Wiper system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper system for a vehicle, comprising a drive device, at least one shaft element and a retaining structure having a plug-in element and a latching element, the drive device and the shaft element being fixed and / or supported on the retaining structure, the drive device being designed to rotate the shaft element, the latching element being designed to lock the shaft element in the retaining structure. Wherein the shaft element is designed to fix a wiper arm, the plug-in element is designed to be inserted into a mating plug-in structure of the vehicle in a first plug-in direction, and the latching element is designed to be latched together with a mating latching structure of the vehicle, the first plug-in direction and the second plug-in direction differ from each other in order to prevent a movement of the retaining structure in the second plug-in direction.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper system for a vehicle and a vehicle having such a wiper system. Background Art

[0002] There are currently a large number of different solutions for mounting a wiper system in a vehicle. Here, the wiper system is fixedly screwed to the vehicle. For the screw connection of the current wiper system, holes are provided in the wiper system through which the screws are passed. In addition, the positions of the screws must be precisely set in the vehicle and in the wiper system in order to be able to screw the screws not only through the holes but also through the vehicle. The current solutions for such screw connections show that such screw connection holes on the wiper system are closer to the outer side of the vehicle than the wiper shaft on which the wiper is fixed. The requirements in the vehicle field for reduced consumption, continuous weight reduction, and increasing competition cause cost pressure, so that there is a stronger search for cheaper and more effective methods for fixing the wiper system to the vehicle, and also for wiper systems that are less costly and more effective. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The wiper system for a vehicle according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the following advantages over the known prior art, namely: no screw connection is required for fixing the wiper system to the vehicle. Thereby, bearing holes are omitted on both sides of the wiper system. This enables the wiper shaft to be moved further towards the A-pillar, on which the wiper is supported. This enables the reverse position of the wiper to be positioned closer to the A-pillar, and thus allows a lower and herein horizontal parking position of the wiper on the front windshield of the vehicle. In addition, the necessity of screws and tools for tightening is thereby eliminated. In summary, the installation of the wiper system is thereby made easier. The weight of the wiper is reduced. In addition, the wiper linkage can be mounted on the vehicle faster without screwing the wiper system into the vehicle. In addition, the cost is reduced due to the omission of screws and the installation tool for fixing the wiper system to the vehicle. In addition, no welding nuts are required for receiving the screws in the vehicle body.

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention in that the wiper system has a drive device, at least one shaft element, and a holding structure having a plug-in element and a locking element. The drive device and the shaft element are fixed and / or supported on the holding structure. The drive device is configured to rotate the shaft element. The shaft element is configured to fix the wiper arm. The plug-in element is configured to be inserted into a mating structure of the vehicle along a plug-in direction. The locking element is configured to lock with the mating structure of the vehicle to prevent movement of the holding structure. The first plug-in direction and the second plug-in direction are different from each other.

[0005] In other words, by means of the plug-in element, the wiper system is first inserted into the mating structure of the vehicle, and then the locking element is introduced into the mating structure along the second plug-in direction, wherein the locking element prevents the plug-in element from being pulled out along the second plug-in direction. Thereby, the holding structure is fixed to the vehicle by the plug-in element and the locking element. The drive device and the shaft element are fixed to the holding structure. The drive device is configured to: move the wiper arm plugged thereto through the shaft element.

[0006] The dependent claims illustrate preferred improvements of the present invention.

[0007] Preferably, the plug-in element and / or the locking element are configured to engage with the vehicle. This allows for easy installation, reliable retention, and easy removal of the bracket.

[0008] Preferably, the first plug-in element and the locking element are configured as engaging hooks. The advantage of this embodiment can be that the engaging hooks can be easily manufactured and can be reliably introduced into the mating structure.

[0009] Preferably, a decoupling element is arranged between the plug-in element and / or the locking element. The decoupling element is configured to: suppress the oscillation transmission between the holding structure and the vehicle. The advantage of this embodiment can be that the oscillations and vibrations of the vehicle are not transmitted to the holding structure, or the oscillations of the holding structure are not transmitted to the vehicle body.

[0010] Preferably, the plug-in element and / or the locking element are configured as mandrels. This allows for self-centering introduction of the bracket structure into the mating structure.

[0011] Preferably, the mandrel is locally tapered. This allows for easy manufacture of the mandrel.

[0012] The plug-in element and / or the locking element are advantageously configured as blind rivets. This not only allows for easy establishment of the plug connection between the holding structure and the mating structure, but also allows for reliable locking of the holding structure in the mating structure.

[0013] Preferably, the split rivet has a pin and a bushing. The bushing is fixedly connected to the retaining structure. The bushing is configured to be received and expanded in a mating structure. The advantage of such an embodiment can be that the plug-in element, designed as a bushing and a pin, can be easily fixed to the bracket device. In addition, such a design allows relative movement between the pin and the bushing, first allowing the bracket to be laid in the mating position without already fixing the bracket. By pressing the mandrel into the mating element, the bushing is expanded. This causes the plug-in element to be clamped in the mating latching structure. By pulling out the pin, the bushing returns to its initial arched position and the connection between the split rivet and the mating latching structure is released. Thus, such a design of the split rivet allows a reversible connection between the retaining structure and the mating latching structure.

[0014] Preferably, the pin of the split rivet has its maximum diameter in the state of being inserted into the bushing at the internally opposed position of the expansion part. The advantage of such an embodiment can be that an increased pressure is thereby applied to the connection part between the split rivet and the mating latching structure. This results in the maximum possible fixing force between the mating latching structure and the split rivet.

[0015] Preferably, the retaining structure has a connecting rod and the drive mechanism has a shaft element. The shaft element can be connected to the wiper arm. The connecting rod has a guide hole. The shaft element is movably supported in the guide hole. The drive device is fixedly connected to the connecting rod. The plug-in element and the latching element are fixedly connected to the connecting rod. The advantage of such an embodiment can be that there is no need to provide its own plug-in element or its own latching element for each bracket hole (through which the shaft element passes). The two guide holes are held together by a common connecting rod. This allows the plug-in element and the latching element to be provided on the connecting rod. The number of latching elements and plug-in elements on the wiper system is reduced. Thus, the cost and installation overhead for the wiper system can be reduced.

[0016] Preferably, the retaining structure has a first bracket element and a second bracket element. The first bracket element has a plug-in element and a latching element. The second bracket element has another latching element and another plug-in element. The other plug-in element is configured to be plugged together with a mating structure of the vehicle along a third plugging direction. The other latching element is configured to be latched with the mating structure of the vehicle to prevent movement of the retaining structure along a second plugging direction. The first plugging direction, the second plugging direction, and the third plugging direction are different from each other. The advantage of such an embodiment can be that no connecting rod is required. This allows for further weight reduction and cost savings of the wiper system. In addition, this allows the wiper system to be installed on the vehicle with tolerance compensation.

[0017] Preferably, the drive device is connected to the second support element. The transmission mechanism has a shaft element which can be connected to the wiper arm. The first support element has a bore. The shaft element is supported in the bore. The advantage of this embodiment is that the drive device and the holding bore for receiving the shaft element can be positioned relative to one another almost arbitrarily.

[0018] Furthermore, the plug-in element and / or another plug-in element are each configured as a bolt. The bolts are oriented parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another. The advantage of this embodiment can be that rotation of the support element about the axis of a respective bolt is prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention includes a vehicle having a wiper system according to one of the foregoing embodiments, as well as a wiper arm and a wiper blade. The vehicle has a mating latching structure for receiving the wiper system. The wiper blade is fixed to the wiper arm. The wiper arm is connected to the wiper system. Description of the Drawings

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic view of a vehicle having a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic view of a wiper system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic view of a vehicle having a wiper system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic view of a wiper system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic view of a support element of a wiper system according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic view of a plug-in element and / or a latching element configured as a snap connection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic view of a snap connection in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention, the snap connection being configured as a split rivet having a bushing and a pin;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic view of a split rivet in an inserted state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0029] Figure 9 A schematic view of a section of a blind rivet in an inserted state is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0030] Preferably, all elements, units, and / or structural assemblies have the same reference numerals in all the figures.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic view of a vehicle 10 having a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] The vehicle 10 has a wiper system 100, a wiper arm 300, and a wiper blade 301 according to one of the following embodiments. The vehicle 10 has a mating locking structure 160 and a mating plugging structure 170 for receiving the wiper system 100. The wiper blade 301 is fixed to the wiper arm 300. The wiper arm 300 is connected to the wiper system 100.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic view of a wiper system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The wiper system 100 has a drive device 101, at least one shaft element 102a, and a holding structure 110 having plugging elements 111a, 111b, and a locking element 112. The drive device 101 and the shaft element 102a are arranged and movably supported on the holding structure 110. The drive device 101 is configured to receive the shaft element 102a. The shaft element 102a is configured to fix the wiper arm 300. The plugging elements 111a, 111b are configured to be inserted into the mating structure 170 of the vehicle 10 along a first plugging direction 202. The locking element 112 is configured to be locked with the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 to prevent movement of the holding structure 110 along a second plugging direction 203. The first plugging direction 202 is different from the second plugging direction 203.

[0034] The plugging elements 111a, 111b and / or the locking element 112 are configured to engage with the vehicle 10. The plugging elements 111a, 111b and / or the locking element 112 are configured as engaging hooks 160. As an alternative, the plugging elements 111a, 111b and the locking element 112 are configured as a mandrel. The mandrel is formed locally in a tapered shape. The holding structure 110 has a connecting rod 103. The transmission mechanism 102 has a shaft element 102a. The shaft element 102a can be connected to the wiper arm 300. The connecting rod 103 has a guide hole 103a. The shaft element 102a is rotatably supported in the guide hole 103a. The drive device 101 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod 103. The plugging elements 111a, 111b and the locking element 112 are fixedly connected to the connecting rod 103. In other words, the drive device 101 and the shaft element 102a are connected to each other through the connecting rod 103.

[0035] To install the windshield wiper system 100 of this embodiment, first, the plug-in elements 111a and 111b are inserted into the mating latching structure 160 of the vehicle 10 along the first plug-in direction 202. Subsequently, the latching element 112 is introduced into the mating latching structure 160 of the vehicle 10 along the second plug-in direction 203 and latched. With this design, the movement of the latching element 112 along or against the second plug-in direction 203 is prevented. The removal of the plug-in elements 111a and 111b is prevented by the position of the latching element 112.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic view of a vehicle 10 with a windshield wiper system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The mating plug-in structure 170 for receiving the plug-in elements 111a and 111b is near the front windshield. The mating latching structure 160 for receiving the latching elements 132a and 132b is near the engine compartment of the vehicle 10. The first plug-in direction 202 and the second plug-in direction 203 are arranged orthogonally to each other.

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic view of a windshield wiper system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment basically has the same features as the first embodiment. The second embodiment does not have a connecting rod that connects the transmission mechanism to the drive device 101 and the shaft element 102a.

[0038] The retaining structure 110 has a support element 120 and another support element 130. The support element 120 has plug elements 121a, 121b and a locking element 122. The another support element 130 has another locking elements 132a, 132b and another plug element 131. The another locking elements 132a, 132b are configured to be inserted into a mating structure 170 of the vehicle 10 along a third plugging direction 201. The locking element 122 is configured to lock with the mating structure 170 of the vehicle 10 to prevent the movement of the retaining structure 110 along a second plugging direction 203. The first plugging direction 202, the second plugging direction 203 and the third plugging direction 201 are different. The drive device 101 is connected to the another support element 130. The transmission mechanism has a shaft element 102a which can be connected to the wiper arm 300. The support element 120 has a bore 120a. The shaft element 102a is supported in the bore 120a. Thus, the drive device 101 and the shaft element 102a are fixed on two different support elements 120, 130. The support elements 120, 130 can move relative to each other in accordance with the link 103. For installation, first, the plug elements 120a, 120b of the support element 120 are inserted into the mating structure of the vehicle 10 in the mating structure 170 along the first plugging direction 202. Subsequently, the locking element 122 of the support element 120 is inserted into the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 along the second plugging direction 203 and locked there. Since the second plugging direction 203 is different from the first plugging direction 202, the insertion of the locking element 122 into the mating locking structure 202 prevents the plug elements 121a, 121b from being pulled out of the mating locking structure 170. The another plug element 131 of the another support element 130 is inserted into the mating plugging structure 170 of the vehicle 10 along the third plugging direction 201. Subsequently, the locking elements 132a, 132b of the another support element 130 are inserted into the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 along the second plugging direction 203 and locked. The locking elements 132a, 132b of the another retaining structure 130 prevent the another plug element 131 of the another support element 130 from being pulled out of the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10.

[0039] Figure 5 FIG. shows a schematic view of the support element 120 of the wiper system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The wiper system 100 according to the third embodiment has features similar to those of the wiper systems 100 according to the first and second embodiments. The plug elements 122a, 122b and the another plug element 131 each have two pins. The pins are oriented parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

[0040] Figure 6A schematic view of a plug-in element and / or a locking element 112 configured as a snap connection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The locking element 112 is configured as a snap hook 160.

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic view of the snap connection in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The snap connection is configured as a split rivet 150 having a bushing and a pin 151. The locking element 112 is configured as the split rivet 150. The split rivet 150 has a pin 151 and a bushing 152. The bushing 152 is fixedly connected to the holding structure 110. The bushing 152 has a void 131 for receiving and for spreading open into the mating structure 170. In Figure 7 the bushing 152 has already been connected to the support structure 110. The pin 151 has not been inserted into the bushing 152 to such an extent that the bushing spreads open and engages into the mating structure 170 of the vehicle 10. However, the bushing 152 has already been placed on the plate of the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10. Here, the void 153 abuts against the inside of the mating locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10.

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic view of the split rivet 150 in the inserted state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 The same split rivet as that in Figure 7 is shown. In Figure 8 the pin 151 has been inserted into the bushing 152 to such an extent that the bushing spreads open and engages into the mating locking structure 160. Here, a decoupling element 140 is provided between the support structure and the mating locking structure 160. The decoupling element 140 is provided for suppressing the oscillation transmission between the support structure 110 and the vehicle 10.

[0044] Figure 9 A schematic view of a section of the split rivet 150 in the inserted state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 9 The same split rivet as that in Figure 7 and 8 is shown. Figure 9 The split rivet 150 in Figure 7 and 8 shows similar features to the split rivet 150 in Figure 9 In Figure 9 the split rivet 150 is configured such that the pin 151 has its maximum diameter 151a at the spreading portion 153 provided oppositely inside the bushing 152 in the state where the pin 151 is inserted into the bushing 152.

Claims

1. A wiper system (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising: - a driving device (101), - at least one shaft element (102a) and a holding structure (110) having plug-in elements (111a, 111b) and latching elements (112), - wherein the drive device (101) and the shaft element (102a) are fixed and / or supported on a holding structure (110), - wherein the drive device (101) is designed to rotate the shaft element (102a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is designed to fix the wiper arm (300), - wherein the plug-in element (111a, 111b) is designed to be inserted into a mating plug-in structure (170) of the vehicle (10) along a first plug-in direction (202), and - wherein the latching element (112) is configured to latch with a mating latching structure (160) of the vehicle (10) in order to prevent movement of the retaining structure (110) along the second plug-in direction (203), and - wherein the first plugging direction (202) and the second plugging direction (203) are different from each other.

2. The wiper system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the latching element (112) are designed to be snap-fitted to a vehicle (10).

3. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug element (111a, 111b) and / or the latching element (112) are designed as snap-in hooks (160).

4. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A decoupling element (140) is arranged in the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and the latching element (112). The decoupling element (140) is designed to suppress the transmission of oscillations between the holding structure (110) and the vehicle (10).

5. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the latching element (112) are designed as a spindle.

6. The wiper system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mandrel is conical in sections.

7. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the locking element (112) are designed as open rivets (150).

8. The wiper system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The split rivet (150) has a pin (151) and a bushing (152). - wherein the bushing (152) is fixedly connected to the retaining structure (110), and The bushing (152) has a recess (153) for receiving and expanding a mating plug-in structure (170).

9. The wiper system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the pin (151) of the split rivet (150) is inserted into the bushing (152), it has its largest diameter (151) at the location of the expansion (153) opposite it.

10. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the retaining structure (110) has a connecting rod (103), and - the transmission mechanism (102) has a shaft element (102a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is connectable to a wiper arm (300), - wherein the connecting rod (103) has a guide hole (103a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is rotatably supported in the guide hole (103a), - wherein the drive device (101) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod (103), and The plug-in element (111a, 111b) and the locking element (112) are fixedly connected to the connecting rod (103).

11. The windshield wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the holding structure (110) has a first support element (120) and a second support element (130), - wherein the first support element (120) has plug-in elements (121a, 121b) and locking elements (122), - wherein the second support element (123) has a further locking element (131) and a further plug-in element (132a, 132b), - wherein the further latching element (131) is designed to latch with a mating plug-in structure (170) of the vehicle (10) in order to prevent movement of the retaining structure (110) along a second plug-in direction (203), - wherein the further plug-in element (132a, 132b) is designed to be plugged into a counterpart structure (170) of the vehicle (10) along a third plug-in direction (201), and - wherein the first plugging direction (202), the second plugging direction (203) and the third plugging direction (201) are different from each other.

12. The wiper system (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that - the drive device (101) is connected to the second support element (130), The transmission mechanism (102) has a shaft element (102a) which can be connected to a wiper arm (300), and - the first support element (120) has a bore (120a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is supported in the bore (120a).

13. The wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug-in element (122a, 122b) and / or the further plug-in element (131) are each designed as a plug pin, - wherein the latches are oriented parallel to each other, and - wherein the pins are spaced apart from each other.

14. A vehicle (103) having - a wiper system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a wiper arm (300), and - a wiper blade (301), - wherein the vehicle (10) has a mating plug-in structure (170) for receiving the wiper system (100), - wherein the wiper blade (301) is fixed to the wiper arm (300), and - wherein the wiper arm (300) is connected to the wiper system (100).

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