Wiper device, wiper comprising a wiper device, and method for installing a wiper device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper device comprising a wiper blade (10), at least one heating element (12), and a connection element (14) at least for connecting the heating element (12) to a heat energy source (60). According to the invention, the connection element (14) forms a connection direction (16) which defines a minimum angle (18) of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, together with a main extension direction (50) of the wiper plate (10) in a perpendicular projection onto a provided wiping plane (66) of the wiper blade (10).

Description

[0001] Description and procedure for

[0002] State of the art

[0003] A wiper device with a wiper blade, with at least one heating element and with a connecting element at least for connecting the heating element to a heating energy source has already been proposed.

[0004] Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on a wiper device with a wiper blade, with at least one heating element and with a connection element at least for connecting the heating element to a heating energy source.

[0006] It is proposed that the connecting element form a connection direction which, at least in a vertical projection onto a designated wiping plane of the wiper blade, forms a minimum angle of at least 45°, preferably of at least 60°, with a main extension direction of the wiper blade. The inventive design of the wiper device advantageously simplifies assembly. Advantageously, reliability during assembly can be increased. Advantageously, complexity can be reduced.

[0007] A “wiper blade” should preferably be understood as at least one part, preferably a subassembly, of a wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper. The wiper blade is preferably intended for use on a vehicle. The wiper blade preferably forms part of the wiper device, in particular of the windshield wiper. The wiper blade, in particular as part of the windshield wiper, is preferably designed to clean a surface, preferably a surface of a window, preferably a vehicle window, on a vehicle. The wiper blade is preferably coupled to a vehicle, preferably to a wiper arm drive of the vehicle, for cleaning the window, preferably the vehicle window such as a windshield. The wiping plane is preferably formed by the vehicle window.The wiper blade is preferably formed by a wiper lip and at least one spring rail, which is intended to fix the wiper lip and / or to increase and / or ensure the stiffness of the wiper blade. The fact that an object is intended or configured for a specific function should preferably be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. An "operating state" should preferably be understood to mean a state in which the wiper device is ready for a wiping process and / or a wiping operation and / or is in a wiping operation in which a wiper strip unit, preferably the wiper lip, of the wiper blade, in particular of the windshield wiper, is preferably guided over a vehicle windshield and advantageously rests against the vehicle windshield.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one heating element is provided to heat the wiper device, in particular the wiper blade, in particular to supply thermal energy to the wiper blade to increase its temperature. Preferably, the heating element is formed at least substantially from a metallic, in particular electrically conductive, material. Preferably, the heating element has at least one heating wire and / or heating rod and / or heating coil and / or heating coil and / or heating tube or a similarly designed component. Preferably, the at least one heating element has a connection element which is provided to supply heating energy, in particular electrical heating energy, to the heating element. Preferably, the connection element represents the interface between the heating element and the, in particular electrical, heating energy source.A "heating energy source" is understood to mean, in particular, an electrical and / or chemical and / or thermal and / or mechanical energy storage device, in particular a battery and / or accumulator. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the heating energy source is designed as an energy converter, in particular a generator.

[0009] A "connection direction" should be understood in particular as a direction in which a connection, in particular an electrical connection, is mechanically coupled to the connection element, in particular for supplying the heating element with heating energy. In particular, the connection element has a minimal, in particular acute, angle to the main extension direction of the wiper blade of at least 15°, advantageously of at least 30°, preferably of at least 45°, preferably of at least 60° and particularly preferably of at least substantially 90°. A "perpendicular projection" should be understood in particular as an orthogonal projection which images points on a plane, in particular the intended wiping plane, in such a way that the connecting line between the point and a point, in particular an image point, projected onto the plane, in particular the wiping plane, is perpendicular to the projection plane, in particular the wiping plane.A “main extension direction” of an object should be understood in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the angle that the connection direction, at least in the perpendicular projection onto the intended wiping plane of the wiper blade, forms with the main direction of extension of the wiper blade, is at least substantially 90°. This can advantageously simplify assembly. Preferably, the connection direction is limited to a direction of the wiper blade that is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the main direction of extension. The expression "substantially 90°" is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 3°, advantageously less than 2°, and particularly advantageously less than 1°.It is further proposed that the connection direction of the connection element runs at least substantially parallel to the intended wiping plane of the wiper blade. This advantageously simplifies assembly. In particular, the projection of the connection direction of the connection element and the connection element coincide. "Substantially parallel" is understood here to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction deviates from the reference direction by, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connection element be designed as a form-locking plug. This can advantageously simplify assembly. It is particularly advantageous to secure a connection reliably. This can advantageously increase operator safety. A “form-locking plug” is to be understood in particular as a connector for connecting and / or disconnecting lines, in particular electrical lines, which connector aligns and / or connects the connecting parts through a form-locking connection between the form-locking plug parts. The form-locking plug is preferably provided to produce a form-locking connection between the connection element and the heating energy source, in particular a connection that is non-destructive and / or can be released without the use of tools. The form-locking plug is preferably made of a plastic and / or a metallic material."Form-fitting" is understood, in particular, to mean that the adjacent surfaces of components connected in a form-fitting manner exert a holding force on each other in the normal direction of the surfaces. In particular, the components are in geometric engagement with each other. In particular, the form-fitting connector is designed to prevent the connecting element from becoming loose when assembled.

[0012] It is further proposed that the connection element be designed in addition to a mechanical fastening to a wiper arm. Complexity, in particular assembly complexity, can advantageously be reduced. Preferably, an electrical coupling, in particular of the heating element to the heating energy source, takes place simultaneously with the mechanical fastening, in particular the positive coupling of the wiper blade to the wiper arm. Preferably, the electrical connection element is designed with the mechanical connection element as a component, in particular a one-piece connection element. It is conceivable for the wiper device to have a further connection element. The further connection element could be designed as a purely mechanical connection element. The further connection element can be provided to reinforce the mechanical connection between the wiper device and the wiper arm.The further connection element can be arranged next to the connection element in the main direction of extension of the wiper blade. The further connection element could be designed as a, in particular cylindrical, connection recess. Preferably, the further connection element, in particular the connection recess, is provided for guidance and / or positioning, in particular during an assembly process. Preferably, the further connection element, in particular the connection recess, is provided to improve the stability of the mechanical connection between the wiper blade and wiper arm and / or to prevent torsional loading on the connection element, in particular the form-fitting connector. Advantageously, the term “in one piece” should also be understood to mean “in one piece”. “In one piece” should in particular be understood to mean “formed in one piece”.Preferably, this one piece is produced from a single blank, a mass and / or a casting, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, in particular a single and / or multi-component injection molding process.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connection directions of the connecting element for the mechanical fastening on the wiper arm and for the connection to the heating energy source be identical. This can preferably simplify assembly. Preferably, the connection direction of the connecting element for the mechanical fastening on the wiper arm and for the connection to the heating energy source is at least substantially parallel and aligned in the same direction. In particular, the connection directions of the connecting element and the further connecting element can also be aligned at least substantially parallel to one another.

[0014] It is further proposed that the heating element be arranged in the main direction of extension of the wiper blade over at least a large portion of the entire longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. This is intended to advantageously ensure a particularly uniform distribution of heating energy. A "large portion" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 51%, preferably at least 70%, advantageously at least 80%, and particularly advantageously at least 90%. A "longitudinal extension" is understood to mean, in particular, an extension of an object parallel to a main direction of extension of the object.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heating element be integrally connected to the wiper blade. This advantageously achieves a high degree of security against accidental loosening of the connection. Preferably, the heating element is integrally connected to the spring rail of the wiper blade. However, it is conceivable that the heating element is integrally connected to the wiper lip and / or another component of the wiper blade. "Integrally connected" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the mass parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces, such as during soldering, welding, gluing, and / or vulcanization.

[0016] It is further proposed that the connecting element be formed integrally with a wiper blade adapter and with a wiper arm for form-fitting assembly of the wiper blade. Component complexity can advantageously be reduced. “Integral” should be understood in particular as being connected at least by a material fit, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection-molding process and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously as being formed in one piece, for example by being manufactured from a single casting and / or by being manufactured using a single-component or multi-component injection-molding process and advantageously from a single blank. In particular, the connecting element can be formed monolithically with the wiper blade adapter.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connection element have a guide unit, in particular different from connection pins, which guides a movement of the wiper blade along the connection direction when the wiper blade is coupled to a wiper arm and / or the heating element to the heating energy source. Assembly can advantageously be simplified. Damage to the connection pin, in particular as a result of crooked and / or inclined assembly, can be particularly advantageously prevented. The stability of the connection can advantageously be increased. A "connection pin" is to be understood in particular as a pin, in particular a wire-like, electrically conductive connection, which is provided for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data. The connection pins are preferably made of an electrically conductive material, in particular copper and / or steel.The guide unit, in particular a mechanical guide unit, is preferably provided to simplify assembly, in particular of the connection pin. The further connection element preferably has a further guide unit. The mechanical guide element is preferably designed as a form-fitting element, in particular a form-fitting plug, surrounding, in particular enclosing, the connection pins. The mechanical guide element is preferably designed as a rectangular element with rounded edges and / or corners. The mechanical guide element preferably has a connection opening, in particular in the connection direction, which enables electrical coupling of the connection pins. At least one, in particular positive and / or raised, locking element for fixing the form-fitting connection is preferably arranged on the outer side, in particular the outer circumference of the mechanical guide element.Preferably, the form-locking connector is formed as the mechanical guide element. Preferably, the further connection element, in particular the connection recess, is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical connection recess defined by the connection element.

[0018] Furthermore, an advantageously designed wiper with the wiper device and with the wiper arm is proposed.

[0019] Furthermore, a method for assembling the wiper device, in particular with the wiper arm of the wiper, is proposed, wherein the connecting element and a mechanical fastening for fastening the wiper blade to a wiper arm are connected to the wiper arm in one, in particular single, common assembly step. Assembly can preferably be simplified. Complexity can advantageously be reduced. Preferably, in the assembly step, in particular by the mechanical form-fitting connection, the connecting pins are centered for coupling the electrical heating energy supply to the heating energy source. In particular, the assembly of the wiper blade that can be carried out by the proposed method, in which a mechanical and an electrical connection is created simultaneously, requires only a single assembly movement in a single connection direction.

[0020] The wiper device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0021] drawing

[0022] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0023] They show:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a wiper with a wiper device,

[0025] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the wiper device,

[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the wiper device with a connecting element and

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the wiper device with a wiper arm. Description of the embodiment

[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows a wiper 28 with a wiper device. The wiper 28 has a wiper arm 64. The wiper device has a wiper blade 10. The wiper blade 10 is detachably connected to the wiper arm 64. The wiper arm 64 is provided to transmit a wiping movement, generated, for example, by a drive unit (not shown), to the wiper blade 10. The wiping movement moves the wiper blade 10 back and forth in a wiping plane 66. The wiping plane 66 is generally defined by the window to be wiped.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the wiper device. The wiper blade 10 has two spring rails 32. The wiper blade 10 has a wiper lip 36. The wiper device has a heating element 12. The heating element 12 has an electrically insulating sheath. The sheath has good thermal conductivity. The heating element 12 is arranged in a main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10 over a large part of an entire longitudinal extension 52 of the wiper blade 10. The heating element 12 has at least two heating wires arranged in parallel. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element 12 could also have curved heating wires. The heating element 12 is integrally connected to the wiper blade 10. The heating element 12 is integrally connected to the spring rails 32. The heating element 12 is adhesively bonded to the spring rails 32. The heating element 12 could also be vulcanized to the wiper blade 10.The heating element 12 could also be wound around the spring rails 32. The heating element 12 arranged on the two spring rails 32 is connected to one another via bridges 30. The bridges 30 are provided to increase the rigidity of the heating element 12. The heating element 12 is provided to supply thermal energy to the wiper blade 10 to increase its temperature. The heating element 12 converts electrical energy into heat. The electrical energy for supplying the heating element 12 is provided by a heating energy source 60. The wiper device has a connection element 14. The connection element 14 is provided to connect the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60. The connection element 14 is also designed to mechanically fasten the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64. The connection element 14 forms a connection direction 16.In a perpendicular projection onto a designated wiping plane 66 of the wiper blade 10, the connection direction 16 has a minimum angle 18 of 90° with the main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10. The minimum angle 18 could also be at least 45°. The minimum angle 18 could also be at least 60°. Furthermore, the connection direction 16 of the connection element 14 runs parallel to the designated wiping plane 66 of the wiper blade 10.

[0030] Figure 3 schematically shows an enlarged section of the wiper device in a connection area for a connection to the wiper arm 64. The wiper device has a wiper blade adapter 22. The wiper blade adapter 22 is provided for connecting the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 or to a wiper arm adapter of the wiper arm 64. The connection element 14 is formed integrally with the wiper blade adapter 22. The connection element 14 is designed as a form-locking plug 20. The form-locking plug 20 has a positive locking element 34. The positive locking element 34 is provided for being positively connected to a corresponding negative locking element (e.g. of the wiper arm 64 or the wiper arm adapter, not shown). The connection element 14 is formed from a plastic.

[0031] The wiper blade adapter 22 is connected to the wiper blade 10. The wiper blade adapter 22 is provided for a form-fitting assembly of the wiper blade 10 with the wiper arm 64. The wiper blade adapter 22 has the connection element 14. The connection element 14 is provided for a mechanical fastening of the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64. The connection element 14 is provided for an electrical connection of the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60. The connection direction 16 of the connection element 14 for the mechanical fastening to the wiper arm 64 and for the connection of the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 are identical. The connection element 14 has three connection pins 24. The connection element 14 could also have a number of connection pins 24 other than three. The connection pins 24 are formed from an electrically conductive material.It is conceivable for the connection element 14 to have additional connections provided for data transmission. The connection element 14 has a guide unit 26. The guide unit 26 is designed differently from the connection pins 24. When the wiper blade 10 is coupled to the wiper arm 64, the guide unit 26 guides a movement of the wiper blade 10 along the connection direction 16. The guide unit 26 guides the electrical connection of the connection element 14 to the heating energy source 60. The guide unit 26 is designed as a form-fitting element enclosing the connection pins 24. The guide unit 26 is formed as the form-fitting plug 20. The guide unit 26 is designed as a rectangular element with rounded edges and / or corners. The guide unit 26 could also be designed with chamfered corners.

[0032] The wiper device has a further connection element 62. The further mechanical connection element 62 is formed by a connection recess 54. The connection recess 54 has a cylindrical shape. The connection recess 54 is delimited by the wiper blade adapter 22. The connection element 14 and the further connection element 62 are arranged next to one another, as seen in the main extension direction 50 of the wiper blade 10.

[0033] The additional connecting element 62 has an additional guide unit 56. The additional guide unit 56 is formed by the outer surface of the wiper blade adapter 22 defining the connecting recess 54. The additional guide unit 56 is provided to guide an assembly movement along the connecting direction 16 of the connecting element 14. The additional guide unit 56 is provided to position the electrical connection relative to a corresponding electrical connection (not shown). The additional guide unit 56 fixes a position of the connecting element 14 relative to a corresponding connecting element (not shown) in all directions other than the connecting direction 16. A snap-in connection between the positive snap-in element 34 and the corresponding negative snap-in element (not shown) fixes the connecting element 14 to the corresponding connecting element (not shown) in the connecting direction 16.The locking connection with the positive locking element 34 and the corresponding negative locking element (not shown) together with the further connecting element 62 fixes the connecting element 14 and the corresponding connecting element (not shown) in all directions.

[0034] The guide unit 26 has a connection opening 38 in the connection direction 16. The connection opening 38 is provided for an electrical coupling of the connection pins 24. A locking element 34 is arranged on the outer side and / or an outer circumference 40 of the guide unit 26. The positive locking element 34 forms a positive connection with the corresponding negative locking element (not shown). The locking element 34 fixes the mechanical connection of the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 in the connection direction 16. The locking element 34 fixes the electrical connection between the heating element 12 and the heating energy source 60 in the connection direction 16. The connection element 14 for the mechanical fastening of the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 and for the electrical connection of the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 is connected to the corresponding connection element (not shown) in a common assembly step 48.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the wiper device with the wiper arm 64. In at least one method step 42, the wiper arm 64 or a connecting element (not shown) of a wiper arm adapter (not shown) of the wiper arm 64 is provided. In at least one further method step 44, the wiper device is provided. In at least one further method step 46, the wiper device and the wiper arm 64 or the wiper arm adapter are moved toward one another in the connection direction 16. In at least one common assembly step 48, the connecting element 14 of the wiper device and a mechanical fastening of the wiper device provided for fastening the wiper blade 10 to the wiper arm 64 are connected to the wiper arm 64 or to the wiper arm adapter. The mechanical fastening of the wiper device is also carried out at least partially via the connecting element 14.In addition, an additional mechanical fastening can be carried out in the same common assembly step 48 via the further connecting element 62. By means of the connecting element 14, a fixation in the connection direction 16 is created. By means of the further connecting element 62, a fixation perpendicular to the connection direction 16 is created. By means of the connecting element 14, an electrical connection of the heating element 12 to the heating energy source 60 is also created. The movement towards one another of the wiper arm 64 and wiper device in the connection direction 16 simultaneously leads to the mechanical fixation of the two components of the wiper 28 and to the electrical connection of the heating element 12. In a further step, the wiper arm adapter could be closed off to the outside with a cover cap (not shown in the drawings).

Claims

Claims 1. Wiper device with a wiper blade (10), with at least one heating element (12) and with a connection element (14) at least for a connection of the heating element (12) to a heating energy source (60), characterized in that the connection element (14) forms a connection direction (16) which spans at least in a perpendicular projection onto a provided wiping plane of the wiper blade (10) a minimum angle (18) of at least 45°, preferably at least 60°, with a principal extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10).

2. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle (18) which the connection direction (16) spans, at least in the perpendicular projection onto the intended wiping plane (66) of the wiper blade (10) with the main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10), is at least substantially 90°.

3. Wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection direction (16) of the connection element (14) runs at least substantially parallel to the intended wiping plane of the wiper blade (10).

4. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (14) is designed as a positive locking plug (20).

5. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (14) is additionally designed to be mechanically attached to a wiper arm (64). Wiper device according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection directions (16) of the connecting element (14) for mechanical attachment to the wiper arm (64) and for connection to the heating energy source (60) are identical. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (12) is arranged in the main extension direction (50) of the wiper blade (10) over at least a large part of the total longitudinal extension (52) of the wiper blade (10). Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element (12) is bonded to the wiper blade (10). Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (14) is formed integrally with a wiper blade adapter (22) and for a positive-locking assembly of the wiper blade (10) with a wiper arm (64).Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (14) has a guide unit (26), which, when the wiper blade (10) is coupled to a wiper arm (64) and / or the heating element (12) to the heating energy source (60), causes the wiper blade (10) to move along the connection direction (16). Wiper (28) with a wiper device according to one of the preceding claims and with at least the wiper arm (64). Method for assembling a wiper device, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a wiper blade (10), with at least one heating element (12) and with a connecting element (14) for at least one connection of the heating element (12) to a heating energy source. (60), characterized in that the connecting element (14) and a mechanical fastening for fastening the wiper blade (10) to a wiper arm (64) are connected to the wiper arm (64) in a common assembly step (48).

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