Wind deflector for a car's windshield wiper system

Abstract

The invention relates to a wind deflector (22) for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle, in which a windscreen cleaning device (16) with at least one nozzle (19) for cleaning a windscreen () is integrated, and which comprises a wind deflector contour (23) by means of which an airflow in the area of ​​an associated wiper arm (2) and a wiper blade (34) can be guided, wherein the wind deflector (22) on its side (62) facing the wiper blade (34) comprises at least one wind guide element (hump 20) which is arranged in the area of ​​the associated nozzle (19) and projects upwards in the direction of the windscreen (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wind deflector for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 87 16 154 U1, an attachment device for a windscreen wiper, which has a wind deflector function, is already known. The attachment device is manufactured from a plastic by extrusion and includes a receptacle for attaching a wiper rod of a wiper arm of the windscreen wiper system. Furthermore, the attachment device includes a receptacle for a hose of a windscreen washer system with at least one nozzle for cleaning a windscreen that can be wiped by the windscreen wiper system.

[0003] WO 2009 / 127 583 A1 relates to a device for spraying washer fluid onto a car windshield, which has at least one line with at least one opening for spraying the fluid onto the window in a specific direction. At least one opening has a shape capable of spraying the washer fluid in the form of a stream extending around the spray direction perpendicular to the line. The device is used in windshield wiper systems of motor vehicles.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a wind deflector of the type mentioned above in which the wind deflector or the entire wiper arm with the wiper blade is held on the windscreen particularly reliably and securely over all driving speeds and in which, on the other hand, the cleaning fluid of the windscreen washer system reaches the windscreen or the area of ​​the wiper blade particularly reliably.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a wind deflector having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The wind deflector according to the invention is characterized, firstly, by the fact that it integrates a windshield cleaning device with at least one nozzle for cleaning the windshield, which can be wiped by means of a wiper blade arranged on a wiper arm. Furthermore, the wind deflector comprises a wind deflector contour by means of which an airflow can be guided in the area of ​​the associated wiper arm and the associated wiper blade.

[0007] To create, on the one hand, a particularly aerodynamically favorable wind deflector that reliably holds the wiper arm and wiper blade on the corresponding windshield at all driving speeds, and on the other hand ensures that the cleaning fluid exiting the respective nozzle reaches the surface of the windshield, the invention provides that the wind deflector comprises, on its side facing the wiper blade, at least one wind guide element, in particular in the form of a hump, which is arranged in the area of ​​the associated nozzle and projects upwards towards the windshield. Preferably, a plurality of such wind guide elements or humps are arranged on the side of the wind deflector facing the wiper blade or the windshield, spaced apart from one another. The design of the respective wind guide elements or humps is further specified.The hump extending only over a specific length of the wind deflector, with a break to the adjacent wind deflector, enables, on the one hand, a favorable aerodynamic influence on the wiper arm and wiper blade, so that it is reliably pressed against the windscreen at all driving speeds, while on the other hand, the respective wind deflector creates a kind of wind shadow in which the nozzle can be positioned, reducing the free path to the windscreen so that the cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle is not excessively turbulent and thus, for example, does not reach the surface of the windscreen, but rather the exact opposite is achieved, namely that the cleaning fluid reaches the surface of the windscreen in a relatively undisturbed jet.By selecting individual, relatively narrow wind deflectors, unlike, for example, a continuous, strip- or lip-like wind deflector, it is ensured that no excessive nozzle effect occurs, which would unduly deflect and swirl the spray of cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle. Instead, the spray is directed precisely onto the surface of the windshield. At the same time, sufficient aerodynamic influence is still achieved – also due to the breaks between the individual wind deflectors or protrusions – so that the wiper arm and wiper blade are reliably pressed against the windshield.

[0008] Furthermore, the nozzle is integrated into the respective wind deflector or associated hump. This results in a jet of cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle, which is directed particularly effectively onto the disc.

[0009] In this context, it has proven further advantageous to integrate a protective channel with a larger cross-section than the nozzle into the respective wind deflector or hump. This allows the nozzle to be concealed, so that the jet of cleaning fluid exiting it can pass unhindered through the protective channel and reach the surface of the disc.

[0010] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the nozzle or protective channel opens onto a front face of the wind deflector or hump facing the glass. Accordingly, the invention provides that the jet of cleaning fluid exits the front face in the direction of the glass. This results in an extremely short distance between the front face of the wind deflector or hump and the surface of the glass, which the jet of cleaning fluid must overcome.

[0011] An alternative embodiment to the configuration according to claim 2 provides that the nozzle is arranged in the direction of the airflow behind the associated wind deflector or hump, in its lee. By arranging the nozzle behind the wind deflector or hump, protected from the airflow, a largely deflection-free propagation of the cleaning fluid jet towards the surface of the disc is also achieved.

[0012] In this context, it has proven further advantageous if the wind guide element or the hump has an arc-shaped cross-section on its side facing the nozzle. This further reduces the deflection of the cleaning fluid jet due to airflow.

[0013] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the wind guide element or the hump is formed from an elastic plastic component of the wind deflector. This results in a particularly favorable surface of the wind deflector, which, for example, prevents damage to the windshield.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a trailing edge is provided on the upper side of the wind deflector, this trailing edge preferably having a radius of less than 2 mm. This results in a particularly aerodynamically favorable wind deflector, which, among other things, ensures that the wiper arm and wiper blade are reliably pressed against the windshield at all driving speeds.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the nozzle is integrated into a hard plastic component of the wind deflector. This allows a particularly strong and precisely directed jet of cleaning fluid to be generated.

[0016] Finally, it has proven advantageous to arrange several wind deflectors in a row. This avoids an excessive nozzle effect on the underside of the wind deflector, as previously described, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient contact of the cleaning fluid with the surface of the windshield.

[0017] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1a-1c respective perspective views of an assembly sequence of a functional element, which is designed as a wind deflector and includes a windscreen cleaning device, on a wiper rod of a wiper arm of a windscreen wiping system for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment, wherein Fig. 1a the functional element still shows separately from the wiper arm, Fig. 1b shows the functional element in a partially attached position on the wiper arm, and Fig. 1c represents the functional element that is fully attached to the wiper arm; Fig. 2a-2c respective partial perspective views of the functional element of the first embodiment of the windshield wiper system, wherein Fig. 2a the functional element before being attached to the wiper arm shows, Fig. 2b shows the functional element in a fully attached position, but not yet secured by a fastening device, and Fig. 2c represents the functional element that is subsequently fixed to the wiper arm by means of the fastening device; Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b respective sectional views through the functional element in its position arranged on the wiper arm, wherein Fig. 3a the fastening device for fixing the functional element to the wiper arm in the open position and Fig. 3b the fastening device is shown in the closed position, fixing the functional element to the wiper arm; Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b respective perspective views of a functional element attached to the corresponding wiper arm according to a further embodiment in which the functional element is shorter and therefore does not extend to the spring box of the wiper arm, wherein Fig. 4a the functional element in an open fastening device and Fig. 4b shows a closed fastening device; Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b respective perspective views of the wiper arm with the functional element mounted on it according to the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, wherein Fig. 5a a wiper blade before its installation and Fig. 5b shows the wiper blade after assembly using an adapter, which is positioned and fixed independently of the functional element at the free end of the wiper rod of the wiper arm. Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b respective perspective views of a functional element attached to the corresponding wiper arm according to a further embodiment, in which the functional element is formed from two parts which are connected to each other by a film hinge or the like and are to be connected to each other or attached to the wiper arm by folding them together, wherein Fig. 6a the functional element before fixing it to the wiper arm and Fig. 6b shows the functional element after it has been fixed to the wiper pole; Fig. 7 a partial sectional view through the functional element and the associated wiper arm to which the functional element is attached, along a section plane extending in a dividing plane between the two parts of the functional element, in which in particular a fastening device is visible by means of which the functional element is secured to the wiper arm; and Fig. 8a-8c respective sectional views through the functional element according to the Fig. 6a to 7, wherein Fig. 8a analogous to Fig. 6a shows the two parts of the functional element in the open state, Fig. 8b shows the functional element with the two parts in a position arranged on the wiper arm but not yet closed, and Fig. 8c shows the two parts of the functional element after attachment to the wiper arm; Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b a partial perspective view and a sectional view of a functional element according to the invention in the form of a wind deflector with the integrated windscreen cleaning device and a plurality of nozzles for cleaning the windscreens, each of which is arranged as a corresponding hump on the side of the wind deflector facing the wiper blade or the windscreen, projecting upwards towards the windscreen, wherein a jet of cleaning fluid emerges from the nozzle on a front face of the windscreen element or hump facing the windscreen via a protective channel towards the windscreen; and Fig. 10a, Fig. 10 legs further perspective view as well as a section view through a wind deflector according to an alternative embodiment in which the respective nozzles are arranged in the direction of the airflow behind the associated wind guide elements or humps, whereby a respective jet of cleaning fluid reaches the disc in the wind shadow of the respective hump.

[0018] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0019] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0020] The Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. Figure 1c shows, in a perspective view, an assembly sequence for arranging and fixing a functional element 1, which will be explained in more detail below, to a wiper arm 2. The wiper arm 2 and the functional element 1 are shown in Fig. 1a initially shown separated in an explosive manner.

[0021] It is particularly evident that the wiper arm 2 comprises a wiper rod 3, which is angled in a bend area 4. On a side opposite a free end 5, the wiper rod 3 is rigidly connected to a spring box 6, which has a connection area 7 that is at least substantially rectangular in cross-section and is crimped onto the wiper rod 3, which is also at least substantially rectangular in cross-section. The spring box 6 is pivotally connected via bearing openings 8 to a lever element of the windshield wiper system (not shown), which is sometimes also referred to as a fastening element. This lever element is in turn non-rotatably connected to an associated drive shaft of a drive motor.The wiper arm 2 can be pivoted about the axis formed by the bearing pins 8 relative to the associated lever element against the spring force of a spring element, which in turn can be hooked into a spring receptacle 9 at the corresponding end of the wiper rod 3, in order, for example, to press the wiper arm 2 or an associated wiper blade against the surface of a windshield in the operating position.

[0022] The functional element 1 comprises a first sub-section 10 and a second sub-section 11 formed integrally with it, within which a continuous receiving channel 12 for the wiper arm 3 is provided. The receiving channel 12 is adapted in cross-section, at least substantially, to the approximately rectangular cross-section of the wiper arm 3, which has a substantially uniform cross-section along its entire length. Consequently, the receiving channel 12 also has a substantially uniform cross-section along its entire length within the functional element 1.

[0023] As will be discussed further in conjunction with the Fig. 1b and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1c, the functional element 1 can therefore be attached or slid onto the wiper arm 3 from its free end 5 until an end 13 of the first sub-section 10 of the functional element 1 is at least substantially flush with the connection area 7 of the spring housing 6. In order for the functional element 1 to be attached to the wiper arm 3 up to the spring housing 6, the first sub-section 10 of the functional element 1 – starting from the end 13 – is made of an elastic material, for example, a suitable plastic, at least across the bend area 4. Due to this soft elastic material, it is also conceivable that the connection area 7 of the spring housing 6 is extended beyond the end 13 of the sub-section 10 of the functional element 1 in a sleeve-like manner.

[0024] The end 13 of subsection 10 is also extended by a conduit section 14, through which the functional element 1 can be supplied with windshield washer fluid in a manner described in more detail below. Within conduit section 14, at least one supply channel 15 for windshield washer fluid is formed, through which the functional element 1 can be supplied with windshield washer fluid in a manner described in more detail below. This supply channel 15 also extends over subsection 10 and subsection 11 of the functional element 1. Therefore, a windshield cleaning device 16, or a part thereof, is formed in the functional element 1, so that in this case the wiper arm 2 is a so-called wet wiper arm.This means that the windshield, in particular the windshield of the motor vehicle, which is to be cleaned by the windshield wiper system, can be sprayed with windshield washer fluid via nozzles which are carried by the wiper arm 2. The end of the line section 14 of the functional element 1 is connected via a channel arrangement (not shown) to one of the windshield washer fluid reservoirs and the associated pump. This is usually located in the front or engine compartment of the motor vehicle. As shown in particular in... Fig. As can be seen in 1c, the line part 14 in the present case runs under the wiper rod 3 into the interior of the spring box 6.

[0025] In summary, the Fig. It can also be seen from 1a to 1c that the sliding of the functional element 1 onto the wiper rod 3 is carried out to such an extent that it - as can be seen from Fig. 1c in the finally assembled position of the functional element 1 is recognizable - protrudes from the receiving channel 12 at a free end 5 over a considerable length. Conversely, this means that the functional element 1 with the sub-areas 10, 11 is connected via the receiving channel 12 to a length of the wiper rod 3 spaced apart from the free end 5 of the wiper rod 3.

[0026] In other words, the free end 5 extends beyond the sub-area 11 of the functional element 1 or out of the recording channel 12.

[0027] The windscreen cleaning device 16 integrated into the functional element 1 comprises a channel system with respective channels integrated into the functional element 1, which open onto various nozzles through which the windscreen to be cleaned or wiped, or the associated wiper blade which will be explained in more detail below, can be supplied with windscreen cleaning fluid.

[0028] The windshield cleaning device 16 initially comprises two outer-circle nozzles 17, 18, through which the wiper blade is supplied with water in the immediate vicinity of its outer circle, i.e., the area in which the wiper blade travels the largest radius of its surface to be wiped. The outer-circle nozzle 17 covers an area closer to the functional element 1, and the outer-circle nozzle 18 covers an area further away from the functional element 1, close to the outer circle of the corresponding wiper blade.

[0029] Furthermore, the windshield cleaning device 16 comprises a plurality of five central nozzles 19, all of which extend at least substantially in a row along the direction of extension of the functional element 1. The respective nozzles 19 are housed, as described below, in corresponding protrusions 20 projecting from the functional element 1 or the wiper arm 2 in the direction of the windshield to be wiped and cleaned. Finally, the windshield cleaning device 16 comprises at least one inner circular nozzle 21, through which the wiper blade of the wiper arm 2 is supplied with cleaning fluid in the area of ​​its inner circle, where the wiper blade traverses its shortest radius of the corresponding wiping surface during the wiping process.All nozzles 17, 18, 19 and 21 can be adjusted so that, during a starting movement (i.e., in the case of a windshield, during the upward movement of the respective wiper arm 2), they apply the cleaning fluid to the windshield, particularly the windshield, at a corresponding distance in front of the moving wiper blade. If necessary, the wiper blade can also be directly sprayed with the windshield cleaning fluid.

[0030] In addition to integrating the windscreen cleaning device 16, the functional element 1 also serves the function of wind deflection. Accordingly, in this case, the functional element 1 is designed as a wind deflector 22 and comprises a wind deflection contour 23 on its front or upper surface, which faces away from the nozzles 19 and the wiper arm 3, in order to facilitate a particularly favorable flow of air, which typically flows from the front towards the respective wiper arm 2 or the corresponding wiper blade.

[0031] The functional element 1 is thus designed as a wind deflector 22 and for the integration of the windscreen cleaning device 16. However, it is to be considered as included within the scope of the invention that the functional element 1 could also perform only one of these two functions.

[0032] The Fig. Figures 2a to 2c show, in respective partial and perspective bottom views, the functional element 1 of the [unclear text]. Fig. embodiments described in 1a to 1c. Fig. 2a shows in particular the receiving channel for the wiper arm 3, which is formed by a third sub-section 24 of the functional element 1, which is also formed in one piece with sub-sections 10 and 11. Fig. 2b and Fig. Figure 2c shows the position of the functional element 1 when it is fully attached to the wiper arm 3. In this position, the third section 24 of the functional element 1 covers the free end 5 of the wiper arm 3, particularly – with respect to the installation position of the wiper arm 2 – at its front and underside. It can also be seen that the wiper arm 3 is recessed relative to section 24.

[0033] Based on a summary of Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b with the one according to Fig. 2c also shows that in the present case, the functional element 1 is secured to the wiper rod 3 of the wiper arm 2 by means of a fastening device 25 in the extension direction of the receiving channel 12. The securing is achieved in this case by means of a tab 26, which is pivotably arranged on the functional element 1 via a film hinge 27. When the tab 26 is inserted into a designated locking receptacle 29 in the area of ​​the receiving channel 12 by means of a locking element 28, the locking element 28 also engages with a groove 30 ( Fig. 1a) engages within the wiper arm 3. This effectively creates an axial locking mechanism for the functional element 1 on the wiper arm 3, so that the functional element 1 is secured in its position after being slid onto the wiper arm 3.

[0034] The fastening device 25 is in the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a sectional view of the arrangement of the functional element 1 on the wiper arm 3, explaining its function once again. In particular, it is evident how the axial locking of the locking element 28 on the side of the tab 26 within the locking receptacle 29 or on the groove 30 of the wiper arm 3 is achieved.

[0035] From the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b also makes it clear from the different hatching patterns that the functional element 1 is manufactured as a plastic part using a two-component process, for example, a two-component injection molding process. In particular, it is evident that the receiving channel 12 in the area of ​​the fastening device 25 is formed by a hard component 31. Likewise, the respective channels carrying the cleaning fluid in the second and third sub-sections 11, 24 of the functional element 1 are formed from this hard component 31 – at least in the area of ​​the respective nozzles 17, 18, 19, 21. Parts in between can also be formed by a soft component 32 of the plastic, which, incidentally, also forms – as already explained – the first sub-section 10 and the conduit section 14. The soft component 32 also forms – as can be seen from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows that the wind deflector contour 23 of the functional element 1 is formed. Components 31 and 32 are designed to be UV-resistant in order to be correspondingly durable.

[0036] In the Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows an alternative embodiment of the functional element 1 in a respective perspective view. This functional element 1 is essentially identical in its design and function to that of the first described embodiment, so only the differences will be discussed below. Essentially, this functional element 1 differs in that the first sub-section 10 of the functional element 1, which extends between the second sub-section 11 and the connection area 7 of the spring box 6, is not provided here. Instead, the functional element 1 terminates with an end 33 at a distance before the bend area 4 and consequently at a considerable distance before the connection area 7 of the spring box 6. The conductor section 14 of the functional element 1 therefore extends over a considerable length without additional sheathing of the wiper arm 3 below or below.inside from this point into the spring box 6, from where the further connection for the supply of cleaning fluid takes place.

[0037] Depending on the shortness of the functional element 1, one or more inner circular nozzles 21 may be omitted in some embodiments. Such a design is suitable, for example, for compact vehicles where a relatively small windshield area needs to be wiped or cleaned. This concept may also be advantageous on the passenger side of a larger windshield. Furthermore, the windshield cleaning device 16 integrated into the functional element 1 features a design already described in connection with the Fig. The embodiment described in Figures 1a to 3b has at least an essentially identical design. However, depending on the length of the functional element 1, or in particular the sections 11 and 24, a smaller number of central nozzles 19 may be provided. The locking element 28, by means of which the functional element 1 can be secured after being attached to the wiper arm 3, is also visible in the present embodiment.

[0038] In the Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b shows, in a perspective view, the mounting of a wiper blade 34 on the corresponding free end 5 of the wiper arm 3, which protrudes from the receiving channel 12 of the functional element 1. The wiper blade 34 comprises a wiper blade element 35, to which a base body in the form of a rider 36 is attached. This rider 36 is in turn pivotally connected to an adapter 37, so that the wiper blade element 35 with the rider 36 can be pivoted relative to the adapter 37 within certain limits. The adapter 37 includes a receptacle 38, which in this case is at least partially open, through which the adapter 37, and thus the entire wiper blade 34, can be attached to the free end 5 of the wiper arm 3. For this purpose, the receptacle 38, which is designed as a type of plug-in receptacle, is adapted in its cross-section and shape to the cross-section of the wiper arm 3.After the adapter 37 with the receptacle 38 is attached to the free end 5 of the wiper arm 3 over a certain length, a locking device 39 engages. This locking device includes a corresponding locking element on both the adapter 37 and wiper arm 3 sides. For example, this locking device 39 can include a locking pin or the like on the adapter 37 side, which engages with a locking recess on the free end 5 of the wiper arm 3. The locking device 39 can be released by means of an actuating element 40 in the form of a push button or the like, which in this case must be pressed towards the wiper blade element 39.

[0039] In its latched position, this actuating element 40 protrudes through a through-opening 42 within the sub-area 24 of the functional element 1. In the latched position of the locking device 39, the actuating element 40 is thus arranged at least substantially within this through-opening 41 and can therefore be actuated from the front outside in order to remove the wiper blade 34 from the free end 5 of the wiper arm 3.

[0040] Since the functional element 1 is attached to the wiper arm 3 at a length distanced from the free end 5, and the adapter 37 of the wiper blade 34 is attached to the free end 5 of the wiper arm, the functional element 1 and the wiper blade 34 are arranged and fixed to the wiper arm 3 in completely independent ways. This has the advantage that the wiper blade 34 can be removed completely independently of the functional element 1 and, for example, replaced from time to time without affecting the functionality of the functional element 1. In particular, it should be noted that both the wind deflection function and the windshield cleaning function of the functional element 1 are fully retained even if the adapter 37 is removed, provided the functional element 1 remains attached to the wiper arm 3.Unlike other systems, replacing the wiper blade 34 does not involve removing and disposing of any part of the wind deflector or windshield cleaning system, thus avoiding associated financial and sustainability issues. Instead, a system has been created in which the connection of the wiper blade 34, the connection of the functional element 1, and the execution of the functions performed by the functional element 1 are completely independent of one another.

[0041] Furthermore, additional elements can be integrated into functional element 1. In particular, a heater for the windshield cleaning system can also be integrated. Here, too, the advantages already described in connection with the windshield cleaning system apply.

[0042] In the Fig. 6a and Fig. Figure 6b shows a further, alternative embodiment of the functional element 1 in a respective perspective view. This functional element 1 is also essentially identical in its design and function to that of the first described embodiment, so only the differences will be discussed below. Essentially, this functional element 1 differs in that it is composed of two parts 42, 43, which are joined together in one piece in a region 44, similar to a film hinge. A completely two-part or multi-part variant would also be conceivable.

[0043] In conjunction with the Fig. Figures 8a to 8c, which show a cross-sectional view through the functional element 1 and the wiper arm 3 respectively, illustrate how the two parts 42, 43 and the functional element 1 as a whole are arranged and fixed to the wiper arm 3. According to the Fig. 6a or 8a, the functional element 1 is pushed and / or attached to the wiper rod 3 with parts 42, 43 open until the wiper rod 3 - as is particularly evident from Fig. 8b is recognizable - in its intended receiving channel 12, which is designed analogously to the receiving channels 12 according to the first two embodiments. In other words, the two parts 42, 43 of the functional element 1 and the wind deflector 22, respectively, can be mounted in a divided state on the wiper rod 3 of the wiper arm 2.

[0044] Subsequently, the two parts 42, 43 can then be pivoted relative to each other about the axis formed by the film hinge 44 or the like and joined together until, in the present case, the parts 42, 43 are connected to each other by means of the fastening device 45 on the side facing away from the film hinge 44. The fastening device 45 comprises one or more locking elements 46 on one part 43, which – as can be seen in particular from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8c, the wind deflector 22 engages with one or more corresponding locking elements in the form of locking receptacles 47. Thus, by joining the two parts 42, 43, the wind deflector 22 is fixed to the component 3 of the wiper arm 2 of the windscreen wiper system.

[0045] Furthermore, each of the parts 42, 43 has a respective locking lug 48, 49, which - as can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the locking lugs 48 and 49 engage with a groove 50 in the wiper arm 3. In conjunction with the groove 50, they act as axial locking devices for the fastening element 45, preventing the functional element 1 from shifting in the direction of extension of the wiper arm 3.

[0046] In the present case, the respective locking elements or locking receptacles 46, 47 for connecting the two parts 42, 43 are formed in the elastic plastic component 51 of the wind deflector 22. The respective locking lugs 48, 49 for fixing the functional element 1 to the wiper arm 3 are formed in the hard plastic component 52 of the wind deflector 22.

[0047] The split design of this functional element 1 with parts 42 and 43 offers the advantage that the functional element 1 can be easily fixed to the wiper arm 3, even if the wiper arm 3 has, for example, a non-straight path or a bend 4. The functional element 1 can extend either to the spring housing 6 or to its connection area 7, or it can end at a distance from this connection area 7. In this case, the two parts 42 and 43 extend beyond the bend 4 of the wiper arm 3 to the spring housing 6.

[0048] Especially from the Fig. Figures 8a to 8c also show that – as in the preceding embodiments – the functional element 1 is formed partly from an elastic plastic component 51 and partly from a hard plastic component 52. In the present case, the receptacle or receiving channel 12 is formed from the hard plastic component 52, at least in section 11, but also, for example, in section 10, in order to achieve a particularly strong and secure arrangement of the functional element 1 on the wiper arm 3. In other words, the receptacle or receiving channel 12 is divided by both parts 42, 43 of the wind deflector 22.

[0049] Furthermore, in the present case, at least essentially all fluid-carrying components of the windshield cleaning device 16, i.e., for example, the supply channel 15 and the respective nozzles 17, 18, 19, 21, are again formed from the hard plastic component 52. The components of the windshield cleaning device 16 that carry the cleaning fluid are thus particularly dimensionally stable and leak-proof. However, the windshield cleaning device 16 is—as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 8a to 8c is recognizable - at least essentially completely integrated into the elastic plastic component 51.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the windscreen cleaning device 16 is integrated into only one of the two parts 42, 43 of the wind deflector 22. This offers particular advantages with regard to sealing, since no components of the two parts 42, 43 that carry cleaning fluid need to be connected to each other.

[0051] In particular, with regard to the installation position of the functional element 1 or the wind deflector 22, a surface 53 on its visible side is formed at least substantially entirely by the elastic plastic component 51. This results in a particularly attractive appearance and, moreover, a functional element 1 that is especially well protected against impacts, shocks, or the like. The elastic plastic component 51 is preferably made of a UV-resistant material to ensure its durability. Furthermore, the elastic plastic component 51 has protrusions 54, which, for example, serve as dampers to protect the functional element 1 or the wind deflector 22, as well as the surface of the window being cleaned.

[0052] Fig. Figure 9a shows a partial perspective view of the functional element 1 in the form of the wind deflector 22, as it can be used in all the embodiments described above. In conjunction with Fig. Figure 9b, which shows a sectional view of the wind deflector 22 and the wiper blade element 35 of the wiper blade 34, shows in particular that the respective wind guide elements in the form of the humps 20 are provided in a linear row along the direction of extension of the wind deflector 22 on the side of the wiper blade 34 or the disc 56 to be cleaned or wiped. The respective humps 20 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a linear row, but can of course also be arranged in a row in another configuration. It is also conceivable, in principle, to provide only one hump 20.

[0053] As now, especially when considering the together of Fig. 9a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9b, one of the humps 20 is arranged in the area of ​​each nozzle 19. More precisely, in the present embodiment, each nozzle 19 is integrated into the associated hump 20 or arranged in a base area 57 of the respective hump. As already explained, the respective nozzle 19 is integrated in the area of ​​the corresponding hard plastic components 52 of the wind deflector. A protective channel 59 adjoins each nozzle – in the direction of exit of a jet 58 of cleaning fluid – and is enlarged in cross-section compared to the nozzle or the nozzle outlet and thus also compared to the cross-section of the jet 58. The protective channel 59 is therefore not intended to deflect the jet 58 of cleaning fluid, but rather to protect it from an airflow 60 that passes through the underside of the wind deflector 22 or the topside of the wiper blade 35.The protective channel 59 exits or terminates on a front surface 60 of the hump 20 facing the disc 56. In an alternative embodiment, it would also be conceivable to position the nozzle 19 directly in the area of ​​this front surface 60, thus potentially omitting the protective channel 59. However, the protective channel 59 ensures that the jet 58 of cleaning fluid reaches the surface of the disc 56 cleanly and directly.

[0054] In Fig. Figure 9b also shows the airflow 61, which passes over or under the wind deflector 22 by means of the wind deflector contour 23 of the wind deflector 22.

[0055] The wind deflector contour 23 includes a trailing edge 64 on an upper surface 61 of the wind deflector 22, which has a radius of preferably less than 2 mm. This ensures, on the one hand, a particularly favorable airflow over the wind deflector 22 or the entire wiper arm 2 with the wiper blade 34, and on the other hand, a particularly favorable positioning and retention of the wiper arm 2 and the wiper blade 34 on the surface of the disc 56 across all driving speeds.

[0056] The Fig. 10a and Fig.Figure 10b shows an alternative embodiment of the respective wind deflectors or humps 20 in an analogous perspective view or sectional view. These are characterized by being arranged behind the respective wind deflector or hump 20 in the direction of the airflow and opening onto the respective underside 55. In other words, the nozzles 19 are located, in the present case, at least substantially on the underside 55 or in the immediate vicinity of this underside 55 of the wind deflector 22. Furthermore, it can be seen that the respective humps have an arcuate contour 63 in cross-section on the side 62 facing the nozzle 19, which surrounds the jet 58 of cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle 19 at a corresponding distance from the front. Thus, in the present case, the respective hump 20 ensures that the jet 58 of cleaning fluid exits the nozzle 19 in the slipstream of the associated hump 20.The cleaning fluid can exit from the underside 55 of the wind deflector 22 towards the disc 56. Due to the arrangement of the nozzles 19 behind the respective humps 20, which are protected from the airflow, a uniform and reliable wetting of the surface of the disc 56 with cleaning fluid is ensured in this case as well.

[0057] In the present case, the humps 20 are also formed from the soft plastic component 51, whereas the nozzles are formed from the hard plastic component.

[0058] Overall, it is thus apparent that in the present case a wind deflector 22 is created with a series of respective wind guide elements in the form of humps 20, which are arranged at a respective distance from each other, so that on the one hand a particularly favorable aerodynamic airflow without excessive nozzle effect is established behind the humps 20, so that on the other hand a jet 58 emerging from the respective nozzles 19 in the area of ​​the humps 20 reaches the surface of the disk 56 to be wetted directly and evenly.

Claims

[1] Wind deflector (22) for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle, in which a windscreen cleaning device (16) with at least one nozzle (19) for cleaning a windscreen (56) is integrated, and which comprises a wind deflector contour (23) by means of which an airflow in the area of ​​an associated wiper arm (2) and a wiper blade (34) can be directed, wherein the wind deflector (22) on its side (62) facing the wiper blade (34) comprises at least one wind guide element 20, which is arranged in the area of ​​the associated nozzle (19) and protrudes in a raised manner towards the disc (56), characterized by , that the nozzle (19) is integrated into the associated wind guide element 20, wherein the wind guide element hump 20 is hump-shaped. [2] Wind deflector (22) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a protective channel (59) with a cross-section larger than that of the nozzle (19) is integrated into the wind guide element 20. [3] Wind deflector (22) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the nozzle (19) or the protective channel (59) opens onto a front face (60) of the wind guide element 20 facing the disc (56). [4] Wind deflector (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wind guide element 20 is formed from an elastic plastic component (51). [5] Wind deflector (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a tear-off edge (64) is provided on a top surface (61) of the wind deflector (22) and that the tear-off edge (64) has a radius of less than 2 mm. [6] Wind deflector (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the nozzle is integrated into a hard plastic component (52) of the wind deflector (22). [7] Wind deflector (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a plurality of wind deflectors 20 are arranged in a row.

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