Wiper arm device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper arm device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a fastening element (14) which can be fastened to a wiper shaft and which has a wiper shaft receptacle (21); and a holder (12), at least the fastening element (14) having an articulation section (16) for articulating to the holder (12). According to the invention, the fastening element (14) has a main body (15) made of plastic and a reinforcing element (20), in particular a metal reinforcing element (20), for reinforcing the main body (15), the metal reinforcing element (20) substantially penetrating the fastening element (14).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a wiper arm device according to the generic of the independent claim, a fastening for a wiper arm device, a method for producing a fastening for a wiper arm device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A large number of wiper arms for window wiper devices of motor vehicles are known. The wiper arms known from the prior art are either composed of sheet metal or are configured as aluminum die cast parts. SUMMARY

[0003] The invention describes a wiper arm device, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a fastening which can be fastened at a wiper shaft, the fastening having a wiper shaft receptacle, and a holder, wherein at least the fastening has an articulation section for articulation connection with the holder. According to the invention, the fastening has a base body which is configured from a plastic and a reinforcing element, in particular a metallic reinforcing element, for reinforcing the base body, wherein the metallic reinforcing element substantially runs through the fastening.

[0004] The wiper device according to the invention enables a reduction in the weight of the wiper arm device by using a plastic material, while at the same time ensuring that the stability, strength and load capacity of the fastening continue to be maintained by the reinforcing element. An optimum balance between lightweight construction and structural integration is thereby achieved, which improves the performance and efficiency of the wiper arm device.

[0005] Advantageous refinements and improvements of the features given in the independent claim are obtained by the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0006] The wiper arm device is further improved by the feature that the reinforcing element reinforces at least the wiper shaft receptacle and the articulation section. This feature has the advantage that the critical regions which are subjected to high loads, such as the wiper shaft receptacle and the articulation section, are reinforced in a targeted manner. This improves the service life and reliability of the wiper arm device.

[0007] It is furthermore advantageous if the reinforcing element surrounds the wiper shaft receptacle in the wiper shaft receptacle section, wherein the wiper shaft receptacle is at least partially configured by the reinforcing element. This provides the advantage that the wiper shaft receptacle obtains an improved stability, since it is directly supported by the reinforcing element, which enables a more precise and more robust connection with respect to the wiper shaft.

[0008] According to an advantageous refinement of the application, the hinge section has at least one hinge pin receptacle, wherein the reinforcing element at least partially, preferably substantially completely, surrounds the hinge pin receptacle in the region of the hinge section. The advantage is that the hinge connection is stabilized by the reinforcing element, which improves the durability of the hinge structure and the functional performance of the wiper arm device in the case of dynamic loads.

[0009] The wiper arm device is further improved by the feature that the reinforcing element at least partially constitutes the hinge pin receptacle in the region of the hinge section. This feature makes the hinge connection more robust, since the reinforcing element directly contributes to forming the hinge pin receptacle, which ensures a higher precision and strength in this region.

[0010] It is furthermore advantageous if the reinforcing element has at least one, preferably at least two, holding arms in the region of the hinge pin receptacle, which at their ends are each provided with a curved holding element for constituting the hinge pin receptacle. The advantage of this feature is that an improved fastening of the hinge pin is achieved by the curved holding elements, which makes the connection reliable and durable.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the reinforcing element is configured as a sheet metal element, preferably as a stamped and bent sheet metal part, particularly preferably in one piece, wherein the reinforcing element is preferably configured as a load-bearing structural element for the fastening. The advantage of this construction is that the reinforcing element is easily and cost-effectively manufactured, while at the same time providing high structural integration and load capacity.

[0012] It is furthermore advantageous if the base body of the fastening is essentially, preferably completely, configured from plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part, wherein the fastening is preferably composed of the base body and the reinforcing element. The advantage of this feature is that a weight saving is achieved by the use of plastic, while the reinforcing element still ensures the necessary strength and stability.

[0013] The wiper arm device is further improved by the feature that the reinforcing element is configured as an at least partially plastic injection-molded insert, wherein the reinforcing element has an intermediate section arranged between the wiper shaft receptacle section and the hinge section, wherein the intermediate section is preferably completely configured in a plastic injection-molded manner. This feature improves the integration of the reinforcing element into the base body, which leads to an increased stability.

[0014] The wiper arm device is further improved by the feature that the intermediate section of the reinforcing element is tapered. The advantage of this feature is that the material utilization is optimized, which leads to a reduced weight without adversely affecting the structural integration.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the reinforcement element has at least one receptacle for a tensioning element, in particular a spring element, for articulation tensioning between the fastening element and the holding element. This makes assembly and integration of the tensioning element easy.

[0016] According to an advantageous refinement of the application, the reinforcement element has at least one tensioning arm, wherein the receptacle for the tensioning element is configured at the tensioning arm, and the end of the tensioning arm preferably has a curved tensioning arm element for configuring the receptacle for the tensioning element. This feature has the advantage of improved holding force and stability of the tensioning device, which ensures uniform tensioning and reliable connection.

[0017] Furthermore, the application describes a fastening element for a wiper arm device according to the application. The specific fastening element enables flexible and stable connection of the wiper arm device, thereby achieving higher load capacity and increased service life.

[0018] Furthermore, the application describes a method for manufacturing a fastening element for a wiper arm device according to the application, comprising the following method steps: inserting the reinforcement element into an injection molding mold, injection molding the base body of the fastening element.

[0019] The method offers the advantage of efficient processing, in which the reinforcement element is integrated directly into the plastic body, which simplifies production and increases the structural strength of the finished product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the application are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in detail in the following description. Therein: Figure 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a wiper arm device is shown, Figure 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement element for a wiper arm device is shown, Figure 3a a top view of a partial embodiment of a wiper arm device is shown, Figure 3b a sectional view of an embodiment of a fastening element is shown along the sectioning plane A-A according to Figure 3a Figure 4 a method for manufacturing a fastening element for a wiper arm device according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In Figure 1 ​A perspective view of an embodiment of a wiper arm device 10 is shown in Fig. 1. The wiper arm device 10 comprises a holder 12 which receives a wiper blade, a fastening piece 14 which is provided for connecting the holder 12 with a wiper shaft. The fastening piece 14 has a hinging section 16 for a hinged connection with the holder 12. For fastening at the wiper shaft, the fastening piece 14 has a wiper shaft receptacle 21. The wiper shaft receptacle 21 is preferably configured as a through-opening 50 in the fastening piece 14. The hinging section 21 is preferably arranged at a side of the fastening piece 14 which is opposite the wiper shaft receptacle 21. The rotational movement of the wiper arm device 10 takes place about a rotation point which is at the same time the location of the fastening point of the wiper shaft at the fastening piece 14.

[0022] A not shown wiper lip which is fastened at the holder 12 is provided for wiping a surface on which the wiper lip is placed. A hinge 17 which is formed at least partially by the hinging section 16 of the fastening piece 14 enables the holder 12 to be flipped up so that the wiper lip is detached from the surface. The hinging section 16 preferably forms a hinge pin receptacle 62 for receiving a hinge pin of the hinge 17.

[0023] The aforementioned wiper arm device 10 is suitable for a window pane wiper system of a motor vehicle or a building or other equipment comprising a surface to be wiped, such as a window or a windshield pane.

[0024] In order to reduce costs and weight, the fastening piece 14 is mainly configured from plastic. For this purpose, the fastening piece 14 has a base body 15 which is preferably manufactured in a plastic injection-molding method.

[0025] In order to provide mechanical stability, the fastening piece 14 has, in addition to the base body 15, a reinforcing element 20 which is preferably composed of metal. The reinforcing element 20 is embodied as a sheet metal element which is preferably configured as a punched and bent sheet metal part. The reinforcing element 20 acts as a load-bearing structural element for the fastening piece 14 or for the base body 15. The reinforcing element 20 can be embodied as an at least partially plastic injection-molded insert, thereby ensuring a secure connection to the base body 15. In Figure 1 In Fig. 1, the reinforcing element 20 is obscured due to the plastic injection-molded structure and the viewing angle. The reinforcing element 20 is described in detail in the following figures.

[0026] The reinforcing element 20 is configured for reinforcing the base body 15 of the fastening piece 14 which is configured from plastic. The reinforcing element 20 essentially runs through the fastening piece 14. Preferably, the reinforcing element 20 extends essentially over the entire longitudinal extension of the fastening piece 14.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the reinforcing element 20 reinforces at least the wiper shaft receptacle 21 and the articulation section 16. To this end, the reinforcing element 20 has at least one wiper shaft receptacle section 60 and at least one articulation section 16 according to an advantageous embodiment of the application. The wiper shaft receptacle section 60 is configured for reinforcing the wiper shaft receptacle 21. Preferably, the reinforcing element surrounds the wiper shaft receptacle 21 in the wiper shaft receptacle section 60.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the application shown in Figure 2 , the wiper shaft receptacle 21 is formed at least partially by the reinforcing element 20. To this end, the reinforcing element has a bore 63 in the wiper shaft receptacle section 60, which bore has a through-opening 50 for receiving the wiper shaft. The wiper shaft receptacle section 60 is preferably configured substantially annularly.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, at least one radially outer edge section 65 of the substantially annular wiper shaft receptacle section 60 of the reinforcing element 20 is injection-molded with a plastic base body. According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the radially inner edge section 64 of the reinforcing element 20 at least partially forms a sheath of the wiper shaft receptacle 21 and thus forms a direct pair of action surfaces for the wiper shaft.

[0030] In order to provide a particularly stable wiper shaft receptacle 21, it is conceivable that the reinforcing element 20 has a circumferential flange 67 in the region of the radially inner edge section 64, which extends substantially in the axial direction A, for lining the wiper shaft receptacle 21 or the through-opening 50. Preferably, the reinforcing element 20 is configured substantially sleeve-like in the region of the wiper shaft receptacle 21. This serves, inter alia, to additionally stabilize and to improve the force transmission from the wiper shaft to the wiper arm device 10.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the application, it is conceivable to implement special measures for reducing the creep properties of the reinforcing element 20.

[0032] It is thus conceivable, for example, that the reinforcing element 20 has additional anchoring elements, which can be provided, for example, at the edges or along the surface of the sheet metal part. It is thus conceivable, for example, that the reinforcing element 20 has additional through-holes or boreholes. Here, the plastic can particularly advantageously flow through these openings during the injection-molding process and create so-called "sprue heads" on the opposite sides, which provide a mechanical bite. These heads act like rivets and prevent the plastic from moving relative to the metal.

[0033] It is also conceivable for the reinforcing element 20 to have additional teeth, hooks or protrusions.

[0034] It is also conceivable according to a further advantageous refinement of the application for the reinforcing element 20 to have microstructures on the surface in order to reduce the creep properties. These microstructures engage into the injection-molded plastic and increase the friction and mechanical bonding between the metal and the plastic. A targeted increase in the surface roughness achieved by microstructures, for example additional embossings or roughened areas, can increase the surface of the sheet metal part, which makes the plastic better mechanically bite. These microstructures can be produced during the manufacture of the sheet metal part, for example by stamping, laser machining or sandblasting.

[0035] It is also conceivable for the reinforcing element 20 to have additional grooves or recesses. The grooves or recesses can extend not only longitudinally with respect to the main loading direction but also transversely with respect to the main loading direction and provide resistance to movement and creep of the plastic.

[0036] It is also conceivable for the plastic of the fastening part 14 to be at least partially fiber-reinforced or to have additional further metal insert elements. Preferably, the fastening part 14 is constructed essentially of plastic. Preferably, the fastening part 14 consists of the plastic matrix 15 and the reinforcing element 20. Preferably, the matrix 15 is constructed entirely of plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic. Preferably, the plastic is a polymer.

[0037] As can be seen in Figure 2 , the hinge section 16 has at least one hinge pin receptacle 62, wherein the reinforcing element 20 at least partially, preferably essentially completely, surrounds the hinge pin receptacle 62 in the region of the hinge section 16. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and Fig. 3, the reinforcing element 20 at least partially forms the hinge pin receptacle 62 in the region of the hinge section 16. Preferably, the hinge pin receptacle 62 forms at least one bearing for a hinge pin extending essentially in the transverse direction Q.

[0038] In order to form the hinge pin receptacle 62, the reinforcing element 20 has two retaining arms 70a, 70b according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 in the region of the hinge section 16. The retaining arms 70a, 70b each have a curved retaining element 71a, 71b at the end, which surrounds and forms the hinge pin receptacle opening. The retaining elements are therefore curved, in particular annularly curved, around the hinge pin axis 80.

[0039] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing element 20 is constructed as a planar, substantially flat structural element and preferably extends substantially in the extending plane E. Here, the reinforcing element 20 is preferably implemented as a one-piece sheet metal part, and more particularly as a stamped and bent part.

[0040] Preferably, the retaining arms 70a and 70b are constructed such that they bend out from the extension plane E of the reinforcing element 20 in the axial direction A.

[0041] exist Figure 3b The embodiment of fastener 14 is shown in the figure. Figure 3a The cross section of the cutting line AA. According to the invention... Figure 3b In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing element 20 is constructed substantially by injection molding overlay of the base 15. In particular, the intermediate section 68, arranged between the wiper shaft receiving section 60 and the hinge section 16, is preferably constructed entirely by injection molding overlay. Preferably, the reinforcing element 20 extends substantially centrally within the base 15.

[0042] According to the present invention Figure 3b In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing element 20 additionally has a receiving portion 90 for a tensioning element (not shown here). The tensioning element is configured to apply the necessary tension within the hinge 17. The tensioning element is preferably configured as a spring element. The tensioning element is configured to induce torque between the fastener 14 and the retainer 12 across the hinge portion 16. The tensioning element preferably includes a tension spring, which may optionally be extended by a C-shaped bend. The spring element can be a shank spring (Stielösen-Zugfeder), wherein the C-shaped bend can be omitted.

[0043] According to the present invention Figure 3b In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing element has a tensioning arm 91. A receiving portion 90 for the tensioning element is constructed at the tensioning arm 91. To construct the tension receiving portion 90, the tensioning arm 91 has a curved tensioning arm element 92 at its end.

[0044] A curved tensioning arm element 92 surrounds or encloses the receiving opening, into which the tensioning element can enter. Therefore, the tensioning arm element 92 is constructed in a curved, particularly annular, configuration around the receiving opening. Preferably, the tensioning arm 91 and the retaining arms 70a, 70b are constructed substantially by injection molding overlay of the base 15. Here, only the corresponding receiving openings 80, 90 remain substantially plastic-free. A spring element can, for example, be spring-suspended into the tensioning receiving portion 90. The suspension point is preferably not adjustable. An additional suspension point is located, for example, at the retainer 12, where an additional hook of the spring element is preferably attached. This additional suspension point is preferably variably set by a movable pin or compensating element. According to the invention... Figure 3bIn the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the tensioning arms 91 extend out of the extension plane E opposite the holding arms 70a, 70b.

[0045] According to an advantageous refinement of the application, the tensioning arms 90 and the holding arms 70a, 70b both extend as tab-like elements substantially in the longitudinal direction L and thus form planar coupling elements that are optimal for the corresponding injection-molding of plastic.

[0046] In Figure 4 A method 100 for producing the fastening 14 for the wiper arm device 10 is shown in Fig. 6. First, the reinforcing element 20 is placed into an injection-molding mold in a first method step 110. Subsequently, the base body 15 of the fastening 14 is injection-molded.

Claims

1. Wiper arm device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a fastening piece (14) which can be fastened at a wiper shaft, the fastening piece having a wiper shaft receptacle (21), and a holding piece (12), wherein At least the fastening part (14) has a hinge section (16) for the articulated connection to the holder (12), characterized in that the fastening part (14) has a base body (15) which is configured from plastic and a reinforcing element (20), in particular a metallic reinforcing element (20), for reinforcing the base body (15), wherein the metallic reinforcing element (20) substantially runs through the fastening part (14).

2. A wiper arm device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) reinforces at least the wiper shaft receptacle (21) and the hinge section (16).

3. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) surrounds the wiper shaft receptacle (21) in a wiper shaft receptacle section (60), wherein the wiper shaft receptacle (21) is at least partially configured by the reinforcing element (20).

4. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The hinge section (16) has at least one hinge pin receptacle (62), wherein the reinforcing element (20) at least partially, preferably substantially completely, surrounds the hinge pin receptacle (62) in the region of the hinge section.

5. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) at least partially constitutes the hinge pin receptacle (62) in the region of the hinge section (16).

6. A wiper arm device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, The reinforcing element (20) has at least one, preferably at least two, holding arms (70a, 70b) in the region of the hinge pin receptacle (62), which each have a curved holding element (71a, 71b) arranged at their end for constituting the hinge pin receptacle (62).

7. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) is configured as a sheet element, preferably as a stamped and bent sheet part, particularly preferably in one piece, wherein the reinforcing element (20) is preferably configured as a load-bearing structural element for the fastening part (14).

8. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The base body (15) of the fastening part (14) is substantially, preferably completely, configured from plastic, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part, wherein preferably the fastening part (14) is composed of the base body (15) and the reinforcing element (20).

9. The wiper arm device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) is configured as an at least partially plastic injection-molded insert, wherein the reinforcing element (20) has an intermediate section (67) arranged between the wiper shaft receptacle section (60) and the hinge section (16), wherein the intermediate section (67) is preferably completely configured in a plastic injection-molded manner.

10. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The intermediate section (67) of the reinforcing element (20) is configured tapering.

11. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) has at least one receptacle (90) for a tensioning element, in particular a spring element, for the articulated tensioning between the fastening part (14) and the holder (12).

12. A wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing element (20) has at least one tensioning arm (91), wherein the receptacle (90) for the tensioning element is configured at the tensioning arm (91), and wherein preferably an end of the tensioning arm (91) has a curved tensioning arm element (92) for configuring the receptacle (90) for the tensioning element.

13. Fastening part (14) for a wiper arm device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Method (100) for manufacturing a fastener (14) of a wiper arm arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following method steps: - (110) placing a reinforcing element (20) into an injection molding mold, - (120) injection molding a base body (15) of the fastener (14).

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