Heated wiper blade assembly

Abstract

TITLE: Heated wiper blade device. A wiper blade device comprising a basic unit (12a), in particular a cover unit, preferably having a cover element to cover a wiping lip. It includes a heating element (20a) comprising at least one thermistor material (22a), advantageously at least one PTC resistor (24a). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Windshield wiper device with heating element. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield wiper device comprising a base unit with a cover unit having a cover element to cover the wiping lip. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Such a wiper device is already known, comprising a base unit with a cover unit equipped with a cover element for the wiping lip.

[0003] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a wiper device comprising at least one basic unit, in particular a cover unit having, preferably, at least one cover element to cover a wiping lip, this device being characterized by a heating element which comprises at least one thermistor material, advantageously at least one PTC resistor.

[0005] The term "wiper assembly" preferably refers to at least a part and preferably a subset of a wiper, preferably a wiper blade. In particular, the wiper assembly may also refer to the entire wiper blade assembly. Preferably, the wiper assembly is applied to a vehicle. The wiper assembly, particularly as a part of the wiper, serves to clean a surface, preferably the surface of a vehicle window. The wiper assembly is coupled to a vehicle, for example, by a wiper arm, to clean the vehicle window.

[0006] The fact that an object is intended to perform a certain function means that this object must perform or ensure this function in an application or operating state.

[0007] The term "operating state" refers to a state in which the wiper assembly is ready to operate for a wiping operation or wiping mode, or to be coupled to a wiper arm or the vehicle, or to be in wiping mode. In wiping mode, the wiping lip, for example, of the wiper assembly, particularly the wiper blade, passes over the vehicle's window, being pressed against it.

[0008] As a remark, the conjunction "or" used in this description and in the claims has the dual function of "inclusive or" and "inclusive or".

[0009] The basic unit comprises at least one elastic rail. This elastic rail is a spring-like, bent metal strip, and in particular a metal blade. This elastic rail is designed, when deformed from its basic shape, to exert an opposing force preventing its extension. The basic unit also includes the wiping lip. The wiping lip serves to wipe the surface. The wiping lip is preferably made of an elastomer. The wiping lip may form part of a wiping blade unit designed to at least partially receive the elastic rail in an elastic rail housing, particularly in the form of a groove or recess.

[0010] The wiper lip is made in one piece with the wiper blade unit, particularly from the same material. The expression "same material" means that it is a formed element and that this element or part is made from the same blank, the same mass, or a cast portion, most preferably obtained by an injection molding process, particularly a one- or multi-component injection molding process. The elastic rail is provided to stabilize the wiper lip. The basic unit includes at least one wiper blade adapter. This adapter provides a pivoting, removable connection with the wiper arm, particularly on the vehicle. The pivot axis is at least practically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade assembly, particularly of the basic unit.The expression "practically perpendicular" refers to the orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, and this direction and the reference direction, particularly considered in plane projection, form an angle of 90° with each other; this angle has a maximum deviation which is notably less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The basic unit comprises at least one end cap and preferably at least two end caps.

[0011] The end cap serves to seal the wiper device at its ends along the longitudinal axis of the wiper device, in particular of the base unit.

[0012] The basic unit comprises a cover unit, in particular in the form of a deflector unit. The deflector unit has an outer surface curved in a concave shape to utilize the circulating wind and press the wiping lip against the surface. The outer surface curved in a concave shape is provided on the side of the cover unit opposite the wiping lip. In particular, the cover element is made in the form of a deflector element which has a surface The exterior is curved in a concave shape to utilize the circulating wind and press the wiping lip against the surface.

[0013] The wiper blade adapter cover unit, the end cap or the wiper blade unit delimits at least one fluid (or liquid) channel which is, preferably, on at least 50% and particularly preferably, on at least 75% in a manner at least practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade adapter cover unit of the end cap or the wiper blade unit by the cover unit, the wiper blade adapter, the end cap or the wiper blade unit.

[0014] The expression "longitudinal axis" of an object designates an axis parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric parallelepiped which closely and completely encloses the object and passes, preferably, through the geometric center of the object which is in particular a parallelepiped.

[0015] The expression "practically parallel" refers in particular to the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, and this direction deviates from the reference direction by only a deviation, in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The cover unit, the wiper blade adapter, the end cap(s), or the wiper blade unit may, alternatively, not delimit any channel. In particular, the cover unit, the wiper blade adapter, the end cap(s), or the wiper blade unit may not completely delimit any cavity other than the heating recess in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cover unit of the wiper blade adapter, the end cap(s), or the wiper blade unit.

[0016] In particular, the wiper assembly, especially the basic unit, does not include any element delimiting a fluid channel or liquid channel. The basic unit, especially the cover unit, the deflector unit, the wiper blade adapter, the end cap(s), the wiping lip, or the wiper blade unit, is preferably at least partially, preferably at least largely, and most preferably entirely made of a TPE material (thermoplastic elastomer material). Preferably, the basic unit is co-extruded.

[0017] The abbreviation TPE generally designates a thermoplastic elastomer also called thermoplastic rubber.

[0018] Preferably, the thermistor material represents at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 70%, and extremely preferably at least 80% of The heating element is defined by volume. Preferably, the thermistor material is a PTC material (positive resistance material). The heating element is at least partially integrated into the basic unit. This heating element corresponds at least partially, and preferably at least largely, and in an extremely preferred manner, to at least 80% of the volume of the basic unit.

[0019] In a particularly preferred configuration, the thermistor material is a PTC material. The heating element has an electrical resistance that is a function of temperature and varies exponentially, particularly with exponential growth, especially within a high temperature range of at least 40°C, preferably at least 50°C. The thermistor material may, alternatively, be made, at least in part, particularly in segments, as a thermally conductive material. Preferably, the heating element comprises two conductive cables.This heating element, and in particular the two conductive cables or the thermistor material, extends at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 80% of the base unit, preferably of the cover element, notably at least practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base unit. The thermistor material connects at least the two conductive cables. The thermistor material connects at least the two conductive cables to each other over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably over at least 70%, and most preferably over at least 80% of the conductive cable extension parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive cables.Preferably, the two conducting cables are connected at least practically parallel to each other by the thermistor material.

[0020] The implementation of the wiper device according to the invention advantageously reduces the risk of overheating of the wiper device, particularly the base unit, from the heating element. In particular, it advantageously eliminates the need for temperature monitoring of the heating element. This results in more economical control for the vehicle compared to a heated wiper blade.

[0021] According to another feature, the heating element comprises a nickel-plated copper cable. At least one of the two conductive cables is a nickel-plated copper cable. Most preferably, at least both conductive cables are nickel-plated copper cables. These two conductive cables may be in the form of a stranded cable. Advantageously, electrical contact is made between the conductive cable and the thermistor material.

[0022] According to another feature, the heating element comprises a carbon-doped heating matrix. The thermistor material is preferably a polymer matrix containing carbon particles, in particular carbon black particles. Advantageously, a temperature / resistance ratio is achieved within the advantageous temperature range.

[0023] Furthermore, the basic unit delimits, in particular, a heating cavity or heating cavity, as previously mentioned, which, in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basic unit, has an elongated outer contour. Preferably, the outer contour of the heating cavity of the basic unit, particularly in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basic unit, is practically I-shaped. The outer contour of the heating cavity of the basic unit, particularly in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basic unit, has two parallel, opposing longitudinal outer edges and two shorter, opposing outer edges. The two shorter outer edges of the outer contour are curved with the same radius of curvature. Preferably, the two short, curved outer edges are oriented respectively towards a hypothetical end of the pivot axis.This results in advantageously round-section conductor cables and a heating cavity filled with thermistor material.

[0024] According to another feature, the wiper assembly does not include a temperature sensor. Preferably, the basic unit, particularly the heating element, does not include a temperature sensor. Preferably, the entire wiper assembly does not include a temperature sensor. This results in a wiper assembly that is advantageously compact and requires minimal maintenance.

[0025] According to another feature, the wiper assembly comprises at least one end cap, and in particular the aforementioned end caps, which have at least one electrical connector for connecting the heating element to the power supply line. The electrical connector is permanently attached to an end cap. The electrical connector is connected on its inner side to the heating element, specifically to the two conductive cables, preferably at their free ends. Preferably, at least the end cap located on the inner radius of the wiper arm's sweeping motion comprises the electrical connector. Preferably, the electrical connector is located on the side not facing the wiper lip for connection to the power supply line.The electrical connector is made on the outside of the wiper blade adapter in the form of two connecting pins whose respective longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the base unit. This allows for a conveniently short power supply line, particularly on the wiper arm to supply the heating element with electrical energy.

[0026] According to another feature, the wiper assembly comprises at least one, and in particular a wiper blade adapter already mentioned, for connection to a cover element equipped with at least one electrical connector for connecting the heating element to the power supply line. The electrical connector is permanently attached to the wiper blade adapter. The electrical connector is connected on the inner side to the heating element, in particular to the two conductive cables, preferably to the free ends of the two conductive cables. The wiper blade adapter has a basic adapter body and at least one retaining spring that provide the pivoting connection around the pivot axis. The electrical connector is provided on the side not facing the wiping lip (the side opposite the wiping lip) for connection to the power supply line.The electrical connector is located on the outer side of the wiper blade adapter and consists of two connecting pins whose respective longitudinal axes are perpendicular to the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the base unit. This provides an electrical connection protected against slippage of the wiper blade assembly.

[0027] According to another feature, the wiper blade assembly comprises at least one other heating element having at least one thermistor material, advantageously at least one PTC resistance material. Preferably, the cover unit comprises at least two cover elements made respectively to be connected to the wiper blade adapter on opposite sides of the wiper blade adapter. The heating element is made to be connected to a cover element, in particular a deflector element. At least one other heating element is made to be connected to another cover element, in particular a deflector element. Preferably, the heating element and the other heating element are identical, in particular having the same dimensions. Preferably, the heating element and the other heating element are made with the same conductive cables and the same thermistor material.The heating element and the other heating element are made identically with the conductive cables and the thermistor material.

[0028] Preferably, at least one heating element, in particular at least two conductive cables or at least one thermistor material, passes over at least 50%, preferably over at least 60%, particularly preferably over at least 70%, and extremely preferably over at less than 90% of the base unit, preferably the cover element, especially in a way that is practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base unit.

[0029] Preferably, at least one heating element, in particular the two conducting cables or at least the thermistor material, passes through at least 75%, preferably at least 80% and, in a particularly preferential manner, at least 90% and in an extremely preferential manner, practically completely through the basic unit, preferably through one of the two cover elements, in particular at least practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic unit.

[0030] Preferably, another element, in particular at least two conductive cables or at least one thermistor material, passes through at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, most preferably virtually all, of the base unit, preferably through at least two cover elements, in particular at least practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base unit. This provides advantageous individual heating of the wiper assembly at the level of two cover elements, in particular deflector elements.

[0031] According to another feature, the end cap includes a sealing element for sealing, in a watertight manner, an orifice of the heating cavity of at least one end cap. This advantageously protects the heating element from water.

[0032] The invention also relates to a heating element of a wiper blade device, which has the advantage of a modular realization.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention relates to a wiper system having at least one elastic rail and a wiper blade device according to the invention. Preferably, the entire wiper system does not include a temperature sensor. This advantageously allows for the production of a single unit through mass production.

[0034] The windshield wiper device, wiper system, or heating element according to the invention are not limited to the application and implementation characteristics described above. In particular, the windshield wiper device, wiper system, or heating element according to the invention, to ensure the operation described above, may have a different number of component elements than described above.

[0035] Furthermore, the value ranges given above are not limiting. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] A windshield wiper device with a heating element according to the invention is described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] Schematic representation of a windshield wiper system with a windshield wiper device according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.2] Schematic cross-sectional view of the windshield wiper assembly according to the invention,

[0039] [Fig.3] Schematic representation of the wiper blade arrangement according to the invention, and

[0040] [Fig.4] Schematic representation of a variant of the wiper- brush device ice cream according to the invention.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0042] Figure 1 shows a wiper system 100a. The wiper system 100a consists of a wiper blade. The wiper system 100a includes two elastic rails (not shown). The elastic rails are two identically curved, elastic metal rods, in particular metal strips. The elastic rails are designed to develop, through their deformation from the basic shape of each elastic rail, a force opposing the movement. The wiper system 100a includes a wiper blade assembly 100a.

[0043] The wiper blade assembly 10a is a subassembly of the wiper system 100a. The wiper blade assembly 10a is applied to a vehicle. The wiper blade assembly 10a cleans the surface of a vehicle window. The wiper blade assembly 10a is designed to clean a vehicle window by being coupled to the vehicle, for example, by a wiper arm 102a.

[0044] The wiper blade device 10a comprises a basic unit 12a.

[0045] The basic unit 12a includes a wiping lip 14a. The wiping lip 14a is designed to wipe the surface. The wiping lip 14a is made of an elastomeric material. The wiping lip 14a is part of a wiping blade unit 26a, which defines two grooves for the elastic rails; these grooves are, in particular, grooves. The wiping lip 14a is made in one piece with the wiping blade unit 26a, specifically from the same material. The elastic rails are designed specifically to stabilize the wiping lip 14a.

[0046] The basic unit 12a includes a wiper blade adapter 28a. The wiper blade adapter 28a provides a removable connection with the arm 102a around the pivot axis 30a, particularly on the vehicle. The pivot axis 30a is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32a of the wiper blade assembly 10a. in particular the base unit 12a. The wiper blade adapter 28a comprises an adapter base body 34a and a retaining spring 36a to create a pivoting connection between them around the pivot axis 30a. The wiper blade assembly 10a includes the wiper blade adapter 28a, indirectly, in particular through the base unit 12a.

[0047] The basic unit 12a includes a cover unit 16a. The cover unit 16a is shown here as an example, as a deflector unit 40a. The cover unit 16a covers the wiper lip 14a, the elastic rails, two heating elements 20a, and the wiper blade unit 26a. The cover unit 16a includes two cover elements 18a and 18a'. The wiper blade adapter 28a is intended to be connected to the cover elements 18a and 18a'. The cover elements 18a and 18a' are designed for connection with the wiper blade adapter 28a on opposite sides of the wiper blade adapter 28a.

[0048] The base unit 12a includes two end caps 46a, 46a'. The end caps 46a, 46a' provide the seal of the wiper blade device 10a, in particular of the base unit 12a to the ends of the wiper blade device 10a along the longitudinal axis 32a of the wiper blade device 10a, in particular of the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a.

[0049] The deflector unit 40a has two concave curved outer surfaces 42a, 42a' to utilize the circulating wind and press the wiping lip 14a against the surface to be cleaned. The concave curved outer surface 42a, 42a' is located on the side of the cover unit 16a opposite the wiping lip 14a. A concave curved outer surface 42a, 42a' is provided on one of the two cover elements 18a, 18a'. In particular, the cover elements 18a, 18a' are each made as a deflector element 44a, 44a'; These elements each have one of the two outer surfaces 42a, 42a' with concave curvature to utilize the circulating wind and press the wiping lip 14a against the surface.

[0050] The cover unit 16a delimits two fluid channels 48a (see [Fig. 2]). [Fig. 2] shows, by way of example, the two representative ways in which the two channels, one of the liquid or fluid channels 48a, are positioned in one of the deflector elements 44a. The liquid channels (or fluid channels) 48a together extend over approximately 80% of the base unit 12a parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a through this cover unit 16a.

[0051] The base unit 12a, in particular the cover unit 16a, and especially the deflector unit 40a, are made partly of a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) material. The base unit 12a, in particular the cover unit 16a, and especially the deflector unit 40a are co-extruded.

[0052] The wiper blade device 10a comprises two heating elements 20a. The wiper assembly 10a includes, in particular, a heating element 20a and another heating element 20a'. Figure 2 shows, by way of example and representatively, one of the two heating elements 20a within one of the deflector elements 44a. Both heating elements 20a, 20a' have at least one thermistor material 22a, in particular a material with PTC characteristics 24a. Each of the heating elements 20a has two conductive cables 50a, 50a'. Each of the heating elements 20a is designed to be connected to one of the cover elements 18a, 18a', in particular the deflector elements 44a, 44a'.

[0053] The two heating elements 20a are identical, particularly in dimensions. The two heating elements 20a are connected with the same conductive cables and the same thermistor material 22a. The two heating elements 20a are arranged in the same way on the conductive wires or cables and the thermistor material 22a.

[0054] The two heating elements 20a, in particular the two conductive cables 50a, 50a' and the thermistor material 22a, together extend at least 80% through the base unit 12a, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a. The two heating elements 20a, in particular the two conductive cables 50a, 50a' and the thermistor material 22a of a heating element 20a, respectively, pass at least 80% through one of the cover elements 18a, 18a', in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a.

[0055] The thermistor material 22a constitutes more than 80% of the volume of the heating element 20a. The thermistor material 22a is a PTC characteristic thermistor material 22a. The heating elements 20a are largely integrated into the base unit 12a. The heating elements 20a are largely contained within the base unit 12a.

[0056] The thermistor material 22a is a material with PTC characteristics 24a. The heating elements 20a have a temperature-dependent electrical resistance which, in a high temperature range above 60°C, varies exponentially with temperature, in particular with an exponential rise.

[0057] The thermistor material 22a connects the two conductive cables 50a, 50a' to each other in the heating element 20a.

[0058] The heating elements 20a, in particular the two conductive cables 50a, 50a' and the thermistor material 22a extend over at least 80% of the longitudinal length of the base unit 12a through this base unit 12a, preferably respectively through one of the cover elements 18a, 18a', in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a. The material of A thermistor 22a connects the two conductors 50a, 50a' of a heating element 20a to each other by at least one extension of the conductors 50a, 50a' parallel to the longitudinal axis 52a of the conductors 50a, 50a'. The two conductors 50a, 50a' are connected parallel to each other by the thermistor material 22a. The two conductors 50a, 50a' of each heating element 20a are in the form of twisted cables. The heating elements 20a each have two nickel-plated copper cables 50a, 54a'. All the conductors 50a, 50a' are in the form of nickel-plated copper cables 54a, 54a'.

[0059] Each heating element 20a comprises a carbon-doped heating matrix 56a. The thermistor material 22a is a carbon-doped heating matrix 6a. The thermistor material 22a is a polymer matrix containing carbon particles, in particular, carbon black particles.

[0060] The basic unit 12a delimits two heating cavities 58a. In [Fig.2], one of the heating cavities 58a in a deflector element 44a is shown as an example and in a representative manner. The heating cavities 58a have, in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a of the basic unit 12a, an elongated outer contour 60a.

[0061] The outer contours 60a of the heating cavities 58a of the basic unit 12a have, in particular, a substantially I-shaped form along a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a of the basic unit 12a.

[0062] The outer contours 60a of the heating cavities 58a of the basic unit 12a have, in particular, in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a of the basic unit 12a, two long, opposite, parallel outer edges 62a, 62a' and two short, opposite outer edges 64a, 64a'. The two short outer edges 64a, 64a' of the outer contours 60a are curved with the same radius of curvature. The two curved short outer edges 64a, 64a' are oriented towards the theoretical end 67a, 67a' of the pivot axis 30a.

[0063] The end caps 46a, 46a' have respectively a sealing element (not shown) to close, in a watertight manner, the orifice of the heating cavities 58a of the end caps 46a, 46a'.

[0064] The wiper blade adapter 28a has two identical electrical connectors 66a, 66a'. The electrical connectors 66a, 66a' are for connecting the heating elements 20a to a power supply line. The power supply line is located on the wiper arm 102a. The electrical connectors 66a, 66a' are permanently attached to the wiper blade adapter 28a. The electrical connectors 66a, 66a' are connected on one side to each of the heating elements 20a, specifically to the two conductor cables 50a, 50a' of the respective heating elements 20a, preferably to the free ends of the two cables. conductors 50a, 50a' of the respective heating element 20a. Electrical connectors 66a, 66a' are made on the opposite side to that of the wiping lip 14a for connection to the power supply line.

[0065] The wiper blade assembly 14a does not include a temperature sensor. The base unit 12a, in particular the heating elements 20a, also does not include a temperature sensor. The entire wiper blade system 100a does not include any temperature sensor.

[0066] The electrical connectors 66a, 66a' are respectively on an outer side of the wiper blade adapter 28a as connection pin 68a, 68a'; these pins have in particular a longitudinal axis 70a, 70a', 70a”, 70a'” perpendicular to the pivot axis 30a and to the longitudinal axis 38a of the base unit 12a.

[0067] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the invention. The following description and the drawings to which it relates are mainly limited to the differences between the embodiments; for components having the same numerical references, reference should be made to the drawings or the description of the other embodiment, in particular to Figures 1 to 3. To distinguish the embodiments, the numerical reference is supplemented by the suffix (a) in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 and by the suffix (b) in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a variant of a wiper blade device 10b. The wiper blade device 10b comprises exactly one heating element 20a which extends as such from one end cap 46b to the other end cap 46b' through the base unit 12b, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38b of the base unit 12b, in particular through the wiper blade adapter 28b.

[0069] The end cap 46b, among the end caps 46b, 46b', includes an electrical connector 66b. The electrical connector 66b makes the electrical connection of the heating element 20b to the power supply line.

[0070] The electrical connector 66b is fixedly connected to the end cap 46b. The electrical connector 66b is connected on the inner side to the heating element 20b, in particular to the two conductive cables 50b, 50b', preferably to the free ends of these two conductive cables 50b, 50b'.

[0071] The end cap 46b with the electrical connector 66b is installed at the inner radius of the wiping path of the wiper blade device 10b. The other end cap 46b' does not have an electrical connector 66b.

[0072] The electrical connector 66b is on the opposite side to the wiping lip 14b for connection to the power supply line. The electrical connector 66b is on the outer side of the end cap 46b in the form of two pins. connection 68b, 68b' having their longitudinal axis 70b, 70b' perpendicular to the pivot axis 30b and to the longitudinal axis 38b of the base unit 12b.

[0073] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0074] (numerical references without the suffixes a and b)

[0075] 10 Windshield wiper assembly

[0076] 12 Basic Unit

[0077] 14 Wiping lip

[0078] 16 Cover unit

[0079] 18 Cover element

[0080] 20 Heating element

[0081] 22 Tarnishing material

[0082] 24 PTC-characteristic material

[0083] 26 Wiping lip unit

[0084] 28 Wiper blade adapter

[0085] 30 Pivot axis

[0086] 32 Adapter base body

[0087] 36 Retaining spring

[0088] 38 Longitudinal axis of the basic unit

[0089] 40 Deflector Unit

[0090] 42 Curved outer surface of the deflector unit

[0091] 44 Deflector element

[0092] 46 End cap

[0093] 50 Conductor cable

[0094] 54 Nickel-plated copper cable

[0095] 56 Heating matrix

[0096] 58 Heating cavity

[0097] 62 Long outer edge of the heating cavity

[0098] 64 Short outer edge of the heating cavity

[0099] 66 Electrical connector

[0100] 67 Theoretical end of the pivot axis

[0101] 68 Connector pin

[0102] 70 Longitudinal axis of the connector pin

[0103] 100 Windshield wiper system

[0104] 102 Wiper arm

Claims

Demands

1. A wiper blade device comprising at least one basic unit (12a; 12b) having a cover unit (16a; 16b), preferably having at least one cover element (18a, 18a'; 18b, 18b') for covering a wiping lip (14a; 14b), a heating element (20a; 20b) comprising a thermistor material (22a; 22b), and advantageously at least one PTC resistor (24a; 24b), and an end cap (46a, 46a'; 46b, 46b') having an electrical connector (66b) for connecting the heating element (20a; 20b) to a power supply line, characterized in that the end cap (46a, 46a'; 46b, 46b') includes a sealing element for sealing watertight, an opening of a heating cavity (58a; 58b) of the end cap (46a, 46a'; 46b, 46b').

2. Wiper blade device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element (20a; 20b) comprises a nickel-plated copper cable (54a, 54a'; 54b, 54b').

3. Wiper blade device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating element (20a; 20b) comprises a heating matrix (56a; 56b) doped with carbon.

4. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic unit (12a; 12b) delimits the heating cavity (58a; 58b) which has an outer contour (60a; 60b) in the shape of an I, in section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (38a; 38b) of the basic unit.

5. Wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper device does not include a temperature sensor.

6. Windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a wiper blade adapter (28a) for connection with a deflector element (44a, 44a') having an electrical connector (66a, 66a') for electrical connection of the heating element (20a) to an electrical supply line.

7. Wiper blade device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by another heating element (20a; 20b) having a thermistor material (22a: 22b) advantageously a PTC resistance material (24a; 24b).

8. Heating element of a wiper blade device (10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Wiper system comprising an elastic rail and a wiper device (10a, 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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