Windshield wiper drive unit and its mounting method

Abstract

TITLE: Windshield Wiper Drive Unit and its Mounting Method. A windshield wiper drive unit (10) comprising an electric motor (12), a transmission (14), a drive shaft (16), a drive housing (18), and at least one locking element (20) for attaching the unit to a body (54); the locking element (20) comprises a decoupling element (22), a spacer sleeve (24), and a locking element (26). The spacer sleeve (24) is partially embedded in the decoupling element (22), and the spacer sleeve (24) has a recess (48) in the axial direction (42), which partially receives the locking element (26). The locking element (20) has a first pair of active surfaces (50) for coupling the locking element (26) to the spacer sleeve (24) in an advanced position, and for being able to be pushed into the spacer sleeve (24). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Windshield wiper drive unit and method of mounting the same FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper drive unit comprising an electric motor, a transmission, a drive shaft for transmitting force to a windshield wiper, a drive housing and at least one locking element for fixing the windshield wiper drive unit to a bodywork, the locking element comprising at least one decoupling element, a spacer sleeve and a locking element, the spacer sleeve being at least segmentally inside the decoupling element, the spacer sleeve having a recess which extends mainly in an axial direction, and which receives at least segmentally the locking element.

[0002] The invention also relates to a locking element for a windscreen wiper unit and to a method for mounting this windscreen wiper unit. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] According to the state of the art, the wiper drive units are fixed to the rear hatch by screwed or riveted connections, which has the disadvantage of requiring a long and ergonomically unfavorable assembly. In addition, the weight of the screws and metal rivets generally increases.

[0004] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper drive unit comprising an electric motor, a transmission, a drive shaft for transmitting force to a windshield wiper, a drive housing and at least one locking element for fixing the windshield wiper drive unit to a bodywork, the locking element comprising at least one decoupling element, a spacer sleeve and a locking element, the spacer sleeve being at least segmentally inside the decoupling element, the spacer sleeve having a recess which extends mainly in an axial direction, and which receives at least segmentally the locking element, the windshield wiper drive unit characterized in that the locking element comprises at least a first pair of active surfaces, this first pair of active surfaces being designed to couple the locking element to the spacer sleeve in an upstream position,the locking element being designed so that it can be pressed into the spacer sleeve from the upstream position in the axial direction.

[0006] Thus, the invention describes a windshield wiper drive unit comprising a electric motor, a transmission, a drive shaft for driving the wiper, a transmission housing and at least one locking element for attaching the wiper unit to the bodywork. The locking element has, at least in general, a decoupling element, a spacer sleeve and a locking element. The spacer sleeve comes at least in segments into the decoupling element. The spacer sleeve has a recess which extends substantially in the axial direction. The recess of the decoupling sleeve receives at least one segment of the locking element.

[0007] According to the invention, the locking element is designed at least as a pair of active surfaces and this first pair of active surfaces is provided for coupling the locking element to the spacer sleeve in the forward position, the locking element being able to be pressed into the spacer sleeve from the forward position in the axial direction. This allows particularly simple and rapid assembly since the coupling of the wiper drive unit to the bodywork is effected by simple pressings of the locking element in the forward position of the spacer sleeve.

[0008] Advantageously, the spacer sleeve and the locking element are made of a plastic material, which makes it possible to have a particularly light locking element.

[0009] The spacer sleeve advantageously has a spacer zone which will be widened or extended by the insertion of the locking element, being made so that the widened zone of the spacer sleeve forms a form-fitting connection with the bodywork.

[0010] The advanced position designates an arrangement of the spacer sleeve relative to the locking element in which these two components are connected to each other, but in which the locking element is not yet spread apart or completely spread apart in the spreading area.

[0011] The decoupling element is provided against the bodywork and the wiper drive unit in particular to ensure mechanical decoupling from vibrations. Advantageously, the decoupling element is made of an elastic material, for example, elastomer or rubber.

[0012] The axial direction is in particular a direction defined by the main longitudinal extension direction of the spacer sleeve. Advantageously, the spacer sleeve or the locking element have rotational symmetry with respect to the axial direction.

[0013] The locking element includes a second pair of active surfaces, the second pair of active surfaces coupling the locking element to the spacer sleeve in the depressed position, the first pair of active surfaces being spaced apart by the second pair of active surfaces in the axial direction, which has the advantage that the locking element is held securely in the pressed-in position. This allows for a particularly reliable connection. The term "final pressed-in position" refers in particular to an arrangement of the spacer sleeve relative to that of the spacer element in which the locking element at least partially spreads the spacing area of ​​the spacer sleeve.

[0014] When the pair of active surfaces or the second pair of active surfaces forms a form-fitting connection, in particular a clip-on connection, this solution has the advantage that the locking element can be detached again from the pre-assembled position and / or the final pressed-in position. This allows particularly convenient assembly and, if necessary, disassembly.

[0015] The construction is particularly simple and reliable if the form connection is implemented in particular as a clip-on connection between the spacer sleeve and the locking element.

[0016] The geometry is particularly advantageous if the locking element has an elongated locking segment designed to be engaged in the spacer sleeve and a head segment with a larger diameter than the recess of the spacer sleeve, an active element of the first pair of active surfaces being provided on the head segment. This allows the locking element in the pressed-in position to be applied by the head segment against the spacer sleeve by a positive connection. This ensures the safety of the assembly because it is easy to see when the pressed-in position has been reached. Advantageously, the active element of the first pair of active surfaces is in one piece with the locking element. Another advantage is that the other active element of the first pair of active surfaces is on the spacer sleeve, in particular in one piece with it.

[0017] Pre-fixing the spacer sleeve is possible without having to spread the spacer sleeve if this spacer sleeve has a spreading range with at least one spreading hook provided for coupling the spacer sleeve to the bodywork, thus enabling pre-assembly of the spacer sleeve without having to spread the spacer sleeve. This allows for particularly ergonomic assembly because first the spacer sleeve is pre-fixed during one assembly step and only in a further assembly step is the spacer sleeve finally spread.

[0018] Robustness is further improved if the hook or a set of hooks covers a large part of the periphery of the spacer sleeve. It is particularly advantageous if the clipping hook or the set of clipping hooks covers at least 60% of the periphery of the spacer sleeve, preferably at least 80% and particularly preferably at least 99%. The fact that a hook or a set of hooks covers a part of the periphery of the spacer sleeve means in particular that the active surface of the hook or of the entire active surface of the hooks extends over a part of the periphery.

[0019] Ergonomics are further improved if the wiper drive unit has at least two locking elements spaced apart from each other by practically the distance covered by a hand. This allows the wiper drive unit to be mounted with one hand because the two locking elements can each be pressed with one finger of the hand. The hand width is a length between the thumb and the index or ring finger of an average-sized hand. A hand thus corresponds to a dimension of the order of 10 cm to 20 cm, and preferably between 12 and 18 cm, and in particular between 15 cm and 17 cm.

[0020] The wiper drive unit is further improved if at least one locking element has a decoupling element with radial clearance relative to the drive housing. This makes it possible to absorb the radial forces that occur during the wiping movement.

[0021] The wiper drive unit is further improved if the locking element comprises a decoupling element having axial play relative to the drive housing, which makes it possible to absorb axial forces produced during wiping.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, a first locking element has axial play and a second locking element has radial play. The axial play or radial play results, for example, from the geometry or elastic properties of the decoupling element. It is also possible to envisage having axial or radial play by the geometry of the mounting opening in the bodywork for coupling to the locking elements.

[0023] At least one passage of the drive housing provided for coupling to the locking element is in the form of an oblong hole allowing in a particularly simple and reliable manner to have the axial play for the locking element relative to the drive housing.

[0024] Advantageously, the locking element is provided for fixing the wiper drive unit to a body and it comprises a decoupling element, a spacer sleeve and a locking element; the spacer sleeve comes at least by one segment into the decoupling element and the spacer sleeve has a recess in the axial direction which receives the locking element engaged at least by one segment, this locking element being characterized in that it comprises at least one first pair of active surfaces made for coupling the locking element to the spacer sleeve in the pre-assembled position, wherein the locking element can be pressed into the spacer sleeve from the pre-assembled position in the axial direction.

[0025] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a method of fixing a windscreen wiper drive unit to a bodywork, the windscreen wiper drive unit comprising at least two locking elements and the method comprising the steps of:

[0026] - pre-assemble at least two locking elements to the drive unit wiper, the locking elements coming into a pre-assembly position on the respective locking element,

[0027] - place the wiper drive unit on the body and engage the respective spacer sleeve in the associated mounting hole of the body,

[0028] - pushing a first locking element from its pre-position assembly in the depressed position for coupling a first locking element to the bodywork, and

[0029] - depressing a second locking element from the pre-assembled position in the depressed position to couple the second locking element to the body.

[0030] This allows for particularly ergonomic assembly because, for example, the first locking element is pressed in with one finger, for example, the thumb, and in the next step, the second locking element is pressed in with the other finger, for example, the index finger. Assembly is thus possible with just one hand. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments of the windscreen wiper drive unit, its locking element and the fixing method, according to the appended drawings in which the same elements bear the same references:

[0032] [Fig-1] exemplary embodiment of a windshield wiper drive unit,

[0033] [Fig.2] exemplary embodiment of a locking element of a windshield wiper drive unit,

[0034] [Fig.3] components of the blocking element of [Fig.2],

[0035] [Fig.4A] Sectional view of the locking element of [Fig.2] in different stages mounting for fixing to a body,

[0036] [Fig.4B] sectional view of the locking element of [Fig.2] in different assembly stages for attachment to a body,

[0037] [Fig.4C] sectional view of the locking element of [Fig.2] in different assembly stages for attachment to a body,

[0038] [Fig.5] representation of the wiper drive unit in exploded view of the blocking element,

[0039] [Fig.6] drive housing of the wiper drive unit,

[0040] [Fig.7A] sectional view of a variant of the locking element,

[0041] [Fig.7B] sectional view of a variant of the locking element.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In the following description it is emphasized that the conjunction or is the conjunction in the sense of the inclusive conjunction or.

[0044] [Fig.l] shows a windshield wiper drive unit 10. The windshield wiper drive unit 10 has an electric motor 12, a transmission 14 and a drive shaft 16. The transmission 14 is housed, for example, in a drive housing 18. The electric motor 12 and the drive shaft 16 are mounted in the drive housing 18. The drive shaft 16 drives a windshield wiper or a wiper arm not shown. The windshield wiper drive unit 10 has, for example, three locking elements 20.

[0045] [Fig. 2] is a detail view of a locking element 20. The locking element 20 comprises, for example, a decoupling element 22, a spacer sleeve 24 and a locking element 26. [Fig. 2] shows the locking element 20 in an advanced position in which the locking element 26 is coupled to the spacer sleeve 24. [Fig. 3] shows the geometry of the components separated from each other of the decoupling element 22, the spacer sleeve 24 and the locking element 26, for example, before assembly of the locking element 20.

[0046] [Fig. 2] shows the sleeve 24 partially engaged in the decoupling element 22. The decoupling element 22 is, for example, annular in shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the decoupling element 22 has an opening 28 for receiving the spacer sleeve 24. The decoupling element 22 has, for example, a peripheral groove 30 at its outer periphery. The groove 30 is provided for coupling the locking element 20 to the wiper drive unit 10. The drive housing 18 of the exemplary embodiment has three circular passages 36 (see Figures 5 and 6) respectively receiving one of the three decoupling elements 22 (see [Fig. 1]).

[0047] The drive housing 18 of [Fig. 1] engages in the groove 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the decoupling element 22 has a first outer diameter 32 at its outer periphery (see [Fig. 4C]). The decoupling element 22 of the exemplary embodiment has a second outer diameter 34 for the groove 30 or the diameter of the decoupling element for the groove 30. Half of the first outer diameter 32 less half of the second outer diameter 34 corresponds to the radial depth of the groove 30.

[0048] Passage 36 of the exemplary embodiment has radial clearance. The radial clearance is achieved by the diameter of the passage 36 of the drive housing 18 which is 2.5 mm greater than the second outer diameter 34 of the coupling element 22. Advantageously, the diameter of the passage 36 of the drive housing 18 is between the second outer diameter 34 and the first outer diameter 32 of the decoupling element 22. Since the passage 36 of the drive housing 18 has a larger diameter than the second outer diameter 34, this makes it possible in particular to have radial clearance for the decoupling element 22 or the locking element 20. This makes it possible to compensate, for example, for construction tolerances. Furthermore, in this way, the mounting of the locking element 20 is simplified, in particular the engagement of the decoupling element 22.

[0049] [Fig. 6] shows the drive housing 18 of the exemplary embodiment; the drive housing 18 comprises a first passage 36a and a second passage 36b, both formed as substantially circular openings whose diameter is approximately 2.5 mm larger than the second outer diameter 34 of the decoupling element 22. This allows particularly good radial mobility of the locking element 20 mounted in the first passage 36a or the second passage 36b.

[0050] A third passage 36c of the exemplary embodiment has axial play. The axial play of this exemplary embodiment results from the fact that the third passage 36c is an oblong hole (see [Fig.6]). This third passage 36c extends, for example, very widely along the imaginary line between the third passage 36c and the second passage 36b. Depending on technical or construction requirements, other directions of extension of the oblong hole of the third passage 36c can also be envisaged.

[0051] By way of example, the third passage 36c has a longitudinal diameter in the longitudinal extension direction which is 5 mm longer than the second outer diameter 34 of the decoupling element 22. The diameter of the third passage 36c perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction practically corresponds to the second outer diameter 34. According to a variant, the diameter of the third passage 36c perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction is 0 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm longer than the second outer diameter 34. This allows simpler mounting of the locking element 20 with the additional advantage of having additional radial clearance, in particular of simplifying the rotation of the locking element 20 relative to the drive housing 18.

[0052] According to a variant, it is also envisaged that the diameter of the passage 36 corresponds very largely to the second external diameter 34 of the decoupling element 22. This allows a particularly firm and thus guaranteed coupling between the drive housing 18 and the locking element 20.

[0053] In the decoupling element 22 connected to the drive housing 18, the opening 28 of the decoupling element 22 passes through the respective passage 36 of the housing training 18.

[0054] The spacer sleeve 24 preferably has a first, elongated segment 38. For example, the spacer sleeve 24 also has a second, very largely plate-shaped segment 40 (see [Fig. 3]). The first segment 38 extends from the second segment 40. Advantageously, the first segment 38 and the second segment 40 are made in one piece, for example, in the form of an injection-molded part. The main direction of extension of the first segment 38 defines a first axial direction 42 or axis of symmetry. Advantageously, the locking element is at least largely symmetrical with respect to the axial direction 42, in particular very largely with rotational symmetry. In the exemplary embodiment, the first segment 38 is made so that the axial direction 42 is very largely perpendicular to the second, plate-shaped segment 40.

[0055] The locking element 26 preferably has an elongated locking segment 44. For example, the locking element 26 has a substantially plate-shaped head segment 46. The locking segment 44 extends from the head segment 46. Advantageously, the locking segment 44 and the head segment 46 are made in one piece, for example, as an injection-molded part. Advantageously, the locking element 26 is substantially rotationally symmetrical, in particular about the longitudinal extension axis of the locking segment 44.

[0056] The spacer sleeve 24 has a recess 48 which extends substantially in the axial direction. The recess 48 is provided to receive the locking element 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the recess 48 is provided to receive the locking segment 44 of the locking element 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element is designed so that the locking segment 44 of the locking element 26 can be pressed into the recess 48 of the spacer sleeve 24.

[0057] It is further provided that the locking element 20 comprises a first pair of active surfaces 50 for coupling the locking element 26 to the spacer sleeve 24 in a pre-assembly position. In [Fig. 2], the locking element 26 and the spacer sleeve 24 are, by way of example, in a pre-assembly position (see also Figs. 4A and B).

[0058] The spacer sleeve 24 has a spacer zone 52 provided, advantageously on the first segment 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the spacer zone 52 is on the spacer end 56 of the elongated first segment 38, opposite the plate-shaped second segment 40. The spacer zone 52 is provided for coupling with the bodywork 54 (see [Fig. 4C]). The spacer sleeve 24 is designed so as to widen in the spacer zone 52 in the radial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the axial direction 42 when the locking element 26 or the locking segment 44 is located in the spacing region 52. This allows in particular the fixing of the locking element 40 to the body 54 by engaging the locking segment 44 in the recess 48 of the spacing sleeve 24.

[0059] In the embodiment, provision is made to engage the spacing zone 52 during assembly, through the assembly opening 60 of the bodywork 54. In the assembled state of the spacing sleeve 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 4C), the spacing zone 52 is provided at least essentially on the other side of the passage 36 than the second plate-shaped segment 40 of the spacing sleeve 24. In particular, the spacing zone 52 is provided at least essentially on the other side of the assembly opening 60 of the bodywork 54 than that of the second plate-shaped segment 40 of the spacing sleeve.

[0060] In the pre-assembled position of the exemplary embodiment, the locking segment 44 is in an intermediate position in the recess 48 of the spacer sleeve 24, in which the locking segment 44 is not completely in the spacer zone 52. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, in the pre-assembled position, the locking segment 44 is spaced apart from the spacer 56 (see [Fig. 4A]). In the variants, it is envisaged that in the pre-assembled position the locking segment 44 is spaced apart from the spacer zone 52.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 20 has a second pair of active surfaces 58 designed to couple the locking element 26 to the spacer sleeve 24 in the engaged position (see [Fig. 4C]). In the engaged position, in the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 26 is located in the spacer zone 52 or engages in the spacer zone 52. In this way, the spacer sleeve 24 is widened in the spacer zone 52, i.e. perpendicular to the axial direction 42. In the pressed-in position, the spacer sleeve 24 has a larger diameter perpendicular to the axial direction 42 in the spacer zone 52 than the diameter of the associated mounting hole. In this way, there is a connection, in particular by the shape, in the pressed-in position between the locking element 20 or the spacer sleeve 24 and the bodywork 54. The locking element 20 is thus coupled to the bodywork 54.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, the head segment 46 of the locking element 26 has a larger diameter than the recess 48 of the spacer sleeve 24. This thus allows that in the pushed-in position, the head segment 46 bears against the second plate-like segment 40 of the spacer sleeve 24 (see [Fig. 4C]) so that the locking element 26 and the spacer sleeve 24 are coupled by a positive connection so that the coupling opposes the pushing-in of the locking element 26 relative to the spacer sleeve 24 in the axial direction 42. According to the alternative embodiments, it can be envisaged that the locking element 26 can be pushed further into the spacer sleeve 24 from the pushed-in position, for example, to have a better coupling, in particular more difficult to open between the spacer sleeve 24 and the locking element 26, for example, in the fixed position.

[0063] The blocking element 20 comprises, by way of example, three pairs of active surfaces 58 which are equidistant at the periphery of the blocking element 20. The second three pairs of active surfaces of the exemplary embodiment are similar.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, the first pair of active surfaces 50 is spaced apart from the second pair of active surfaces 58. Advantageously, the first pair of active surfaces 58 has a driving distance 62 in the axial direction 42 relative to the second pair of active surfaces 58. The driving distance 62 corresponds in particular to the distance in the axial direction 42 by which the locking element 26 can be driven into the driven position from the pre-assembly position.

[0065] For example, the first pair of active surfaces 50 provides a snap-fit ​​connection. The first pair of active surfaces 50 has an engaging active element 50a and a receiving active element 50b which, in combination, provide a form-fit connection in the pre-assembled position. In this pre-assembled position, the first pair of active surfaces 50 opposes the movement of the locking element 26 against the axial direction 42 relative to the spacer sleeve 24.

[0066] Advantageously, the engaging active element 50a comprises a clipping hook 64 connected by an elastic branch 66 to the second plate-shaped segment 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the branch 66 is substantially parallel to the axial direction 42. The clipping hook 64 has an active surface advantageously oriented substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction of extension of the branch 66. The active surface of the clipping hook 64 of the engaged active element 50a is designed for coupling to the corresponding receiving active element 50b.

[0067] The receiving active element 50b advantageously has a complementary hooking element 68. The complementary hooking element 68 has an active surface which is advantageously oriented substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, i.e., perpendicular to the main longitudinal extension direction of the branch 66. The active surface of the complementary hooking element 68 of the receiving active element 50b is designed for coupling to the active surface of the corresponding active element 50a. In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving active element 50b is in the form of a recess or cavity at the periphery of the plate-shaped head segment 46 and which extends substantially in the direction axial 42. The active receiving element 50b is advantageously dimensioned so that the active element 50a which is hooked or the branch 66 of the active element 50a which is hooked is located at least by segment in the active receiving element 50b while being advantageously very largely level with the periphery which terminates the plate-shaped head segment 46, that is to say aligned in particular in the mounting position.

[0068] When the clip hook 64 is coupled to the complementary hooking element 68, the two active surfaces are applied against each other and thus create a form connection.

[0069] The connection can be opened by deflecting the elastic branch 66 outwards. This allows the clipping hook 64 to be released from the complementary clipping or hooking element 68 so that the engaged active element 50a releases the receiving active element 50b.

[0070] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, the engaged active element 50a is located on the spacer sleeve 24 and the receiving active element 50b is located on the locking element 26. The connection by the shape of the first pair of active surfaces 50, in particular the connection by clipping of the first pair of active surfaces 50, is made between the spacer sleeve 24 and the locking element 26.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the second pair of active surfaces 58 is in the form of a snap-on connection. The second pair of active surfaces 58 is very similar in structure to the first pair of active surfaces 50. The second pair of active surfaces 58 has an engaged active element 58a and a receiving active element 58b which together form the form connection when in the engaged position. In the engaged or depressed position, the second pair of active surfaces 58 is opposed by the movement of the locking element 26 in the direction opposite to the axial direction 42 relative to the spacer sleeve 24.

[0072] Advantageously, the active engaged element 58a comprises a clipping hook 64 connected to the second plate-shaped segment 40 by an elastic branch 66. In the exemplary embodiment, the branch 66 is practically parallel to the axial direction 42. The clipping hook 64 has an active surface which is advantageously practically perpendicular to the axial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the main longitudinal extension direction of the branch 66. The active surface of the clipping hook 64 of the active engaged element 58a is designed for coupling to the associated receiving active element 58b.

[0073] The branch 66 of the active element in engagement 50a of the first pair of active surfaces 50 is longer by the driving distance 62 in the axial direction than the branch 66 of the active element in engagement 58a of the second pair of active surfaces 58. This results in the advantageous effect that the active element in engagement 50a of this first pair of active surfaces 50 in the engaged position protrudes away from the axial direction 42 by relative to the locking element 26, i.e. protrudes from the head segment 46 of the locking element 26. This has the advantage of making it possible to simply check by sight whether the locking element 26 is in the pressed-in position. This ensures the safety of the mounting of the locking element 20.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the active receiving element 58b of the second pair of active surfaces 58 is of a structure very largely identical to that of the active receiving element 50b of the first pair of active surfaces 50. The active receiving element 58b advantageously has a complementary hooking element 68. The complementary hooking element 68 has an active surface which is advantageously practically perpendicular to the axial direction, that is to say perpendicular to the main longitudinal extension direction of the branch 66. The active surface of the complementary clipping element 68 of the active receiving element 58b is intended to be coupled to the active surface of the associated engaged active element 58a. In the exemplary embodiment, the active receiving element 58b is in the form of a recess or cavity at the periphery of the plate-shaped head segment 46 and which extends substantially in the axial direction 42.The active receiving element 58b is advantageously dimensioned so that the active engaging element 58a or the branch 66 of the active engaging element 58a can be engaged at least segmentally in the active receiving element 58b and is advantageously practically level with the periphery of the plate-shaped head segment 46 at the end thereof, i.e. being flush, in particular in the pushed-in position.

[0075] When the clipping hook 64 is coupled to the complementary clipping element 68, the two active surfaces are pressed against each other and form a form connection. This connection is removable in that the elastic branch 64 can be deflected outwards. This allows the clipping hook 64 to be disengaged from the complementary clipping element 68 so that the engaged active element 58a releases the receiving active element 58b.

[0076] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, the engaged active element 58a is provided on the spacer sleeve 24 and the receiving active element 58b is provided on the locking element 26. Thus, the connection by the shape of the second pair of active surfaces 58, in particular the clip-on connection of the first pair of active surfaces 58 is formed between the spacer sleeve 24 and the locking element 26.

[0077] In the embodiment, the spacer sleeve 24 has in the spacer zone 52, a set of clipping hooks 64. The clipping hooks 64 are associated with elastic branches 66 which extend practically in the axial direction 42. The clipping hooks 64 of the spacer zone 52 are provided to couple the spacer sleeve 24 to the bodywork 54. Advantageously, at least one clipping hook 64 decreases in the axial direction axial 42. For example, the clip hook 64 has in particular a wedge shape. The clip hooks 64 of the spacing area 52 advantageously have an active surface which advantageously extends practically perpendicular to the axial direction. The clip hooks 64 of the spacing area 52 allow in particular the prepositioning of the locking elements 20, i.e. of the wiper drive unit 10, to the bodywork 54. In the relaxed state, in which at least one leg 66 of the spacing sleeve is not elastically deflected, the spacing sleeve 24 advantageously has at the spacing area 52, in the region of a leg 66, a smaller diameter than the diameter of the associated mounting hole 60.In a particularly advantageous manner, the spacer sleeve 24 in the relaxed state in the spacer zone 52, at the clip hooks 64, in particular in the region of the greatest radial extension of at least one clip hook 64, i.e. its active surface, has a diameter larger than the diameter of the associated mounting hole 60.

[0078] This makes it possible to simply hook or clip the spacer sleeve 24 into the mounting hole 60. Thus, by introducing the spacer zone 52 into the mounting hole 60, at least one branch 66 or all of the branches 66 are first pushed in to reduce the diameter of the spacer sleeve 24 in the area of ​​the clip hooks 64; thus, the spacer zone 52 can pass through the mounting hole 60. In this way, the spacer sleeve 24 is engaged with the spacer zone 52 in the mounting hole 60 (see [Fig. 4A]). After the clip hooks 64 have passed completely to the other side of the body 54, the branches 66 again elastically relax and the clip hooks 64 move apart. In the relaxed state, the spacer sleeve 24 or the spacer region 52 has, at the position of the clip hooks 64, again a diameter larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 60 (see [Fig. 4B]).In particular, the clip hooks 64 or their active surface can couple to the body 54 and provide a form connection that opposes the extraction of the spacer sleeve 24 from the body 54 or from the mounting hole 60.

[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment, the clip hooks 64 of the spacer zone 52 protrude by 0.5 mm from the branches 66. This has the advantage that the coupling of the spacer zone 52 to the bodywork 54 in the assembly step shown in [Fig. 4B], in which the locking element 26 is still in the pre-assembly position, can be released more simply. In this way, the locking element 20 or the wiper drive unit 10 can be released even better from this position. The extension of the clip hooks 64 of the spacer zone 52 relative to the spacers 66 can, alternatively, be chosen depending on the intensity of the coupling in pre-assembly position, in particular it may be a dimension between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 2.0 mm, and particularly preferably, between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0080] During assembly, according to the exemplary embodiment, the locking elements 20 are pre-assembled to the wiper drive unit 10. For this purpose, the locking elements 20 are coupled in the respective passages 36 of the drive housing 18 so that the drive housing 18 enters at the passages 36 into the respective groove 30 of the coupling element 22 (see [Fig. 1]). The locking elements 20 or the locking elements 26 of the locking elements 20 are respectively in the pre-assembly position.

[0081] Then, the drive unit 10 is placed against the bodywork 54. In particular, the drive shaft 16 can pass through the opening in the bodywork 54 provided for this purpose. The locking elements 20 or the respective spacer sleeves 24 of the locking elements 20 are placed in the associated mounting holes 60 in the bodywork 54. For this purpose, the individual spacer zones 52 are engaged through the mounting hole 60. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the clipping hooks 64 of the spacer zone 54 are hooked onto the bodywork (see [Fig. 4A] and 4B). Thus, a first, weak, form-fitting connection of the wiper drive unit 10 is achieved by the locking elements 20 with the bodywork 54.

[0082] In a further assembly step, a first locking element 26 in the exemplary embodiment, advantageously the locking element 26 of a first blocking element 20a (see [Fig.l]) is pressed into the engaged position of the blocking element 20. In this way, the spacing zone 52 of the spacing sleeve 24 is widened so that the first blocking element 20a is more strongly coupled to the bodywork 54.

[0083] In the next step, a second locking element 26 of a second blocking element 20b is pressed into the pressed position so that the second blocking element 20b is coupled more strongly to the bodywork 54. In the exemplary embodiment, in this step, a second locking element 26 of a second blocking element 20b and a third locking element 26 of a third blocking element 20c are advantageously pressed in at the same time ([Fig.l]), which completes the assembly of the wiper drive unit 10 of this exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Advantageously, in the exemplary embodiment, the first locking element 20a is locked by pressing the locking element 26a into the pressed-in position with the thumb and then the second locking element 20b and the third locking element 20c are locked with the index finger and the middle finger respectively. This allows a particularly ergonomic one-handed assembly of the wiper drive unit 10. In addition, the locking elements 20 have between them a distance 70 corresponding to the spacing of the hand. In this exemplary embodiment, the distance 70a between the first locking element 20a and the second locking element 20b is 107 mm. In this exemplary embodiment, the distance 70b between the second locking element 20b and the third locking element 20c is 160 mm. In this exemplary embodiment, the distance 70c between the first locking element 20a and the third locking element 20c is 127 mm.

[0085] Figures 7A and 7B show a variant of the locking element 20 which comprises three first pairs of active surfaces 50 and three second pairs of active surfaces 58. The second pair of active surfaces 58 is provided at the outer radial periphery of the locking element 20. The first pairs of active surfaces 50 are closer to the axis of symmetry defined by the axial direction 42 than the second pairs of active surfaces 58.

[0086] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0087] 10 Windshield wiper drive unit

[0088] 12 Electric motor

[0089] 14 Transmission

[0090] 16 Drive shaft

[0091] 18 Drive housing

[0092] 20 Blocking element

[0093] 22 Decoupling element

[0094] 24 Spacer sleeve

[0095] 26 Locking element

[0096] 28 Orifice

[0097] 30 Groove

[0098] 32 First outer diameter of the decoupling element

[0099] 34 Second outer diameter of the decoupling element

[0100] 36 Rounded passage of the drive housing

[0101] 36a First pass

[0102] 36b Second pass of the drive box

[0103] 36c Third passage

[0104] 38 First segment of the spacer sleeve

[0105] 40 Second plate-shaped segment

[0106] 42 Axial direction

[0107] 44 Locking segment

[0108] 46 Head segment

[0109] 48 Hollowing

[0110] 50 First pair of active surfaces [YES] 50a Active element engaged

[0112]

[0113]

[0114]

[0115]

[0116]

[0117]

[0118]

[0119]

[0120]

[0121]

[0122]

[0123]

[0124] 50b Active receiving element 52 Spacing zone 54 Body 56 Spacing end of the first elongated segment 38 58 Second pair of active surfaces 60 Mounting hole 62 Drive-in distance in axial direction 64 Clip-on hook 66 Elastic branch 68 Additional hooking element 70a Distance 70b Distance 70c Distance

Claims

Claims

1. Windshield wiper drive unit (10) comprising an electric motor (12), a transmission (14), a drive shaft (16) for transmitting power to a windshield wiper, a drive housing (18) and at least one locking element (20) for fixing the windshield wiper drive unit to a body (54), - the locking element (20) comprising at least one decoupling element (22), a spacer sleeve (24) and a locking element (26), - the spacer sleeve (24) being at least segmentally inside the decoupling element (22), - the spacer sleeve (24) having a recess (48) which extends mainly in an axial direction (42) and receives at least segmentally the locking element (26), windshield wiper drive unit characterized in that the locking element (20) comprises at least a first pair of active surfaces (50),* this first pair of active surfaces (50) being designed to couple the locking element (26) to the spacer sleeve (24) in an upstream position, - the locking element (26) being designed so that it can be pushed into the spacer sleeve (24) from the upstream position in the axial direction (42).,

2. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (20) has a second pair of active surfaces (58), * this second pair of active surfaces (58) being designed to couple the locking element (26) to the spacer sleeve (24) in the pressed-in position, * the first pair of active surfaces (52) being spaced apart from the second pair of active surfaces (58) in the axial direction (42).

3. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first pair of active surfaces (50) or the second pair of active surfaces (58) is designed as a form connection, in particular as a clip-on connection.

4. A wiper drive unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection by shape, in particular the connection by clipping, is made between the spacer sleeve (24) and the locking element (26).

5. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (26) has an elongated locking segment (44) designed to be engaged in the spacer sleeve (24) as well as a head segment (46) having a larger diameter than the recess (48) of the spacer sleeve (24), * an active element (50b) of the first pair of active surfaces (50) being provided on the head segment (46).

6. Windshield wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer sleeve (24) has a spacer zone (52) having at least one clip hook (64) for coupling the spacer sleeve (24) to the bodywork (54).

7. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windscreen wiper drive unit (10) comprises at least two locking elements (20, 20a, 20b, 20c), spaced apart from each other by substantially the distance (70, 70a, 70b, 70c) covered by a hand.

8. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one locking element (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) comprises a decoupling element (22) with radial play relative to the drive housing (18).

9. Windshield wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking element (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) has a decoupling element (22) having axial play relative to the drive housing (18).

10. Windscreen wiper drive unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one passage (36) of the drive housing (18) provided for coupling to the locking element (20) is designed in the form of an oblong hole.

11. A locking element (20) for fixing a wiper drive unit (10) to a body comprising a decoupling element (22), a spacer sleeve (24) and a locking element (26), the spacer sleeve (24) comes at least by a segment into the decoupling element (22), and the spacer sleeve (24) has a recess (48) extending in the axial direction (42) which receives the locking element (26) engaged by at least one segment, locking element (20) characterized in that it comprises at least a first pair of active surfaces (50), - this first pair of active surfaces (50) being made to couple the locking element (26) in a pre-assembled position to the spacer sleeve (24), * the locking element (26) can be pressed into the spacer sleeve (24) from the pre-assembly position in the axial direction (42).

12. Method for attaching a windshield wiper drive unit (120) in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10 to a body (54), the windshield wiper drive unit (10) comprising at least two locking elements (20), the method comprising the following steps: - pre-assembling at least two locking elements (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) to the wiper drive unit (10) in which the locking elements (26) are provided respectively in a pre-assembly position on the respective locking element (20, 20a, 20b, 20c), - installing the wiper unit (10) to the body (54) and engaging the respective spacer sleeve (24) in an associated mounting hole (60) of the body (54), - pressing a first locking element (26) from a pre-assembly position into a pressed-in position to couple the first locking element (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) to the bodywork (54), and - pressing a second locking element (26) from the pre-assembly position into the unpressed position to couple a second locking element (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) to the bodywork (54).

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