Windshield wiper system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention comprises a windshield wiper system (100) for a vehicle (10) comprising a drive (101), at least one shaft element (102a) and a holding structure (110) with a plug-in element (111a, 111b) and a locking element (112), wherein the drive (101) and the shaft element (102a) are fastened and / or mounted on the holding structure (110), wherein the drive (101) is configured to rotate the shaft element (102a), wherein the shaft element (102a) is configured to fasten a windshield wiper arm (300), wherein the plug-in element (111a, 111b) is configured to be plugged into a mating plug-in structure (170) of the vehicle (10) along a first plug-in direction (202), and wherein the locking element (112) is configured to engage with a mating locking structure (160) of the vehicle (10). lock to block movement of the holding structure (110) along the second plugging direction (203),wherein the first plug-in direction (202) and the second plug-in direction (203) differ from each other.,

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper system for a vehicle and a vehicle with such a windshield wiper system.

[0002] There are currently a variety of different solutions for mounting windshield wiper systems in vehicles. The windshield wiper systems are firmly screwed to the vehicle. For the screw connection of a current windshield wiper system, an eyelet is provided on the windshield wiper system through which the screw is passed. Furthermore, the positions of the screws in the vehicle and in the windshield wiper system must be precisely set so that the screw can be screwed both through the eyelet and through the vehicle. Current solutions for such screw connections show that the eyes of such screw connections on the windshield wiper system are located closer to the outside of the vehicle than the wiper axles on which the windshield wipers are mounted.The constant weight reduction in the vehicle sector to reduce fuel consumption as well as increasing competition is creating cost pressure, so that there is greater demand for cheaper and more efficient methods of attaching windscreen wiper systems as well as more cost-effective and more efficient windscreen wiper systems in vehicles. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The windshield wiper system according to the invention for a vehicle with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known prior art that no screw connection is required to fix the windshield wiper system to the vehicle. This eliminates the need for bearing eyes on both sides of the windshield wiper system. This means that the wiper axes, on which the windshield wipers are mounted, can be relocated further towards the A-pillar. This results in the reversing position of the windshield wiper being positioned closer to the A-pillar, thus allowing a lower and horizontal parking position of the windshield wiper on the vehicle's windshield. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for screws and tools for screwing. Overall, this simplifies the installation of the windshield wiper system. The weight of the windshield wiper is reduced.Furthermore, without having to screw the wiper system into the vehicle, the wiper linkage can be installed more quickly. Furthermore, costs are reduced by eliminating the screws and installation tools required to attach the wiper system to the vehicle. Furthermore, weld nuts are no longer required to hold the screws in the body.

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention in that the windshield wiper system has a drive, at least one shaft element and a holding structure with a plug-in element and a locking element. The drive and the shaft element are fastened and / or mounted on the holding structure. The drive is configured to rotate the shaft element. The shaft element is designed to fasten a windshield wiper arm. The plug-in element is configured to be plugged into a counterstructure of the vehicle along a plug-in direction. The locking element is configured to lock with a counterstructure of the vehicle in order to block movement of the holding structure. The first plug-in direction and the second plug-in direction differ from one another.

[0005] In other words, the windshield wiper system is first inserted into the vehicle's counterstructure using the plug-in elements, and then the locking elements are inserted into the counterstructure along the second plug-in direction, with the locking elements blocking the plug-in elements from being pulled out in the second plug-in direction. Thus, the support structure is fixed to the vehicle by the plug-in element and the locking element. The drive and the shaft element are attached to the support structure. The drive is configured to move a windshield wiper arm attached to it via the shaft element.

[0006] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0007] Preferably, the plug-in element and / or the locking element are configured to form a snap-on connection with the vehicle. This allows for easy installation, secure holding, and easy removal of the bracket.

[0008] Preferably, the first plug-in element and the locking element are designed as snap hooks. An advantage of this embodiment may be that snap hooks are easy to manufacture and can be securely inserted into the counterstructure.

[0009] Preferably, a decoupling element is arranged between the plug-in element and / or the locking element. The decoupling element is configured to dampen vibration transmission between the support structure and the vehicle. An advantage of this embodiment may be that oscillations and vibrations of the vehicle are not transmitted to the support structure, or that vibrations of the support structure are not transmitted to the vehicle body.

[0010] Preferably, the plug-in element and / or the locking element are designed as a mandrel. This allows for self-centering insertion of the support structure into the counterstructure.

[0011] Preferably, the mandrel is conical in sections. This allows for easy mandrel manufacturing.

[0012] Advantageously, the plug-in element and / or the locking element are designed as expanding rivets. This allows for easy creation of the plug-in connection between the support structure and the counterstructure, as well as reliable locking of the support structure in the counterstructure.

[0013] The expanding rivet preferably has a pin and a bushing. The bushing is firmly connected to the holding structure. The bushing is designed to be received in the counter structure and to expand. An advantage of this embodiment can be that by designing the plug element as a bushing and as a pin, this plug element can be easily fixed in the holding device. Furthermore, such a design allows a relative movement between the pin and bushing, initially placing the holder on a counterpart without already fixing it. By pressing the mandrel into the counterpart element, the bushing is expanded. This leads to the plug element jamming in the counter-locking structure. By pulling out the pin, the bushing arches back into its original position and a connection between the expanding rivet and the counter-locking structure is dissolved.Thus, such a design of the expanding rivet allows a reversible connection of the holding structure with the counter-locking structure.

[0014] Preferably, the pin of the expanding rivet, when inserted into the socket, has its largest diameter at an inside point opposite the expansion. An advantage of this embodiment can be that it exerts increased pressure on the connection point between the expanding rivet and the counter-locking structure. This ensures the greatest possible fastening force between the counter-locking structure and the expanding rivet.

[0015] Preferably, the support structure has a rod assembly and the gear has a shaft element. The shaft element is connectable to the windshield wiper arm. The rod assembly has a guide bore. The shaft element is movably mounted in the guide bore. The drive is firmly connected to the rod assembly. The plug element and the locking element are firmly connected to the rod assembly. An advantage of this embodiment can be that a separate plug element or locking element is not required for each support bore through which a shaft element is guided. The two guide bores are held together by a common rod assembly. This allows a plug element and a locking element to be provided on the rod assembly. The reduction in the number of locking elements and plug elements on the windshield wiper system. This can reduce the costs and assembly effort for a windshield wiper system.

[0016] The holding structure preferably has a first holding element and a second holding element. The first holding element has the plug-in element and the latching element. The second holding element has the further latching element and the further plug-in element. The further plug-in element is designed to be plugged into the counterstructure of the vehicle along a third plug-in direction. The further latching element is designed to latch with the counterstructure of the vehicle in order to block movement of the holding structure along the second plug-in direction. The first plug-in direction, the second plug-in direction, and the third plug-in direction differ from one another. An advantage of this embodiment can be that no rod assembly is necessary. This allows for further weight reduction and cost savings for the windshield wiper system. Furthermore, this allows for tolerance-compensating installation of the windshield wiper system on the vehicle.

[0017] Preferably, the drive is connected to the second support element. The gear has a shaft element that can be connected to a windshield wiper arm. The first support element has a bore. The shaft element is mounted in the bore. An advantage of this embodiment is that the drive and the support bore for receiving the shaft element can be positioned almost arbitrarily relative to one another.

[0018] Furthermore, the plug-in element and / or the further plug-in element are each designed as plug-in pins. The plug-in pins are aligned parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. An advantage of this embodiment may be that rotation of a mounting element about an axis of the respective plug-in pin is prevented.

[0019] The invention further comprises a vehicle having a windshield wiper system according to one of the preceding embodiments and a windshield wiper arm and a windshield wiper blade. The vehicle has a counter-latching structure for receiving the windshield wiper system. The windshield wiper blade is attached to the windshield wiper arm. The windshield wiper arm is connected to the windshield wiper system. Short description of the drawings

[0020] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a windscreen wiper system according to the first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a windscreen wiper system according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a windscreen wiper system according to the second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a mounting element of a windscreen wiper system according to a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a plug-in element and / or a locking element, which is designed as a snap connection, according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a snap connection, which is designed as an expanding rivet with a bushing and a pin in an open state according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of an expanding rivet in an inserted state according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a portion of the expanding rivet in an inserted state according to an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0021] Preferably, all elements, units and / or assemblies in all figures have the same reference numerals.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 with a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The vehicle 10 has a windshield wiper system 100 according to one of the following exemplary embodiments, a windshield wiper arm 300, and a windshield wiper blade 301. The vehicle 10 has a mating plug structure 170 and a mating latch structure 160 for receiving the windshield wiper system 100. The windshield wiper blade 301 is attached to the windshield wiper arm 300. The windshield wiper arm 300 is connected to the windshield wiper system 100.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a windshield wiper system 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The windshield wiper system 100 has a drive 101, at least one shaft element 102a, and a holding structure 110 with a plug-in element 111a, 111b and a locking element 112. The drive 101 and the shaft element 102a are arranged on the holding structure 110 and are movably mounted. The drive 101 is configured to receive the shaft element 102a. The shaft element 102a is designed to fasten a windshield wiper arm 300. The plug-in element 111a, 111b is configured to be plugged into a counterstructure 170 of the vehicle 10 along a first plug-in direction 202. The locking element 112 is configured to engage with the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 to block movement of the holding structure 110 along the second plug-in direction 203. The first plug-in direction 202 differs from the second plug-in direction 203.

[0025] The plug-in element 111a, 111b and / or the locking element 112 are configured to form a snap connection with the vehicle 10. The plug-in element 111a, 111b and / or the locking element 112 are designed as snap hooks 160. Alternatively, the plug-in element 111a, 111b and the locking element 112 are designed as a mandrel. The mandrel is conical in sections. The holding structure 110 has a rod assembly 103. The gear 102 has a shaft element 102a. The shaft element 102a is connectable to a windshield wiper arm 300. The rod assembly 103 has a guide bore 103a. The shaft element 102a is rotatably mounted in the guide bore 103a. The drive 101 is fixedly connected to the rod assembly 103. The plug-in element 111a, 111b and the locking element 112 are fixedly connected to the linkage 103. In other words, the drive 101 and the shaft element 102a are connected to each other via the linkage 103.

[0026] To assemble this exemplary embodiment of the windshield wiper system 100, the plug elements 111a, 111b are first inserted into a counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 in a first plug-in direction 202. The locking element 112 is then inserted into the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 in a second plug-in direction 203 and locked. This configuration blocks movement of the locking element 112 in or against the second plug-in direction 203. The position of the locking element 112 inhibits withdrawal of the plug elements 111a, 111b.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 with a windshield wiper system 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The mating plug structure 170 for receiving the plug elements 111a, 111b is located near the windshield. The mating latching structure 160 for receiving the latching element 132a, 132b is located near the engine compartment of the vehicle 10. The first plug direction 202 and the second plug direction 203 are arranged orthogonally to one another.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a windshield wiper system 100 according to the second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment has essentially the same features as the first embodiment. The second embodiment does not have a linkage connecting a gear to a drive 101 and a shaft element 102a.

[0029] The holding structure 110 has a holding element 120 and a further holding element 130. The holding element 120 has a plug-in element 121a, 121b and a locking element 122. The further holding element 130 has a further locking element 132a, 132b and a further plug-in element 131. The further locking element 132a, 132b is configured to be inserted into the counterstructure 170 of the vehicle 10 along a third plug-in direction 201. The locking element 122 is configured to lock with the counterstructure 170 of the vehicle 10 in order to block movement of the holding structure 110 along the second plug-in direction 203. The first plug-in direction 202, the second plug-in direction 203, and the third plug-in direction 201 are different. The drive 101 is connected to the further holding element 130. The transmission has a shaft element 102a, which is connectable to a windshield wiper arm 300. The support element 120 has a bore 120a.The shaft element 102a is mounted in the bore 120a. Thus, the drive 101 and the shaft element 102a are attached to two different mounting elements 120, 130. The mounting elements 120, 130 are movable relative to one another according to the linkage 103. For assembly, the plug element 120a, 120b of the mounting element 120 is first inserted into the mating plug structure 170 along a first plug direction 202 in the counter structure of the vehicle 10. Subsequently, the locking element 122 of the mounting element 120 is inserted into the counter locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 in the second plug direction 203 and locks there. Since the second plug-in direction 203 differs from the first plug-in direction 202, the insertion of the locking element 122 into the counter-locking structure 160 blocks the withdrawal of the plug-in elements 121a, 121b from the counter-locking structure 170.The additional plug element 131 of the additional holding element 130 is inserted into the mating plug structure 170 of the vehicle 10 in a third plug direction 201. Subsequently, the locking elements 132a, 132b of the additional holding element 130 are inserted into the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10 in a second plug direction 203 and locked. The locking elements 132a, 132b of the additional holding structure 130 prevent the additional plug element 131 of the additional holding element 130 from being pulled out of the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10.

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a mounting element 120 of a windshield wiper system 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The windshield wiper system 100 according to the third embodiment has similar features to the windshield wiper system 100 according to the first and second embodiments. The plug-in element 122a, 122b and the further plug-in element 131 each have two plug-in pins. The plug-in pins are aligned parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a plug-in element and / or a locking element 112, which is designed as a snap connection, according to one embodiment of the invention. The locking element 112 is designed as a snap hook 160.

[0032] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a snap connection, which is designed as an expanding rivet 150 with a bushing and a pin 151 in an open state according to an embodiment of the invention. The locking element 112 is designed as an expanding rivet 150. The expanding rivet 150 has a pin 151 and a bushing 152. The bushing 152 is firmly connected to the holding structure 110. The bushing 152 has a recess 131 for receiving and expanding into the counterstructure 170. In Fig. 7, the bushing 152 is already connected to a support structure 110. The pin 151 is not inserted far enough into the bushing 152 to allow it to expand and engage a counter-structure 170 of the vehicle 10. However, the bushing 152 already rests on the sheet metal of the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10. In this case, the recess 153 rests within the counter-locking structure 160 of the vehicle 10.

[0033] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an expanding rivet 150 in an inserted state according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 shows the same expanding rivet as Fig. 7. In Fig. 8, the pin 151 is inserted into the bushing 152 so far that the bushing expands and engages a counter-locking structure 160. A decoupling element 140 is provided between the support structure and the counter-locking structure 160. The decoupling element 140 is configured to dampen vibration transmission between the support structure 110 and the vehicle 10.

[0034] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a portion of the expanding rivet 150 in an inserted state according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 shows the same expanding rivet as the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The expanding rivet 150 in Fig. 9 shows similar features to the expanding rivet 150 in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In Fig. 9, the expanding rivet 150 is designed such that the pin 151, in an inserted state into the bushing 152, has its largest diameter 151a at an inside opposite spread 153 of the bushing 152.

Claims

[1] Windscreen wiper system (100) for a vehicle (10) comprising - a drive (101), - at least one shaft element (102a) and - a holding structure (110) with a plug-in element (111a, 111b) and a locking element (112), - wherein the drive (101) and the shaft element (102a) are attached and / or mounted on the support structure (110), - wherein the drive (101) is arranged to rotate the shaft element (102a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is designed to attach a windscreen wiper arm (300), - wherein the plug element (111a, 111b) is configured to be plugged into a mating plug structure (170) of the vehicle (10) along a first plug direction (202), and - wherein the locking element (112) is configured to lock with a counter-locking structure (160) of the vehicle (10) in order to block a movement of the holding structure (110) along the second plugging direction (203), and - wherein the first plug-in direction (202) and the second plug-in direction (203) differ from each other. [2] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the locking element (112) are designed to form a snap connection with the vehicle (10). [3] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the locking element (112) are designed as snap hooks (160). [4] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a decoupling element (140) is arranged on the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and the locking element (112), - wherein the decoupling element (140) is configured to dampen vibration transmission between the support structure (110) and the vehicle (10). [5] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the locking element (112) are designed as a mandrel. [6] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 5, characterized by that the mandrel is conical in sections. [7] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and / or the locking element (112) is designed as an expanding rivet (150). [8] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 7, characterized by that the expanding rivet (150) has a pin (151) and a bushing (152), - wherein the bushing (152) is fixedly connected to the support structure (110), and - wherein the socket (152) has a recess (153) for receiving and spreading in the mating plug structure (170). [9] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 8, characterized by that the pin (151) of the expanding rivet (150) has its largest diameter (151) in an inserted state into the bushing (152) at a point of the expansion (153) opposite them. [10] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the support structure (110) has a linkage (103), and - the gear (102) has a shaft element (102a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is connectable to the windscreen wiper arm (300), - wherein the rod (103) has a guide bore (103a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is rotatably mounted in the guide bore (103a), - wherein the drive (101) is firmly connected to the linkage (103), and - wherein the plug-in element (111a, 111b) and the locking element (112) are firmly connected to the rod (103). [11] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the holding structure (110) has a first holding element (120) and a second holding element (130), - wherein the first holding element (120) comprises the plug-in element (121a, 121b) and the locking element (122), - wherein the second holding element (123) has a further locking element (131) and a further plug-in element (132a, 132b), - wherein the further locking element (131) is configured to lock with the mating plug structure (170) of the vehicle (10) in order to block a movement of the holding structure (110) along the second plug direction (203), - wherein the further plug-in element (132a, 132b) is designed to be inserted into the counter-structure (170) of the vehicle (10) in a third plug-in direction (201), and - wherein the first plug-in direction (202), the second plug-in direction (203) and the third plug-in direction (201) differ from one another. [12] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 11, characterized by , that - the drive (101) is connected to the second support element (130), - the gear (102) has a shaft element (102a) which can be connected to the windscreen wiper arm (300), and - the first support element (120) has a bore (120a), - wherein the shaft element (102a) is mounted in the bore (120a). [13] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the plug-in element (122a, 122b) and / or the further plug-in element (131) are each designed as plug-in pins, - the pins are aligned parallel to each other, and - with the pins spaced apart from each other. [14] Vehicle (10) comprising - a windscreen wiper system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, - a windscreen wiper arm (300), and - a windscreen wiper blade (301), - wherein the vehicle (10) has a mating plug structure (170) for receiving the windscreen wiper system (100), - wherein the windscreen wiper blade (301) is attached to the windscreen wiper arm (300), and - wherein the windscreen wiper arm (300) is connected to the windscreen wiper system (100).

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