WIPE SHEET DEVICE

Description

State of the art

[0001] A wiper blade device with at least one wind deflector unit with at least one fluid channel, which is at least partially formed by the wind deflector unit, and with at least one end cap unit, which is intended to laterally limit the wind deflector unit and at least partially cover one end of the wind deflector unit, has already been proposed.

[0002] Further state of the art has become known through WO 11029660 A1, US 9,802,576 B2, US 2018 / 126956 A1, US 2013 / 0205531 A1 and FR 2 920 729 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a wiper blade device with at least one wind deflector unit having at least one fluid channel, which is at least partially formed by the wind deflector unit, and with at least one end cap unit, which is provided to laterally delimit the wind deflector unit and to at least partially cover one end of the wind deflector unit. The invention is defined in claim 1.

[0004] It is proposed that the at least one end cap unit be designed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts, and have at least one end cap element and at least one sealing element, which is provided to seal at least substantially one end of the at least one fluid channel facing the end cap unit, wherein the end cap element is provided to secure the sealing element to the wind deflector unit.

[0005] In this context, the term "wiper blade device" shall be understood to mean, in particular, at least a part, especially a subassembly, of a wiper blade, in particular a windshield wiper blade, and advantageously a vehicle windshield wiper blade. In particular, the wiper blade device may also comprise the entire wiper blade, in particular the entire windshield wiper blade, and advantageously the entire vehicle windshield wiper blade. It is conceivable that the wiper blade device is designed, at least as part of a wiper blade, in a flat-beam construction. Preferably, the wiper blade device is intended for use on a vehicle. Preferably, the wiper blade device is intended for cleaning a surface, in particular a windshield, on a vehicle. In particular, the wiper blade device for cleaning a vehicle windshield is coupled to a vehicle, in particular to a wiper arm of a vehicle.In this context, "coupled" should be understood to mean, in particular, a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. "intended" should be understood to mean, in particular, a specially designed, configured, and / or equipped object. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0006] The wiper blade assembly comprises at least one wind deflector unit. In this context, a "wind deflector unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit designed to deflect airflow or wind acting on the wiper blade assembly and / or to press the wiper blade against the surface to be wiped. Preferably, the wind deflector unit consists at least partially of rubber and / or of a partially elastic plastic. Preferably, the wind deflector unit has at least one concave front surface. Preferably, the concave front surface faces a direction of travel, at least in a mounted state. The wind deflector unit differs, in particular, from an end cap, a wiper lip, and / or a wiper blade adapter.Advantageously, the wind deflector unit extends over at least a part, preferably over at least a large part, of the wiper blade assembly along its main direction of extension in an operating state. Preferably, the wind deflector unit is formed as a single piece.

[0007] Preferably, the wiper blade device comprises at least one, preferably at least two, and in particular exactly two, fluid channel(s). The fluid channels are formed, in particular, by channels, preferably cylindrical channels, within the wind deflector unit. The fluid channels are, in particular, materially bounded by the wind deflector unit. A "fluid channel" is understood to mean, in particular, a channel-like recess in at least one element of the wiper blade device, designed to guide a fluid. Preferably, the fluid channel can have at least one outlet opening, and in particular a plurality of outlet openings, for the discharge of fluid, in particular a washing liquid.Preferably, the fluid channel in the operating state is designed to transport fluid arriving at one end of the fluid channel from that end to the opposite end of the fluid channel, with the fluid flowing through the fluid channel. Preferably, the wiper blade device, and in particular the fluid channel, is designed to dispense wiping fluid in at least one wiping direction. A "wiping direction" is advantageously understood to be a direction in which the wiper blade moves across a surface, preferably a disc, especially a vehicle windshield, relative to that surface. Preferably, the fluid channel has a cross-section that is at least substantially circular.Alternatively, the fluid channel may have a polygonal, in particular at least substantially square, cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or another cross-section that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the fluid channel is materially bounded by the wiper blade unit. Preferably, the fluid channel is bounded by the wind deflector unit.

[0008] The wind deflector unit forms, in particular, at least a partial end section to accommodate the end cap unit. An "end section" is understood to mean, in particular, a portion of the wind deflector unit and / or the wiper blade assembly that is directly connected to a free end of the wind deflector unit and / or encompasses the end of the wind deflector unit. The end section has a length that advantageously extends over a maximum of 20%, preferably over a maximum of 15%, more preferably over a maximum of 10%, and most preferably over a maximum of 5% of the maximum longitudinal extent of the wiper blade assembly. The end section is, in particular, a section of the wind deflector unit that is specifically designed to at least partially accommodate the end cap unit.Preferably, the wind deflector unit has at least two end sections and particularly preferably exactly two end sections.

[0009] An "end cap" is understood to mean, in particular, a cover component intended to cover at least one free end, and especially the end section, of the wind deflector unit. The end cap, particularly together with the wind deflector unit, is designed for plug-in assembly. The end cap unit is specifically designed for plug-in assembly on a spring rail of the wiper blade assembly and / or extends a maximum of 15 mm in a longitudinal direction along the spring rail. In its assembled state, the at least one end cap unit is arranged in an end section of the at least one wind deflector unit. The "principal direction of extension" of an object is preferably understood to mean a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of a cuboid that completely encloses the object.

[0010] The at least one end cap unit forms a boundary for the at least one fluid channel, preferably for at least two, and in particular exactly two, fluid channels. Preferably, the end cap unit forms a boundary for the at least one fluid channel at one end of the main extent of the fluid channel. The at least one end cap unit is designed to seal the at least one fluid channel in a fluid-tight, and in particular at least watertight, manner.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one end cap unit comprises a sealing element for coupling with the wind deflector unit and an end cap element for coupling with a spring rail of the wiper blade assembly. The sealing element is provided, in particular, for coupling, especially a positive-locking coupling, with the at least one fluid channel. Preferably, the sealing element for coupling, especially a positive-locking coupling, with the at least one fluid channel comprises at least one, preferably two, and in particular exactly two, sealing projections. Preferably, the sealing element for coupling, especially a positive-locking coupling, with the at least one fluid channel comprises a number of sealing projections corresponding to the number of fluid channels. The at least one sealing projection of the sealing element is, in particular, designed as a projection, preferably as a cylindrical projection on the sealing element.The at least one sealing extension has a cross-section designed for a precise, and in particular positive, connection with the at least one fluid channel. Preferably, the at least one sealing extension has a main direction of extension that is parallel to the main direction of extension of the at least one fluid channel, at least in an assembled state. Preferably, the sealing element consists at least partially, and in particular entirely, of an elastic material, such as an elastomer.

[0012] The design of the wiper blade device according to the invention allows for a particularly advantageous closure of the fluid channel. In particular, an advantageous seal of the fluid channel can be achieved. The design of the wiper blade device according to the invention allows for the creation of a wiper blade that is easy to install. In particular, an end cap of a wiper blade device can be designed which can be connected to at least one fluid supply channel with advantageously little effort.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the end cap element be designed to press the sealing element against the wind deflector unit in an interference fit when assembled. The end cap element is specifically designed for a positive-locking connection with a spring rail. Preferably, the sealing element and the end cap element of the end cap unit are designed to form a precise, and in particular captive, connection with each other. Preferably, the cross-section of the end cap element is at least substantially similar to the cross-section of the wind deflector unit. Preferably, the shape of the cross-section of the end cap element, when cut along a plane perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit in the assembled state of the end cap unit, is at least substantially similar to the shape and size of the cross-section along the same plane of the wind deflector unit.Preferably, the end cap element is fitted onto the sealing element and the wind deflector unit in a form-fitting connection in an assembled state, wherein the sealing element is compressed between the wind deflector unit and the end cap element in an assembled state. Preferably, the end cap element is fitted onto the sealing element and the wind deflector unit in a press-fit connection in an assembled state, wherein the end cap element locks into place, particularly with the spring rail.A "spring rail" is understood to be, in particular, a macroscopic element that has at least an extent which, in a normal operating state, is elastically variable by at least 10%, particularly by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30%, and most advantageously by at least 50%, and which, in particular, generates a counterforce that is dependent on and preferably proportional to a change in extent, and which opposes the change. Preferably, the spring rail is made at least partially of spring steel. Preferably, in an unloaded state, the spring rail has essentially the form of a bent rod, and most advantageously, a flattened bent rod.A particularly advantageous feature is a curvature of the spring rail along a longitudinal extension in an unloaded state that is greater than the curvature of a vehicle surface, especially a vehicle window, over which the spring rail is guided in at least one operating state. The term "extension" of an element is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum distance between two points of a perpendicular projection of the element onto a plane. A "macroscopic element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element with an extension of at least 1 mm, more specifically at least 5 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm. This allows for a particularly advantageous sealing effect of the sealing element. Furthermore, it allows for advantageously simple assembly of the end cap unit.Advantageously, the end cap unit is connected to the wind deflector unit independently of the sealing element, whereby, depending in particular on the design of the wiper blade device, assembly with or without the sealing element is possible.

[0014] According to the invention, the sealing element has a cross-sectional shape that is at least substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the wind deflector unit. According to the invention, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing element on a side facing the wind deflector unit, when mounted, is at least substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the wind deflector unit. The phrase "a cross-section is at least substantially similar to another cross-section" is advantageously understood to mean that the shape and size of the outer contour of a cross-section is at least 60%, preferably at least 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90% similar to the shape and size of the outer contour of another cross-section, measured by area and area difference. This allows for the provision of a particularly advantageous sealing element. In particular, a surface seal can be achieved.Furthermore, this advantageously allows for a flat pressing against the wind deflector unit by the end cap element.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one fluid channel be designed to carry and dispense the wiping fluid. Preferably, the fluid channel is designed for direct dispensing of the wiping fluid, particularly free of additional channels. Preferably, the fluid channel has outlet openings through which the wiping fluid can be dispensed directly. These outlet openings can also be equipped with nozzle inserts. This allows for a particularly advantageous direct application of the wiping fluid. This advantageously facilitates the wiping process. Advantageously, the windshield to be wiped, especially any dirt on the windshield, is moistened with the wiping fluid and / or prepared for wiping by means of a dispersing agent contained in the wiping fluid.Preferably, the wiping fluid is applied to the disc in at least one, in particular two, preferably exactly two, wiping direction(s) in front of the wiper blade device.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wind deflector unit form a fixing recess, distinct from the at least one fluid channel, which is provided for at least a partially positive-locking fixation of the at least one sealing element of the end cap unit. Preferably, the at least one fixing recess is arranged as a recess in the at least one wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing recess is arranged at least in one end section of the wind deflector unit. Particularly when the wind deflector unit is manufactured by an extrusion process, it would also be conceivable for the fixing recess to extend along the main direction of extension of the wind deflector unit through the entire wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing recess is bounded by the wind deflector unit. Preferably, the main direction of extension of the fixing recess runs parallel to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit.It is conceivable that the main axis of extension runs at an angle, for example 15°, to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit. The outer contour of the fixing recess is preferably unstructured. It is conceivable that the outer contour of the fixing recess is structured, in particular coated, especially nanocoated. Advantageously, a secure connection between the sealing element and the wind deflector unit is formed. In particular, additional securing of the sealing element to the wind deflector unit can be achieved.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the fixing recess have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the fixing recess has at least a substantially triangular cross-section along a plane perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fixing recess has a polygonal, in particular at least a substantially square, cross-section, an elliptical, in particular circular, cross-section, or any other cross-section that would appear suitable to a person skilled in the art. Advantageously, a secure connection between the sealing element and the wind deflector unit is formed.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sealing element comprises at least one fixing extension, which is designed to connect to the at least one wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing extension is adapted in shape and size to the fixing recess of the wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing extension is designed to form a positive-locking connection with the fixing recess. Preferably, the fixing extension is designed to form a plug-in connection with the at least one fixing recess. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fixing extension can be glued into the fixing recess or reversibly or irreversibly fastened with other fasteners. Advantageously, a space-saving attachment of the end cap unit to the wind deflector unit is achieved.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the fixing extension have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the fixing extension has at least a substantially triangular cross-section along a plane perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit in the assembled state. In particular, the fixing extension has substantially the same cross-section as the fixing recess of the wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing extension has a cross-section along a plane perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the wind deflector unit in the assembled state that is identical in shape and size to the cross-section of the fixing recess of the wind deflector unit. Preferably, the fixing recess is provided for a positive-locking connection, in particular a plug-in connection, with the fixing extension. This allows for particularly advantageous securing of the sealing element.

[0020] The wiper blade device according to the invention is not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper blade device according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also to be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0021] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0022] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic partial section of a wiper blade device according to the invention with a wind deflector unit and with an end cap unit in a semi-transparent representation, and Fig. 2 shows a partial section of the wiper blade device according to the invention with the wind deflector unit and with the end cap unit in an exploded view. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0023] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a partial section of a wiper blade assembly 10. The wiper blade assembly 10 is formed by a wiper blade. The wiper blade assembly 10 has a wiper blade adapter, which is not visible in the foregoing. The wiper blade adapter is designed to couple the wiper blade assembly 10 to a wiper arm. The wiper blade assembly 10 comprises at least one wiper strip unit 28. The wiper strip unit 28 comprises at least one wiper base and one wiper lip. The wiper base and the wiper lip are connected, in particular formed as a single piece. The wiper blade assembly 10 comprises two spring rails 30, 30'. The wiper base of the wiper strip unit 28 forms two spring rail receptacles. The spring rail receptacles are each formed by external grooves. The spring rail receptacles are designed to receive the two spring rails 30, 30'. The wiper blade assembly 10 has a wind deflector unit 12.The wind deflector unit 12 is arranged on one side of the wiper body facing away from the wiper lip. The wind deflector unit 12 forms a spoiler for the wiper blade assembly 10.

[0024] The wind deflector unit 12 has a spoiler area 32 and a mounting area 34 for fixing the wind deflector unit 12 to the spring rails 30, 30'.

[0025] Furthermore, the wiper blade assembly 10 has at least one fluid channel 14, 14'. The wiper blade assembly 10 has two fluid channels 14, 14'. The fluid channels 14, 14' are at least partially formed by the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' are incorporated into the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' are incorporated into the mounting area 34 of the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' are each formed by cylindrical channels which are materially bounded by the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' extend along a main extension direction 36 of the wiper blade assembly 10 over the entire extension of the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' are each formed by a recess created in an extrusion process of the wind deflector unit 12. The fluid channels 14, 14' are designed to guide and discharge wiping fluid 22.The fluid channels 14, 14' have outlet openings through which the wiper fluid 22 can be dispensed directly. These outlet openings are positioned perpendicular to the main extension direction 36 of the wiper blade assembly 10 within the wind deflector unit 12. The outlet openings may also be equipped with nozzle inserts. The fluid channels 14, 14' are supplied with wiper fluid 22 as needed, in a manner that is not visible, via a motor vehicle's windshield washer pump.

[0026] Furthermore, the wind deflector unit 12 forms a fixing recess 24 that is distinct from the fluid channels 14, 14'. The fixing recess 24 is located in the spoiler area 32 of the wind deflector unit 12. The fixing recess 24 extends along the main direction 36 of the wiper blade assembly 10 over the entire length of the wind deflector unit 12. The fixing recess 24 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0027] The wiper blade assembly 10 comprises an end cap unit 16. The wiper blade assembly 10 further comprises an additional end cap unit 16, which is not visible. In the assembled state, the end cap unit 16 is arranged at one end of the main extension 36 of the wiper blade assembly 10. The end cap unit 16 is designed to laterally limit the wind deflector unit 12 and to at least partially cover one end of the wind deflector unit 12. The end cap unit 16 is designed in multiple parts. The end cap unit 16 is designed in two parts. The end cap unit 16 has an end cap element 18. The end cap element 18 is designed to cover one end of the wind deflector unit 12. The end cap element 18 is also designed for a plug connection with the spring rails 30, 30'. The end cap element 18 is designed to engage in recesses 38 of the spring rails 30, 30' in a way that is not visible when mounted.Furthermore, the end cap element 18 is designed to receive a leading end section of the spring rails 30, 30'. The end cap element 18 is located in the . Figure 1 Presented transparently.

[0028] The end cap unit 16 further comprises a sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is designed to seal the end of the fluid channels 14, 14' facing the end cap unit 16. The sealing element 20 is designed for a positive-locking connection with the fluid channels 14, 14'. For this positive-locking connection, the sealing element 20 includes two sealing projections 40. The sealing projections 40 of the sealing element 20 are each formed as a cylindrical projection on a base body 42 of the sealing element 20. The sealing projections 40 of the sealing element 20 each have a cross-section designed for a precise fit with the fluid channels 14, 14'. The sealing projections 40 serve to close and seal the fluid channels 14, 14'. Furthermore, the sealing element 20 has a cross-sectional shape which is at least essentially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the wind deflector unit 12.The base body 42 of the sealing element 20 has a cross-sectional shape which is at least essentially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the wind deflector unit 12.

[0029] The fixing recess 24 of the wind deflector unit 12 is designed for the positive locking of the sealing element 20 of the end cap unit 16. The sealing element 20 has a fixing extension 26 for this purpose, which is designed to connect with at least one wind deflector unit 12. The fixing extension 26 is designed to engage in the fixing recess 24 when the unit is assembled. The fixing extension 26 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0030] Furthermore, the end cap element 18 is designed to secure the sealing element 20 to the wind deflector unit 12. The end cap element 18 secures the sealing element 20 to the wind deflector unit 12 in a position locked against the spring rails 30, 30'. In its assembled state, the end cap element 18 is designed to press the sealing element 20 against the wind deflector unit 12 in an interference fit. The sealing element 20 is made of an elastic material and, in the assembled state of the end cap element 18, is compressed between the end cap element 18 and the wind deflector unit 12. During assembly, the end cap element 18 is pushed onto the spring rails 30, 30' with a compressive force to compress the sealing element 20, thereby compressing the sealing element 20.The end cap element 18 further comprises a frontal contact surface for planar contact with the base body 42 of the sealing element 20. The sealing element 20 is designed separately from the end cap element 18, with the end cap element 18 serving to secure the sealing element 20.

Claims

1. Wiper-blade device having at least one wind-deflector unit (12), having at least one fluid channel (14, 14') which is formed at least partially by the wind-deflector unit (12), and having at least one end-cap unit (16) which is intended for lateral delimitation of the wind-deflector unit (12) and for at least partial covering of an end of the wind-deflector unit (12), wherein the at least one end-cap unit (16) is of multi-part, in particular two-part, form and has at least one end-cap element (18) and at least one seal element (20), which is intended for at least substantial sealing of an end, directed towards the end-cap unit (16), of the at least one fluid channel (14, 14'), wherein the end-cap element (18) is intended for securing of the seal element (20) to the wind-deflector unit (12), wherein the seal element (20) has a cross-sectional shape which at least substantially resembles the cross-sectional shape of the wind-deflector unit (12) and the cross section of the end-cap element (18) at least substantially resembles the cross section of the wind-deflector unit (12), characterized in that the end-cap element (18) is intended for covering of an end of the wind-deflector unit (12).

2. Wiper-blade device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the end-cap element (18) is intended for pressing of the seal element (20) onto the wind-deflector unit (12) with a press fit in a mounted state.

3. Wiper-blade device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fluid channel (14) is intended for guidance of wiping liquid (22) and for dispensing of the wiping liquid (22).

4. Wiper-blade device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wind-deflector unit (12) forms a fixing cutout (24) which is different from the at least one fluid channel (14, 14'), said fixing cutout being intended for at least partially form-fitting fixing of the at least one seal element (20) of the end-cap unit (16).

5. Wiper-blade device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing cutout (24) has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

6. Wiper-blade device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal element (20) comprises at least one fixing extension (26) which is intended for connection to the at least one wind-deflector unit (12).

7. Wiper-blade device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing extension (26) has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.