wiper arm device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper arm device comprising a wiper bar (10), a coupling unit (12), and a fastening unit (14) designed to attach the coupling unit (12) to the wiper bar (10). It is proposed that the coupling unit (12) has a crimp profile (16, 54) which, in an assembled state, is designed to connect to a washer hose (18).

Description

State of the art A wiper arm device with a wiper bar, a coupling unit and a fastening unit designed to attach the coupling unit to the wiper bar has already been proposed. Further state of the art has become known through US 5 327 614 A, US 5724 699 A, US 3 670 354 A, US 2003 / 0 009 841 A1 and JP 2002-302 019 A. Disclosure of the invention The invention relates to a wiper arm device with a wiper rod, a coupling unit and a fastening unit, which is provided for attaching the coupling unit to the wiper rod. It is proposed that the coupling unit have a crimp profile which, in an assembled state, is designed for connection to a washer hose. This allows the washer hose to be advantageously, cost-effectively, and securely connected to the wiper arm and / or the coupling unit. In this context, "wiper arm" is understood to mean, in particular, a rod designed to connect a joint part of a wiper arm to a wiper arm adapter of the wiper arm. Preferably, the wiper arm is a painted metal rod. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the wiper arm to have a rectangular cross-section. In this context, "coupling unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a wiper arm adapter and / or a joint part.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 captive 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. In this context, a "wiper blade adapter" is understood to mean, in particular, an adapter that has a contact area for a wiper blade component and is captive to the wiper blade component, and is designed to provide a coupling area of ​​the wiper blade component for coupling and / or contact with a wiper arm adapter. In this context, a "joint component" is understood to mean, in particular, a component that is pivotably connected via a joint to a mounting part, which is designed to be coupled to a wiper drive shaft.The wiper drive shaft can be driven alternately in opposite directions of rotation by a wiper motor or a wiper linkage. In this context, a "fastening unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit designed to attach the coupling unit to the wiper arm. A "crimp profile" is understood to mean, in particular, a profile designed to be bent during an assembly process, thereby securing at least one other element by positive and / or non-positive locking. The crimp profile is specifically designed to be processed with a crimping tool, preferably crimping pliers. "Designed" is understood to mean, in particular, specially designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the crimp profile has at least one first crimp tab designed to be bent around the washer hose. This allows for particularly simple attachment of the washer hose to the wiper arm and / or the coupling unit. The at least one first crimp tab advantageously has a longitudinal extent of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm. Furthermore, it is proposed that the crimp profile have at least a second crimp tab designed to be bent around the washer hose. This allows for a particularly secure attachment of the washer hose to the wiper arm and / or the coupling unit. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one first crimp tab and the at least one second crimp tab be arranged at the same height along the length of the wiper arm. This allows the washer hose to be advantageously held parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm. Furthermore, it is proposed that the fastening unit have at least one main crimp profile for crimping the wiper arm. This allows for a particularly secure and cost-effective fastening of the wiper arm to the coupling unit. Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one main crimp profile be separated from the crimp profile, at least partially, by at least one recess. This allows both crimp profiles to be advantageously formed from a single profile. Advantageously, the recess has an extent of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm. Furthermore, it is proposed that the coupling unit include a wiper arm adapter designed to be coupled with a wiper blade adapter. This allows for particularly secure storage of the washer fluid hose on the wiper arm adapter. Furthermore, it is proposed that the coupling unit include a joint component designed to be coupled to a drive shaft mounting component. This allows for a particularly secure mounting of the washer hose on the drive shaft mounting component. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the crimp profile be made at least substantially of metal. This allows for a particularly long service life of the crimp profile. Furthermore, a method for connecting a washer hose to a wiper arm is proposed, wherein a coupling unit is attached to the wiper arm and the washer hose is crimped to the coupling unit and / or to the wiper arm. This allows the washer hose to be advantageously, cost-effectively, and securely connected to the wiper arm and / or the coupling unit. The wiper arm device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper arm device according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than the number specified herein. drawing 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. The figures show: Fig. 1 a wiper arm device according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 a wiper arm adapter of a coupling unit of the wiper arm device according to Fig. 1, a fastening unit and a washer hose in a perspective view, Fig. 3 the wiper arm adapter according to Fig. 2 in a perspective detail view, Fig. 4 a joint part of the coupling unit with a fastening unit in a perspective view and Fig. 5 the joint part according to Fig. 4 in a further perspective view. Description of the exemplary embodiment Figure 1 shows a wiper arm assembly with a wiper bar 10 and a coupling unit 12. The wiper arm assembly is designed to guide a wiper blade 52 across a vehicle windshield. During a wiping operation, the wiper arm assembly pivots about a drive axis 64. The wiper arm assembly is intended for use, in particular, on passenger cars and / or trucks. The wiper bar 10 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the wiper bar 10 is made of painted metal. The coupling unit 12 comprises two functions. Firstly, the coupling unit 12 is designed to couple the wiper arm 10 to a drive shaft (not shown). Secondly, the coupling unit 12 is designed to couple the wiper arm 10 to the wiper blade 52, in particular to a wiper blade adapter arranged on the wiper blade 52. For this purpose, the coupling unit 12 includes a wiper arm adapter 30 and a joint part 32. The wiper arm adapter 30 is arranged at a first free end 36 of the wiper arm 10. The wiper arm adapter 30 has a special geometry known to those skilled in the art, which allows for detachable coupling with a wiper blade adapter. The wiper arm assembly includes a fastening unit 14. The fastening unit 14 is designed to connect the wiper arm adapter 30 to the wiper arm 10. For this purpose, the fastening unit 14 has a main crimp profile 26. The main crimp profile 26 is formed in one piece with the wiper arm adapter 30.The main crimp profile 26 is pressed firmly onto the wiper bar 10. The joint part 32 is arranged at a second free end 38 of the wiper arm 10. The second free end 38 is opposite the first free end 36. The joint part 32 is pivotally connected to a drive shaft mounting part 34 about a pivot axis 40. A tension spring 42 holds the joint part 32 in its end position relative to the drive shaft mounting part 34. The drive shaft mounting part 34 has a drive hub 44, which is designed to receive the drive shaft (not shown). The fastening unit 14 is designed to connect the joint part 32 to the wiper arm 10. For this purpose, the fastening unit 14 has a further main crimp profile 46. The further main crimp profile 46 is integrally connected to the joint part 32. The further main crimp profile 46 is pressed firmly against the wiper arm 10. Figure 2 shows the wiper arm adapter 30 and a washer hose 18 of the wiper arm assembly, which is not shown in Figure 1 for clarity. The washer hose 18 is designed to convey washer water from a washer water source (not shown) to a spray nozzle 48. It is also conceivable that the washer hose 18 is designed to convey washer water to a plurality of spray nozzles. The washer hose 18 is made of rubber. The spray nozzle 48 is arranged on the wiper arm adapter 30. It is also conceivable that the spray nozzle 48 is arranged on a component of the wiper blade 52. The coupling unit 12 has a crimp profile 16. In its assembled state, the crimp profile 16 is designed for connection with the washer hose 18. The crimp profile 16 is made of metal. The crimp profile 16 has a first crimp tab 20. The first crimp tab 20 is bent around the washer hose 18. The first crimp tab 20 has a longitudinal extent of 5 mm. This longitudinal extent runs parallel to a wiper arm longitudinal direction 24. The crimp profile 16 has a second crimp tab 22. The second crimp tab 22 is bent around the washer hose 18. The second crimp tab 22 has a longitudinal extent of 5 mm. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22 are arranged at the same height along the longitudinal direction 24 of the wiper arm. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22 are mirror images of each other. A gap is provided between the free ends of the first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22 are arranged in a free end of the wiper arm adapter 30. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22, in the assembled state shown, are in a form-fitting and force-fit position against the washer hose 18. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22 slightly press in the washer hose 18, thus preventing the washer hose 18 from slipping in the longitudinal direction 24 of the wiper arm. The first crimp tab 20 and the second crimp tab 22 extend from a surface 50 of the wiper arm adapter 30 in a direction towards the vehicle windshield. The main crimp profile 26 is partially separated from the crimp profile 16 by at least one recess 28. The recess 28 has a length of 5 mm. The main crimp profile 26 forms a bearing surface for the wash water hose 18 in certain areas. Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the crimp profile 16' directly adjoins the main crimp profile 26'. The first crimp tab 20' and the second crimp tab 22' are in a form-fitting and force-fit position against the washer fluid hose 18'. The first crimp tab 20' and the second crimp tab 22' slightly press in the washer fluid hose 18' and thus prevent the washer fluid hose 18' from slipping in the longitudinal direction 24' of the wiper arm. The first crimp tab 20' and the second crimp tab 22' extend from the surface 50' of the wiper arm adapter 30' in the direction facing the vehicle windshield. Figure 4 shows the joint part 32 before assembly. The coupling unit 12 has a further crimp profile 54. This further crimp profile 54 is made of metal. The further crimp profile 54 has a first crimp tab 56. The first crimp tab 56 is flat. The first crimp tab 56 has a longitudinal extent of 5 mm. This longitudinal extent runs parallel to the wiper arm longitudinal direction 24. The further crimp profile 54 has a second crimp tab 58. The second crimp tab 58 has a longitudinal extent of 5 mm. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 are arranged at the same height in the wiper arm longitudinal direction 24. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 are mirror images of each other. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 are arranged in a free end of the joint part 32.A gap is provided between the free ends of the first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58. The gap between the first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 is at least as large as the diameter of the washer hose 18. The washer hose 18 can thus be passed through the gap. The main crimp profile 46 is still open and designed to receive the wiper arm 10. In its assembled state, the main crimp profile 46 is bent over by 90° on both sides (Fig. 5). Apart from the hinge part 32, no other components are shown for clarity. The first crimp tab 56 is bent around the washer hose 18 by approximately 20°. The second crimp tab 58 is also bent around the washer hose 18 by approximately 20°. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 now lie against the washer fluid hose 18 in a form-fitting and force-fit manner. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 slightly press in the washer fluid hose 18, thus preventing the washer fluid hose 18 from slipping in the longitudinal direction 24 of the wiper arm. The first crimp tab 56 and the second crimp tab 58 extend from a surface 60 of the joint part 32 in the direction facing the vehicle windshield. The main crimp profile 46 is partially separated from the crimp profile 54 by at least one recess 62. The recess 62 has a length of 5 mm. The main crimp profile 46 forms a bearing surface for the washer fluid hose 18 in certain areas.

Claims

Wiper arm device comprising a wiper bar (10), a coupling unit (12) and a fastening unit (14) which is provided for attaching the coupling unit (12) to the wiper bar (10), wherein the fastening unit (14) has at least one main crimp profile (26, 46) for crimping the wiper bar (10), which has a crimp tab, characterized in that the coupling unit (12) has a crimp profile (16, 54) which, in an assembled state, is provided for a connection with a washer hose (18), such that, in the assembled state, the crimp tab of the main crimp profile is located between the wiper bar (10) and the washer hose (18), wherein the main crimp profile is separated from the crimp profile of the coupling unit (12) by at least one recess (28) along a wiper blade longitudinal direction (24). Wiper arm device according to claim 1, characterized in that the crimp profile (16, 54) has at least one first crimp tab (20, 56) which is provided to be bent around the washer water hose (18). Wiper arm device according to claim 2, characterized in that the crimp profile (16, 54) has at least a second crimp tab (22, 58) which is provided to be bent around the washer water hose (18). Wiper arm device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one first crimp tab (20, 56) and the at least one second crimp tab (22, 58) are arranged at the same height in a longitudinal direction (24) of the wiper arm. Wiper arm device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one main crimp profile (26, 46) is separated from the crimp profile (16, 54) at least partially via at least one recess (28, 62). Wiper arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling unit (12) comprises a wiper arm adapter (30) which is provided to be coupled with a wiper blade adapter. Wiper arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling unit (12) comprises a joint part (32) which is provided to be coupled to a drive shaft mounting part (34). Wiper arm device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the crimp profile (16, 54) is essentially metallic. Method for connecting a washer hose (18) to a wiper arm (10), wherein a coupling unit (12) is attached to the wiper arm (10) by means of a fastening unit (14), wherein the fastening unit (14) has at least one main crimp profile (26, 46) for crimping the wiper arm (10), which has a crimp tab, characterized in that the washer hose (18) is crimped to the coupling unit (12) and / or to the wiper arm (10), such that in the assembled state the crimp tab of the main crimp profile is located between the wiper arm (10) and the washer hose (18), wherein the main crimp profile is separated from the crimp profile of the coupling unit (12) by at least one recess (28) along a wiper arm longitudinal direction (24).

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