Wiper blade device

Abstract

Wiper blade device with at least one main wind deflector element (12a-c) and at least one auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c), which is arranged in at least one assembled state in a wiper blade end region (16a-c), characterized by at least one end cap unit (24a-c), which is arranged in the assembled state in the wiper blade end region (16a-c) and is provided to at least partially secure the auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c) in a position.

Description

State of the art A wiper blade assembly has already been proposed, comprising one main wind deflector element and another main wind deflector element. In its assembled state, the main wind deflector elements essentially perform the entire wind deflector function. In this assembled state, the main wind deflector elements are arranged on opposite sides of a wiper blade adapter of the wiper blade assembly, aligned with the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. Further state of the art has become known through US 5 383 249 A, US 5 946 764 A and DE 10 2006 024 664 A1. Disclosure of the invention The invention relates to a wiper blade device with at least one main wind deflector element, which is provided in at least one mounted state for connection with at least one wiper blade component and which extends in the mounted state over at least 40%, advantageously over at least 43% and preferably over at least 45% of a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade component. It is proposed that the wiper blade assembly comprise at least one auxiliary wind deflector element, which is arranged in a wiper blade end region in at least one assembled state. A "wiper blade assembly" is understood to mean, in particular, at least one part, especially a subassembly, of a wiper blade, and may also include accessory units for the wiper blade, such as a spray unit and / or a washer fluid channel. In particular, the wiper blade assembly may also comprise the entire wiper blade. A "main wind deflector element" is understood to mean, in particular, a wind deflector element which, especially together with at least one other main wind deflector element, is designed to perform a substantial part of a wind deflector function in at least one operating state. In particular, the wiper blade assembly comprises at least the main wind deflector element.In particular, the main wind deflector element is provided for connection with at least one wiper blade component in at least one assembled state and extends, in particular in the assembled state, over at least 40%, advantageously over at least 43%, and preferably over at least 45% of a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade component. The wiper blade device also includes at least one further main wind deflector element. In particular, this further main wind deflector element is provided for connection with at least one wiper blade component in at least one assembled state and extends, in particular in the assembled state, over at least 40%, advantageously over at least 43%, and preferably over at least 45% of a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade component. In the assembled state, the main wind deflector elements are spaced apart from each other, particularly in one longitudinal direction of the wiper blade component.The wiper blade assembly includes, in particular, at least one wiper blade adapter which, in the assembled state, is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade component, in particular at least to a large extent, between the main wind deflector elements. "At least to a large extent" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, advantageously at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%. In at least one operating state, the main wind deflector elements perform a wind deflector function, in particular, to a large extent. The main wind deflector element and / or the auxiliary wind deflector element could, in particular, be an injection-molded part and / or a stamped part.In this context, a "wind deflector element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element designed to deflect airflow acting on the wiper blade assembly and / or on a wiper blade comprising the wiper blade assembly, especially wind, and / or to press the wiper blade assembly and / or the wiper blade against a surface to be wiped, especially a vehicle windshield. Preferably, the wind deflector element has at least one concave wind deflector surface. In particular, the wind deflector element is designed differently from a wiper blade adapter. A primary function of the wind deflector element is, in particular, wind deflection and / or pressing against the surface to be wiped. An "operating state" is understood to mean, in particular, a state in which at least one wiper blade component is moved across a surface to be wiped and, in particular, sweeps out at least one inner circular path.An "inner circular path" is understood to mean, in particular, a path on a circular arc segment that spans an area arranged radially within a central sub-section of the wiper blade component. The wiper blade component could, for example, be a spring-loaded strip and / or a wiper blade. An "auxiliary wind deflector element" is understood to mean, in particular, a wind deflector element that is intended to support the main wind deflector element and that, in particular, has a function that goes beyond the wind deflector function of an end cap unit, and especially beyond any wind deflection-related function of an end cap unit. For example, the auxiliary wind deflector element could be designed differently from an end cap unit. Alternatively, the auxiliary wind deflector element could be integrally connected to and, in particular, manufactured with an end cap unit.The term "intended" should be understood to mean, in particular, specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. The inventive design of the wiper blade device can, in particular, at least substantially prevent water ingress and / or achieve an at least substantially unobstructed A-field of vision. In particular, legal standards regarding an A-field of vision can be met. The auxiliary wind deflector element allows, in particular, optimized pressure against the surface to be wiped. In particular, a high level of comfort for the driver and / or a high level of road safety can be achieved, especially due to an at least substantially unobstructed A-field of vision. Furthermore, it is proposed that the auxiliary wind deflector element, in its assembled state, extends over a maximum of 25%, particularly a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 15%, and preferably a maximum of 10% of the wiper blade's longitudinal extent. The wiper blade's longitudinal extent corresponds, in particular, at least substantially to an extent of the wiper blade component in a longitudinal direction. In particular, the wiper blade's longitudinal direction is aligned, in the operating state, at least substantially parallel to a surface to be wiped. In particular, the wiper blade's longitudinal direction is aligned, in the operating state, at least substantially perpendicular to a wiping direction in which the wiper blade component moves, in particular, over the surface to be wiped. The term "extent" of an object is understood, in particular, to mean the maximum distance between two points of a perpendicular projection of the object onto a plane.This allows for a low material requirement and / or lower costs. In particular, a space-saving design and / or an unobtrusive auxiliary wind deflector element can be achieved. The wiper blade end region could, for example, correspond to an inner circular area of ​​the wiper blade opposite the wiper blade's longitudinal direction. Preferably, the wiper blade end region corresponds to an inner circular area of ​​the wiper blade. An "inner circular area of ​​the wiper blade" is understood to be, in particular, an area, especially of a wiper blade component and / or a wiper blade, which has a minimal distance to the center point of an inner circular path swept by a moving wiper blade component in at least one operating state and / or is arranged radially within the inner circular path. The wiper blade device includes, in particular, the wiper blade component, which, in the operating state, moves, in particular, over a surface to be wiped and thereby sweeps, in particular, the inner circular path.In particular, the inner circle of the wiper blade travels a minimal distance during operation, especially when the wiper blade component is moving, and this distance is significantly shorter compared to at least one other wiper blade section. This effectively prevents water from being drawn in, especially on vehicles with low maximum speeds. Specifically, it prevents the wiper blade component from bouncing, lifting off, or striking the windshield, particularly in strong headwinds. The auxiliary wind deflector element located in the wiper blade end area could, for example, be the only auxiliary wind deflector element of the wiper blade assembly. Preferably, particularly in vehicles with a maximum speed of no more than 50 km / h, such as city cars, the wiper blade assembly has at least one further auxiliary wind deflector element, which, in the assembled state, is located in another wiper blade end area opposite the wiper blade end area in a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. This allows, in particular, optimized contact pressure with the surface to be wiped. Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade assembly comprise at least one end cap unit, which, in the assembled state, is arranged in the wiper blade end region and is designed to at least partially secure the auxiliary wind deflector element in a position. For example, the end cap unit could be designed, in the assembled state, to form a lateral stop for the auxiliary wind deflector element, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade component. Alternatively or additionally, the end cap unit could be designed, in the assembled state, to at least partially encompass the auxiliary wind deflector element, particularly at least in one cross-sectional plane. In the assembled state, this cross-sectional plane could be oriented, in particular, at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade component.In particular, the end cap unit could be designed to press the auxiliary wind deflector element onto the main wind deflector element in the assembled state and / or to at least substantially prevent the auxiliary wind deflector element from lifting off and / or detaching from the main wind deflector element. In this context, an "end cap unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit designed as a cover component and intended for at least plug-in mounting on a wiper blade component, in particular on a spring rail and / or a wiper strip, and / or extending a maximum of 15 mm in a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade component, in particular the spring rail and / or the wiper strip. This allows, in particular, a simple and / or cost-effective method of securing the auxiliary wind deflector element in position. For example, the auxiliary wind deflector element could be a separate component and / or element. Preferably, the auxiliary wind deflector element is at least partially formed integrally with another wiper blade component. The other wiper blade component could, for example, be the main wind deflector element and / or a wiper strip and / or an end cap unit and / or a wiper blade adapter. "Integrated" is understood to mean, in particular, at least materially bonded, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by manufacturing from a single casting and / or by manufacturing using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank.This can enable, in particular, low inventory levels and / or low inventory costs. Furthermore, it is proposed that the additional wiper blade component be designed as the main wind deflector element. This would allow for a particularly high level of comfort. Furthermore, it is proposed that the additional wiper blade component be designed as an end cap unit. This allows for particularly advantageous optimization of water intake. Water ingress can be particularly effectively avoided by an auxiliary wind deflector element for a wiper blade device according to the invention. A particularly clear A-field of vision can be achieved in particular by a wiper blade with a wiper blade device according to the invention. By a method for assembling a wiper blade device according to the invention, comprising at least one main wind deflector element and at least one auxiliary wind deflector element arranged in a wiper blade end region, water ingress can be at least substantially avoided and / or an at least substantially unobstructed A-field of vision can be achieved. In particular, the main wind deflector element and / or the auxiliary wind deflector element could be manufactured by injection molding and / or stamping. The auxiliary wind deflector element could, for example, be manufactured by cutting off the main wind deflector element. The wiper blade device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper blade device according to the invention may, in order to fulfill a function described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components and units than the number mentioned herein. drawing Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, 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. Figure 1 shows a wiper blade with a wiper blade device according to the invention in a schematic representation; Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the wiper blade in a schematic representation; Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of the wiper blade in which a form of an auxiliary wind deflector element of the wiper blade device differs from a form of an auxiliary wind deflector element of the wiper blade device shown in Figure 2, in a schematic representation; Figure 4 shows an enlarged section of a wiper blade with an alternative wiper blade device according to the invention in a schematic representation; and Figure 5 shows an enlarged section of a wiper blade with an alternative wiper blade device according to the invention in a schematic representation. Description of the exemplary implementations Fig. 1 shows a wiper blade 28a with a wiper blade assembly 10a. The wiper blade assembly 10a has a wiper blade adapter 30a. In its assembled state, the wiper blade adapter 30a has a contact area with a wiper blade component 32a. In the assembled state, the wiper blade adapter 30a is captive connected to the wiper blade component 32a. The wiper blade adapter 30a is designed to provide, in the assembled state, a coupling area of ​​the wiper blade component 32a for coupling and / or contact with a wiper arm adapter (not shown). The wiper blade device 10a comprises the wiper blade component 32a. In the present embodiment, the wiper blade component 32a is a wiper strip. The wiper strip is a unit made of an elastic material with a wiping lip. The wiper strip is designed to be moved in contact across the surface to be wiped, in particular a window surface, preferably a vehicle window, for cleaning purposes. The wiper strip is made of a natural or synthetic elastomer, in particular rubber. The wiper blade assembly 10a comprises a main wind deflector element 12a and a further main wind deflector element 34a. In the assembled state, the main wind deflector elements 12a and 34a are arranged in a wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a on opposite sides of the wiper blade adapter 30a. The main wind deflector element 12a extends in the wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a between the wiper blade adapter 30a and a wiper blade end region 16a. The wiper blade end region 16a corresponds to an inner circular area of ​​the wiper blade. In the assembled state, an auxiliary wind deflector element 14a is arranged in the wiper blade end region 16a. The wiper blade assembly 10a includes the auxiliary wind deflector element 14a. The auxiliary wind deflector element 14a is provided for the wiper blade assembly 10a and is specifically designed for the wiper blade assembly 10a. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14a extends in the assembled state over a proportion of essentially 10% of a wiper blade longitudinal extension oriented in the wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a. The wiper blade assembly 10a has an end cap unit 24a. In the assembled state, the end cap unit 24a is located in the wiper blade end region 16a. In the assembled state, the end cap unit 24a is in contact with the auxiliary wind deflector element 14a. In the assembled state, the end cap unit 24a partially secures the auxiliary wind deflector element 14a in a position relative to the main wind deflector element 12a. The further main wind deflector element 34a extends in the wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a between the wiper blade adapter 30a and a further wiper blade end region 22a. In the wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a, the further wiper blade end region 22a is arranged opposite the wiper blade end region 16a. In the assembled state, a further auxiliary wind deflector element 18a is arranged in the further wiper blade end region 22a. The wiper blade assembly 10a includes the additional auxiliary wind deflector element 18a. The additional auxiliary wind deflector element 18a is provided for the wiper blade assembly 10a and is specifically designed for the wiper blade assembly 10a. In the present embodiment, the additional auxiliary wind deflector element 18a extends in the assembled state over a proportion of essentially 10% of the wiper blade longitudinal extent aligned in the wiper blade longitudinal direction 20a. The wiper blade assembly 10a has a further end cap unit 36a. In the assembled state, the further end cap unit 36a is arranged in the further wiper blade end region 22a. In the assembled state, the further end cap unit 36a is in contact with the further auxiliary wind deflector element 18a. In the assembled state, the further end cap unit 36a partially secures the further auxiliary wind deflector element 18a in a position relative to the main wind deflector element 12a. In a method for assembling the wiper blade device 10a, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14a is arranged in the wiper blade end region 16a. The further auxiliary wind deflector element 18a is arranged in the further wiper blade end region 22a in the method. Figures 3, 4 to 5 show further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, particularly those with the same reference numerals, reference may also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, especially Figures 1 and 2. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter "a" is appended to the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2. In the embodiments of Figures 3, 4 to 5, the letter "a" is replaced by the letters "b" and "c". Fig. 3 shows a section of a wiper blade 28b with a wiper blade assembly 10b, which has a main wind deflector element 12b and an auxiliary wind deflector element 14b. In an assembled state, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14b is arranged in a wiper blade end region 16b and in contact with an end cap unit 24b of the wiper blade assembly 10b. The auxiliary wind deflector element 14b is formed integrally with a further wiper blade component 26b. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14b is formed integrally with the main wind deflector element 12b. The further wiper blade component 26b is designed as the main wind deflector element 12b. In an area facing away from the end cap unit 24b, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14b has a shape essentially of an inverted parabola in a vertical direction oriented essentially perpendicular to a surface to be wiped, which in an operating state is open particularly towards the surface to be wiped. Alternatively, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14b could, in the area facing away from the end cap unit 24b, have essentially a shape of a parabola, in particular a normal parabola, in the vertical direction oriented essentially perpendicular to the surface to be wiped, which in an operating state is open in a direction away from the surface to be wiped (see Fig. 4). In particular, the shape and / or form and / or design of the auxiliary wind deflector element 14b in the area facing away from the end cap unit 24b could be designed and / or formed according to customer requirements. Fig. 5 shows a section of a wiper blade 28c with a wiper blade assembly 10c, which has a main wind deflector element 12c and an auxiliary wind deflector element 14c. In a mounted state, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14c is arranged in a wiper blade end region 16c. The auxiliary wind deflector element 14c is formed integrally with a further wiper blade component 26c. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary wind deflector element 14c is formed integrally with an end cap unit 24c of the wiper blade device 10c. The further wiper blade component 26c is designed as the end cap unit 24c. The geometry of the auxiliary wind deflector element, in particular its length and / or height, which ensures water drainage within a tolerance range, depends on the specific design and must be determined anew for each individual case, depending on the specific design. In particular, the geometry of the auxiliary wind deflector element is vehicle-specific.

Claims

Wiper blade device with at least one main wind deflector element (12a-c) and at least one auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c), which is arranged in at least one assembled state in a wiper blade end region (16a-c), characterized by at least one end cap unit (24a-c), which is arranged in the assembled state in the wiper blade end region (16a-c) and is provided to at least partially secure the auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c) in a position. Wiper blade device according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c) extends over a proportion of a maximum of 25% of the wiper blade longitudinal extent in the assembled state. Wiper blade device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wiper blade end region (16a-c) corresponds to an inner circle of the wiper blade. Wiper blade device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further auxiliary wind deflector element (18a-c), which in the assembled state is arranged in a further wiper blade end area (22a-c) opposite the wiper blade end area (16a-c) in a wiper blade longitudinal direction (20a-c). Wiper blade device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the auxiliary wind deflector element (14b-c) is at least partially formed in one piece with a further wiper blade component (26b-c). Wiper blade device according to claim 5, characterized in that the further wiper blade component (26b) is designed as the main wind deflector element (12b). Wiper blade device according to claim 5, characterized in that the further wiper blade component (26c) is designed as an end cap unit (24c). Auxiliary wind deflector element for a wiper blade device (10a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 7 . Wiper blade with a wiper blade device (10a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 7 . Method for assembling a wiper blade device (10a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 8, with at least one main wind deflector element (12a-c) and with at least one auxiliary wind deflector element (14a-c) which is arranged in a wiper blade end region (16a-c).

Images