably to be understood as meaning that the object realizes and / or performs the specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. An “operating state” is preferably understood to mean a state in which the wiper device is ready for a wiping process and / or wiping operation and / or is in wiping operation, wherein in particular a wiper strip unit, preferably a wiper lip, of a wiper blade of a windshield wiper is preferably guided on the vehicle window and advantageously rests against the vehicle window in the process.

[0005] Preferably, at least one heating element is provided for heating the wiper device, in particular the wiper blade, for supplying heat energy, in particular to the wiper blade, in order to increase the temperature. Preferably, the heating element is at least substantially made of a metallic material, in particular an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the heating element has at least one heating wire and / or a heating rod and / or a heating spiral and / or a heating coil and / or a heating tube or a component of a similar construction. Preferably, at least one heating element has a connecting element, which is provided for supplying heating energy, in particular electrical heating energy, to the heating element. Preferably, the connecting element is an interface between the heating element and an in particular electrical heating energy source. A "heating energy source" is to be understood in particular as an electrical and / or chemical and / or thermal and / or mechanical energy storage, in particular a battery and / or an accumulator. It is also conceivable that the heating energy source is designed as an energy converter, in particular a generator.

[0006] A “connection direction” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a direction along which an in particular electrical connection is mechanically coupled to the connection element, in particular for supplying heating energy to the heating element. In particular, the connection element has a minimum angle, in particular an acute angle, of at least 15°, advantageously at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, preferably at least 60° and particularly preferably at least substantially 90° with respect to the main extension direction of the wiper blade. A “perpendicular projection” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an orthogonal projection which projects a point onto a plane, in particular a predefined scraping plane, in such a way that the connecting line between the point and the point, in particular the image point, projected onto the plane, in particular the scraping plane, is perpendicular to the projection plane, in particular the scraping plane. In this context, a “main extension direction” of an object is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a direction which extends parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid which just completely encloses the object.

[0007] It is further provided that the connection direction, at least in a vertical projection onto a predetermined wiping level of the wiper blade, forms an angle of at least substantially 90° with the main extension direction of the wiper blade. Assembly can advantageously be simplified. Preferably, the connection direction is limited to a direction of the wiper blade which is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension direction. Here, the expression “substantially 90°” is intended to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein, in particular when viewed in the projection plane, the direction encloses an angle of 90° with the reference direction and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 3°, advantageously less than 2° and particularly advantageously less than 1°.

[0008] It is further provided that the connection direction of the connecting element extends at least substantially parallel to the intended wiping level of the wiper blade. Assembly can advantageously be simplified. In particular, a projection of the connection direction of the connecting element coincides with the connecting element. In this context, “substantially parallel” is to be understood in particular as a directional orientation relative to a reference direction, in particular a reference direction in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation relative to the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0009] It is further proposed that the connecting element is configured as a form-fitting plug. Assembly can be advantageously simplified. Particularly advantageously, the connector can be reliably fixed. Advantageously, the safety of the operator can be improved. A "form-fitting plug" is particularly to be understood as a connector for connecting and / or disconnecting a line, particularly an electrical line, which aligns and / or connects the connecting parts by a form fit between the form-fitting plug parts. Preferably, the form-fitting plug is provided for establishing a form-fitting, particularly non-destructive and / or tool-free detachable connection between the connecting element and the heating energy source. The form-fitting plug is preferably made of plastic and / or metal material. "Form-fitting" is particularly to be understood as the surfaces of the components connected to each other in a form-fitting manner that abut against each other exert a retaining force acting in the normal direction of the surface on each other. In particular, these components are geometrically engaged with each other. In particular, the form-fitting plug is provided to prevent the connecting element from spontaneously disengaging in the installed state.

[0010] It is further proposed that the connecting element is additionally configured for mechanical fastening to the wiper arm. Advantageously, the complexity, in particular the assembly complexity, can be reduced. Preferably, an electrical coupling, in particular an electrical coupling of the heating element to the heating energy source, is achieved simultaneously with the mechanical fastening, in particular the form-fitting coupling of the wiper blade to the wiper arm. Preferably, the electrical connecting element and the mechanical connecting element are designed as components, in particular an integral connecting element. It is conceivable that the wiper device has an additional connecting element. The additional connecting element can be designed as a purely mechanical connecting element. The additional connecting element can be provided to strengthen the mechanical connection between the wiper device and the wiper arm. The additional connecting element can be arranged next to the connecting element in the main extension direction of the wiper blade. The additional connecting element can be designed as a connecting gap, in particular a cylindrical one. Preferably, the additional connecting element, in particular the connecting gap, is provided for guiding and / or positioning, in particular during the assembly process. Preferably, the additional connecting element, in particular the connecting gap, is provided to improve the stability of the mechanical connection between the wiper blade and the wiper arm and / or to prevent the connecting element, in particular the form-fitting plug, from being subjected to torsional loads. Advantageously, "integral" should also be understood as one-piece. “One-piece” is to be understood in particular as being formed in one piece. Preferably, this one piece is produced from a single blank, material and / or casting, particularly preferably by an injection molding process, in particular a single-component and / or multi-component injection molding process.

[0011] It is furthermore proposed that the connection direction of the connection element for mechanical fastening to the wiper arm and the connection direction of the connection element for connection to the heating energy source are identical. Preferably, assembly can be simplified. Preferably, the connection direction of the connection element for mechanical fastening to the wiper arm and the connection direction of the connection element for connection to the heating energy source are at least substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction. Furthermore, the connection direction of the connection element and the connection direction of the further connection element can in particular be oriented at least substantially parallel to one another.

[0012] It is further proposed that the heating element is arranged in the main extension direction of the wiper blade over at least a major part of the entire longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. This should advantageously ensure a particularly uniform distribution of the heating energy. "Majority" is to be understood in particular as at least 51%, preferably at least 70%, advantageously at least 80% and particularly advantageously at least 90%. "Longitudinal extension" is to be understood in particular as an extension of an object parallel to the main extension direction of the object.

[0013] It is furthermore proposed that the heating element is connected to the wiper blade in a materially bonded manner. Advantageously, a high degree of reliability against accidental loosening of the connection can be achieved. Preferably, the heating element is connected to the spring rail of the wiper blade in a materially bonded manner. However, it is conceivable that the heating element is connected to the wiper lip and / or another component of the wiper blade in a materially bonded manner. “Materially bonded” is to be understood in particular as meaning that the material parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces, for example during soldering, welding, adhesive bonding and / or vulcanization processes.

[0014] It is further proposed that the connecting element is formed integrally with the wiper blade adapter and is designed for the material-locked assembly of the wiper blade and the wiper arm. Advantageously, the component complexity can be reduced. In particular, "integrally" is to be understood at least as a material-locked connection, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that is considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously as being formed in one piece, for example by manufacturing from a casting and / or by manufacturing in a single-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. In particular, the connecting element can be formed integrally with the wiper blade adapter.

[0015] It is further proposed that the connecting element has a guide unit, in particular different from the connecting pin, which guides the movement of the wiper blade along the connection direction when the wiper blade is coupled to the wiper arm and / or the heating element is coupled to the heating energy source. Advantageously, assembly can be simplified. Particularly advantageously, damage to the connecting pin, in particular damage caused by crooked and / or tilted assembly, can be prevented. Advantageously, the stability of the connection can be improved. "Connecting pin" should be understood in particular as a pin, in particular a wire-like conductive connection, which is provided for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data. The connecting pin is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, in particular copper and / or steel. Preferably, the guide unit, in particular a mechanical guide unit, is provided to simplify assembly, in particular assembly of the connecting pin. The further connecting element preferably has a further guide unit. Preferably, the mechanical guide element is configured as a form-fitting element, in particular a form-fitting plug, surrounding, in particular surrounding the connecting pin. The mechanical guide element is preferably configured as a rectangular element with rounded edges and / or corners. Preferably, the mechanical guide element has a connection opening, in particular in the connection direction, which connection opening enables electrical coupling of the connecting pin. Preferably, at least one, in particular positive and / or protruding, stop element is arranged on the outside, in particular the outer periphery, of the mechanical guide element for securing the form-fitting connection. Preferably, the form-fitting plug is formed as a mechanical guide element. Preferably, the further connecting element, in particular the connecting gap, is formed by the inner side of the cylindrical connecting gap defined by the connecting element.

[0016] Furthermore, a windshield wiper is proposed with an advantageous design of the wiper device and the wiper arm.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for assembling a wiper device, in particular a method for assembling it with a wiper arm of a wiper, is proposed, wherein a connecting element and a mechanical fastener for fastening a wiper blade to the wiper arm are connected to the wiper arm in a particularly single, common assembly step. Preferably, the assembly can be simplified. Advantageously, the complexity can be reduced. Preferably, in this assembly step, the connecting pins are centered, in particular by a mechanical form-fit connection, in order to couple the electrical heating energy supply device to the heating energy source. In particular, the assembly of the wiper blade that can be performed by the proposed method requires only a single assembly movement in only a single connection direction, wherein the mechanical connection and the electrical connection are established simultaneously.

[0018] The windshield wiper device according to the invention is not to be limited to the above-mentioned applications and embodiments. In particular, the windshield wiper device according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps that differ from the number mentioned here in order to realize the functions described in this regard. In addition, for the numerical ranges given in the present disclosure, the values ​​within the mentioned critical values ​​should also be considered to be disclosed and can be used in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further advantages are apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings show embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of combinations of features. A person skilled in the art will also consider these features individually and combine them into other reasonable combinations.

[0020] in:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a windshield wiper with a windshield wiper arrangement is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a wiper device;

[0023] Figure 3 a schematic perspective view showing a part of a wiper device with a connecting element; and

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of an assembling method of a wiper device and a wiper arm is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 A windshield wiper 28 with a windshield wiper device is schematically shown. The windshield wiper 28 has a wiper arm 64. The windshield wiper device has a wiper blade 10. The wiper blade 10 is detachably connected to the wiper arm 64. The wiper arm 64 is provided for transmitting a wiping movement, which is generated, for example, by a drive unit (not shown), to the wiper blade 10. The wiper movement causes the wiper blade 10 to move back and forth in a wiping horizontal plane 66. The wiping horizontal plane 66 is usually predetermined by the viewing window to be wiped.

[0026] Figure 2A schematic perspective view of a windshield wiper device is shown. The windshield wiper 10 has two spring rails 32. The wiper blade 10 has a wiper lip 36. The windshield wiper device has a heating element 12. The heating element 12 has an electrically insulating sheath. The sheath has good thermal conductivity. The heating element 12 is arranged along the main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10 over a large part of the entire longitudinal extension 52 of the wiper blade 10. The heating element 12 has at least two heating wires arranged in parallel. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element 12 can also have heating wires arranged in an arc. The heating element 12 is connected to the wiper blade 10 in a materially bonded manner. The heating element 12 is connected to the spring rails 32 in a materially bonded manner. The heating element 12 is bonded to the spring rails 32. The heating element 12 can also be vulcanized onto the wiper blade 10. The heating element 12 can also be wound around the spring rails 32. The heating elements 12 arranged on the two spring rails 32 are connected to each other via a bridge 30. The bridge 30 is provided for increasing the rigidity of the heating element 12. The heating element 12 is provided for delivering heat energy to the wiper blade 10 to increase the temperature. The heating element 12 converts electrical energy into heat. The electrical energy for supplying the heating element 12 is provided by a heating energy source 60.

[0027] The windshield wiper device comprises a connecting element 14. The connecting element 14 is provided for connecting the heating element 12 to a heating energy source 60. The connecting element 14 is additionally designed for mechanically fastening the wiper blade 10 to a wiper arm 64. The connecting element 14 forms a connecting direction 16. The connecting direction 16 has a minimum angle 18 of 90° with a main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10 in a vertical projection to a predetermined wiping level 66 of the wiper blade 10. The minimum angle 18 can also be at least 45°. The minimum angle 18 can also be at least 60°. Furthermore, the connecting direction 16 of the connecting element 14 extends parallel to the predetermined wiping level 66 of the wiper blade 10.

[0028] Figure 3 An enlarged cutout of a windshield wiper device in a connection region for connection to a wiper arm 64 is schematically shown. The windshield wiper device has a wiper blade adapter 22. The wiper blade adapter 22 is provided for connecting a wiper blade 10 to a wiper arm 64 or to a wiper arm adapter of the wiper arm 64. The connecting element 14 is formed integrally with the wiper blade adapter 22. The connecting element 14 is formed as a form-fitting plug 20. The form-fitting plug 20 has a male stop element 34. The male stop element 34 is provided for form-fitting connection with a corresponding female stop element (e.g., of the wiper arm 64 or of the wiper arm adapter, not shown). The connecting element 14 is made of plastic.

[0029] The wiper blade adapter 22 is connected to the wiper blade 10. The wiper blade adapter 22 is provided for assembling the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 in a form-fitting manner. The wiper blade adapter 22 has a connecting element 14. The connecting element 14 is provided for mechanically fastening the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64. The connecting element 14 is provided for electrically connecting the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60. The connecting direction 16 of the connecting element 14 for mechanical fastening to the wiper arm 64 and the connecting direction of the connecting element for connecting the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 are the same.

[0030] The connecting element 14 has three connecting pins 24. The connecting element 14 can also have a number of connecting pins 24 different from three. The connecting pins 24 are made of an electrically conductive material. It is conceivable that the connecting element 14 has another connection, which is provided for data transmission. The connecting element 14 has a guide unit 26. The guide unit 26 is constructed in a manner different from the connecting pins 24. When the wiper blade 10 is coupled to the wiper arm 64, the guide unit 26 guides the wiper blade 10 to move along the connection direction 16. The guide unit 26 guides the connecting element 14 to be electrically connected to the heating energy source 60. The guide unit 26 is constructed as a form-fitting element surrounding the connecting pins 24. The guide unit 26 is constructed as a form-fitting plug 20. The guide unit 26 is constructed as a rectangular element with rounded edges and / or corners. The guide unit 26 can also be constructed with chamfers.

[0031] The wiper device has a further connecting element 62. The further mechanical connecting element 62 is formed by the connecting recess 54. The connecting recess 54 has a cylindrical shape. The connecting recess 54 is defined by the wiper blade adapter 22. When viewed along the main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10, the connecting element 14 and the further connecting element 62 are arranged next to each other.

[0032] The further connecting element 62 has a further guide unit 56. The further guide unit 56 is formed by the side surface of the wiper blade adapter 22 which delimits the connecting recess 54. The further guide unit 56 is provided for guiding the assembly movement of the connecting element 14 along the connecting direction 16. The further guide unit 56 is provided for positioning the electrical connection relative to the corresponding electrical connection (not shown). The further guide unit 56 fixes the position of the connecting element 14 relative to the corresponding connecting element (not shown) in all directions other than the connecting direction 16. The latching connection between the male stop element 34 and the corresponding female stop element (not shown) fixes the connecting element 14 to the corresponding connecting element (not shown) in the connecting direction 16. The latching connection with the male stop element 34 and the corresponding female stop element (not shown) together with the further connecting element 62 fixes the connecting element 14 to the corresponding connecting element (not shown) in all directions.

[0033] The guide unit 26 has a connection opening 38 in the connection direction 16. The connection opening 38 is provided for the electrical coupling of the connection pin 24. A stop element 34 is arranged on the outside and / or at the outer periphery 40 of the guide unit 26. The male stop element 34 forms a positive connection with a corresponding female stop element (not shown). The stop element 34 fixes the mechanical connection of the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 in the connection direction 16. The stop element 34 fixes the electrical connection between the heating element 12 and the heating energy source 60 in the connection direction 16. The connection element 14 for mechanically fastening the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 and for electrically connecting the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 is connected to a corresponding connection element (not shown) in a common assembly step 48.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of a method for assembling a wiper device with a wiper arm 64 is shown. In at least one method step 42, a connecting element (not shown) of the wiper arm 64 or of a wiper arm adapter (not shown) of the wiper arm 64 is provided. In at least one further method step 44, a wiper device is provided. In at least one further method step 46, the wiper device and the wiper arm 64 or the wiper arm adapter are moved toward each other in a connecting direction 16. In this case, in at least one common assembly step 48, a connecting element 14 of the wiper device and a mechanical fastening of the wiper device, which is provided for fastening the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64, are connected to the wiper arm 64 or the wiper arm adapter. In this case, the mechanical fastening of the wiper device is at least partially also achieved by the connecting element 14. In addition, additional mechanical fastening can be achieved in the same common assembly step 48 by means of a further connecting element 62. In this case, the fastening in the connecting direction 16 is produced by means of the connecting element 14. In this case, the fastening perpendicular to the connecting direction 16 is produced by means of the further connecting element 62. In this case, the electrical connection of the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 is also produced by means of the connecting element 14. The wiper arm 64 and the wiper device are moved toward each other in the connecting direction 16, and at the same time the two components of the wiper 28 are mechanically fixed and the heating element 12 is electrically connected. In a further step, the wiper arm adapter can be closed toward the outside with a cover cap (not shown in the figure).

Claims

1. A windshield wiper device comprising: a wiper blade (10), at least one heating element (12) and at least a connecting element (14) for connecting the heating element (12) to a heating energy source (60), characterized in that: The connecting element (14) forms a connecting direction (16) which, at least in a vertical projection onto a predetermined wiping level of the wiper blade (10), forms a minimum angle (18) of at least 45°, preferably at least 60° with a main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10).

2. The wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection direction (16) forms an angle (18) of at least substantially 90° with a main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10), at least in a vertical projection onto a predetermined wiping level (66) of the wiper blade (10).

3. The wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A connecting direction (16) of the connecting element (14) extends at least substantially parallel to a predetermined wiping level of the wiper blade (10).

4. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (14) is designed as a positive-fitting plug (20).

5. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (14) is additionally designed for mechanical fastening to a wiper arm (64).

6. The windshield wiper device according to claim 5, characterized in that The connection direction (16) of the connection element (14) for mechanical fastening to the wiper arm (64) and the connection direction of the connection element for connection to the heating energy source (60) are identical.

7. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The heating element (12) is arranged along a main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10) over at least a major part of the entire longitudinal extension (52) of the wiper blade (10).

8. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The heating element (12) is connected to the wiper blade (10) in a materially bonded manner.

9. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (14) is formed integrally with a wiper blade adapter (22) and is designed for positively locking the wiper blade (10) and the wiper arm (64).

10. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting element (14) has a guide unit (26), which is in particular different from the connecting pin (24) and guides the wiper blade (10) to move along a connecting direction (16) when the wiper blade (10) is coupled to a wiper arm (64) and / or the heating element (12) is coupled to a heating energy source (60).

11. A windshield wiper (28) having a windshield wiper device according to claim 1 and having at least the wiper arm (64).

12. A method for assembling a windshield wiper device, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a wiper blade (10), at least one heating element (12) and at least a connecting element (14) for connecting the heating element (12) to a heating energy source (60), characterized in that: In a common assembly step (48), the connecting element (14) and a mechanical fastening means for fastening the wiper blade (10) to the wiper arm (64) are connected to the wiper arm (64).

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