Wiper blade device

Abstract

Wiper blade device with at least one one-piece formed holding unit (12) which is provided to at least partially receive at least one spring rail (14) in at least one assembled state, and which has at least one wind deflector unit (16) with at least one receiving area (18) for at least one wiper blade adapter (20), wherein the wiper blade adapter (20) is partially arranged laterally next to the wind deflector unit (16) of the holding unit (12) in the assembled state and the holding unit (12) partially encompasses the holding unit (12) in the longitudinal extension direction (26).

Description

State of the art

[0001] A wiper blade assembly with a holding unit has already been proposed, which, in its assembled state, partially accommodates a spring rail. The holding unit is designed in at least two parts. A wind deflector unit comprises two wind deflector elements, which, in their disassembled state, are freely movable relative to each other and are designed separately. A wiper blade adapter is arranged between the wind deflector elements in the assembled state. In the assembled state, the wiper blade adapter is held in a position between the wind deflector elements by the spring rail, which is partially accommodated by the wiper blade adapter. Furthermore, DE 10 320 930 A1 and DE 10 2012 206 423 A1 have been disclosed. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] A wiper blade assembly is proposed, comprising at least one integrally formed holding unit designed to at least partially accommodate at least one spring rail in at least one assembled state, and comprising at least one wind deflector unit with at least one receiving area for at least one wiper blade adapter. The term "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.The term "one-piece" shall be 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. The term "holding unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that is designed, at least, to hold and / or support the spring rail in at least one position and, in particular, to at least partially absorb a weight force of the spring rail and / or transfer it to at least one other unit.The holding unit has, in particular, at least one guide element, which is specifically designed to guide the spring rail, at least partially, during assembly. Specifically, the holding unit has at least one holding element designed to at least partially hold and / or support the spring rail in the assembled state. For example, the holding element and the guide element could be different elements of the holding unit, and in particular, arranged at a distance from each other. Alternatively, the holding element and the guide element could be at least partially the same elements of the holding unit. Specifically, the guide element could be designed to at least partially hold and / or support the spring rail in the assembled state.In particular, the retaining element could be designed to guide the spring rail, at least partially, during assembly by means of the guide element. In the assembled state, the retaining unit surrounds the spring rail, at least partially and, in particular, at least partially. The retaining unit is specifically designed, in the assembled state, to surround and / or enclose the spring rail in at least one plane with respect to a center point and / or center of gravity of the spring rail in that plane over an angular range of at least 180°, in particular at least 270°, advantageously at least 300°, and preferably at least 330°. The plane is, in particular, a cross-sectional plane, which is oriented, in particular, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the retaining unit.The longitudinal direction of the holding unit, in its assembled state and particularly in at least one operating state, is aligned at least substantially parallel to a surface to be wiped. For example, the holding unit could be designed to accommodate the spring rail completely in its assembled state. Advantageously, the holding unit is designed to accommodate the spring rail partially and / or section by section in its assembled state. In its assembled state, the spring rail is arranged partially and / or section by section outside the holding unit and, in particular, within the wiper blade adapter. The wiper blade assembly includes, in particular, the spring rail.A "spring rail" is understood to be, in particular, a macroscopic element that has at least an extent which, in a normal operating state, is elastically variable by at least 10%, particularly 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 form of a bent rod, and most advantageously, a flattened bent rod.A particularly advantageous feature is a curvature of the spring rail along a longitudinal extension in an unloaded state that is greater than the curvature of a surface to be wiped, in particular a vehicle surface of a motor vehicle, especially a vehicle window, over which the spring rail is guided in at least one operating state. The term "extension" 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 extension of at least 1 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm.In this context, a "wind deflector unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit 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. Preferably, the wind deflector unit consists at least partially of rubber and / or of a partially elastic plastic. Preferably, the wind deflector unit has at least one concave front surface. The wind deflector unit differs, in particular, from an end cap, a wiper lip, and / or a wiper blade adapter. Advantageously, the wind deflector unit extends over at least a large part of the longitudinal extent of a wiper blade component in an operating state.The wiper blade component could, for example, be a spring rail and / or a spoiler unit and / or an end cap unit and / or a wiper strip unit. Preferably, the wind deflector unit has at least one wind deflector retaining element for attachment to a spring rail and / or a wiper strip. The retaining element and the wind deflector retaining element are, in particular, identical. A "receiving area" for a wiper blade adapter is understood to mean, in particular, an area which, especially due to its geometry and / or dimensions and / or size and / or position, is specifically designed to at least partially receive the wiper blade adapter in the assembled state. The wiper blade adapter is, in particular, arranged in the receiving area in the assembled state. The receiving area could, in particular, be a recess and / or a cutout and / or a freestanding area.The wiper blade assembly includes, in particular, the wiper blade adapter. In this context, a "wiper blade adapter" is understood to mean, in particular, an adapter that has a contact area with the holding unit and is captively connected to the holding unit, and is designed to provide a coupling area of ​​the holding unit for coupling and / or contact with a wiper arm adapter. "Designed" is understood to mean, in particular, specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed 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 state.

[0003] The inventive design of the wiper blade device allows for a particularly cost-effective design. In particular, the need to stock multiple components can be eliminated. The one-piece holding unit ensures high stability and / or avoids the need for a holding unit composed of multiple elements and / or components. In particular, simple assembly, especially of the wiper blade adapter to the holding unit, can be achieved.

[0004] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wind deflector unit comprises at least two wind deflector elements spaced apart from one another, designed to at least partially enclose the wiper blade adapter in a longitudinal direction of the mounting unit when assembled. In particular, the wind deflector elements define the receiving area of ​​the wind deflector unit in the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit. The wiper blade adapter is positioned, in particular, between the wind deflector elements when assembled. Specifically, a first wind deflector element abuts a first side of the wiper blade adapter when assembled. Specifically, a second wind deflector element, distinct from the first, abuts a second side of the wiper blade adapter when assembled, the side opposite the first side in the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit.The wind deflectors are specifically designed to at least partially fix the wiper blade adapter in the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit when installed. In this context, a "wind deflector" 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 from driving, 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 has at least one concave wind deflecting surface. In particular, the wind deflector is designed differently from a wiper blade adapter and / or an end cap. This allows, in particular, an optimal and / or protected arrangement of the wiper blade adapter to be achieved.

[0005] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade assembly includes the wiper blade adapter. The spring rail could, for example, be completely enclosed in the holding unit in the assembled state. Preferably, the wiper blade adapter includes at least one bearing unit designed to support at least part of the spring rail in the assembled state. In particular, the bearing unit is designed to support a portion of the spring rail and / or a section of the spring rail in the assembled state. This allows for a particularly advantageous arrangement of the spring rail.

[0006] The bearing unit could, for example, have at least one, and in particular a single, bearing element which could extend in the longitudinal direction of the holding unit, in particular over the entire wiper blade adapter. Preferably, the bearing unit has at least two bearing elements which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the holding unit. In particular, the bearing elements have a distance of at least 0.5 cm, in particular at least 1 cm, advantageously at least 1.5 cm, particularly advantageously at least 2 cm, and preferably at least 3 cm in the longitudinal direction of the holding unit. This allows, in particular, a low material requirement, which in turn enables low costs and / or a low weight of the holding unit.

[0007] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bearing unit for the spring rail have at least one bearing groove. For example, the bearing unit could be designed to lock the spring rail in at least one position relative to the holding unit when the spring rail is mounted, and in particular to fix it in that position. Preferably, the bearing unit is designed to mount the spring rail in at least one position relative to the holding unit when the spring rail is mounted, and in particular to eliminate the need for fixing the spring rail. This allows the spring rail to be mounted in a particularly stable manner.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade adapter be designed to at least partially encompass the mounting unit in the assembled state. In particular, the wiper blade adapter is designed to at least partially encompass the mounting unit in the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit in the assembled state. The wiper blade adapter projects, in particular, in the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit, at least partially beyond the receiving area on at least one side and advantageously on both sides. In particular, the wiper blade adapter is designed to at least partially encompass the mounting unit in a vertical direction in the assembled state. In at least one operating state, the vertical direction is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the surface to be wiped.In the assembled state, the vertical direction is aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the spring rail, particularly to one side of the spring rail with maximum surface area. This ensures, in particular, stable support and / or positioning of the wiper blade adapter.

[0009] For example, the wind deflector unit could be designed to at least partially fix the wiper blade adapter vertically to the holding unit in the assembled state. In particular, the wind deflector unit could have at least one fixing element which, in particular, could be designed to press the wiper blade adapter vertically into the receiving area in the assembled state and, in particular, to clamp the wiper blade adapter vertically between the wind deflector unit, especially the fixing element of the wind deflector unit, and a surface defining the receiving area. Preferably, the wiper blade device has a spring rail which, in the assembled state, is designed to at least partially fix the wiper blade adapter vertically to the holding unit with respect to at least one vertical direction.In the assembled state, the spring rail is mounted, in particular, in the wiper blade adapter, especially in the bearing unit, and is at least partially surrounded and / or enclosed by the wiper blade adapter, especially by the bearing unit. In particular, the wiper blade adapter, especially the bearing unit, is designed to clamp the spring rail vertically in the assembled state. In the assembled state, the spring rail is mounted, in particular, at least partially in the wiper blade adapter and, in particular, additionally at least partially in the holding unit, in the longitudinal direction of the holding unit, and is thus designed, in particular, to at least substantially prevent movement of the wiper blade adapter vertically relative to the holding unit in the assembled state.This allows the spring rail to perform several tasks, thereby eliminating the need for additional components to fix the wiper blade adapter in the vertical direction and / or enabling lower costs.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade assembly include at least one end cap unit designed to secure the spring rail in a position, particularly within the holding unit, in the assembled state, along a longitudinal axis. The end cap unit is specifically designed to prevent, at least to a significant extent, movement of the spring rail relative to the holding unit in the longitudinal axis when assembled. This, in particular, prevents the loss of the spring rail and / or ensures optimal positional security of the spring rail.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding unit include at least one wiper blade designed to make at least substantial contact with a surface to be wiped in at least one operating state and, in particular, to be moved across the surface to be wiped for cleaning purposes. A "wiper blade" is understood to be, in particular, a unit made of an elastic material with a wiping lip, designed to be moved across the surface to be wiped, especially a window surface, preferably a vehicle window, for cleaning purposes. Preferably, the wiper blade is made of a natural or synthetic elastomer, in particular rubber. This allows for a particularly compact and / or cost-effective design.

[0012] Particularly low costs can be achieved especially through a holding unit for a wiper blade device according to the invention.

[0013] The costs can be further reduced, in particular, by using a wiper blade with a wiper blade device according to the invention.

[0014] 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

[0015] 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.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 a wiper with a wiper blade according to the invention, which has a wiper blade device according to the invention, in a schematic side view, Fig. 2 a holding unit and a wiper blade adapter of the wiper blade device in a first assembly step in a schematic representation, Fig. 3 the holding unit, the wiper blade adapter and a spring rail of the wiper blade device in a second assembly step in a schematic representation Fig. 4 the holding unit and the wiper blade adapter in an assembled state in a schematic representation and Fig. 5 the wiper blade adapter in a schematic sectional view. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a wiper 46 with a wiper blade 44. The wiper 46 has a wiper arm 48. The wiper 46 is designed to be coupled to the wiper blade 44. The wiper blade 44 has a wiper blade device 10.

[0018] The wiper blade assembly 10 includes a wiper blade adapter 20. The wiper blade adapter 20 is designed for coupling with the wiper 48. In a mounted state, the wiper blade adapter 20 is designed for coupling with a wiper arm adapter 50. The wiper arm 46 includes the wiper arm adapter 50. The wiper arm adapter 50 is designed for coupling with the wiper blade adapter 20.

[0019] The wiper blade adapter 20 is designed for connection with a holding unit 12. The wiper blade assembly 10 includes the holding unit 12. The holding unit 12 is designed for the wiper blade assembly 10 and is specifically designed for the wiper blade assembly 10.

[0020] The holding unit 12 is formed in one piece. The holding unit 12 has a recess (not shown). The recess extends substantially over the entire longitudinal extent of the holding unit 12. The longitudinal extent of the holding unit 12 is aligned in a longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12.

[0021] In its assembled state, the holding unit 12 partially accommodates a spring rail 14 (see below). Fig. 3) The wiper blade assembly 10 has the spring rail 14. In the assembled state, the spring rail 14 is arranged in the recess of the retaining unit 12.

[0022] The holding unit 12 includes a wind deflector unit 16. The wind deflector unit 16 has a receiving area 18 for the wiper blade adapter 20. The wind deflector unit 16 defines the receiving area 18 for the wiper blade adapter 20.

[0023] The wind deflector unit 16 has two wind deflector elements 22, 24. The receiving area 18 is arranged between the wind deflector elements 22, 24 in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12. The wind deflector elements 22, 24 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12.

[0024] In the assembled state, the wind deflector elements 22, 24 partially enclose the wiper blade adapter 20. In the assembled state, the wind deflector elements 22, 24 essentially fix the wiper blade adapter 20 in the longitudinal direction 26 of the retaining unit 12. In the assembled state, the wind deflector elements 22, 24 essentially secure the wiper blade adapter 20 in a position in the longitudinal direction 26 of the retaining unit 12.

[0025] In a method for assembling the wiper blade device 10, the wiper blade adapter 20 is inserted into the receiving area 18. The wiper blade adapter 20 is arranged in a vertical direction 36 above the receiving area 18 (see figure). Fig. 2) The wiper blade adapter 20 is brought close to the receiving area 18 in the vertical direction 36. The wiper blade adapter 20 is brought close to the receiving area 18 in the vertical direction 36 until the wiper blade adapter 20 rests on a surface limiting the receiving area 18 in the vertical direction 36 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3).

[0026] In a state in which the wiper blade adapter 20 is arranged in the receiving area 18, the spring rail 14 is inserted into the holding unit 12 (see figure). Fig. 3) The spring rail 14 is inserted into the holding unit 12 in the longitudinal extension direction 26 of the holding unit 12.

[0027] In the receiving area 18, the retaining unit 12 has a retaining groove (not shown). In the assembled state, the spring rail 14 partially engages through the retaining groove. In the assembled state, the spring rail 14 partially protrudes laterally from the retaining unit 12 in the receiving area 18. In the assembled state, the spring rail 14 partially engages the wiper blade adapter 20 in the receiving area 18 due to this partial protrusion from the retaining unit 12.

[0028] The wiper blade adapter 20 has a storage unit 28 (see Fig. 5) In the assembled state, the bearing unit 28 partially supports the spring rail 14. In the present embodiment, the wiper blade adapter 20 is designed symmetrically about a longitudinal plane of symmetry (not shown).

[0029] In the assembled state, the longitudinal plane of symmetry is essentially perpendicular to a surface 42 to be wiped. In the assembled state, the longitudinal plane of symmetry is essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension direction 26 of the holding unit 12. Only a portion of the wiper blade adapter 20 located on one side of the longitudinal plane of symmetry will be described below.

[0030] In the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12, the bearing unit 28 engages the spring rail 14 at regular intervals. The bearing unit 28 has three bearing elements 32, 34, 52. The bearing elements 32, 34, 52 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12. In the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12, the bearing elements 32, 34, 52 are arranged substantially uniformly over a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade adapter 20.

[0031] The bearing elements 32, 34, 52 define a bearing groove 30 for the bearing of the spring rail 14. The bearing unit 28 has the bearing groove 30 for the bearing of the spring rail 14. In the assembled state, the bearing groove 30 extends substantially over the entire longitudinal extent of the receiving area 18.

[0032] When the spring rail 14 is inserted into the holding unit 12, it is also inserted into the bearing unit 28 of the wiper blade adapter 20. The spring rail 14 partially engages the bearing groove 30 of the bearing unit 28 through the retaining groove of the holding unit 12. In the assembled state, the spring rail 14 partially secures the wiper blade adapter 20 to the holding unit 12 in the vertical direction 36 with respect to the spring rail 14.

[0033] In the assembled state, the bearing groove 30 is located laterally next to the receiving area 18. The wiper blade adapter 20 partially engages the holding unit 12 in the assembled state. In the assembled state, the wiper blade adapter 20 partially engages the holding unit 12 in the vertical direction 36.

[0034] In one area of ​​the wind deflector unit 16, the wiper blade adapter 20 is partially positioned laterally next to the wind deflector unit 16 of the mounting unit 12 when mounted. In the mounted state, the wiper blade adapter 20 partially surrounds the mounting unit 12 in the longitudinal direction 26 of the mounting unit 12.

[0035] The wiper blade device 10 has an end cap unit 38 for partial fixing of the spring rail 14 in the longitudinal extension direction 26 of the holding unit 12 (see figure). Fig. 1) The end cap unit 38 has two end cap elements 54, 56. In the assembled state, the end cap elements 54, 56 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12.

[0036] In the assembled state, the end cap elements 54, 56 are arranged at opposite ends of the holding unit 12 in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12. In the assembled state, the end cap unit 38 secures the spring rail 14 in a position substantially in the longitudinal direction 26 of the holding unit 12.

[0037] In an operating state, the holding unit 12, together with the wiper blade adapter 20 located on the holding unit 12, is moved over the surface 42 to be wiped. In this operating state, the holding unit 12 partially contacts the surface 42 to be wiped by means of a wiper strip 40 of the holding unit 12 (see figure). Fig.1) The holding unit 12 has the wiper strip 40. In the operating state, the wiper strip 40 essentially contacts the surface 42 to be wiped. In the present embodiment, the surface 42 to be wiped is a glass pane, specifically a vehicle window.

Claims

[1] Wiper blade device with at least one integrally formed holding unit (12) which is provided to at least partially receive at least one spring rail (14) in at least one assembled state, and which has at least one wind deflector unit (16) with at least one receiving area (18) for at least one wiper blade adapter (20), wherein the wiper blade adapter (20) is partially arranged laterally next to the wind deflector unit (16) of the holding unit (12) in the assembled state and the holding unit (12) partially encompasses the holding unit (12) in the longitudinal extension direction (26). [2] Wiper blade device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the wind deflector unit (16) has at least two wind deflector elements (22, 24) which are spaced apart from each other and which are designed to at least partially enclose the wiper blade adapter (20) in a longitudinal direction (26) of the holding unit (12) when assembled. [3] Wiper blade device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the wiper blade adapter (20) which has at least one bearing unit (28) which is designed to at least partially support the spring rail (14) in the assembled state. [4] Wiper blade device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the bearing unit (28) has at least two bearing elements (32, 34) which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal extension direction (26) of the holding unit (12). [5] Wiper blade device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized bythat the bearing unit (28) has at least one bearing groove (30) for the bearing of the spring rail (14). [6] Wiper blade device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the wiper blade adapter (20) is designed to at least partially encompass the holding unit (12) in the mounted state. [7] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the spring rail (14), which is designed to at least partially fix the wiper blade adapter (20) in at least one vertical direction (36) with respect to the spring rail (14) on the holding unit (12) in the assembled state. [8] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one end cap unit (38) which is intended to secure the spring rail (14) in a longitudinal direction (26) of the holding unit (12) in a position at least substantially in the assembled state. [9] Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding unit (12) has at least one wiper strip (40) which is intended to make at least substantial contact with a surface (42) to be wiped in at least one operating state. [10] Holding unit for a wiper blade device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Wiper blade with a wiper blade device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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