Wiper arm for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle, wiper blade and wiper device

The invention relates to a wiper arm (10) for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle, with a receiving region (11) for a wiper blade adapter (55) consisting of several wiper blade adapter elements (56; 56a, 57; 57a, 58), wherein the wiper arm (10) has a securing element (65; 65a) which at least partially covers the receiving region (11), wherein the securing element (65; 65a) is constructed such that it is movable between a dismantling position, in which the wiper blade adapter (55) is removed from the receiving region (11), and a locking position, in which the wiper blade adapter (55) is held in the receiving region (11), wherein an adapter element (75) serving to supply washing fluid and/or to supply power is arranged in the receiving region (11), and wherein the adapter element (75), on the one hand, can be connected to a supply line for the washing fluid and/or to an electric line (79) and, on the other hand, has an outlet (77) for the washing fluid and/or a plug connection (78) for the electric line (79), wherein the outlet (77) and/or the plug connection (78) can be connected to a first wiper blade adapter element (56; 56a).

PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a wiper arm for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim1. The invention also relates to a wiper blade, in particular for fastening on a wiper arm according to the invention, and to a wiper device, consisting of a wiper arm according to the invention and a wiper blade according to the invention.

A wiper arm according to the preamble of claim1is already known. It has a slide-like securing element which is connected to the wiper arm and serves for holding a wiper blade adapter in a receiving region of the wiper arm. Also provided in the wiper arm is an adapter element, which is intended for supplying washing fluid and, during mounting or dismantling of a wiper blade, forms a hydraulic connection to the wiper blade.

Furthermore, DE 10 2011 118 220 A1 discloses a wiper arm which has a U-shaped cross section in a receiving region for a wiper blade adapter of a wiper blade. On the side facing the wiper blade adapter, receiving openings for projections arranged on the wiper blade adapter are formed on the side walls of the receiving region, starting from in each case a lower boundary edge of the side wall. It is also the case that the receiving region of the wiper arm is covered by a securing element, which likewise has substantially a U-shaped cross section and is arranged such that it can be displaced between a mounting or dismantling position for the wiper blade and an operating position for the wiper blade, the wiper blade being secured on the wiper arm in said operating position. The operations of mounting the wiper blade on the wiper arm and of dismantling the same therefrom take place substantially perpendicularly to the extent of the wiper blade or of the wiper arm.

Also known from the prior art are so-called “Aquablade” wiper blades in which a washing fluid is guided to spray openings on the longitudinal sides of the wiper blade. The wiper blade is supplied with the washing fluid here usually via a supply line in the form of a flexible hose guided within the wiper arm. The hose is hydraulically connected, at least indirectly, to the wiper blade adapter. The essential factor here is that the connections known from the prior art in this case usually take place in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm, and therefore such connections are not suitable, in the case of the wiper arm according to DE 10 2011 118 220 A1 mentioned in the introduction, to ensure the hydraulic supply of the wiper blade with washing fluid at the same time, and without additional manual intervention, as the wiper blade is being mounted or dismantled.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from the prior art presented, the object of the invention is to develop a wiper arm for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim1such that said wiper arm is suitable, along with relatively straightforward mounting, to establish both a hydraulic and an electrical connection between a wiper blade and a wiper arm via the adapter element, and wherein, at the same time, the operations of hydraulically and electrically coupling the wiper blades to the adapter element in the wiper arm, and separating the same therefrom, should be separate from the actual direction in which the wiper blade is mounted on the wiper arm or dismantled therefrom. This object is achieved according to the invention, in the case of a wiper arm for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle having the features of claim1, in that the first wiper blade adapter element, which can be connected to the adapter element, is coupled to the securing element such that, in a manner corresponding to the position of the securing element in the locking position, the adapter element is connected to the first wiper blade adapter element and, in the dismantling position, the adapter element is separated from the first wiper blade adapter element.

In other words, by virtue of the securing element being coupled to a wiper blade adapter element, a movement of the securing element simultaneously recauses the wiper blade to be coupled hydraulically and electrically to the adapter element in the wiper arm. During dismantling, therefore, first of all, a corresponding movement of the securing element causes the hydraulic and electrical connection of the wiper blade to be released from the adapter element in the wiper arm and then a corresponding movement on the wiper arm causes the wiper blade to be pulled out of the receiving region of the wiper arm. A wiper blade is mounted on a wiper arm according to the invention in an analogous manner in that the wiper blade first of all is introduced into the receiving region of the wiper arm, and in that then a corresponding movement of the securing element causes the wiper blade adapter element of the wiper blade, on the one hand, to enable the hydraulic and electrical coupling of the wiper blade to the adapter element in the wiper arm and, on the other hand, to block the wiper blade in the receiving opening of the wiper arm.

Advantageous developments of the wiper arm according to the invention for a windscreen wiper system of a motor vehicle are given in the dependent claims.

A particularly preferred design is one in which the coupling of the securing element to the first wiper blade adapter element takes place via a form-fitting connection, which has a projection on the securing element or on the first wiper blade adapter element, said projection engaging in an opening on the first wiper blade adapter element or on the securing element. Such a design makes it possible, by virtue of the projection being introduced into the opening in a particularly straightforward manner, for the wiper blade adapter to be connected, or coupled, to the securing element in the manner desired. It is likewise the case that the two elements are separated particularly straightforwardly by virtue of the projection being guided out of the opening.

A particular provision is made for the outlet and/or the plug connection to be aligned with the actuating direction of the securing element.

The invention also covers a wiper blade, in particular also for fastening on a wiper arm according to the invention, wherein the wiper blade comprises a wiper blade adapter consisting of several wiper blade adapter elements and constructed to be received in a wiper arm, wherein the direction in which the wiper blade adapter is mounted on the wiper arm, or dismantled therefrom, runs substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. Provision is made according to the invention for a first wiper blade adapter element of the wiper blade adapter to have formed on it an inlet for supplying a washing fluid and/or a connection element for supplying power, and for the inlet and/or the connection element to be oriented perpendicularly to the direction in which the wiper blade adapter is mounted on the wiper arm or dismantled therefrom.

In the configuration of the wiper blade adapter which is particularly preferred in design terms, provision is made for the wiper blade adapter to have at least three wiper blade adapter elements, the first wiper blade adapter element, which is constructed to be connected to an adapter element on the wiper arm, a second wiper adapter element, on the side walls of which extensions are constructed for introducing into receiving openings of a wiper arm, and a third wiper blade adapter element, which is connected to the wiper blade body.

In order, on the one hand, to allow the required swivelability of the wiper blade on the wiper arm and, on the other hand, to realize the desired coupling of the securing element to the wiper blade adapter element, it is particularly preferred if the second and the third wiper blade adapter elements are arranged such that they can be swiveled in relation to one another, and if the first wiper blade adapter element is arranged such that it can be swiveled in relation to the third wiper blade adapter element and can be moved in a translatory manner in relation to the second wiper blade adapter element.

In order to achieve the swivelability between the first and the third wiper blade adapter elements, provision is made in design terms for the first wiper blade adapter element to have first extensions, which engage in recesses of the third wiper blade adapter element to achieve the swivelability between the first and the third wiper blade adapter elements.

In the case of such a design, provision may also be made, in a further-reaching embodiment for the first extensions to form a stop for delimitation of the swivel angle between the first and the third wiper blade adapter elements.

In order to achieve the translatory movement of the first wiper blade adapter element, provision is made for the first wiper blade adapter element to have formed on it second extensions or holding webs, which engage in a guide or in a slot-shaped receiving opening to achieve the translatory movement between the first and the second wiper blade adapter elements.

Further advantageous configurations of the invention relate, in particular, to the orientation of the individual wiper blade adapter elements in relation to one another in the mounted or dismantled state. Thus, in a first configuration, provision is made for the third wiper blade adapter element to have formed on it third, preferably cylindrical, extensions which, for forming a latching connection in a mounted or dismantled position of the wiper blade adapter, engage in holding openings which are formed on the second wiper blade adapter element.

A further configuration makes provision for the first wiper blade adapter element to have formed on it fourth, preferably cylindrical, extensions which, at least for delimitation of the translatory movement of the first wiper blade adapter element, cooperate with holding openings formed on the third wiper blade adapter element.

Finally, the invention also covers a wiper device for cleaning vehicle windows, comprising a wiper arm according to the invention and a wiper blade according to the invention.

Like elements and elements having a like function are provided with like designations in the figures.

FIG. 1illustrates a first wiper device100of a windscreen wiper system for cleaning a motor-vehicle window (not shown). The wiper device100has a wiper arm10, which is illustrated merely in part, and a wiper blade50, which is fastened in an interchangeable manner on the wiper arm10. The wiper blade50comprises a rubber component51, which can be positioned against the vehicle window and is arranged within a wiper blade body52. The elongate wiper blade body52has, at each of its two end regions, a covering cap53,54and, on at least one longitudinal side, spray openings for applying a washing fluid to the vehicle window, said spray openings being known from the prior art and therefore not being illustrated. Furthermore, the wiper blade50, as is likewise known per se from the prior art, is designed in the form of a heatable wiper blade50.

A wiper blade adapter55is connected to the wiper blade body52of the wiper blade50, as can be seen in particular with reference toFIG. 2. The wiper blade adapter55serves for fastening the wiper blade50on the wiper arm10in an interchangeable manner. The wiper blade adapter55consists of three interconnected wiper blade adapter elements56to58. The wiper blade adapter elements56to58are formed as injection mouldings from plastics material, wherein the second wiper blade adapter element57and the third wiper blade adapter element58are arranged such that they can be swiveled in relation to one another along an axis of rotation59, so as to ensure that, when the wiper arm10is swiveled during wiper operation, the wiper blade50is adapted to, and butts against, the usually curved vehicle window.

The wiper arm10, which consists of sheet metal, is constructed in the form of a punched/bent part and has in a receiving region11for the wiper blade adapter55a substantially U-shaped cross section. Provided for this purpose in the receiving region11are two side walls12, which are arranged parallel to one another, and a transversal wall13, which connects the two side walls12to one another and forms the upper side of the wiper arm10in the receiving region11. On that side of the two side walls12which faces away from the transverse wall13, said side walls each have two receiving openings14,15, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm10. The two receiving openings14,15have side edges running perpendicularly to the transverse wall13and parallel to a direction, indicated by the double arrow18, in which the wiper blade50is mounted on the wiper arm10or dismantled therefrom (wherein the mounting or dismantling direction is arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm in the receiving region11). The receiving openings14,15cooperate in a form-fitting manner with extensions61,62, which are formed in one piece on the sides of the second wiper blade adapter element57and can be introduced into the receiving openings14,15. In the case of extensions61,62being introduced into the receiving openings14,15, the upper side63of the second wiper blade adapter element57terminates approximately flush with the underside of the transverse wall13of the wiper arm10.

In order to secure the wiper blade adapter55or the wiper arm10in a wiping or operating position, the wiper arm10is covered, at least in the receiving region11, by a securing element65having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The securing element65is arranged such that it can be moved back and forth in the direction of the double arrow66(in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the double arrow18) and encloses, or covers, the receiving region11on the wiper arm10on the side facing away from the wiper blade50. The securing element65, which consists of plastics material and is constructed in the form of an injection moulding, has an upper side67, which is arranged to cover over the transverse wall13of the wiper arm10. The securing element65also comprises two side walls69,70, which are arranged parallel to one another and on which inwardly projecting holding projections71are formed on the side facing away from the upper side67. As is known per se from the prior art, the holding projections71serve to free or close the receiving openings14,15on the wiper arm10, depending the position of the securing element65. In order for the wiper blade50to be mounted on the wiper arm10, or dismantled therefrom, the securing element65is in such a position that the holding projections71free the receiving openings14,15on the wiper arm10, and therefore it is possible for the wiper blade50to be introduced by way of its extensions61,62into the receiving openings14,15in the mounting direction, running substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade, or pulled out of the same in the dismantling direction, running substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. In order to secure the wiper blade50on the wiper arm10, the securing element65can be moved in the direction of the wiper arm10until it reaches a locking position, which is achieved by stops72,73, formed on the inside of the side walls69,70, when said stops engage in holding openings74on the wiper arm10. In this position, the holding projections71block the receiving openings14,15and prevent the wiper blade50from moving in the direction of the double arrow18on the wiper arm10.

Within the U-shaped cross section of the wiper arm10, the wiper arm10has arranged in it an adapter element75for supplying washing fluid and for supplying power to the heating device of the wiper blade50, said heating device being arranged in the wiper blade body52. The adapter element75, which is constructed in the form of an injection moulding, has on the side facing away from the wiper blade50two inflow connectors76for the washing fluid, said connectors being connected to supply hoses (not illustrated) which are arranged in the cross section of the wiper arm10and are connected to a washing fluid source. In extension of the inflow connectors76, the latter have, on the side facing the wiper blade adapter55, to outlets77for the washing fluid. Arranged above, and parallel to, the outlets77are two connection plugs78, which serve to transmit power and are connected, on the side facing away from the wiper blade adapter55, to lines79guided within the wiper arm10. The outlets77and the connection plugs78run parallel to the transverse wall13of the wiper arm10or parallel to the direction of the double arrow66, that is to say in the displacement direction of the securing element65.

The adapter element75is connected to the wiper arm10by a latching connection. For this purpose, the adapter element75has on side walls facing away from one another a respective holding protuberance81, which has a rectangular outer contour with two round end edges. The retaining protuberances81engage in holding openings21on the wiper arm10, said holding openings being formed in a manner corresponding to the contour of the retaining protuberances81, such that the adapter element75is arranged at least substantially rigidly within the wiper arm10.

The adapter element75cooperates with the first wiper blade adapter element56. For this purpose, the first wiper blade adapter element56has on the side facing the adapter element75two entry connectors82, which can be connected to the outlets77, and a plug connection element83. The essential factor is for the first wiper blade adapter element56to be arranged, within the cross section of the wiper arm10, such that it can be moved in a translatory manner parallel to the transverse wall13or to the direction of the double arrow66, that is to say in the displacement direction of the securing element65. For this purpose, the first wiper blade adapter element56has on the side facing away from the adapter element75two plate-like driver elements84,85or holding projections, which serve as end-side terminations and engage with form-fitting action, in a manner corresponding to the illustration ofFIG. 3, in holding openings86of the securing element65, said holding openings being arranged on the underside or inner side of the securing element65.

The first wiper blade adapter element56has furthermore, approximately in the centre of each side surface, a cylindrically formed first extension87, which engages in an in particular slot-shaped aperture constructed in the third wiper blade adapter element58, and therefore the first wiper blade adapter element56is mounted such that it can be rotated in relation to the third wiper blade adapter element58about the axis of rotation of the first extensions87. On the upper side of the first wiper blade adapter element56, the latter also has outwardly projecting second extensions88, which are each rectangular in plan view and, with the wiper blade adapter55in the mounted state, butt against the inner side or underside of the second wiper blade adapter element57, which has a U-shaped cross section. On that side of the second extensions88which faces away from the second wiper blade adapter element57, said extensions project up to the upper sides89of the side walls90of the third wiper blade adapter element58, which likewise has a substantially U-shaped cross section and therefore the second extensions88are guided between the two wiper blade adapter elements56,58, in order to allow the translatory movement of the first wiper blade adapter element56.

The electrical connection between the first wiper blade adapter element56and the third wiper blade adapter element58takes place by means of connecting lines91arranged in the region of the first wiper blade adapter element56. Short connecting hoses92are likewise provided, and these ensure the hydraulic supply to the wiper blade body52or the third wiper blade adapter element58from the first wiper blade adapter element56.

Instead of the cylindrically formed first extensions87, provision may be made, in a manner corresponding to the illustration ofFIGS. 4 and 5, for the first extensions87ato be constructed in the form of elongate extensions87a. As a result, in a manner corresponding to the illustration ofFIG. 5, the underside93of the first extension87a, in order to limit the swivel angle between the first wiper blade adapter element56and the third wiper blade adapter element58, butts against the upper side89of the side wall90of the third wiper blade adapter element58when the maximum swivel angle is reached. In contrast, with reference to the illustration ofFIG. 3, when use is made of first extensions57, it can be seen that it is possible to realize a pivot angle between the wiper blade adapter elements56and58which is larger than that achievable when use is made of first extensions87a.

Also formed on the outer sides of the side walls90of the third wiper blade adapter element58are third extensions94, which, in the form of cross-sectionally cylindrically formed third extensions94cooperate with holding openings95formed on the second wiper blade adapter element57. Finally, on the side facing the adapter element75, the first wiper blade adapter element56has, in the region of each of its two side surfaces facing away from one another, fourth extensions96, which are likewise circular in cross section. The fourth extensions96cooperate with further holding openings97, formed on the third wiper blade adapter element58, and delimit the translatory displaceability of the first wiper blade adapter element56in relation to the third wiper blade adapter element58, since the further holding openings97act as stop elements for the fourth extensions96.

The operation of dismantling the wiper blade50from the wiper arm10will now be explained with reference to the sequence of figures shown inFIGS. 6 to 8: first of all, it is necessary to align the wiper blade50or the third wiper blade adapter element58parallel to the wiper arm10in the receiving region11. This takes place by for example the wiper arm10being rotated clockwise in the direction of the arrow98(FIG. 6). The corresponding alignment of the wiper blade50in relation to the wiper arm10is illustrated inFIG. 7. Then, the securing element65is moved in the direction of the arrow99, wherein the coupling between the securing element65and the first wiper blade adapter element56means that the latter is moved along as well. The movement of the securing element65, on the one hand, frees the receiving openings14,15on the wiper arm10; on the other hand, the hydraulic and electrical connection between the wiper blade adapter55and the adapter element75is released via the first wiper blade adapter element56. Thereafter, in a manner corresponding to the illustration ofFIG. 8, a relative movement takes place between the wiper arm10and the wiper blade50or the wiper blade adapter55in the direction of the arrow101, as a result of which the wiper blade adapter55can be removed from the receiving region11of the wiper arm10. The operation of mounting the wiper blade50or the wiper blade adapter55on the wiper arm10takes place in an analogous manner in reverse order.

FIG. 9illustrates a second, modified wiper device100, which differs from the above described embodiment in particular by way of a differently constructed wiper blade adapter55a. In particular, it can be seen that the first wiper blade adapter element56ahas on its upper side a knob-like elevation110, in the centre of which a (cylindrical) receiving opening111is formed. As can be seen in particular with reference to the illustration ofFIG. 11, the elevation110also has a T-shaped cross section with two holding webs112, which engage in slot-shaped receiving openings113formed on the inner side or underside of the second wiper blade adapter element57a. Via the holding webs112and receiving openings113, the first wiper blade adapter element56ais arranged such that it can be moved in a translatory manner, in the direction of the double arrow114in relation to the second wiper blade adapter element57a.

As can be seen in particular with reference toFIGS. 10, 12 and 13, the receiving opening113has projecting into it a holding projection which is formed on the securing element65a, is in the form of a drive pin115and passes through an elongate, slot-shaped through-opening116formed on the second wiper blade adapter element57a. The securing element65ais thus coupled, or connected, to the first wiper blade adapter element56avia the driver pin115. In a manner analogous to the first-described exemplary embodiment, it is also the case that the first wiper blade adapter element56ahas on opposite side surfaces fourth extensions96a, which engage in corresponding holding openings97aformed on the third wiper blade adapter element58a.

FIG. 12illustrates the operating position of the wiper blade50on the wiper arm10, the first wiper blade adapter element56abeing connected, or coupled, hydraulically and electrically to the adapter element75. In contrast,FIG. 13illustrates the state in which the securing element65a, together with the first wiper blade adapter element56a, has been moved into a mounting or dismantling position, and therefore the first wiper blade adapter element56ais spaced apart from the securing element65aand the electrical and/or hydraulic connection has been interrupted.

The wiper device100described thus far, in particular the wiper arm10and wiper blade50thereof may be modified in a variety of different ways without departing from the concept of the invention.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS