Wiping device, in particular wiping device for a motor vehicle pane

The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a spring element (16a-16g), a retaining unit (10a-10g) that has a retaining element (12a-12g) with a longitudinal guide channel (14a-14g) for guiding the spring element (16a-16g), and comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22g). According to the invention, the spoiler unit (22a-22g) has at least one supporting rib (72a-72g, 74a-74g) that extends from an inner contour of the spoiler (22a-22g) in the form of a projection and that is provided in order to transmit the downforces that occur from the spoiler (22a-22g) to the retaining unit (10a-10g).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wiper device, particularly a motor vehicle windscreen wiper device, having a spring element and a retaining unit, which retaining unit comprises a retaining element with a longitudinal guide channel for guiding the spring element, and having a wind deflector unit is already known in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on a wiper device, particularly a motor vehicle windscreen wiper device, having a spring element and a retaining unit, which retaining unit comprises a retaining element with a longitudinal guide channel for guiding the spring element, and having a wind deflector unit.

It is proposed that the wind deflector unit comprises at least one supporting web, which is provided to transfer contact pressing forces which occur from the wind deflector unit onto the retaining unit, as a result of which the wiper device can be configured in a particularly torsion-resistant manner with a low weight. A “spring element” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a resilient element which has at least one extension, said extension being elastically variable in a normal operating state by at least 10%, particularly by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30% and particularly advantageously by at least 50%, and which particularly generates a counterforce which depends on a change in the extension and is preferably proportional to the change and which counteracts said change. A “retaining unit” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a unit which is provided to connect the wind deflector unit to a wiper strip. A “retaining element” in this context should be particularly understood to mean an element which is provided to connect a wind deflector unit, a spring element and a wiper strip in a form-fitting manner. A “longitudinal guide channel” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a guide channel which extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the retaining unit. The longitudinal guide channel preferably includes a free space and at least one channel wall delimiting the free space. A “longitudinal direction” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a direction which extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the retaining element. A “longitudinal extension” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a largest possible extension. “Substantially” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a deviation of less than 10°, preferably less than 5°. An “extension” of an element in this context should be particularly understood to mean a maximum distance between two points on a perpendicular projection of the element on a plane. A “supporting web” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a web which divides a longitudinal channel disposed between the longitudinal guide channel and wind deflector unit into two longitudinal channels and therefore abuts a longitudinal channel on both sides. A “wind deflector unit” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a unit which is provided to deflect a headwind acting on the wiper device and/or to use it to press a wiper strip against a vehicle pane. A “wiper strip” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a strip which is provided to wipe a vehicle windscreen. The wiper strip is preferably made of a rubber material. “Provided” should be particularly understood to mean specially designed and/or equipped. The wind deflector unit preferably comprises at least one concave outer surface.

In a further embodiment it is proposed that the at least one supporting web bears against the retaining element with one free end, as a result of which contact pressing forces which occur can be transferred particularly evenly to the retaining element.

If the at least one supporting web bears against the spring element with one free end, the wiper device can be designed with a particularly low construction height.

It is proposed that the wind deflector unit is produced using a coextrusion process, by virtue of which the wind deflector unit can be produced in a particularly strong and at the same time cost-effective manner. A “coextrusion process” in this context should be particularly understood to mean the combining of at least two plastic melts of different kinds before they leave a profile nozzle.

In addition, it is proposed that the wind deflector unit comprises two wind deflector subcomponents of different hardnesses, as a result of which the weight can be advantageously reduced and strength increased.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the harder wind deflector subcomponent closes the wind deflector unit laterally, as a result of which the softer wind deflector subcomponent can be advantageously protected from damage. “Laterally” within this context should be particularly understood to mean viewed in a wiping direction. “To close” in this context should be particularly understood to mean to cover, surround and/or conceal.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the softer partial wind deflector subcomponent comprises a longitudinal channel which includes a triangular cross-section, as a result of which savings can advantageously be made in terms of material and weight. “Triangular” in this context should be understood to mean a contour which has three corners. The corners may also be rounded, depending on the particular application.

If the softer wind deflector subcomponent and the harder wind deflector subcomponent are connected to one another in a substance-bonded and planar manner on a plane running parallel to a wiping direction, a particularly stable connection can be achieved between the wind deflector subcomponents. A “wiping direction” in this context should be particularly understood to mean a direction which extends parallel to a surface to be wiped and/or perpendicular to a main orientation of the wiper strip.

It is further proposed that the wiper device comprises a retaining unit which has a retaining element having a longitudinal channel for guiding a spring element, wherein the retaining element has at least one fastening element which is provided to link the wind deflector unit in a form-fitting manner in a mounted state, as a result of which a particularly secure assembly of the wind deflector unit can be achieved. A “fastening element” in this context should be particularly understood to mean an element which is provided to create a form fit with a corresponding component. “To link” in this context should be particularly understood to mean to connect and/or attach.

In a main flow region of the wiper device, joints and therefore flow resistance and/or noise can be avoided if the wind deflector unit bears against the retaining element at least partially laterally in the region of the longitudinal guide channel. “Laterally” in this context should be particularly understood to mean coming from a wiping direction.

It is further proposed that the retaining element comprises at least one fastening means which faces the longitudinal channel with one free end and is provided to create a form fit with the wind deflector unit, as a result of which the wiper device can be designed in a particularly stable manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10awith a retaining element12awhich has a longitudinal guide channel14afor guiding a spring element16a, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12a.

The retaining element12acomprises two fastening elements18a,20a. The fastening elements18a,20aare formed integrally with the retaining element12a. The fastening elements18a,20apoint at their free ends24a,26ain directions facing away from one another, which extend parallel to a wiping direction88a. In addition, the fastening elements18a,20aextend in an L-shape from channel walls36a,38awhich abut the longitudinal guide channel14a. A space between the free ends24a,26ais greater than a width of the longitudinal guide channel14a. The fastening elements18a,20aare provided to link a wind deflector unit22ain a mounted state in a form-fitting manner. The free ends24a,26aof the fastening elements18a,20aare surrounded by the wind deflector unit22afor this purpose. The wind deflector unit22acomprises two L-shaped fastening means44a,46aand also supporting bodies48a,50aabutting the fastening means44a,46a.

To guide the spring element16a, side walls52a,54aof the longitudinal guide channel14abear against the channel walls36a,38a. The channel walls36a,38athereby enclose a right angle with the side walls52a,54a. In addition, a partition wall56ais arranged at the side walls52a,54a, which closes the longitudinal guide channel14ain the direction of a wiper strip40a. The side walls52a,54aextend from the partition wall56ain a direction facing away from the wiper strip40a. The retaining element12ahas a longitudinal opening84a, which opens the longitudinal guide channel14atowards the wind deflector unit22a.

Two L-shaped guide profiles58a,60aof the retaining unit10aare arranged on the partition wall56a. The guide profiles58a,60aare formed integrally with the retaining element12a. The guide profiles58a,60aeach have a lateral guide62a,64aand a vertical guide66a,68a. The vertical guides66a,68aeach enclose an angle of 90° with the lateral guides62a,64a. The vertical guides66a,68apoint to one another in this case. The lateral guides62a,64aeach enclose an angle of 90° relative to the partition wall56a. The guide profiles58a,60apoint at their free ends of the vertical guides66a,68ain directions facing one another. The guide profiles58a,60aand the partition wall56aform a welt track70a, into which the wiper strip40ais inserted.

The retaining element12ais produced integrally from polyethylene by an extrusion process. A person skilled in the art will consider different plastics which seem appropriate in this context, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and/or polystyrene in particular.

The wind deflector unit22ais produced from two wind deflector subcomponents32a,34aof different hardnesses using a coextrusion process. The first wind deflector subcomponent32acomprises two outwardly concave wind deflector sides76a,78a. To reinforce the wind deflector unit22a, the first wind deflector subcomponent32ahas a connecting web80a, which connects the concave wind deflector sides76a,78ato one another. The connecting web80aand the wind deflector sides76a,78aenclose a longitudinal channel82awhich includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32ais configured integrally with the second wind deflector subcomponent34aand is provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34aexhibits a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32a. The L-shaped fastening means44a,46aand also the supporting bodies48a,50aabutting the fastening means44a,46aare integrally formed on the second wind deflector subcomponent34a. The harder wind deflector subcomponent34asurrounds the fastening elements18a,20aand thereby closes the retaining unit10alaterally.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34afurther exhibits two supporting webs72a,74a. The supporting webs72a,74abear against the fastening elements18a,20aof the retaining element12awith their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40a. The supporting webs72a,74aare provided for the transfer of contact pressing forces which arise at the wind deflector unit22awhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72a,74aextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22a.

The spring element16ais inserted into the longitudinal guide channel14a. The spring element16ais produced from spring steel and provided to form the retaining unit10ain an elastically deflecting manner.

For assembly, the spring element16ais initially introduced into the longitudinal guide channel14a. The wiper strip40ais then inserted into the welt track70aand creates a form fit with the retaining element12a. The wind deflector unit22ais pushed via the fastening elements18a,20aand is then connected thereto in a form-fitting manner.

Six further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown inFIGS. 2 to 7. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein reference can be made to the description of the first exemplary embodiment in relation to those components, features and functions which remain the same. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiment inFIG. 1is replaced by the letters b to g in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments inFIGS. 2 to 7. In relation to those components which remain the same, particularly in relation to components with the same reference numbers, reference can be made in principle to the drawings and/or the description of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10bwith a retaining element12bwhich has a longitudinal guiding channel14bfor guiding a spring element16b, as well as a wind deflector unit22b, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12b.

The retaining unit10bcomprises channel walls36b,38bwhich are configured integrally with the retaining element12b. The channel walls36b,38babut the longitudinal guide channel14bon a side facing away from the wiper strip. On the channel walls36b,38b, two longitudinal prolongations90b,92bare arranged on each side facing away from the wiper strip. The wind deflector unit22bexhibits two L-shaped fastening means44b,46band also supporting bodies48b,50babutting the fastening means44b,46b.

To guide the spring element16b, side walls52b,54bof the longitudinal guide channel14bbear against the channel walls36b,38b. The channel walls36b,38bthereby enclose a right angle with the side walls52b,54b. In addition, a partition wall56bis arranged at the side walls52b,54b, which closes the longitudinal guide channel14bin the direction of a wiper strip40b. The side walls52b,54bextend from the partition wall56bin a direction facing away from the wiper strip40b. The retaining element12bhas a longitudinal opening84b, which opens the longitudinal guide channel14btowards the wind deflector unit22b.

Two L-shaped guide profiles58b,60bof the retaining unit10bare arranged on the partition wall56b. The guide profiles58b,60bare formed integrally with the retaining element12b. The guide profiles58b,60beach have a lateral guide62b,64band a vertical guide66b,68b. The vertical guides66b,68beach enclose an angle of 90° with the lateral guides62b,64b. The vertical guides66b,68bin this case point towards one another. The lateral guides62b,64beach enclose an angle of 90° to the partition wall56b. The guide profiles58b,60bpoint at their free ends of the vertical guides66b,68bin directions facing one another. The guide profiles58b,60band the partition wall56bform a welt track70binto which the wiper strip40bis inserted.

The retaining element12bis integrally produced from polyethylene by an extrusion process. A person skilled in the art will consider different plastics which seem appropriate in this context, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and/or polystyrene in particular.

The wind deflector unit22bis produced from two wind deflector subcomponents32b,34b,42bof different hardnesses. The first wind deflector subcomponent32bcomprises two wind deflector sides76b,78bconfigured in an outwardly concave manner. To strengthen the wind deflector unit22b, the first wind deflector subcomponent32bhas a connecting web80b, which connects the concave wind deflector sides76b,78bto one another. The connecting web80band the wind deflector sides76b,78benclose a longitudinal channel82bwhich includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32bis configured integrally with the second wind deflector subcomponent34b,42band provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34b,42bhas a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32b. The L-shaped fastening means44b,46band also the supporting bodies48b,50babutting the fastening means44b,46bare integrally formed on the second wind deflector subcomponent34b,42b. The harder wind deflector subcomponent34b,42bsurrounds the retaining element12bin the region of the longitudinal guide channel14b.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34b,42balso has two supporting webs72b,74b. The supporting webs72b,74bbear against the channel walls36b,38bwith their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40b. The supporting webs72b,74bare provided to transfer contact pressing forces which arise at the wind deflector unit22bwhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72b,74bextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22b. The longitudinal prolongations90b,92beach partially surround the supporting webs72b,74bin a wiping direction88b.

The spring element16bis inserted into the longitudinal guide channel14b. The spring element16bis produced from spring steel and provided to form the retaining unit10bin an elastically deflecting manner.

For assembly, the spring element16bis initially introduced into the longitudinal guide channel14b. The wiper strip40bis then inserted into the welt track70band creates a form fit with the retaining element12b. The wind deflector unit22bis pushed via the retaining elements12band is then connected thereto in a form-fitting manner.

FIG. 3shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10cwith a retaining element12cwhich has a longitudinal guide channel14cfor guiding a spring element16c, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12c. The wiper device shown substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2.

A side strip28c,30cis integrally formed on the retaining element12cin the region of the longitudinal guide channel14con each side pointing in one wiping direction88c. The side strips28c,30ccreate a form fit with a wind deflector unit22cin the mounted state. The form fit prevents the wind deflector unit22cfrom moving in a vertical direction86crelative to the retaining element12c. The vertical direction86cextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the wiping direction88c.

FIG. 4shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10dwith a retaining element12dwhich has a longitudinal guide channel14dfor guiding a spring element16d, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12d. The wiper device shown substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 3.

The retaining unit10dhas channel walls36d,38dwhich are configured integrally with the retaining element12d. The channel walls36d,38dabut the longitudinal guide channel14don a side facing away from the wiper strip. One longitudinal prolongation90d,92dis arranged on each of the channel walls36d,38don a side facing away from the wiper strip.

A side strip28d,30dis integrally formed on the retaining element12din the region of the longitudinal guide channel14don each side pointing in one wiping direction88d. The side strips28d,30dcreate a form fit with a wind deflector unit22din the mounted state. The form fit prevents the wind deflector unit22dfrom moving in a vertical direction86drelative to the retaining element12d. The vertical direction86dextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the wiping direction88d.

The wind deflector unit22dis produced using a coextrusion process from two wind deflector subcomponents32d,34d,42dwith different hardnesses. The first wind deflector subcomponent32dhas two wind deflector sides76d,78dconfigured in an outwardly concave manner. To strengthen the wind deflector unit22d, the first wind deflector subcomponent32dhas a connecting web80dwhich connects the concave wind deflector sides76d,78dto one another. The connecting web80dand the wind deflector sides76d,78denclose a longitudinal channel82dwhich includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32dis integrally configured with the second wind deflector subcomponent34d,42dand is provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34d,42dexhibits a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32d. L-shaped fastening means44d,46dare integrally formed on the second wind deflector subcomponent34d,42dand also on supporting bodies48d,50dabutting the fastening means44d,46d. The harder wind deflector subcomponent34d,42dsurrounds the retaining element12din the region of the longitudinal guide channel14d.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34d,42dalso has two supporting webs72d,74d. The supporting webs72d,74dbear against the spring element16dat their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40d. The supporting webs72d,74dare provided to transfer contact pressing forces to the spring element16dwhich occur at the wind deflector unit22dwhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72d,74dextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22d. The longitudinal prolongations90d,92dbear against the supporting webs72d,74dpartially in a wiping direction88din each case.

FIG. 5shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10ewith a retaining element12ewhich has a longitudinal guide channel14efor guiding a spring element16e, as well as a wind deflector unit22e, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12e.

The longitudinal guide channel14eis trough-shaped in design. The longitudinal guide channel14eis open over the entire width and length in the direction of the wind deflector unit22e.

To guide the spring element16e, the longitudinal guide channel14ehas side walls52e,54e. In addition, a partition wall56eis arranged at the side walls52e,54e, which closes the longitudinal guide channel14ein the direction of a wiper strip40e. The side walls52e,54eextend from the partition wall56ein a direction facing away from the wiper strip40e. The retaining element12ehas a longitudinal opening84ewhich completely opens the longitudinal guide channel14etowards the wind deflector unit22e.

A side strip28e,30eis integrally formed on the retaining element12ein the region of the longitudinal guide channel14eon each side pointing in one wiping direction88e. The side strips28e,30ecreate a form fit with a wind deflector unit22ein the mounted state. The form fit prevents the wind deflector unit22efrom moving in a vertical direction86erelative to the retaining element12e. The vertical direction86eextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the wiping direction88e.

Two L-shaped guide profiles58e,60eof the retaining unit10eare arranged on the partition wall56e. The guide profiles58e,60eare formed integrally with the retaining element12e. The guide profiles58e,60eeach have a lateral guide62e,64eand a vertical guide66e,68e. The vertical guides66e,68eeach enclose an angle of 90° with the lateral guides62e,64e. The vertical guides66e,68epoint to one another in this case. The lateral guides62e,64eeach enclose an angle of 90° relative to the partition wall56e. The guide profiles58e,60epoint at their free ends of the vertical guides66e,68ein directions facing one another. The guide profiles58e,60eand the partition wall56eform a welt track70e, into which the wiper strip40eis inserted.

The retaining element12eis produced integrally from polyethylene by an extrusion process. A person skilled in the art will consider different plastics which seem appropriate in this context, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and/or polystyrene in particular.

The wind deflector unit22eis produced from two wind deflector subcomponents32e,34e,42eof different hardnesses using a coextrusion process. The first wind deflector subcomponent32acomprises two outwardly concave wind deflector sides76e,78e. To reinforce the wind deflector unit22e, the first wind deflector subcomponent32ahas a connecting web80e, which connects the concave wind deflector sides76e,78eto one another. The connecting web80eand the wind deflector sides76e,78eenclose a longitudinal channel82ewhich includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32eis configured integrally with the second wind deflector subcomponent34e,42eand is provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34e,42eexhibits a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32e. The L-shaped fastening means44e,46eand also the supporting bodies48e,50eabutting the fastening means44e,46eare integrally formed on the second wind deflector subcomponent34e,42e. The harder wind deflector subcomponent34e,42esurrounds the retaining element12ein the region of the longitudinal guide channel14e.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34e,42ealso has two supporting webs72e,74e. The supporting webs72e,74ebear against the spring element16ewith their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40e. The supporting webs72e,74eare provided for the transfer of contact pressing forces which arise at the wind deflector unit22ewhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72e,74eextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22e. The supporting webs72e,74eprevent the spring element16efrom moving in the vertical direction86e. The vertical direction86eextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the wiping direction88e.

The spring element16eis inserted into the longitudinal guide channel14e. The spring element16eis produced from spring steel and provided to form the retaining unit10ein an elastically deflecting manner.

For assembly, the spring element16eis initially introduced into the longitudinal guide channel14e. The wiper strip40eis then inserted into the welt track70eand creates a form fit with the retaining element12e. The wind deflector unit22eis pushed via the retaining element12eand then connected thereto in a form-fitting manner.

FIG. 6shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10fwith a retaining element12fwhich has a longitudinal guide channel14ffor guiding a spring element16fand a wind deflector unit22f, as a sectional view. The sectional plane extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12f.

The longitudinal guide channel14fis trough-shaped in design. The longitudinal guide channel14fis opened in the direction of the wind deflector unit22fover the entire width and length.

The longitudinal guide channel14fhas side walls52f,54fto guide the spring element16f. In addition, a partition wall56fis arranged at the side walls52f,54f, which closes the longitudinal guide channel14fin the direction of a wiper strip40f. The side walls52f,54fextend from the partition wall56fin a direction facing away from the wiper strip40f. The retaining element12fhas a longitudinal opening84f, which completely opens the longitudinal guide channel14fto the wind deflector unit22f.

Two L-shaped guide profiles58f,60fof the retaining unit10fare arranged on the partition wall56f. The guide profiles58f,60fare formed integrally with the retaining element12f. The guide profiles58f,60feach have a lateral guide62f,64fand a vertical guide66f,68f. The vertical guides66f,68feach enclose an angle of 90° with the lateral guides62f,64f. The vertical guides66f,68fpoint to one another in this case. The lateral guides62f,64feach enclose an angle of 90° relative to the partition wall56f. The guide profiles58f,60fpoint at their free ends of the vertical guides66f,68fin directions facing one another. The guide profiles58f,60fand the partition wall56fform a welt track70f, into which the wiper strip40fis inserted.

The retaining element12fis produced integrally from polyethylene by an extrusion process. A person skilled in the art will consider different plastics which seem appropriate in this context, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and/or polystyrene in particular.

The wind deflector unit22fis produced from two wind deflector subcomponents32f,34f,42fof different hardnesses using a coextrusion process. The first wind deflector subcomponent32fcomprises two outwardly concave wind deflector sides76f,78f. To reinforce the wind deflector unit22f, the first wind deflector subcomponent32fhas a connecting web80f, which connects the concave wind deflector sides76f,78fto one another. The connecting web80fand the wind deflector sides76f,78fenclose a longitudinal channel82f, which includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32fis configured integrally with the second wind deflector subcomponent34f,42fand is provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34f,42fexhibits a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32f. L-shaped fastening means44f,46fare integrally formed on the second wind deflector subcomponent34f,42f. The harder wind deflector subcomponent34f,42fsurrounds the retaining element12fin the region of the longitudinal guide channel14f.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34f,42falso has two supporting webs72f,74f. The supporting webs72f,74fbear against the spring element16fwith their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40f. The supporting webs72f,74fare provided for the transfer of contact pressing forces which arise at the wind deflector unit22fwhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72f,74fextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22f. The supporting webs72f,74fprevent the spring element16ffrom moving in a vertical direction86f. The vertical direction86fextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to a wiping direction88f.

The spring element16fis inserted into the longitudinal guide channel14f. The spring element16fis produced from spring steel and provided to form the retaining unit10fin an elastically deflecting manner.

For assembly, the spring element16fis initially introduced into the longitudinal guide channel14f. The wiper strip40fis then inserted into the welt track70fand creates a form fit with the retaining element12f. The wind deflector unit22fis pushed via the retaining element12fand is then connected thereto in a form-fitting manner.

FIG. 7shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper device according to the invention having a retaining unit10gwith a retaining element12gwhich has a longitudinal guide channel14gfor guiding a spring element16g, as well as a wind deflector unit22g, as a sectional view. The sectional plane runs perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the retaining element12g.

The longitudinal guide channel14gis trough-shaped in design. The longitudinal guide channel14gis open over the entire width and length in the direction of the wind deflector unit22g.

To guide the spring element16g, the longitudinal guide channel14ghas side walls52g,54g. In addition, a partition wall56gis arranged at the side walls52g,54g, which closes the longitudinal guide channel14gin the direction of a wiper strip40g. The side walls52g,54gextend from the partition wall56gin a direction facing away from the wiper strip40g. The retaining element12ghas a longitudinal opening84g, which opens the longitudinal guide channel14gtowards the wind deflector unit22g.

Two L-shaped guide profiles58g,60gof the retaining element10gare arranged on the partition wall56g. The guide profiles58g,60gare formed integrally with the retaining element12g. The guide profiles58g,60geach have a lateral guide62g,64gand a vertical guide66g,68g. The vertical guides66g,68geach enclose an angle of 90° with the lateral guides62g,64g. The vertical guides66g,68gpoint to one another in this case. The lateral guides62g,64geach enclose an angle of 90° relative to the partition wall56g. The guide profiles58g,60gpoint at their free ends of the vertical guides66g,68gin directions facing one another. The guide profiles58g,60gand the partition wall56gform a welt track70g, into which the wiper strip40gis inserted.

The wind deflector unit22gis produced from two wind deflector subcomponents32g,34gof different hardnesses using a coextrusion process. The first wind deflector subcomponent32gcomprises two outwardly concave wind deflector sides76g,78g. To reinforce the wind deflector unit22g, the first wind deflector subcomponent32ghas a connecting web80g, which connects the concave wind deflector sides76g,78gto one another. The connecting web80gand the wind deflector sides76g,78genclose a longitudinal channel82gwhich includes a triangular cross-section.

The first wind deflector subcomponent32gis configured integrally with the second wind deflector subcomponent34gand is provided to deflect headwind. The second wind deflector subcomponent34gexhibits a greater strength and hardness than the first wind deflector subcomponent32g. The second wind deflector subcomponent34gis integrally formed with the retaining element12gand produced from a plastic. A person skilled in the art will consider different plastics which seem appropriate in this context, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and/or polystyrene in particular.

The second wind deflector subcomponent34gfurther exhibits two supporting webs72g,74g. The supporting webs72g,74gbear against the spring element16gwith their free ends on a side facing away from the wiper strip40g. The supporting webs72g,74gare provided for the transfer of contact pressing forces which arise at the wind deflector unit22gwhen a headwind is encountered. The supporting webs72g,74gextend over the entire length of the wind deflector unit22g. The supporting webs72g,74gprevent the spring element16gfrom moving in a vertical direction86g. The vertical direction86gextends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly to the wiping direction88g.

The spring element16gis inserted into the longitudinal guide channel14g. The spring element16gis produced from spring steel and provided to form the retaining unit10gin an elastically deflecting manner.

For assembly, the spring element16gis introduced into the longitudinal guide channel14g. The wiper strip40gis then inserted into the welt track70gand creates a form fit with the retaining element12g.