Tool for mounting wiper arms on a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool (10) for mounting wiper arms (51, 52) of a motor vehicle. The tool (10) has a rotatable clamping lever (20), a first clamping element (30) and a second clamping element (40), wherein the second clamping element (40) has a first retaining element (41) for receiving a first wiper arm (51) and a second retaining element (42) for receiving a second wiper arm (52), and wherein the first clamping element (30) and the second clamping element (40) are displaceable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis (L) by means of the rotatable clamping lever (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for assembling wiper arms of a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is generally known that vehicle windshield wiper systems are used to move one or two wipers across the rear or front windshield of a vehicle to remove liquids such as windshield washer fluid or rainwater, as well as contaminants, from the windshield, thus restoring the desired visibility through the vehicle's windshield. The wipers move between two pivot points, creating a pendulum action.

[0003] Each windshield wiper has a wiper arm to which at least one wiper blade with at least one wiper lip is attached. The wiper lip is positioned against the windshield and wipes the fluid or dirt from the windshield as the wiper moves.

[0004] In known vehicle windscreen wiper systems, the wiper lip is often at least partially positioned in relation to the windscreen during operation, so that it can lie in different orientations between the wiper blade and the windscreen.

[0005] Depending on the direction of movement of the wiper arm, the wiper lip's orientation follows accordingly. If the wiper arm reaches a turning point and then moves in the opposite direction after leaving the turning point to follow the pendulum movement, the wiper lip pivots into the opposite orientation. The wiper lip is essentially pulled along by the wiper arm, so its orientation depends on the wiper arm's direction of movement.

[0006] For proper operation and optimal wiping results, precise positioning and installation of the wiper arms, as well as ensuring the wiper lips are positioned against the windshield with the correct contact pressure, are essential. Without correct and precise installation of the wiper arms, the wiping area will shift, and the wiper arms will no longer function.

[0007] Different efforts are made for the installation of wiper arms. Various methods and devices are known from the prior art to adjust the wiper arms for correct operation.

[0008] For example, a tool for positioning wiper arms of a motor vehicle is known from CN 1 16 460 780 A. The known tool comprises two positioning elements, each of which can be moved within adjustment holes or elongated holes to move the wiper arms to a desired position.

[0009] A disadvantage of the known tool is that the positioning and installation of the wiper arms is not possible with the desired precision due to the tool's low clamping force. The known tool engages with one end on a front grille of the vehicle body, and the other end rests against the windshield of the vehicle due to its own weight. In other words, the known tool is only clamped on one side.

[0010] The known tool is designed as a single piece and is therefore not variably adjustable, meaning that the known tool is not suitable for different types of vehicle bodies and wiper arms.

[0011] Based on this problem, the object of the invention is to create an improved and cost-effective tool for assembling wiper arms of a motor vehicle, avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art and advantageously developing the latter. In particular, a tool is to be provided that enables one-handed and precise assembly of wiper arms of a motor vehicle.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a tool according to patent claim 1.

[0013] Specifically, the problem is solved by a tool for assembling wiper arms of a motor vehicle. The tool according to the invention comprises a rotatable clamping lever, a first clamping element, and a second clamping element. The second clamping element comprises a first holding element for receiving a first wiper arm and a second holding element for receiving a second wiper arm. The first clamping element and the second clamping element are displaceable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis by the rotatable clamping lever.

[0014] The core idea of ​​the invention is to align the wiper arms into a desired position with one hand and in a single movement and to fix them in this aligned position, allowing fine adjustments to be made while the wiper arms are being fixed. The high clamping force of the tool prevents the wiper arms from shifting, especially from rotating, when screwing the wiper arms onto the vehicle's windshield wiper system with a certain screwing torque. The clamping force of the tool is created in particular by the one-handed clamping or clamping of the tool onto specific vehicle components and a lockable torque via a self-locking lever mechanism.

[0015] There are a variety of vehicle windshield wiper systems with different wiper arms available on the market, so different tools are required to install the wiper arms.

[0016] Thanks to the tool's variable adjustability, wiper arms with different profile geometries, especially different heights, can now be easily and precisely installed with one and the same tool, without requiring the installer to perform further adjustments to the vehicle's windshield wiper system or the tool. The tool according to the invention is particularly characterized by its simple, one-handed operation.

[0017] The tool according to the invention is suitable for mounting wiper arms on a rear window as well as for mounting wiper arms on a front window of a motor vehicle.

[0018] Further features, advantages and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0019] In order to be able to apply a clamping force for positioning the wiper arms using the tool according to the invention, the first clamping element preferably has a first clamping jaw for engaging a first vehicle component, and the second clamping element has a second clamping jaw for engaging a second vehicle component. In other words, a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component are clamped or held in place by the tool according to the invention.

[0020] Preferably, the rotatable clamping lever is arranged above the first clamping element and the second clamping element and is connected to the first clamping element and the second clamping element. Such an arrangement and connection of the rotatable clamping lever makes it possible to move the first clamping element and the second clamping element relative to one another along a longitudinal axis in a simple and precise manner with one hand. As a result, the tool according to the invention can be variably adjusted for mounting wiper arms with different profile geometries. The rotatable clamping lever can advantageously be detachably connected to the first clamping element and the second clamping element. It is also conceivable for the rotatable clamping lever to be rigidly connected to the first clamping element and the second clamping element.

[0021] Preferably, the rotatable clamping lever has an opening, and the second clamping element has a pin, wherein the opening of the rotatable clamping lever is arranged for the rotatable engagement of the clamping lever with the pin. Due to the rotational movement of the clamping lever, the tool according to the invention acts like a clamping device or like a clamping tool. In particular, compressive and tensile forces are applied to the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component. The rotatable clamping lever can advantageously be arranged detachably on the pin. It is also conceivable for the rotatable clamping lever to be fixedly arranged on the pin.

[0022] In order to perform a rotational movement of the clamping lever and thereby apply compressive and tensile forces to the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component, the rotatable clamping lever preferably has a curved, in particular arcuate, recessed track on its underside. The arcuate recessed track allows the tool according to the invention to be moved, in particular, from an open position to a closed position under the influence of a torque.

[0023] Preferably, the curved recessed track is designed as a precision guide, in particular a dovetail guide. This precision guide precisely defines the running profile or guide contour of the clamping lever's rotational movement. This allows the compressive and tensile forces to be applied evenly to the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component.

[0024] In order to implement an opening and closing mechanism, in particular a clamping mechanism, of the tool according to the invention, the first clamping element preferably has a cam that can be guided in the arcuate recessed track and is at least partially retained in the arcuate recessed track. By guiding the cam in the arcuate recessed track, improved and precise running accuracy can be achieved, so that a one-handed rotary movement of the clamping lever can be optimally converted into a relative movement of the first clamping element to the second clamping element.

[0025] In order to be able to align the wiper arms in a desired position and to fix them in this aligned position, the second clamping element preferably has a first elongated hole and a second elongated hole.

[0026] Preferably, the first retaining element can be moved or locked within the first elongated hole, and the second retaining element can be locked within the second elongated hole. This makes it possible to easily and precisely mount wiper arms with different profile geometries, in particular different heights. It is conceivable for the first retaining element and the second retaining element to be lockable by guide slots or guide rails.

[0027] To enable fine adjustment, especially fine tuning, of the wiper arms during fixation, the first slotted hole has a first scale marking and the second slotted hole has a second scale marking. This allows the wiper arms to be calibrated according to regulations in the rest position, ensuring flawless operation and optimal wiping results.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The diagrams show: Fig. 1 a tool for mounting wiper arms on a windshield of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a bottom side of the rotatable clamping lever according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first clamping element according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the second clamping element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows the tool 10 for mounting a first wiper arm 51 and a second wiper arm 52 on a windshield 53 of a motor vehicle.

[0032] The tool 10 has a rotatable clamping lever 20, a first clamping element 30 and a second clamping element 40.

[0033] The first clamping element 30 has a first clamping jaw 35 for engagement with a first vehicle component 33. The second clamping element 40 has a second clamping jaw 45 for engagement with a second vehicle component 43. In the Fig. 1, the first vehicle component 33 corresponds to the water tank cover of the motor vehicle, and the second vehicle component 43 corresponds to the hood seal of the motor vehicle. It is conceivable that the first vehicle component 33 and the second vehicle component 43 also comprise other vehicle components of the motor vehicle and / or areas of the engine compartment that have a suitable clamping jaw spacing to apply sufficient clamping force for the precise positioning and fixation of the wiper arms 51, 52.

[0034] The rotatable clamping lever 20 is arranged above the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 and is detachably connected to the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40. The rotatable clamping lever 20 has a handle 21 for performing a one-handed rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20.

[0035] The first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 can be moved relative to one another along a longitudinal axis L by the rotatable clamping lever 20.

[0036] The second clamping element 40 has a first holding element 41 for receiving the first wiper arm 51 and a second holding element 42 for receiving the second wiper arm 52. The second clamping element 40 has a first elongated hole 41L and a second elongated hole 42L. The first holding element 41 can be locked within the first elongated hole 41L, and the second holding element 42 can be locked within the second elongated hole 42L.

[0037] For fine adjustment during the fixing of the wiper arms 51, 52, the first elongated hole 41L has a first scale marking 41S and the second elongated hole 42L has a second scale marking 42S.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows the underside of the rotatable clamping lever 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen, the rotatable clamping lever 20 has an arcuate recessed track 22 on its underside. The arcuate recessed track 22 is designed as a precision guide, in particular as a dovetail guide. It is also conceivable for the precision guide to be designed as an arcuate slotted or slide guide for implementing a self-locking lever mechanism, in particular a clampable rotary or pivoting movement.

[0039] The rotatable clamping lever 20 further has an opening 24. The second clamping element 40 has a pin 44. The opening 24 of the rotatable clamping lever 20 can be removably arranged for rotatable engagement with the pin 44.

[0040] The arcuate recessed track 22 is provided with guide surfaces 23 and has a first end 22a and a second end 22b, wherein the first end 22a and the second end 22b each define a stop point for an opening or closing mechanism, in particular a clampable lever mechanism. Thus, the tool 10 acts like a type of clamping device or clamping tool, which can be converted from an open, tension-free state to a locked, clamped state.

[0041] The first clamping element 30 has a cam 31, which, like a sliding block, can be guided and held in the arcuate recessed track 22, in particular along the guide surfaces 23. The cam 31 is designed as a flat cylinder, which is an integral component of the first clamping element 30. It is conceivable that the cam 31 is formed in one piece and rigidly connected to the first clamping element 30. It is conceivable that the cam 31 is designed as a ball in order to be guided and held in the arcuate recessed track 22.

[0042] The opening and closing of the tool 10 is carried out by one-handed pivoting or by one-handed turning of the rotatable clamping lever 20 in a specific direction of rotation, whereby the cam 31 is moved into a position in which the cam 31 is positively connected to the rotatable clamping lever 20.

[0043] When the tool 10 is open and de-energized, the cam 31 is located in the region of the first end 22a of the arcuate recessed track 22, so that the rotatable clamping lever 20 and the first clamping element 30 or the second clamping element 40 form an angle to one another. In other words, when the tool 10 is open and de-energized, the rotatable clamping lever 20 is not in line with the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40.

[0044] In a closed and clamped state of the tool 10, the cam 31 is located in the region of the second end 22b of the arcuate recessed track 22, so that the rotatable clamping lever 20, the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 are located on a common line, in particular on the longitudinal axis L.

[0045] Due to the detachable arrangement of the opening 24 of the rotatable clamping lever 20 on the pin 44 for rotatable engagement, the pin 44 forms a rotation axis D for the rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20. A clockwise rotation of the rotatable clamping lever 20 executes an opening mechanism of the tool 10. A counterclockwise rotation of the rotatable clamping lever 20 executes a closing mechanism of the tool 10. It is conceivable that the opening and closing mechanism operates in reverse.

[0046] In other words, the tool 10 can be opened and self-locked with one hand by rotating the rotatable clamping lever 20 by a predetermined angle around the pin 44.

[0047] The expansion of the arcuate recessed track 22 is greater in the region of the first end 22a than in the remaining part of the arcuate recessed track 22, so that the cam 31 is not held in the region of the first end 22a. As soon as a counterclockwise rotation of the rotatable clamping lever 20 is performed, starting from the open and tension-free state of the tool 10, the cam 31 is guided along the guide surfaces 23 and held in the arcuate recessed track 22, so that the rotatable clamping lever 20 can no longer be removed.

[0048] In other words, the rotatable clamping lever 20 is releasably arranged above the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 and can be removed only when the tool 10 is in an open and tension-free state. In a rotated state, the rotatable clamping lever 20 is positively connected to the cam 31 and thus to the first clamping element 30.

[0049] The tool 10 according to the invention is distinguished from the prior art in particular by its one-handed variable adjustment and its high clamping force, so that with one and the same tool 10, wiper arms 51, 52 of different motor vehicles with different profile geometries, in particular different heights, can be precisely positioned and mounted in a single movement without the fitter being forced to carry out further adjustment work.

[0050] The high clamping force of the tool 10 is due in particular to the clamping jaw distance of the tool 10 and the optimal conversion of the rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20 into a relative movement of the first clamping element 30 to the second clamping element 40.

[0051] The first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 are displaced relative to one another along a longitudinal axis L by the rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20. The first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 are in particular guided or pushed into one another. For this purpose, the first clamping element 30 has a recess 36 ( Fig. 3). The second clamping element 40 has a projection 46 corresponding to the recess 36 ( Fig. 4). The recess 36 and the corresponding projection 46 each have a T-shaped profile. It is conceivable that the recess 36 and the corresponding projection 46 have a different geometric profile that enables precise linear movement. For example, the recess 36 and the corresponding projection 46 can have a circular, triangular, square, or polygonal profile.

[0052] Due to the recess 36 and the corresponding projection 46, the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 act like opposing sliding elements which engage with each other and are guided and held in a self-centering manner.

[0053] By applying the first clamping jaw 35 to the first vehicle component 33 and the second clamping jaw 45 to the second vehicle component 43, the clamping jaw spacing is defined, so that by the rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20, compressive and tensile forces are applied evenly to the vehicle components 33, 43 and the tool 10 is thus in a clamped state.

[0054] The compressive and tensile forces or the clamping force of the tool 10 increase proportionally with increasing rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20. The greatest compressive and tensile forces are applied to the vehicle components 33, 43 when the tool 10 is closed.

[0055] The wiper arms 51, 52 are pre-positioned in the position required for proper operation in accordance with the regulations and the vehicle manual and are precisely fine-adjusted and calibrated using the scale markings 41S, 42S. Once the wiper arms 51, 52 are aligned in the correct position and the respective wiper lips are resting against the windshield 53 with the correct contact pressure, the wiper arms 51, 52 are screwed on by the installer, in particular, the fastening nuts of the respective wiper arms 51, 52 are tightened to a predetermined torque. The high clamping force of the tool 10 ensures that the wiper arms 51, 52 are prevented from shifting, especially from rotating, when the installer screwes on the wiper arms 51, 52.As a result, the wiper arms 51, 52 retain their preset precise position even after installation and enable optimal wiping results without the wiping field shifting.

[0056] To remove the tool 10, the rotatable clamping lever 20 can be rotated clockwise so that the tool 10 is in an open and tension-free state.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the tool 10 to be guided manually, i.e., with two hands and without the rotatable clamping lever 20, into a closed and clamped state. In this case, the first clamping jaw 35 is applied to the first vehicle component 33 and the second clamping jaw 45 is applied to the second vehicle component 43, so that the clamping jaw spacing is defined.

[0058] The compressive and tensile forces on the vehicle components 33, 43 are not applied via the rotational movement of the rotatable clamping lever 20 as before, but rather by a relative movement of the mechanic's two hands. In other words, the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 are moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis L by the mechanic himself.

[0059] It is conceivable that the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 are displaced relative to one another along the longitudinal axis L by a snap device or a latchable and lockable rail system. The intensity of the clamping force of the tool 10 can be adjusted, for example, by a latching position of the snap device or the rail system.

[0060] In order to transfer the tool 10 from a closed and clamped, in particular locked, state back into an open and tension-free state, a release mechanism can be provided on the first clamping element 30 and / or on the second clamping element 40 in order to suddenly cancel the locking effect.

[0061] The release mechanism can, for example, have a release element that is easily accessible and easy to operate for the fitter. The release mechanism can, for example, comprise a slotted hole into which a suitable pin can be inserted. When the fitter presses the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 together, the pin can be inserted into the slotted hole to close the tool 10, so that the first clamping element 30 and the second clamping element 40 can be held in this position and prevented from springing back. When the tool 10 is to be opened, the pin can be pulled out of the slotted hole again to release the lock. List of reference symbols 10 tools 20 rotating clamping lever 21 Handle 22 arched recessed track 22a first end 22b second end 23 guide surfaces 24 Opening 30 first clamping element 31 cams 33 first vehicle component 35 first clamping jaws 36 recess 40 second clamping element 41 first holding element 41L first slot 41S first scale mark 42 second holding element 42L second slot 42S second scale mark 43 second vehicle component 44 cones 45 second clamping jaw 46 corresponding projection 51 first wiper arm 52 second wiper arm 53 Windshield D axis of rotation L Longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] Tool (10) for assembling wiper arms (51, 52) of a motor vehicle, characterized by that the tool (10) has a rotatable clamping lever (20), a first clamping element (30) and a second clamping element (40), wherein the second clamping element (40) has a first holding element (41) for receiving a first wiper arm (51) and a second holding element (42) for receiving a second wiper arm (52), and wherein the first clamping element (30) and the second clamping element (40) are displaceable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis (L) by the rotatable clamping lever (20). [2] Tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first clamping element (30) has a first clamping jaw (35) for engagement with a first vehicle component (33) and the second clamping element (40) has a second clamping jaw (45) for engagement with a second vehicle component (43). [3] Tool (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the rotatable clamping lever (20) is arranged above the first clamping element (30) and the second clamping element (40) and is connected to the first clamping element (30) and the second clamping element (40). [4] Tool (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that the rotatable clamping lever (20) has an opening (24) and the second clamping element (40) has a pin (44), wherein the opening (24) of the rotatable clamping lever (20) is arranged for rotatable engagement with the pin (44). [5] Tool (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the rotatable clamping lever (20) has a curved, in particular arcuate, recessed track (22) on its underside. [6] Tool (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the arcuate recessed track (22) is designed as a precision guide, in particular as a dovetail guide. [7] Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first clamping element (30) has a cam (31) which can be guided in the arcuate recessed track (22) and is at least partially held in the arcuate recessed track (22). [8] Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second clamping element (40) has a first elongated hole (41L) and a second elongated hole (42L). [9] Tool (10) according to claim 8, characterized by that the first holding element (41) can be locked within the first elongated hole (41L) and the second holding element (42) can be locked within the second elongated hole (42L). [10] Tool (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the first elongated hole (41L) has a first scale marking (41S) and the second elongated hole (42L) has a second scale marking (42S).

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