Method for mounting a wiper blade adapter
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2012-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for mounting wiper blade adapters on spring rails are inefficient and prone to air pockets, requiring improved precision and uniform energy distribution during the assembly process.
The method employs ultrasonic welding with sonotrodes pressing against the underside of the spring rail facing away from the wiper lip, oscillating in a longitudinal direction, and using a hold-down device to ensure uniform energy distribution and prevent air pockets, while the spring rail partially fuses with the wiper blade adapter.
Achieves precise and efficient assembly of the wiper blade adapter on the spring rail with reduced detuning and air pockets, ensuring a stable and uniform energy input, resulting in a dimensionally stable wiper blade.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
State of the art
[0001] A method for mounting a wiper blade adapter to at least one spring rail using an ultrasonic welding process is already known. Disclosure of the invention
[0002] A method for mounting a wiper blade adapter to at least one spring rail by means of an ultrasonic welding process is proposed, in which at least one sonotrode rests on the underside of the at least one spring rail facing the wiper lip, and the at least one spring rail at least partially fuses with the wiper blade adapter on a side facing away from the wiper lip, thereby achieving a particularly precise fit of the wiper blade adapter to the at least one spring rail. In this context, a "wiper blade adapter" is understood to be, in particular, an adapter that has a contact area with a wiper blade component and is captively connected to the wiper blade component, and is designed to provide a coupling area of the wiper blade component for coupling and / or contacting with a wiper arm adapter.In this context, a "wiper arm adapter" is understood to mean, in particular, an adapter that has a contact area for a wiper arm component and is captively connected to the wiper arm component, and is designed to provide a coupling area of the wiper arm component for coupling and / or contact with a wiper blade adapter. A "spring rail" is understood to mean, in particular, a macroscopic element that has at least an extent which, in a normal operating state, is elastically variable by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30%, and most advantageously by at least 50%, and which, in particular, generates a counterforce that is dependent on and preferably proportional to a change in extent and that opposes the change. Preferably, the spring rail is made at least partially of spring steel.Preferably, in an unloaded state, the spring rail has essentially the shape of a bent rod, and particularly advantageously, a flattened bent rod. It is particularly advantageous for the curvature of the spring rail along a longitudinal extent in an unloaded state to be greater than the curvature of a vehicle surface, in particular a vehicle window, over which the spring rail is guided in at least one operating state. The term "extent" of an element is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum distance between two points of a perpendicular projection of the element onto a plane. The term "macroscopic element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element with an extent of at least 1 mm, more specifically at least 5 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm.In this context, an "ultrasonic welding process" is understood to mean, in particular, a process in which at least two components are joined together by means of an ultrasonic welding process. A "sonotrode" is understood to mean, in particular, a tool designed to introduce high-frequency mechanical vibrations into at least one component. Advantageously, the frequency of the mechanical vibration corresponds to a natural frequency of the sonotrode. "Wiper-lip facing" is understood to mean, in particular, facing a wiper lip. Specifically, a wiper-lip facing direction is perpendicular to a vehicle windshield being wiped. "Wiper-lip facing away" is understood to mean, in particular, facing away from a wiper lip.In particular, the direction away from the wiper blade is perpendicular to the vehicle window being wiped and opposite to the direction towards the wiper blade. In this context, "merging" is understood to mean, in particular, that at least two components mix with each other, at least partially, in a liquid phase.
[0003] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the at least one spring rail is pressed against the wiper blade adapter by a hold-down device during the ultrasonic welding process, thereby advantageously avoiding additional components holding the at least one spring rail and unwanted air inclusions. In this context, a "hold-down device" is understood to be, in particular, a tool designed to press the spring rail against the wiper blade adapter during an assembly process. Specifically, the hold-down device is designed to press the spring rail against the wiper blade adapter with a constant, adjustable force.
[0004] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one spring rail is set into vibration by at least two sonotrodes simultaneously during the ultrasonic welding process, whereby energy input into the at least one spring rail can advantageously be particularly uniform.
[0005] Furthermore, it is proposed that during the ultrasonic welding process, the at least one spring rail is set into vibration by the at least two sonotrodes at longitudinally offset, spaced-apart sections, thereby enabling particularly uniform energy input into the at least one spring rail over a particularly large area. In this context, "longitudinal direction" is understood to mean, in particular, a direction that runs at least substantially parallel to a principal longitudinal extent of a spring rail. "At least substantially" in this context means, in particular, a deviation of less than 20°, preferably less than 10°, and most preferably less than 5°.
[0006] Furthermore, a wiper blade with a wiper blade adapter and at least one spring rail is proposed, which is at least partially manufactured in a method according to one of the preceding claims. Advantageously, the wiper blade has a second spring rail that runs at least substantially parallel to the first spring rail, which allows the wiper blade to be designed to be particularly dimensionally stable.
[0007] Advantageously, the wiper blade adapter features a curved spring rail contact surface designed for the flat contact of at least one spring rail, thereby reducing misalignment of the spring rail within the wiper blade adapter. In this context, "spring rail contact surface" refers specifically to a surface intended to support at least one spring rail in a mounted state. It is further proposed that the spring rail contact surface be continuously concave.
[0008] If the wiper blade adapter has at least one welding protrusion arranged on a spring rail contact surface, which is intended to be connected to the at least one spring rail during the ultrasonic welding process, melt can be generated particularly quickly during the ultrasonic welding process.
[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade adapter has a spring rail mounting surface that is completely open in the direction facing the wiper lip, thus enabling particularly simple and quick mounting of the spring rail to the wiper blade adapter. In this context, "completely open" is understood to mean, in particular, that the spring rail mounting surface, when unmounted, is freely accessible to its surroundings in any direction perpendicular to the spring rail mounting surface. drawing
[0010] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawing. The drawing illustrates an embodiment of the invention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.
[0011] They show:
[0012] Fig. 1 A first assembly step of a method for mounting a wiper blade adapter on a spring rail in a sectional view along line II in Fig. 5,
[0013] Fig. 2 a second assembly step of the procedure for mounting the wiper blade adapter to the spring rail in a sectional view,
[0014] Fig. 3 a third assembly step of the procedure for mounting the wiper blade adapter on the spring rail in a sectional view,
[0015] Fig. 4 a side view of the wiper blade adapter with the spring rail in a mounted state and
[0016] Fig. 5 a sectional view along line VV in Fig. 4. Description of the exemplary embodiment
[0017] In the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is a method according to the invention for mounting a wiper blade adapter 10on a spring rail 12 demonstrated through an ultrasonic welding process. The wiper blade adapter 10 is for coupling a jointless wiper blade 48 on a wiper arm adapter (not shown) of a wiper arm in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The spring rail 12 It is made of coated spring steel. The spring rail has... 12 In an unloaded state, it essentially takes the form of a flattened, curved rod.
[0018] The wiper blade adapter 10 features a curved, wiper-lip-facing spring rail mounting surface 32 on, which are used for the flat application of the spring rail 12 is provided for. The spring rail mounting surface 32 It is designed with a continuous concave curve. During the assembly process of the spring rail 12 on the wiper blade adapter 10 In the first assembly step, the spring rail is 12to the spring rail mounting surface facing the wiper lip 32 of the wiper blade adapter 10 applied. The spring rail 12 Depending on the interpretation, it may only be located at two points on the spring rail contact surface. 32 arranged welder elevations 34 , 36 up. The welded ridges 34 , 36 They melt during a subsequent ultrasonic welding process and bond with the spring rail. 12 .
[0019] In a second assembly step, the spring rail is 12 from a hold-down 24 to the wiper blade adapter 10 pressed and simultaneously fixed. One of the hold-down devices 24 on the spring rail 12 The constant force is freely adjustable by the operator. The hold-down device 24 has two sonotrode recesses 40 , 42 on, which are formed by boreholes. The sonotrode recesses40 , 42 run perpendicular to a contact surface 44 of the hold-down device 24 The contact surface 44 During the assembly process, it lies directly and flatly against the spring rail. 12 to.
[0020] Simultaneously, two sonotrodes 16 , 18 to the spring rail 12 brought close until they are on a side facing the wiping lips. 20 the spring rail 12 is located ( Fig. 2) However, it is also conceivable in this context that the sonotrodes 16 , 18 first to the spring rail 12 be brought forward after the hold-down 24 against these. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sonotrodes 16 , 18 one after the other at a time to the spring rail 12 be brought closer to it. Upon commissioning the sonotrodes 16 , 18These high-frequency mechanical vibrations are transmitted into the spring rail. 12 One. The spring rail melts due to frictional heat. 12 partially on a side facing away from the wiping lips 22 with the wiper blade adapter 10 During the ultrasonic welding process, the spring rail is 12 further from the hold-down 24 to the wiper blade adapter 10 pressed ( Fig. 3).
[0021] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in 3, the spring rail 12 during the ultrasonic welding process through the two sonotrodes 16 , 18 simultaneously set into vibration. The spring rail 12 is carried out during the ultrasonic welding process by the two sonotrodes 16 , 18 in a longitudinal direction 26 staggered, spaced-apart areas 28 , 30set into vibration. However, it is also conceivable in this context that a third sonotrode could be placed between the two sonotrodes. 16 , 18 to the spring rail 12 is introduced to it.
[0022] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is the wiper blade adapter 10 and the spring rail 12 Shown in a mounted state, together with a wiper strip. 46 and other components not shown in detail, such as a wind deflector element and / or end caps, form the wiper blade adapter. 10 and the spring rail 12 the wiper blade 48 In addition to the spring rail 12 the wiper blade 48 a second spring rail 14 on ( Fig. 5) The second spring rail 14 It runs parallel to the first spring rail 12 . Assembly of the second spring rail 14 on the wiper blade adapter 10The same procedure is used as for the installation of the other spring rail. 12 Both spring rails are advantageously used. 12 , 14 simultaneously on the wiper blade adapter 10 welded on. In addition to the two sonotrodes, the following are also welded on. 16 , 18 two further sonotrodes, not shown, were used. However, it is also conceivable in this context that the two sonotrodes 16 , 18 first the first spring rail 12 and then the second spring rail 14 on the wiper blade adapter 10 weld on.
[0023] The wiper blade adapter 10 features two side skirts 50 , 52 on, which extend from a basic body 54 starting in a direction towards the wiper lips 38 extend. The side skirts 50 , 52 They clamp a spring rail mounting area 56 on. The spring rail mounting surface 32limits the spring rail mounting area 56 in the direction of the base body 54 Furthermore, the spring rail contact surface 32 in the direction towards the wiper lips 38 fully open. In other words, the side skirts are 50 , 52 free of in one wiping direction 58 protruding components. Thus, the spring rail mounting surface 32 in an unassembled state in each perpendicular to the spring rail mounting surface 32 running direction unobstructed to an environment 60 accessible.
Claims
[1] Method for mounting a wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) on at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) by an ultrasonic welding process in which at least one sonotrode ( 16 , 18 ) on a side facing the wiping lips ( 20 ) which at least has one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) is located and at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) on a side opposite the wiping lips ( 22 ) with the wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) at least partially merges. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) during the ultrasonic welding process by a hold-down device ( 24 ) to the wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) is pressed. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14) during the ultrasonic welding process by at least two sonotrodes ( 16 , 18 ) is simultaneously set into vibration. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) during the ultrasonic welding process by the at least two sonotrodes ( 16 , 18 ) in a longitudinal direction ( 26 ) offset, spaced-apart areas ( 28 , 30 ) is set into vibration. [5] wiper blade ( 48 ) with a wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) and at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ), at least partially produced by a process according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Wiper blade ( 48 ) according to claim 5, characterized by a second spring rail ( 14 ), which is at least essentially parallel to the first spring rail ( 12 ) proceeds. [7] Wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) of a wiper blade ( 48 ) according to claim 5 or 6. [8] Wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) according to claim 7, characterized by a curved spring rail contact surface ( 32 ), which are used for the flat installation of at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) is planned. [9] Wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by at least one mounting surface on a spring rail ( 32 ) arranged welding elevation ( 34 , 36 ), which is intended to be used in the ultrasonic welding process with at least one spring rail ( 12 , 14 ) to be connected. [10] Wiper blade adapter ( 10 ) at least according to claim 7, characterized by a spring rail contact surface ( 32 ), which in a direction towards the wiper lips ( 38 ) is fully open.