Wiper blade device and method for mounting a wiper blade device

Abstract

Wiper blade device with at least one end cap (10) and with at least one wiper water unit (12) that can be coupled to the end cap (10) and which is provided for guiding wiper water (52) in at least one operating state, wherein a mounting direction (14) for coupling the wiper water unit (12) to the end cap (10) is at least substantially perpendicular to a wiper blade longitudinal direction (16), characterized in that the wiper water unit (12) has at least one connection element (26) which is provided for connecting a wiper water line in a connection direction (28), wherein the connection direction (28) deviates from the wiper blade longitudinal direction (16).

Description

State of the art

[0001] From DE 10 2013 207 225 A1, a wiper blade device with an end cap and a washer fluid unit connectable to the end cap for guiding washer fluid is known, wherein the washer fluid unit is mounted in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. Further prior art is known from US 2014 / 0 115 807 A1, DE 10 2013 215 196 A1, and DE 10 2013 207 225 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a wiper blade device with at least one end cap and with at least one wiper water unit that can be coupled to the end cap, which is provided for guiding wiper water in at least one operating state.

[0003] It is proposed that the mounting direction for coupling the washer fluid unit to the end cap be at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. "Intended" is understood to mean, in particular, specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition.

[0004] In this context, the term "wiper blade assembly" shall be understood to mean, in particular, at least a part, especially a subassembly, of a wiper blade, in particular a windshield wiper blade, and advantageously a vehicle windshield wiper blade. In particular, the wiper blade assembly may also comprise the entire wiper blade, in particular the entire windshield wiper blade, and advantageously the entire vehicle windshield wiper blade. The wiper blade assembly is particularly preferably designed at least as part of a wiper blade in a flat-beam construction and / or at least as part of a flat-beam wiper and / or as a wiper blade in a flat-beam construction and / or as a flat-beam wiper. Advantageously, the wiper blade assembly also comprises at least one wiper unit, which may advantageously have at least one wiper strip, at least one spring rail, and / or at least one wind deflector element.

[0005] The term "end cap" is understood to mean, in particular, a cover component which is designed, at least for plug-in mounting, on a component of the wiper blade, especially the wiper unit, and which advantageously extends over a maximum of 20%, more advantageously a maximum of 15%, preferably a maximum of 10%, and particularly preferably a maximum of 5% of the maximum longitudinal extent of the wiper unit and / or the wiper blade. In particular, the end cap is arranged in an end region of the wiper unit when installed. Preferably, the end cap is formed in one piece and thus constitutes a single component. Particularly preferably, the wiper blade assembly comprises at least two, advantageously exactly two, and preferably at least substantially identical end caps, which, in particular, when installed, are arranged at opposite end regions of the wiper unit.The term "at least substantially identical" is to be understood as identical, in particular, apart from manufacturing tolerances, within the scope of manufacturing possibilities and / or within the scope of standardized tolerances. "One-piece" is further to be understood as being joined, in particular, at least by a material bond. This material bond can be achieved, for example, by an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, a welding process, a soldering process, and / or another process. Advantageously, "one-piece" is to be understood as being formed from a single piece and / or in one piece. Preferably, this single piece is produced from a single blank, a mass, and / or a casting, such as in an extrusion process, in particular a single- and / or multi-component extrusion process, and / or an injection molding process, in particular a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process.

[0006] Furthermore, the term "windshield washer unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that is designed differently from the end cap and is advantageously a single piece, and which defines at least one fluid channel for guiding windshield washer fluid. Advantageously, the windshield washer unit has at least one connection element, which is fluidically connected to the fluid channel and is provided, in particular, for connecting a windshield washer line. In addition, the windshield washer unit advantageously includes at least one nozzle unit, which is fluidly connected to the fluid channel.The wiper blade assembly can particularly preferably comprise at least two, advantageously exactly two, preferably at least substantially identical, wiper water units, which, particularly in an assembled state, are each arranged on the end caps, particularly those opposite each other, and are advantageously coupled to these end caps. In this context, "differently designed" is understood to mean, in particular, formed by at least two separate components. In particular, the at least two components are free of any material bond between them.Furthermore, the term "nozzle unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit comprising at least one washer fluid nozzle, advantageously several washer fluid nozzles, and designed, in particular, to apply washer fluid, preferably at least partially in a fan shape, to a vehicle windshield in at least one operating state, especially via a nozzle opening. "Fan shape" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a jet spray in different directions. Specifically, the water jets shall each have an angle of less than 95°, preferably less than 50°, and most preferably less than 30° to each other. In this context, "washer fluid" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a liquid suitable for washing and / or cleaning the vehicle windshield, such as water, alcohols, and / or mixtures that contain, in particular, a water component, an antifreeze component, and / or an alcohol component.

[0007] Furthermore, the term "at least substantially perpendicular" is intended to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, especially when considered in a plane, include an angle, in particular between 82° and 98°, advantageously between 85° and 95°, and most preferably between 88° and 92°. A "wiper blade longitudinal direction" is to be understood, in particular, as a direction of maximum extension, especially longitudinal extension, of the wiper unit and / or the wiper blade.Furthermore, the term "wiper strip" shall be understood to mean, in particular, an element, preferably with at least one wiping lip, which is made, in particular, at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, and most preferably entirely of an elastic material and is intended, in particular, to be moved across the surface to be cleaned, especially the window, preferably the vehicle window. A swept area of ​​the wiper strip defines, in particular, a wiping circle of the wiper unit. The term "at least predominantly" shall be understood to mean, in particular, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, most preferably at least 85%, and most advantageously at least 95%. Stability can be improved, in particular, by appropriate design of the wiper blade assembly.In particular, the force acting on the windshield washer unit, especially the effects of centrifugal forces, can be reduced, thereby advantageously improving operational reliability, service life, and / or fatigue strength. Furthermore, flexibility and / or efficiency, especially manufacturing efficiency and / or cost efficiency, can be improved.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting direction is at least substantially parallel to a wiping direction, in particular of the wiper unit and / or the wiper blade. "At least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. Furthermore, "wiping direction" refers in particular to a direction in which the wiper unit and / or at least the wiper blade is guided across the vehicle windshield to be wiped in an operating state. This allows, in particular, aerodynamic turbulence from the washer fluid unit to be minimized.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the washer fluid unit, in its assembled state, at least partially and preferably to a large extent, encompass the end cap. This allows for a particularly robust wiper blade assembly.

[0010] If the windshield washer unit, when installed, fits flush against the end cap, stability and / or aerodynamics can be further improved. The term "flush" refers specifically to the seamless continuation of the object's form, without any steps, gaps, or protrusions.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the wiper water unit is designed as a wiper blade end element and, in particular, seals the wiper unit and / or the wiper blade in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. Advantageously, the wiper water unit is designed as a wiper blade end cap. This allows for a particularly simple connection of the wiper water unit. Furthermore, it allows for a particularly advantageous and / or large-area distribution of the wiper water.

[0012] Preferably, the washer fluid unit is coupled to the end cap in its assembled state by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. In particular, the washer fluid unit and the end cap each have at least one locking element, which are locked together, especially in the assembled state. Preferably, the washer fluid unit has a locking element designed as a snap hook, which is designed to be deflected, advantageously elastically, in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade and / or from the wiping direction during the assembly and / or coupling process of the washer fluid unit to the end cap. This allows for a particularly quick and / or uncomplicated coupling.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the windshield washer unit has at least one guide element designed to at least partially guide the unit during coupling with the end cap. Advantageously, the guide element is designed to guide the windshield washer unit translationally during coupling with the end cap, particularly relative to the end cap. Preferably, the end cap has a further guide element, especially one corresponding to the guide element. This allows for particularly simple assembly.

[0014] Particularly high stability and / or operational reliability can be achieved if the wiper unit is permanently connected to the end cap in an assembled state, especially without tools.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the end cap be designed to be coupled to at least one wiper unit, in particular the wiper unit already mentioned, in a further mounting direction, wherein this further mounting direction differs from the mounting direction. The phrase "a first direction differs from a second direction" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the first direction and the second direction intersect and / or are arranged at an angle to each other. Advantageously, the further mounting direction for coupling the end cap to the wiper unit is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. Preferably, the further mounting direction is at least substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction. This allows for a particularly stable and / or secure coupling.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the wiper water unit has at least one connection element, in particular the connection element already mentioned, which is provided for a connection of a wiper water line in a connection direction, wherein the connection direction deviates from the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. In particular, the connection direction with the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade includes an angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, and most preferably at least 40°, which is particularly minimal. Advantageously, a longitudinal direction of the connection element and / or a main flow direction of the wiper water in the region of the connection element defines the connection direction. A "longitudinal direction" of an object is to be understood in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a direction of maximum extension of the object.This can, in particular, simplify the connection of a windshield washer line and / or optimize the arrangement of the windshield washer line.

[0017] If the connection direction and the mounting direction include an angle of at most 60°, preferably at most 50°, preferably at most 40° and particularly preferably at most 30°, an unfavorable force acting on the wiper unit and / or a loosening of the wiper unit when connecting the wiper line can be prevented.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the nozzle unit has at least one nozzle opening by means of which washer fluid is applied to the vehicle windshield in at least one operating state, wherein the nozzle opening is arranged outside the wiping circle. In particular, the nozzle opening is arranged in front of and / or behind the wiper unit, especially at least the wiper strip, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. This allows for a particularly advantageous distribution of the washer fluid. In addition, it is advantageous to wet the entire swept surface of the wiper strip with washer fluid.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a wiper blade device comprising at least one end cap and at least one washer fluid unit that can be coupled to the end cap and which, in at least one operating state, is designed to guide washer fluid. The washer fluid unit is moved relative to the end cap, at least substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, to engage with the end cap. This can, in particular, improve stability, reduce forces acting on the washer fluid unit, and enhance efficiency, especially manufacturing efficiency and / or cost efficiency.

[0020] The wiper blade device and the method for assembling the wiper blade device are not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper blade device and the method for assembling the wiper blade device may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein. drawing

[0021] 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.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 a part of a wiper blade designed as a flat beam wiper with a wiper blade device in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the part of the wiper blade with the wiper blade device in an exploded view, Fig. 3 a wiper water unit of the wiper blade device in an operating state in a top view, Fig. 4 the windshield washer unit in an operating state in a side view, Fig. 5 the windshield washer unit in an operating state in a perspective view, Fig. 6 a wiper unit and an end cap of the wiper blade assembly in an unassembled state, Fig. 7 The wiper unit and the end cap in a mounted state in a sectional view, Fig. 8 the windshield washer unit in an unmounted state in a perspective view, Fig. 9 the windshield washer unit in its unmounted state in a side view and Fig. 10 the windshield washer unit in an assembled state. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0023] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows part of a wiper blade 30 in a perspective view (cf. Fig. 1) and in an exploded view (see Fig. 2) In this case, the wiper blade 30 is designed as a flat blade wiper. The wiper blade 30 is intended for cleaning a vehicle windshield, in particular a motor vehicle. Alternatively, a wiper blade could also be designed as an articulated wiper blade.

[0024] The wiper blade 30 has a wiper blade device. The wiper blade device comprises a wiper unit 24. A longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24 defines a wiper blade longitudinal direction 16. Furthermore, a transverse extent of the wiper unit 24 defines a wiping direction 18.

[0025] The wiper unit 24 comprises a wiper blade 32. The wiper blade 32 is formed in one piece. The wiper blade 32 extends at least substantially over the entire longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24. The wiper blade 32 is made of an elastic material, in this case, in particular a natural and / or synthetic elastomer. In this case, the wiper blade 32 is made of vulcanized rubber. The wiper blade 32 is designed to be moved across the vehicle windshield in the wiping direction 18 to clean the windshield. A swept area of ​​the wiper blade 32 defines a wiping circle of the wiper unit 24. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form a wiper blade from a thermoplastic elastomer. A wiper unit could also comprise at least two wiper blades.

[0026] Furthermore, the wiper unit 24 has at least one spring rail 34, 36. In the present case, the wiper unit 24 has two spring rails 34, 36. The spring rails 34, 36 are at least substantially identical to each other. The spring rails 34, 36 are each formed in one piece. In the present case, the spring rails 34, 36 define the longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24 and therefore each extend over the entire longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24. The spring rails 34, 36 are each made of spring steel. The spring rails 34, 36 are designed to receive the wiper blade 32. In addition, the spring rails 34, 36 are designed to exert a contact force. The spring rails 34, 36 are designed to transmit a contact force from a wiper arm to the wiper blade 32, in particular in the direction of the vehicle windshield. Alternatively, a wiper unit could also have exactly one spring rail and / or at least three spring rails.Furthermore, a spring rail could extend only over half of the wiper unit's longitudinal axis. It is also conceivable to manufacture a spring rail from a different material, such as a plastic and / or a composite material, particularly a fiber-reinforced composite.

[0027] Furthermore, the wiper unit 24 has at least one wind deflector element 38. In this case, the wiper unit 24 comprises exactly one wind deflector element 38. The wind deflector element 38 is formed in one piece. The wind deflector element 38 extends at least substantially over the entire longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24. The wind deflector element 38 is manufactured by an injection molding process. In this case, the wind deflector element 38 is made of a plastic. The wind deflector element 38 is designed to deflect airflow and / or to press the wiper blade 32 against the vehicle windshield. For this purpose, the wind deflector element 38 has at least substantially a concave frontal surface 40. In addition, the wind deflector element 38 defines a spring rail receiving channel 42 for receiving the spring rails 34, 36. Alternatively, a wiper unit could also have at least two wind deflector elements.One of the wind deflector elements could extend only over half of the wiper unit's longitudinal axis. It is also conceivable to manufacture a wind deflector element from a different material, such as a composite. Furthermore, a wind deflector element could have a symmetrical frontal area and / or an arbitrarily shaped frontal area. Finally, it is also possible to forgo a wind deflector element altogether.

[0028] The wiper blade assembly further comprises at least one end cap 10. The end cap 10 is formed in one piece. The end cap 10 is a single component. The end cap 10 is an injection-molded part. The end cap 10 is made of plastic. The end cap 10 extends over a maximum of 5% of the longitudinal extent of the wiper unit 24. In the assembled state, the end cap 10 is located in an end region of the wiper unit 24. The end cap 10 is designed as a cover component and is intended for plug-in assembly on the wiper unit 24, in particular on the spring rails 34, 36. In this case, the end cap 10 also defines a washer fluid reservoir 44. The washer fluid reservoir 44 is located on a side of the end cap 10 facing away from the wiper unit 24. The wiper blade assembly also includes another end cap (not shown).The second end cap is designed to be at least substantially mirror-symmetrical and / or identical to end cap 10. This second end cap is arranged relative to end cap 10 at an opposite end region of the wiper unit 24. The end caps 10 are designed to hold the wiper strip 32, the spring rails 34 and 36, and the wind deflector element 38 in a fixed position relative to each other. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design a second end cap differently from another end cap, in particular by omitting a washer fluid reservoir area. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design at least one end cap integrally with a wind deflector element and / or a spring rail.

[0029] Furthermore, the wiper blade assembly includes at least one washer fluid unit 12. The washer fluid unit 12 is formed in one piece. The washer fluid unit 12 thus forms a single component. The washer fluid unit 12 consists of at least a large portion of plastic. The washer fluid unit 12 extends over a maximum of 4% of the longitudinal extent of the wiper assembly 24. The washer fluid unit 12 is designed as a wiper blade end element. The washer fluid unit 12 is designed for coupling with the end cap 10. The washer fluid unit 12 is designed separately from the end cap 10. In the assembled state, the washer fluid unit 12 is arranged in the washer fluid unit receiving area 44. In the assembled state, the washer fluid unit 12 surrounds the end cap 10 to at least a large extent and is flush with the end cap 10. The washer fluid unit 12 closes off the wiper blade 30 and in particular the wiper unit 24 in the longitudinal direction 16 of the wiper blade.Furthermore, the washer fluid unit 12 is permanently connected to the end cap 10 when installed. The washer fluid unit 12 is designed to guide washer fluid 52 and defines a fluid channel 46 for this purpose (see in particular ). Fig. 3) The wiper blade assembly also includes an additional washer fluid unit (not shown). This additional washer fluid unit is at least substantially mirror-symmetrical and / or identical to the washer fluid unit 12. The additional washer fluid unit is designed to be coupled to the additional end cap. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the additional washer fluid unit differently from the other washer fluid unit and / or to omit the additional washer fluid unit entirely.

[0030] In the following, only the wiper unit 12 will be described in more detail, whereby the following description can in principle also be applied to the other wiper unit, in particular due to the at least essentially mirror-symmetrical and / or identical design of the wiper units 12.

[0031] The wiper washer unit 12 comprises a nozzle unit 48. The nozzle unit 48 is fluidically connected to the fluid channel 46. The nozzle unit 48 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the end cap 10. In this context, "immediate vicinity" is understood to mean, in particular, a spatial area formed by points that are less than one-third, preferably less than one-quarter, preferably less than one-sixth, and most preferably less than one-tenth of the maximum extension length of the end cap 10 from the end cap 10. Furthermore, in this case, the nozzle unit 48 is arranged above the wiper blade 30 when viewed in the upward direction of movement of the wiper blade 30. The nozzle unit 48 has several washer washer nozzles, which are designed to apply washer fluid 52 in several different directions, in particular at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 16 of the wiper blade.In the present case, the nozzle unit 48 comprises three washer nozzles, which are designed to apply washer fluid 52 in three different directions, in particular at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 16 (see in particular . Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5) The nozzle unit 48 is thus designed to apply washer fluid 52, particularly in a fan shape, to the vehicle windshield by means of the washer fluid nozzles and, in particular, via a nozzle opening 50. In the present case, the nozzle unit 48 is also designed to apply washer fluid 52 in front of the wiper blade 30 when viewed in the direction of movement of the wiper blade 30. The nozzle opening 50 is arranged outside the wiping circle, which is defined, in particular, by the wiper strip 32, thus advantageously allowing the entire wiping area to be wetted with washer fluid 52. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a washer fluid unit could have several nozzle units, in particular at least two, advantageously arranged on opposite sides of a wiper blade, and / or a rotatable nozzle unit, thus advantageously allowing washer fluid to be applied to both sides of a wiper blade.Furthermore, a nozzle unit could have any other number of washer nozzles, such as at least four, at least five, and / or at least six washer nozzles. It is also conceivable to design a nozzle unit separately from a washer unit.

[0032] The washer unit 12 has a connection element 26 for the washer fluid supply of the nozzle unit 48. The connection element 26 is fluidically connected to the fluid channel 46. The connection element 26 is at least substantially elongated. The connection element 26 is rotationally symmetrical. The connection element 26 includes a barbed coupling section 54. The connection element 26 is designed for connecting a washer fluid line, in particular a flexible washer fluid hose, in a connection direction 28. In the present case, the connection element 26 is partially inserted into the washer fluid line in the assembled state. Furthermore, a longitudinal extension direction of the connection element 26 defines the connection direction 28. The longitudinal extension direction and / or the connection direction 28 is arranged parallel to the vehicle windshield. The connection direction 28 also deviates from the longitudinal direction 16 of the wiper blade.In the present case, the connection direction 28 forms an angle of approximately 60° with the wiper blade longitudinal direction 16. Furthermore, the connection direction 28 forms an angle of approximately 30° with the wiping direction 18. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide several connection elements and / or to design one connection element as a connection recess. It is also conceivable to arrange a connection element on a washer fluid unit in an orientation different from that shown.

[0033] The following will now refer to the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 describes the assembly of the end cap 10 and the washer fluid unit 12 on the wiper unit 24.

[0034] In a first assembly step, the end cap 10 is mounted on the wiper unit 24 (see illustration). Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) In the present case, the end cap 10 is designed to be coupled to the wiper unit 24 in a further mounting direction 22. This further mounting direction 22 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 16 of the wiper blade. During the mounting process of the end cap 10, the end cap 10 is moved in a purely translational movement towards the wiper unit 24, in particular in the further mounting direction 22, and coupled to the wiper unit 24 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. For this purpose, the end cap 10 comprises at least one first snap-fit ​​element 56. In the present case, the end cap 10 comprises two first snap-fit ​​elements 56. The first snap-fit ​​elements 56 are designed at least substantially identically. The first snap-fit ​​elements 56 are at least substantially ramp-shaped. The first snap-fit ​​elements 56 are arranged in the area of ​​an underside, in particular a side facing the vehicle window, of the end cap 10.The first locking elements 56 are each designed to engage with a corresponding second locking element 58, in this case, in particular a locking recess, of the spring rails 34, 36 when assembled. During the assembly of the end cap 10, the first locking elements 56 are deflected elastically towards the underside of the end cap 10, specifically towards the vehicle window. Upon reaching the final assembly position of the end cap 10, the first locking elements 56 spring back to their initial position and engage with the second locking elements 58 of the spring rails 34, 36.

[0035] In a second assembly step, the windshield washer unit 12 is mounted on the end cap 10 (see illustration). Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig.10) In this case, the washer fluid unit 12 is designed to be coupled to the end cap 10 in a mounting direction 14. The mounting direction 14 for coupling the washer fluid unit 12 to the end cap 10 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 16 of the wiper blade. Furthermore, the mounting direction 14 is at least substantially parallel to the wiping direction 18. Therefore, the mounting direction 14 for coupling the washer fluid unit 12 to the end cap 10 differs from the further mounting direction 22 for coupling the end cap 10 to the wiper unit 24. In this case, the mounting direction 14 and the further mounting direction 22 form an angle of approximately 90°. Moreover, the mounting direction 14 forms an angle of approximately 30° with the connection direction 28.

[0036] During the assembly process of the windshield washer unit 12, the windshield washer unit 12 is moved in a purely translational motion towards the end cap 10, in particular in the assembly direction 14. To simplify assembly, the windshield washer unit 12 includes a guide element 20. The guide element 20 is designed as a guide rib. The guide element 20 is designed, at least substantially, as a guide tongue. The guide element 20 is arranged on one side of the windshield washer unit 12 facing the end cap 10. The guide element 20 is designed to at least partially guide the windshield washer unit 12 during coupling with the end cap 10. The end cap 10 includes a further guide element 21 designed to correspond to the guide element 20. The further guide element 21 is designed as a guide rail. The further guide element 21 is arranged on one side of the end cap 10 facing the windshield washer unit 12.The additional guide element 21 comprises two opposing U-shaped guide sections. The guide element 20 and the additional guide element 21 form a guide unit for the translational guidance of the windshield washer unit 12 relative to the end cap 10. In this case, the guide element 20 is designed to engage with the corresponding additional guide element 21 during an assembly process and, in particular, to form a translational guide with it.

[0037] Furthermore, the windshield washer unit 12 is coupled to the end cap 10 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection during the assembly process. For this purpose, the windshield washer unit 12 comprises at least one third locking element 60. In the present case, the windshield washer unit 12 comprises exactly one third locking element 60. The third locking element 60 is designed as a locking hook. The third locking element 60 is arranged in the area of ​​an upper surface, in particular a side facing away from the vehicle windshield, of the windshield washer unit 12. The third locking element 60 is designed to engage with a corresponding fourth locking element 62, in this case in particular a locking edge, of the end cap 10 in the assembled state. In the present case, during an assembly process of the windshield washer unit 12, the third locking element 60 is deflected elastically towards an underside of the windshield washer unit 12, in particular a direction facing the vehicle windshield.The third locking element 60 is thus deflected in a direction different from the assembly direction 14 and from the further assembly direction 22. When the wiper unit 12 reaches its final assembly position, the third locking element 60 springs back into its initial position, thereby engaging the fourth locking element 62 of the end cap 10.

Claims

[1] Wiper blade device with at least one end cap (10) and with at least one washer fluid unit (12) that can be coupled to the end cap (10) and which is provided for guiding washer fluid (52) in at least one operating state, wherein a mounting direction (14) for coupling the washer fluid unit (12) to the end cap (10) is at least substantially perpendicular to a wiper blade longitudinal direction (16), characterized by , that the wiper water unit (12) has at least one connection element (26) which is provided for a connection of a wiper water line in a connection direction (28), wherein the connection direction (28) differs from the wiper blade longitudinal direction (16). [2] Wiper blade device according to claim 1, characterized by that the mounting direction (14) is at least substantially parallel to a wiping direction (18). [3] Wiper blade device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the washer fluid unit (12) at least partially surrounds the end cap (10) in a mounted state. [4] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wiper unit (12) in a mounted state is flush with the end cap (10). [5] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wiper water unit (12) is designed as a wiper blade end element. [6] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wiper unit (12) is coupled to the end cap (10) in a mounted state by means of a snap connection. [7] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wiper unit (12) has at least one guide element (20) which is intended to guide the wiper unit (12) at least partially when coupled with the end cap (10). [8] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wiper unit (12) is inextricably connected to the end cap (10) in an assembled state. [9] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the end cap (10) is intended to be coupled in a further mounting direction (22) with at least one wiper unit (24), wherein the further mounting direction (22) differs from the mounting direction (14). [10] Wiper blade device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connection direction (28) with the mounting direction (14) includes an angle of at most 60°. [11] Wiper blade (30) with at least one wiper blade device according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Wiper water unit (12) for a wiper blade device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [13] End cap (10) for a wiper blade device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [14] Method for assembling a wiper blade device, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 11, which has at least one end cap (10) and at least one wiper water unit (12) that can be coupled to the end cap (10) and which is provided for guiding wiper water (52) in at least one operating state, characterized by , that the wiper unit (12) is moved to a coupling at the end cap (10) at least substantially perpendicular to a wiper blade longitudinal direction (16) relative to the end cap (10).

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