Wiper device

A wiper device (10) having a wiper arm rod (14), a wiper blade adapter (20) which has a fluidic connecting element (30), a fluidic coupling element (34) for producing a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element (30), a fluid line (62), which is connected to the fluidic coupling element (34) and is provided for transporting wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod (14) to the fluidic coupling element (34), and a wiper arm adapter (16) which comprises a bearing unit (24) which is provided for mounting the wiper blade adapter (20) on the wiper arm adapter (16) so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis (22). The fluidic coupling element (34) is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter (16).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wiper device having a wiper arm rod, having a wiper blade adapter, which has a fluidic connecting element, having a fluidic coupling element for producing a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element, having a fluid line, which is connected to the fluidic coupling element and is provided for transporting wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod to the fluidic coupling element, and having a wiper arm adapter, which comprises a bearing unit which is provided for mounting the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis, has already been proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on a wiper device having a wiper arm rod, having a wiper blade adapter, which has a fluidic connecting element, having a fluidic coupling element for producing a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element, having a fluid line, which is connected to the fluidic coupling element and is provided for transporting wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod to the fluidic coupling element, and having a wiper arm adapter, which comprises a bearing unit which is provided for mounting the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis.

It is proposed that the fluidic coupling element is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter. The configuration according to the invention of the wiper device can make an advantageously simple arrangement of the fluidic coupling element on the wiper arm adapter possible. In particular, an advantageously movable wiper blade can be achieved. Furthermore, the configuration according to the invention can result in advantageously installation-friendly and low-wearing mounting of the fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter. The configuration according to the invention can enable the wiper device to be installed and/or removed in an advantageously rapid and simple manner.

A “wiper device” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably at least one part, preferentially a substructure assembly, of a window wiper. In principle, the wiper device may also comprise the entire window wiper, in particular, together with the wiper blade. The wiper device is preferably provided for use on a vehicle. “Provided” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably specially designed and/or specially equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is intended to preferably be understood as meaning that the object satisfies and/or carries out this specific function in at least one application state and/or operating state. The wiper device, in particular as part of the window wiper, is preferably provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a window on a vehicle. For cleaning a vehicle window, the wiper device is preferably coupled to a vehicle.

The wiper device preferably comprises a wiper arm. The wiper arm preferably comprises the wiper arm rod and the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the wiper arm adapter has a longitudinal axis which is oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the wiper arm rod. A “longitudinal axis” of an object is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an axis which is oriented parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometrical cuboid which only just completely surrounds the object. The longitudinal axis preferably runs through a geometrical center point of the cuboid. “at least substantially parallel” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation in particular of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2° in relation to the reference direction. The wiper arm adapter is preferably connected, in particular captively, preferably integrally, to the wiper arm rod. “integrally” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably connected at least in an integrally bonded manner, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, a molding process and/or another process appearing expedient to a person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by production from a casting and/or by production in a single- or multi-component injection-molding method and advantageously from an individual blank.

The wiper device preferably comprises the wiper blade. The wiper blade preferably comprises the wiper blade adapter. The wiper blade adapter, in particular the wiper blade, is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, in particular with respect to the wiper arm. The bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter is preferably designed as a side-lock adapter. The wiper arm adapter preferably comprises a pin element. The pin element is preferably surrounded by the bearing unit. The pin element is preferably provided to form a mechanical coupling, in particular to form a pivotable mounting, of the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter. The pin element preferably defines the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is particularly preferably designed as a longitudinal axis of the pin element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter, in particular of the wiper arm rod. The expression “at least substantially perpendicularly” is preferably intended to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular as viewed in a plane of projection, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 30°, advantageously less than 20° and particularly advantageously of less than 15°. The longitudinal axis of the pin element is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The longitudinal axis of the pin element is preferably oriented substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter. The wiper arm adapter preferably has a retaining bracket. The retaining bracket is preferably surrounded by the bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter. A longitudinal axis of the retaining bracket is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The wiper blade adapter preferably has at least one mechanical connecting element for producing a connection to the wiper arm adapter, in particular to the pin element of the wiper arm adapter. The mechanical connecting element of the wiper blade adapter is preferably provided to receive the pin element of the wiper arm adapter. The at least one mechanical connecting element is preferably provided to pivotably mount the pin element. The at least one mechanical connecting element preferably has at least one recess for receiving the at least one pin element. The at least one recess preferably at least mostly forms the at least one mechanical connecting element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis preferably runs, in particular centrally, through the at least one recess of the mechanical connecting element.

A “fluidic connecting element” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an element which is fixedly connected to the wiper blade adapter and which can be coupled in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic coupling element to produce a fluidic connection. A “fluidic coupling element” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an element which is connected to the fluid line in order to produce a fluidic connection and can be coupled to the fluidic connecting element in order to produce a fluidic connection. The fluid line is preferably attached to a fluid inlet of the fluidic coupling element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the fluidic connecting element at a fluid output of the fluidic coupling element. A “fluid line” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a duct for conducting a fluid, in particular wiping liquid. The fluid line is preferably designed as a hose. The fluid line preferably extends along the wiper arm rod. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the fluid line to be integrated in the wiper arm rod. A “fluidic connection” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a connection in which at least two components or assemblies are connected to each other in such a manner that a fluid, in particular wiping liquid, can be exchanged between them, in particular without a loss of fluid. A fluid, in particular wiping liquid, can preferably flow between at least two fluid-conducting regions and/or fluid-conducting components via a fluidic connection, in particular the fluid line.

The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter to be movable with respect to the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic connecting element is preferably in the form of a plug socket, in particular a plug-in coupling, of the wiper blade adapter. An attachment direction, in particular a plug-in direction, of the fluidic coupling element is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade, in particular of the wiper blade adapter, preferably at least in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element can preferably have at least one nonreturn valve, in particular two nonreturn valves. As a result, an advantageously short reaction time for providing wiping liquid can be made possible. The fluidic coupling element is preferably connectable to a pivoting of the wiper blade adapter, in particular about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, and/or is formed releasably with/from the fluidic connecting element. The fluidic connecting element preferably forms at least one fluid inlet on the wiper blade adapter. At least one, preferably at least two, in particular fluidically separated, fluid ducts preferably run through the wiper blade adapter, in particular for operating two wiping directions of the wiper blade with wiping liquid. A “wiping liquid” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably water or a solution which may contain a cleaning additive. The wiper blade adapter, in particular each fluid duct, is preferably fluidically connected to a duct unit of a wiper strip unit of the wiper blade and/or of a wind deflector unit of the wiper blade. The wiper blade adapter preferably has at least one fluid-discharging element, in particular at least one fluid-discharging nozzle.

The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a floating manner, in particular two-dimensionally. The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a two-dimensionally floating manner on the retaining bracket. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a floating manner on the wiper arm adapter, in particular on the retaining bracket, in a bearing plane. The bearing plane is preferably a geometrical plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. A movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter is preferably smaller than a movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element in the bearing plane at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element is preferably moveable in the bearing plane along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mm. The fluidic coupling element is preferably movable in the bearing plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 5 mm. The fluidic coupling element is preferably movable in the bearing plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the fluidic coupling element is mounted pivotably about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis with respect to the wiper arm adapter. This configuration can permit a particularly advantageous mounting of the fluidic coupling element in relation to the wiper arm adapter. As a result, a low-wearing operation of the wiper device can advantageously be permitted. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element is particularly preferably connected to the wiper arm adapter via the fluidic connecting element and the wiper blade adapter, in particular in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element is preferably not arranged on the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably spaced apart from the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably arranged in a region on a side of the retaining bracket that faces away from the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably connected to the wiper arm adapter so as to be at least pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter, in particular the pin element, in particular at least by 2°, preferably at least by 5°, particularly preferably at least by 10° and very particularly preferably at least by 15°. The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter in a transversely displaceable manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter. In a connected state of the fluidic coupling element and of the fluidic connecting element, the fluidic coupling element can preferably follow a pivoting movement of the wiper blade adapter with respect to the wiper arm adapter about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis by means of a movable, in particular transversely displaceable, mounting.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper arm adapter has at least one bearing recess, and the fluidic coupling element has at least one bearing extension, wherein the bearing extension is guided in the at least one bearing recess. This configuration enables an advantageously simple and rapid exchange of the wiper blade. At the same time, this configuration can achieve an advantageous positioning of the fluidic coupling element during an installation and/or removal of the wiper blade on/from the wiper arm. As a result, a risk of damage to the fluidic coupling element during an installation and/or removal of the wiper blade on/from the wiper arm can advantageously be kept low. The at least one bearing recess is preferably provided to permit a movement of the fluidic coupling element during a wiper operation. The at least one bearing extension is preferably mounted in a floating manner in the at last one bearing recess. The at least one bearing extension is preferably mounted in a floating manner about the wiper blade adaptor pivot axis in the at least one bearing recess. “Mounted in a floating manner” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a mounting in which the fluidic coupling element, in particular during a wiping operation, is movable within a region of the at least one bearing recess, wherein the fluidic coupling element is coupled to the wiper arm adapter. It is basically conceivable that the wiper blade is pivoted to and fro about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis during a wiping operation, with a maximum possible pivoting angle of the wiper blade corresponding to a maximum possible pivoting angle of the fluidic coupling element within the bearing recess. The fluidic coupling element is preferably provided to move with the wiper blade, in particular to pivot with the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, during a wiping operation. As a result, a movement of the at least one bearing extension with respect to the at least one bearing recess is coupled via a movement of the wiper blade. The at least one bearing extension is preferably hooked in the at least one bearing recess. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted movably, in particular captively, on the wiper arm adapter, preferably by means of the at least one bearing extension which is hooked in the at least one bearing recess. The wiper arm adapter preferably has two, in particular identical, bearing recesses. The fluidic coupling element preferably has two, in particular identical, bearing extensions, or the fluidic coupling element is coupled to a second bearing extension. At least two, in particular mutually analogous, bearing recesses are preferably arranged on the at least one fluidic coupling element. The at least one fluidic coupling element preferably delimits the at least one bearing recess. The at least one fluidic coupling element preferably delimits at least two bearing recesses. The two bearing recesses are preferably formed analogously to each other. The two, in particular mutually analogous, bearing recesses are preferably arranged in alignment with each other along an axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The two bearing recesses are preferably arranged on sides of the fluidic coupling element that face away from each other.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one bearing recess has a profile which is in the form of a circular arc segment, the center point of which lies on the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. This configuration can permit an advantageous pivoting of the fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter. As a result, an advantageous low-friction pivoting of the fluidic coupling element can be permitted. Furthermore, an advantageously low-wearing movement of the fluidic coupling element can thereby be achieved. The circular arc segment preferably lies in the bearing plane.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one bearing recess comprises an installation opening, by means of which the at least one bearing extension is insertable into the bearing recess. This configuration enables an advantageously simple installation and/or removal of the fluidic coupling element on/from the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element does not have to be loaded here per se in order to achieve a coupling and/or decoupling of the at least one bearing extension with/from the at least one bearing recess, as a result of which damage to the fluidic coupling element can advantageously be avoided. The bearing recess preferably forms an open profile by means of the installation opening. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the wiper arm adapter so as to be releasable from the wiper arm adapter. During a coupling and/or decoupling of the fluidic coupling element to/from the wiper arm adapter, the fluidic coupling element is preferably pivotable by means of the installation opening via an axis, which intersects the at least one bearing extension and which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, onto the profile of the at least one bearing recess, or is pivotable out of the profile of the at least one bearing recess.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the installation opening runs in a plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and at least substantially perpendicular to the profile of the bearing recess. This configuration can advantageously make it possible to avoid the fluidic coupling element unintentionally falling out of the bearing recess, in particular in a state in which the fluidic coupling element is decoupled from the fluidic connecting element. The installation opening is particularly preferably arranged in a region which intersects the profile of the bearing recess, at least substantially in the center of the profile. The installation opening preferably runs in the plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably designed as the bearing plane.

In addition, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a latching unit which is formed integrally with the fluidic coupling element and is provided to be coupled to at least one corresponding latching element of the wiper blade adapter. By means of this configuration, an advantageously simple and rapid installation and/or removal of the fluidic coupling element on/from the wiper blade adapter can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageously single-handed installation of the fluidic coupling element can be achieved by this configuration. Furthermore, a particularly secure connection can thereby be provided between the fluidic coupling element and the fluidic connecting element. An advantageously high degree of operational reliability of the wiper device can thereby be achieved. The latching unit is preferably provided to couple the fluidic coupling element in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic connecting element. The latching unit is preferably designed as a snap-action closure. The latching unit preferably has two opposite gripping elements which, when the two gripping elements are deflected toward each other, are provided to decouple the latching unit from the at least one corresponding latching element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a second fluidic coupling element, a second fluid line, and a heating element which is arranged in the fluid line and in the second fluid line and extends through the fluid line and the second fluid line, wherein the heating element is guided in a region of the fluidic coupling element and of the second fluidic coupling element from the fluid line into the second fluid line. By means of this configuration, an advantageously combined heating of the fluid line, the fluidic coupling element, the second fluid line and the second fluidic coupling element can be achieved with a single heating element. Furthermore, the effect which can be achieved by this configuration is that no electrical line is routed from the fluidic coupling element and/or from the fluidic coupling element to the wiper arm adapter. An advantageous movability of the fluidic coupling element and of the second fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can thereby be made possible. The fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element are particularly preferably formed integrally. The latching unit is preferably formed integrally with the second fluidic coupling element. The fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element are preferably connected to each other via the latching unit. The heating element is preferably provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the fluid line. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the second fluid line. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the fluidic coupling element. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the second fluidic coupling element. It can thereby be advantageously ensured that wiping liquid and/or components of the fluidic coupling element do not freeze. The heating element is preferably guided from the fluid line into the second fluid line in a region between the fluidic coupling element and the pin element. The heating element is preferably guided from the fluid line into the second fluid line through an opening of the fluidic coupling element and through a second opening of the second fluidic coupling element. The wiper device preferably comprises a closure element which is provided to close, in particular to seal, the opening of the fluidic coupling element. The closure element is particularly preferably also provided to close, in particular to seal, the second opening of the second fluidic coupling element. An advantageously simple installation can thereby be achieved. The closure element is preferably provided to prevent fluid from emerging from the fluidic coupling element and from the second fluidic coupling element. The closure element is preferably provided to prevent a fluid exchange between the fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element. The closure element particularly preferably receives the heating element. The heating element is preferably arranged on the closure element. The closure element is preferably designed as protection for the heating element. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the wiper device to comprise at least two closure elements which are formed separately from each other and which are each provided to close one of the openings.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises an electrical connecting element which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. By means of this configuration, an advantageous pivoting of the electrical connecting element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can be permitted. As a result, an advantageously low-friction pivoting of the electrical connecting element can be permitted. It is thereby possible in particular to provide an advantageous secure electrical connection. The wiper device preferably comprises a fastening element which is provided to mount the electrical connecting element pivotably on the wiper arm adapter. The electrical connecting element is particularly preferably integrated in the fastening element. The electrical connecting element is preferably formed integrally with the fastening element. The fastening element is preferably pivotable together with the wiper blade about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The fastening element is preferably connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the pin element. The fastening element is particularly preferably mounted pivotably on the pin element. The fastening element preferably extends into a region within the wiper arm adapter. The fastening element is preferably in the form of a clip for producing a connection to the pin element.

In addition, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises an electrical coupling element for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element, wherein the electrical coupling element is provided to be coupled fixedly to the wiper blade adapter by means of a latching connection. By means of this configuration, an advantageously secure and fixed connection can be achieved between the wiper blade adapter and the electrical coupling element. As a result, an advantageously secure coupling of the electrical coupling element to the electrical connecting element can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageously defined pivoting of the electrical coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can thereby be achieved. The wiper blade preferably comprises a wiper blade heating unit which is provided to heat the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating unit preferably comprises a wiper blade heating element. The wiper blade heating element is preferably flexible. The wiper blade heating element is preferably strip-shaped. The wiper blade heating element is preferably provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The wiper blade heating element is preferably provided to distribute thermal energy along the wiper blade, in particular for heating fluid ducts in the wind deflector unit, the wiper blade adapter and/or end caps of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating element is preferably also provided to heat a wiping lip of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating element is preferably arranged on the wiper strip unit of the wiper blade and/or on the wind deflector unit of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating unit preferably has the electrical coupling element. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to provide an electrical connection for heating the wiper blade. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to be mounted together with the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to be coupled to the fastening element. By means of an integral formation of the electrical connecting element and of the fastening element, tolerances for aligning the electrical coupling element with respect to the electrical connecting element can advantageously be reduced.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a retaining element which is fixedly connected to the wiper arm adapter by means of a latching connection and is provided to fix at least one electrical line, which is fixedly connected to the electrical connecting element, to the wiper arm adapter. By means of this configuration, a simple and secure fastening of the at least one electrical line can be achieved. By means of this configuration, furthermore an undefined position and/or an undefined profile of the at least one electrical line in a region around the wiper arm adapter can be advantageously avoided when the electrical connecting element, to which the at least one electrical line is connected, is pivoted. An advantageously high degree of operational reliability can thereby be ensured. The wiper device preferably comprises the at least one electrical line. The at least one electrical line is preferably provided to provide electrical energy for the wiper blade heating unit. The retaining element is particularly preferably fastened directly to the wiper arm adapter. The retaining element is preferably fastened to the wiper arm adapter from a lower side of the wiper arm adapter. In a fully mounted state, the at least one electrical line which is fixed to the retaining element is preferably arranged on a side of the wiper arm adapter that faces away from the fluidic coupling element. The retaining element is preferably arranged adjacent to the fastening element. A longitudinal axis of the retaining element is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The retaining element is preferably plate-like, with the retaining element having a plurality of ribs. The ribs are preferably at least partially provided with at least one latching element. The retaining element is preferably attached in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the wiper arm by means of at least one latching element of the retaining element. The at least one electrical line is preferably fixed in a form-fitting manner to the retaining element by means of at least one latching element of the retaining element. The retaining element is particularly preferably designed as a liquid deflector. It can thereby be advantageously avoided that wiping liquid passes under a cover unit of the wiper device. It can thereby be advantageously avoided that liquid accumulates inside the cover unit and overspray effects thus occur.

The wiper device according to the invention is not intended to be limited here to the above-described use and embodiment. In particular, the wiper device according to the invention, in order to perform a function described herein, may have a number of individual elements, components and units which differs from the number mentioned herein. In addition, in the ranges of values indicated in this disclosure, values lying within the limits mentioned are also intended to be considered to be disclosed and usable as desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1to7show a wiper device10. The wiper device10is provided for use on a vehicle. The wiper device10, in particular as part of a window wiper, is provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a window on a vehicle. In order to clean a vehicle window, the wiper device10is coupled to a vehicle.

The wiper device10comprises a wiper arm12. The wiper device10comprises a wiper arm rod14. The wiper device10comprises a wiper arm adapter16. The wiper arm adapter16has a longitudinal axis which is oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the wiper arm rod14. The wiper arm adapter16is connected captively to the wiper arm rod14. The wiper arm12comprises the wiper arm rod14. The wiper arm12comprises the wiper arm adapter16.

The wiper device10comprises a wiper blade18. The wiper device10comprises a wiper blade adapter20. The wiper blade adapter20, in particular the wiper blade18, is mounted on the wiper arm adapter16so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis22, in particular with respect to the wiper arm12. The wiper blade18comprises the wiper blade adapter20.

The wiper arm adapter16comprises a bearing unit24which is provided to mount the wiper blade adapter20on the wiper arm adapter16so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The bearing unit24of the wiper arm adapter16is designed as a side-lock adapter. The wiper arm adapter16has a pin element26. The pin element26is surrounded by the bearing unit24. The pin element26is provided for a mechanical coupling, in particular for a pivotable mounting, of the wiper blade adapter20on the wiper arm adapter16. The pin element26defines the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis22is designed as a longitudinal axis of the pin element26. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis22is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16, in particular of the wiper arm rod14. The longitudinal axis of the pin element26is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The longitudinal axis of the pin element26is oriented substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis22is oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The wiper arm adapter16has a retaining bracket28. The retaining bracket28is surrounded by the bearing unit24of the wiper arm adapter16. A longitudinal axis of the retaining bracket28is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The wiper blade adapter20has at least one mechanical connecting element, not illustrated specifically, for a connection to the wiper arm adapter16, in particular to the pin element26. The mechanical connecting element of the wiper blade adapter20is provided to receive the pin element26of the wiper arm adapter16. The at least one mechanical connecting element is provided to pivotably mount the pin element26. The at least one mechanical connecting element has at least one recess for receiving the pin element26. The at least one recess at least largely forms the at least one mechanical connecting element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis22runs, in particular centrally, through the at least one recess of the mechanical connecting element.

The wiper blade adapter20has a fluidic connecting element30. The fluidic connecting element30is designed as a plug socket, in particular a plug-in coupling, of the wiper blade adapter20. The fluidic connecting element30forms at least one fluid inlet on the wiper blade adapter20. At least two, in particular fluidically separated, fluid ducts run through the wiper blade adapter20, in particular for operating two wiping directions of the wiper blade18with wiping liquid. The wiper blade adapter20, in particular each fluid duct of the wiper blade adapter20, is fluidically connected to a duct unit, not illustrated specifically, of a wiper strip unit of the wiper blade18and/or of a wind deflector unit of the wiper blade18. The wiper blade adapter20has a plurality of fluid-discharging elements32which are each designed as a fluid-discharging nozzle.

The wiper device10comprises a fluidic coupling element34to produce a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element30. An attachment direction, in particular a plug-in direction, of the fluidic coupling element34is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade18, in particular of the wiper blade adapter20, preferably at least in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element34is coupled to the wiper arm adapter16. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter16. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted on the wiper arm adapter16movably with respect to the wiper arm adapter16. The fluidic coupling element34is connected to the wiper arm adapter16via the fluidic connecting element30and the wiper blade adapter20. The fluidic coupling element34is not arranged on the pin element26. The fluidic coupling element34is arranged spaced apart from the pin element26. The fluidic coupling element34is arranged in a region on a side of the retaining bracket28that faces away from the pin element26. The fluidic coupling element34is designed to be connectable to a pivoting of the wiper blade adapter20, in particular about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22, and/or to be releasable to/from the fluidic connecting element30.

The fluidic coupling element34is mounted in a floating manner, in particular two-dimensionally. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted on the retaining bracket28in a two-dimensionally floating manner. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted on the wiper arm adapter16, in particular on the retaining bracket28, in a floating manner in a bearing plane. The bearing plane is a geometrical plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. A movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element34along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16is smaller than a movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element34in the bearing plane at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The fluidic coupling element34is movable in the bearing plane along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16by in particular a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mm. The fluidic coupling element34is movable in the bearing plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16by in particular a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 5 mm. The fluidic coupling element34is movable in the bearing plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16by in particular at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm.

The wiper blade adapter20has a second fluidic connecting element36. The second fluidic connecting element36is substantially identical in its configuration and operation to the fluidic connecting element30. The wiper device10comprises a second fluidic coupling element38to produce a fluidic connection to the second fluidic connecting element36. The second fluidic coupling element38is substantially identical in its configuration and operation to the fluidic coupling element34.

The fluidic coupling element34is mounted so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22with respect to the wiper arm adapter16. The second fluidic coupling element38is mounted so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22with respect to the wiper arm adapter16. The fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38are provided to move with the wiper blade18during a wiping operation, in particular to pivot with respect to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The fluidic coupling element34is connected to the wiper arm adapter16so as to be at least pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter16, in particular the pin element26, in particular at least by 2°, preferably at least by 5°, particularly preferably at least by 10° and very particularly preferably at least by 15°. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted on the wiper arm adapter16in a transversely displaceable manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter16. In a connected state of the fluidic coupling element34and of the fluidic connecting element30, the fluidic coupling element34can follow a pivoting movement of the wiper blade adapter20with respect to the wiper arm adapter16about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22by means of a movable, in particular transversely displaceable, mounting.

In the present case, the wiper arm adapter16has two bearing recesses40,42. The two bearing recesses40,42are formed analogously with respect to each other. The two bearing recesses40,42are identical. The wiper arm adapter16has a bearing recess40. The bearing recess40is arranged on the retaining bracket28. The bearing recess40is arranged on a wing element44of the retaining bracket28, said wing element extending at least substantially parallel to the bearing plane. The wiper arm adapter16has a second bearing recess42. The bearing recesses40,42are provided to permit a movement of the fluidic coupling element34and of the second fluidic coupling element38during a wiping operation. The fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38are arranged between the two bearing recesses40,42. The fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38delimit the two bearing recesses40,42. The two bearing recesses40,42are arranged in alignment with each other along an axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The two bearing recesses40,42are arranged on sides of the fluidic coupling element34facing away from each other.

The bearing recess40has a profile46. The fluidic coupling element34can move along the profile46. The profile46is in the form of a circular arc segment. The circular arc segment lies in the bearing plane. A center point of the circular arc segment lies on the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The second bearing recess42has the same profile46which, however, is not illustrated for reasons of clarity.

The fluidic coupling element34has a bearing extension48. The bearing extension48is guided in the bearing recess40. The bearing extension48is mounted in a floating manner in the bearing recess40. The bearing extension48is mounted in a floating manner about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22in the bearing recess40. The bearing extension48is hooked in the bearing recess40. The fluidic coupling element34is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter16, preferably by means of the bearing extension48which is hooked, in particular captively, in the bearing recess40.

The second fluidic coupling element38has a second bearing extension, not illustrated specifically. The second bearing extension is guided in the second bearing recess42. The second bearing extension is mounted in a floating manner in the second bearing recess42. The second bearing extension is mounted in the second bearing recess42in a floating manner about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The second bearing extension is hooked in the second bearing recess42. The second fluidic coupling element38is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter16, preferably by means of the second bearing extension which is hooked, in particular captively, in the second bearing recess42.

In principle, in an alternative configuration, it would also be conceivable for the wiper arm adapter16to have the bearing extensions48and for the fluidic coupling elements34,38to have the bearing recesses40,42.

The bearing recess40comprises an installation opening50by means of which the bearing extension48is insertable into the bearing recess40. By means of the installation opening50, the bearing recess40forms an open profile. The fluidic coupling element34is coupled to the wiper arm adapter16so as to be releasable from the wiper arm adapter16. The installation opening50runs in a plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22and at least substantially perpendicular to the profile46of the bearing recess40. The installation opening50is arranged in a region which intersects the profile46of the bearing recess40at least substantially in the center of the profile46. The installation opening50runs in the plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22and at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22is designed as the bearing plane. During a coupling and/or decoupling of the fluidic coupling element34to/from the wiper arm adapter16, the fluidic coupling element34is pivotable onto the profile46of the bearing recess40or is pivotable out of the profile46of the bearing recess40by means of the installation opening50via an axis which intersects the bearing extension48and which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The second bearing recess42comprises a second installation opening which is formed at least substantially identically to the installation opening50of the bearing recess40.

The wiper device10comprises a latching unit52. The latching unit52is formed integrally with the fluidic coupling element34. The latching unit52is formed integrally with the second fluidic coupling element38. The fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38are formed integrally. The fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38are connected to each other via the latching unit52. The latching unit52is provided to be coupled to two corresponding latching elements54,56of the wiper blade adapter20. The two corresponding latching elements54,56of the wiper blade adapter20are arranged between the fluidic connecting element30and the second fluidic connecting element36. The latching unit52is provided to couple the fluidic coupling element34in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic connecting element30. The latching unit52is provided to couple the second fluidic coupling element38in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the second fluidic connecting element36. The latching unit52is designed as a snap-action closure. The latching unit52has two opposite gripping elements58,60which, when the two gripping elements58,60are deflected toward each other, are provided to decouple the latching unit52from the two corresponding latching elements54,56.

The wiper device10comprises a fluid line62. The fluid line62is in the form of a hose. The fluid line62extends along the wiper arm rod14. The fluid line62is connected to the fluidic coupling element34and is provided to transport wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod14to the fluidic coupling element34.

The wiper device10comprises a second fluid line64. The second fluid line64is in the form of a hose. The second fluid line64extends along the wiper arm rod14. The second fluid line64is connected to the second fluidic coupling element38and is provided to transport wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod14to the second fluidic coupling element38.

The wiper device10comprises a heating element66which is arranged in the fluid line62and in the second fluid line64and extends through the fluid line62and the second fluid line64. The heating element66is provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating element66is guided from the fluid line62into the second fluid line64in a region of the fluidic coupling element34and of the second fluidic coupling element38. The heating element66is provided for heating the fluid line62. The heating element66is provided for heating the second fluid line64. The heating element66is provided for heating the fluidic coupling element34. The heating element66is provided for heating the second fluidic coupling element38. The heating element66is guided from the fluid line62into the second fluid line64in a region between the fluidic coupling element34and the pin element26. The heating element66is guided from the fluid line62into the second fluid line64through an opening of the fluidic coupling element34and through a second opening of the second fluidic coupling element38.

The wiper device10comprises a closure element68. The closure element68is provided to close, in particular to seal, the opening of the fluidic coupling element34. The closure element68is also provided to close, in particular to seal, the second opening of the second fluidic coupling element38. The closure element68is provided to prevent fluid from emerging from the fluidic coupling element34and from the second fluidic coupling element38. The closure element68is provided to prevent a fluid exchange between the fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38. The closure element68receives the heating element66. In a mounted state, the heating element66is arranged on the closure element68. The closure element68is designed as protection for the heating element66.

The wiper device10comprises an electrical connecting element70which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter16so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The electrical connecting element70is designed as a female coupling. The wiper device10comprises a fastening element72which is provided to mount the electrical connecting element70pivotably on the wiper arm adapter16. The electrical connecting element70is integrated in the fastening element72. The electrical connecting element70is formed integrally with the fastening element72. The fastening element72is pivotable together with the wiper blade18about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The fastening element72is connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the pin element26. The fastening element72is mounted pivotably on the pin element26. The fastening element72extends into a region within the wiper arm adapter16. The fastening element72is in the form of a clip for producing a connection to the pin element26.

The wiper device10comprises an electrical coupling element74for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element70. The electrical coupling element74is designed as a male coupling. The wiper blade adapter20has a receptacle76for the electrical coupling element74. The receptacle76is designed in the manner of a portal. The receptacle76completely surrounds the electrical coupling element74in a sectional plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22. The electrical coupling element74is provided to be coupled fixedly to the wiper blade adapter20by means of a latching connection. The electrical coupling element74has a latching element78which is provided to form the latching connection. In a latched state, the latching element78of the electrical coupling element74reaches behind the receptacle76of the wiper blade adapter20.

The wiper blade18comprises a wiper blade heating unit which is provided to heat the wiper blade18. The wiper blade heating unit has a wiper blade heating element80. The wiper blade heating element80is flexible. The wiper blade heating element80is strip-shaped. The wiper blade heating element80is provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The wiper blade heating element80is provided to distribute thermal energy along the wiper blade18, in particular for heating fluid ducts in the wind deflector unit, the wiper blade adapter20and/or end caps of the wiper blade18. The wiper blade heating element80is also provided to heat a wiping lip of the wiper blade18. The wiper blade heating element80is arranged on the wiper strip unit of the wiper blade18and/or on the wind deflector unit of the wiper blade18. The wiper blade heating unit has the electrical coupling element74. The electrical coupling element74is provided to provide an electrical connection for heating the wiper blade18. The electrical coupling element74is provided to be mounted together with the wiper blade adapter20on the wiper arm adapter16. The electrical coupling element74is provided to be coupled to the fastening element72, in particular to the electrical connecting element70.

The wiper device10comprises a retaining element82. The retaining element82is fixedly connected to the wiper arm adapter16by means of a latching connection. In the present case, the retaining element82is provided to fix an electrical line84, which is connected fixedly to the electrical connecting element70, to the wiper arm adapter16. The electrical line84is provided for providing electrical energy for the wiper blade heating unit. The wiper device10comprises the electrical line84. The electrical line84extends at least along the wiper arm rod14. In the present case, the electrical line84is of two-core design. The electrical line84has two cores86,88. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the electrical line84to have a different number of cores. The cores86,88are in each case insulated. Apart from free end regions of the electrical line84, the electrical line84has a sheath which surrounds the cores86,88. The retaining element82is fastened directly to the wiper arm adapter16. The retaining element82is fastened to the wiper arm adapter16from a lower side of the wiper arm adapter16. In a completely mounted state, the electrical line84which is fixed to the retaining element82is arranged on a side of the wiper arm adapter16that faces away from the fluidic coupling element34. The retaining element82is arranged adjacent to the fastening element72. A longitudinal axis of the retaining element82is oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter16. The retaining element82is plate-like, with the retaining element82having a plurality of ribs which extend perpendicularly away from a base plate of the retaining element82. The ribs are at least partially provided with at least one latching element. The retaining element82is attached in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the wiper arm adapter16by means of at least one latching element, not illustrated specifically, of the retaining element82. The electrical line84is fixed in a form-fitting manner to the retaining element82by means of two latching elements90,92of the retaining element82. The wiper device10comprises a cover unit which has a cap element94. The cap element94is provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover the wiper blade adapter20, in particular the wiper arm adapter16. The cap element94is provided to cover at least the fluidic coupling element34and the second fluidic coupling element38in relation to an environment. The cap element94is provided to cover at least the fastening element72, the electrical connecting element70and the electrical coupling element74in relation to an environment. The fastening element72is designed as a liquid deflector. The fastening element72extends as far as an outer edge of the cap element94. The cap element94is provided to cover at least the retaining element82in relation to an environment. The retaining element82is designed as a liquid deflector. The retaining element82extends as far as an outer edge of the cap element94. The cap element94is formed by a shell-like cover cap. The cover unit is connected captively to the wiper arm12, in particular to the wiper arm adapter16. In the present case, the pivot axis of the cap element94is oriented parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis22.

The fluid line62, the second fluid line64and the electrical line84are bunched at a vehicle-side end96of the wiper device10. The vehicle-side end of the fluid line62has an attachment unit98to produce a fluidic connection of the fluid line62to a wiping liquid container and/or to a wiping liquid pump. The attachment unit98is T-shaped. The attachment unit98can have at least one non-return valve. The attachment unit98has a heating element attachment100. One end of the heating element66is connected to the heating element attachment100. The vehicle-side end of the second fluid line64has a second attachment unit102to produce a fluid connection of the second fluid line64to a wiping liquid container and/or to a wiping liquid pump. The second attachment unit102is T-shaped. The second attachment unit102can have at least one nonreturn valve. The second attachment unit102has a second heating element attachment104. A second end of the heating element66is connected to the second heating element attachment104.

The wiper device10comprises a vehicle-side electrical coupling element106. The vehicle-side electrical coupling element106is designed as a male coupling. In the present case, the vehicle-side electrical coupling element106comprises four poles. Two of the four poles are provided for the wiper blade heating element80. Two further of the four poles are provided for the heating element66. The electrical line84is electrically connected at its vehicle-side end to the vehicle-side electrical coupling element106.

The wiper device10comprises a further electrical line108. The further electrical line108is electrically connected to the vehicle-side electrical coupling element106. The further electrical line108is connected to the heating element attachment100and to the second heating element attachment104. The further electrical line108is of two-core design. The further electrical line108has two cores110,112. The two cores110,112of the further electrical line108are in each case insulated. In contrast to the electrical line84, the further electrical line108does not have a sheath which surrounds the cores110,112. The cores110,112of the further electrical line108are at least partially separated from each other. One of the two cores110of the further electrical line108is connected to the heating element attachment100. Another of the two cores112of the further electrical line108is connected to the second heating element attachment104. The fluid line62and the second fluid line64are connected to the electrical line84via the further electrical line108at the vehicle-side end96of the wiper device10.

The wiper device10comprises a fastening means114which is provided to fix the two cores110,112of the further electrical line108to the electrical line84. The fastening means114is designed as a tape which surrounds the electrical line84and the further electrical line108. The fastening means114can be designed, for example, as a loop and hook tape or as a cable tie. The wiper device10comprises a further fastening means116which is provided to fix the two cores110,112of the further electrical line108to the fluid line62and to the second fluid line64. The further fastening means116is designed as a tape which surrounds the fluid line62, the second fluid line64and the further electrical line108. The further fastening means116can be designed, for example, as a loop and hook tape or as a cable tie. As a result, the cores110,112of the further electrical line108can advantageously be arranged on the fluid line62and on the second fluid line64. An advantageously simple and secure installation and/or removal of the wiper device10can thereby take place.