Abstract:
The invention is based on a wiper blade adapter, in particular for a motor vehicle wiper device, with a coupling unit ( 10   a;    10   b ). It is proposed that the coupling unit ( 10   a;    10   b ) has at least one first and one second coupling element ( 12   a,    14   a;    12   b,    14   b ), which coupling elements are provided for coupling at least two different types of wiper arm adapters ( 100   a,    110   a,    120   a;    130   b,    140   b ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Wiper blade adapters comprising a coupling unit are already known from the motor vehicle wiper device sector. The coupling unit is provided for coupling to a wiper arm adapter which is arranged on a motor-driven wiper arm. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is based on a wiper blade adapter, in particular for a motor vehicle wiper device, comprising a coupling unit. 
         [0003]    It is proposed that the coupling unit has at least one first and one second coupling element, which are provided for coupling at least two different types of wiper arm adapters, thus enabling particularly flexible use of the wiper blade adapter to be obtained. A “coupling unit” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which is provided for coupling a wiper blade to a wiper arm. A “coupling element” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is provided for providing a coupling region for coupling a wiper arm adapter. “Coupling” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a frictional and/or form-fitting connection. “Different types of wiper arm adapters” in this context are to be understood as meaning, in particular, different wiper arm adapter systems which differ in the design thereof and/or in the fastening function thereof. Variously standardized wiper arm adapter systems are preferred. A first type of a wiper arm adapter in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wiper arm adapter which has a fastening pin and a supporting plate. A further possible type of a wiper arm adapter in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wiper arm adapter which has an elongate, hook-shaped basic body having a curvature of 180°. A further possible type of a wiper arm adapter in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wiper arm adapter which has two return stops and a fastening lug. A further possible type of a wiper arm adapter in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wiper arm adapter which has a fastening recess and a basic body with an S-shaped profile. A further possible type of a wiper arm adapter in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wiper arm adapter which has a fastening recess and walls with fastening means. “Provided” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, specially designed and/or equipped. A “wiper arm adapter” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an adapter which is provided for providing a coupling region of the wiper arm for coupling to the wiper blade adapter. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, it is proposed that the first and second coupling elements are formed by separate components, thus enabling the wiper blade adapter to be adapted in a particularly simple manner for coupling to different types of wiper arm adapters. “Separate components” in this context are to be understood as meaning, in particular, components which are mutually free of material bonds. 
         [0005]    If the first and second coupling elements are designed so as to be detachable from each other, the wiper blade adapter can be adapted in a particularly simple manner for coupling to different types of wiper arm adapters. “Detachable” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, “non-destructively separable”. The wiper blade adapter is particularly advantageously detachable and/or fastenable without a tool. 
         [0006]    If the wiper device has a latching unit which is provided for connecting the first coupling element to the second coupling element via a latching connection, the first and second coupling elements can be connected particularly rapidly and reliably. A “latching unit” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which is provided for producing a latching connection between two components. 
         [0007]    In a further refinement of the invention, it is proposed that at least one of the coupling elements has at least one longitudinal guide element which is provided for guiding a wiper arm during installation, thus enabling the wiper blade adapter to be securely coupled to a wiper arm. A “longitudinal guide element” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is provided for guiding a component in a longitudinal direction. A “longitudinal direction” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a direction which runs parallel to a main longitudinal extent of an element. A “main longitudinal extent” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a greatest possible extent. An “extent” of an element in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a maximum distance between two points of a perpendicular projection of the element onto a plane. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the coupling elements has at least one latching means which is provided for limiting the freedom of movement of a wiper arm adapter in a fitted state, thus enabling simple and rapid coupling to a wiper arm adapter to be achieved. A “latching means” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a spring-elastic means for producing a latching connection, said means being provided so as to be elastically deflected during installation. 
         [0009]    If the wiper blade adapter comprises an enclosure means which is provided for closing off at least part of a coupling element to the outside, the wiper blade adapter and/or a wiper arm adapter can be particularly readily protected from damage and/or corrosion. An “enclosure means” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a means which, in at least one fitted state, forms a substantially visible outer surface and provides a receiving region for the wiper arm adapter unit. “Substantially visible” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, discernible at a glance. The enclosure means preferably at least partially encloses other components. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade adapter has an enclosure means which is provided for limiting the freedom of movement of a wiper arm adapter, thus enabling an advantageous extension of the possibilities of using the wiper blade adapter. 
         [0011]    If at least one enclosure means is mounted movably, a wiper arm adapter can be secured in a particularly simple manner. “Mounted” in this context is to be understood as meaning, in particular, captively connected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Further advantages emerge from the description below of the drawing. The drawing illustrates two exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to provide expedient further combinations. 
           [0013]    In the drawings: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a wiper blade adapter according to the invention, 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a first coupling element of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a second coupling element of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of one type of a wiper arm adapter, 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5   a  to  5   d  show a perspective view of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 1  and of the wiper arm adapter according to  FIG. 4  during an installation sequence, 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a further type of a wiper arm adapter, 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show a perspective view of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 1  and of the wiper arm adapter according to  FIG. 6  during an installation sequence, 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper blade adapter, 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a view of a detail of a first coupling element of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8 , 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows a view of a detail of a second coupling element of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8 , 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an adapter plate of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8 , 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a base adapter of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8 , 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the base adapter according to  FIG. 12  and of a wiper blade in a fitted state, 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a further type of a wiper arm adapter, 
           [0028]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show a perspective view of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8  and of the wiper arm adapter according to  FIG. 14  during an installation sequence, 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a further type of a wiper arm adapter, 
           [0030]      FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  show a perspective view of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8  and of the wiper arm adapter according to  FIG. 16  during an installation sequence, 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a further type of a wiper arm adapter, and 
           [0032]      FIGS. 19   a  and  19   b  show a perspective view of the wiper blade adapter according to  FIG. 8  and of the wiper arm adapter according to  FIG. 18  during an installation sequence. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a wiper blade adapter according to the invention comprising a coupling unit  10   a  which has a first coupling element  12   a  and a second coupling element  14   a.  The first coupling element  12   a  and the second coupling element  14   a  are formed by separate components. The coupling elements  12   a,    14   a  are connected in a form-fitting manner. 
         [0034]    The wiper blade adapter contains a latching unit  16   a  which is provided for connecting the first coupling element  12   a  to the second coupling element  14   a  via a latching connection. For this purpose, the first coupling element  12   a  comprises a latching means  18   a  which is arranged at a free end of the first coupling element  12   a.  The latching means  18   a  is deflectable in a spring-elastic manner out of a starting position and, after a deflection, automatically moves back into the starting position. The first and second coupling elements  12   a,    14   a  are designed so as to be detachable, i.e. non-destructively separable, from each other by means of the latching unit  16   a.  In the fitted state shown, the latching means  18   a  forms a form-fitting connection with the second coupling element  14   a.    
         [0035]    In this case, the latching means  18   a  engages in a latching recess  20   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  ( FIG. 3 ). The latching recess  20   a  is arranged in a covering  22   a  of the coupling element  14   a.  The covering  22   a  is formed in one piece with a basic body  24   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  and closes said basic body off in a vertical direction  26   a.  “In one piece” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, integrally bonded, as, for example, by a welding process and/or adhesive-bonding process, etc., and, particularly advantageously, integrally formed, as by monobloc production and/or production by injection molding using one or more components. The vertical direction  26   a  extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction  28   a,  which runs parallel to a main longitudinal extent of the second coupling element  14   a.    
         [0036]    The second coupling element  14   a  has two circular fastening recesses  30   a,    32   a  which are arranged in the basic body  24   a.  The fastening recesses  30   a,    32   a  are provided for a form-fitting connection to a wiper arm adapter. Furthermore, the second coupling element  14   a  comprises a latching means  34   a  which is arranged at a free end of the basic body  24   a.  Two vertical guide elements  36   a,    38   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  are integrally formed on the basic body  24   a.  The vertical guide elements  36   a,    38   a  are adjacent to inner surfaces  40   a,    42   a  of side walls  44   a,    46   a  of the second coupling element  14   a.  The side walls  44   a,    46   a  are formed in one piece with the covering  22   a  and, together with the latter, form an enclosure means  54   a.  The enclosure means  54   a  closes off part of the second coupling element  14   a  to the outside. The enclosure means  54   a  here forms a longitudinal guide element  60   a  of the second coupling element  14   a,  which is provided for guiding a wiper arm during installation. 
         [0037]    To receive the vertical guide elements  36   a,    38   a,  the first coupling element  12   a  has two vertical guide rails  48   a,    50   a  which are formed by a basic body  52   a.  To produce a latching connection between the first coupling element  12   a  and the second coupling element  14   a,  the second coupling element  14   a  is placed in the vertical direction  26   a  onto the first coupling element  12   a.  In the process, the vertical guide elements  36   a,    38   a  engage in the vertical guide rails  48   a,    50   a  and avoid a movement of the first coupling element  12   a  relative to the second coupling element  14   a  in any direction deviating from the vertical direction  26   a.  By the first coupling element  12   a  being pushed onto the second coupling element  14   a,  the latching means  18   a  is deflected in the longitudinal direction  28   a.  In an end position, the latching means  18   a  latches back and forms a form-fitting connection with the latching recess  20   a.  A movement of the first coupling element  12   a  relative to the second coupling element  14   a  in the vertical direction  26   a  is therefore avoided. To release the latching connection, the latching means  18   a  is deflected and the second coupling element  14   a  is pushed out of the vertical guide rails  48   a,    50   a.    
         [0038]    During a coupling of the wiper blade adapter to a wiper arm adapter, the second coupling element  14   a  has to be removed or placed thereon, depending on a type of the wiper arm adapter. 
         [0039]    The first coupling element  12   a  has a further latching means  56   a  for coupling a wiper arm adapter of a further type. The latching means  56   a  is arranged on the basic body  52   a  and is connected in one piece thereto. During a coupling of a corresponding wiper arm adapter, the latching means  56   a  is deflected in the vertical direction  26   a  out of a starting position and finally moves back again into the latter. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a wiper arm adapter  100   a  which is provided for coupling to the wiper blade adapter. The wiper arm adapter  100   a  has two return stops  102   a  and a fastening lug  104   a.  The return stops  102   a  end flush with side walls  106   a  of the wiper arm adapter  100   a.  The fastening lug  104   a  is designed as an extension at a free end of the wiper arm adapter  100   a.    
         [0041]      FIG. 5   a  shows a perspective view of a first installation step of a coupling of the wiper arm adapter  100   a  to the wiper blade adapter. As viewed in the longitudinal direction  28   a,  the wiper arm adapter  100   a  is arranged in front of the wiper blade adapter. The fastening lug  104   a  is pushed over a latching means  58   a  of the first coupling element  12   a.  The latching means  58   a  is of barb-shaped design and is deflected in the vertical direction  26   a  by the fastening lug  104   a.  In the process, the latching means  58   a  of the first coupling element  12   a  presses onto the latching means  34   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  and deflects the latter likewise in the vertical direction  26   a.    
         [0042]    The wiper arm adapter  100   a  is then pushed into the enclosure means  54   a  and guided by the longitudinal guide element  60   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  ( FIG. 5   b ). Finally, the latching means  34   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  is deflected in the vertical direction  26   a  out of the starting position thereof by the return stops  102   a.  If the wiper arm adapter  100   a  is pushed entirely into the enclosure means  54   a,  the latching means  34   a  springs back into the starting position thereof and avoids pushing the wiper arm adapter  100   a  back out of the fitted state ( FIG. 5   c ). As a result, the freedom of movement of the wiper arm adapter  100   a  in the fitted state is limited. In a variant of the wiper arm adapter  100   a,  the latter has a second fastening lug  108   a  which, in a fitted state, is adjacent to a stop  62   a  of the first coupling element  12   a  ( FIG. 5   d ). 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a wiper arm adapter  110   a  which differs in terms of type from the wiper arm adapter  100   a  from  FIG. 4 . The wiper arm adapter  110   a  has a basic body  112   a  with a fastening recess  114   a.  In an end region  116   a,  the wiper arm adapter  100   a  has an S-shaped profile  118   a.    
         [0044]      FIG. 7   a  shows a perspective view of a first installation step of a coupling of the wiper arm adapter  110   a  to the wiper blade adapter. As viewed in the longitudinal direction  28   a,  the wiper arm adapter  110   a  is arranged in front of the wiper blade adapter. The basic body  112   a  is pushed over the latching means  58   a  of the first coupling element  12   a.  The latching means  58   a  is of barb-shaped design and is deflected in the vertical direction  26   a  by the basic body  112   a.  In the process, the latching means  58   a  of the first coupling element  12   a  presses onto the latching means  34   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  and deflects the latter likewise in the vertical direction  26   a.    
         [0045]    The wiper arm adapter  110   a  is then pushed into the enclosure means  54   a  and guided by the longitudinal guide element  60   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  ( FIG. 7   b ). The latching means  34   a  of the second coupling element  14   a  is deflected in the vertical direction  26   a  out of the starting position thereof by the basic body  112   a.  If the wiper arm adapter  110   a  is pushed entirely into the enclosure means  54   a,  the latching means  34   a  springs back into the starting position thereof, engages in a form-fitting manner in the fastening recess  114   a  and avoids pushing the wiper arm adapter  110   a  back out of the fitted state. The S-shaped profile  118   a  bears against a stop  64   a  of the first coupling element  12   a.    
         [0046]      FIGS. 8 to 19  show a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The descriptions below are restricted essentially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, and, with regard to like components, features and functions, reference can be made to the description of the first exemplary embodiment. In order to differentiate between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference signs of the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 7  has been replaced by the letter b in the reference signs of the exemplary embodiment in  FIGS. 8 to 19 . With regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components with like reference signs, reference can also be made, in principle, to the drawings and/or the description of the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows a further exemplary embodiment of a wiper blade adapter comprising a coupling unit  10   b  which has a first coupling element  12   b  and a second coupling element  14   b.  The first coupling element  12   b  and the second coupling element  14   b  are formed by separate components. The coupling elements  12   b,    14   b  are connected in a form-fitting manner. 
         [0048]    The wiper blade adapter includes a latching unit  16   b  which is provided to connect the first coupling element  12   b  to the second coupling element  14   b  via a latching connection ( FIG. 9 ). For this purpose, the first coupling element  12   b  comprises two latching means  18   b  which secure a movably mounted enclosure means  66   b.  The latching means  18   b  are deflectable in a spring-elastic manner out of a starting position and, after a deflection, automatically move back into the starting position. The first and second coupling elements are designed so as to be detachable from each other, i.e. non-destructively separable, by means of the enclosure means  66   b.  In the fitted state shown, the enclosure means  66   b  forms a form-fitting connection with the second coupling element  14   b.    
         [0049]    In order to detach the two coupling elements  12   b,    14   b,  an actuating means  68   b  of the enclosure means  66   b,  said actuating means being of spring-elastic design, is deflected. The actuating means  68   b  deflects the latching means  18   b  and therefore releases the latching connection to the enclosure means  66   b.  The enclosure means  66   b  is then guided along a guide rail  70   b  which is widened in an end region  72   b.  If the enclosure means  66   b  bears in the end region  72   b  of the guide rail  70   b,  said enclosure means is pivoted about a pivot axis  74   b.  The enclosure means  66   b  can be moved in a translational and rotational manner relative to a basic body  52   b  of the second coupling element  14   b.  In the process, the enclosure means  66   b  partially encloses the second coupling element  14   b.  A covering  22   b  of the second coupling element  14   b  is formed in one piece with a basic body  24   b  of the second coupling element  14   b  and closes off said basic body in a vertical direction  26   b.  The vertical direction  26   b  extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction  28   b  which runs parallel to a main longitudinal extent of the second coupling element  14   b.    
         [0050]    The second coupling element  14   b  has two circular fastening recesses  30   b  which are arranged in the basic body  24   b  ( FIG. 10 ). The fastening recesses  30   b  are provided for a form-fitting connection to a wiper arm adapter. 
         [0051]    Furthermore, the second coupling element  14   b  comprises a latching means  34   b  which is arranged at a free end of the basic body  24   b.  Furthermore, the second coupling element  14   b  has side walls  44   b,    46   b.  The side walls  44   b,    46   b  are formed in one piece with the covering  22   b  and, together with the latter, form an enclosure means  54   b.  The enclosure means  54   b  closes off part of the second coupling element  14   b  to the outside. In this case, the enclosure means  54   b  forms a longitudinal guide element  60   b  of the second coupling element  14   b,  which longitudinal guide element is provided for guiding a wiper arm during installation. 
         [0052]    The first and the second coupling elements  12   b,    14   b  are fastenable on an adapter plate  78   b  via a pin (not illustrated). A lower side of the adapter plate  78   b  has latching means  80   b  ( FIG. 11 ) which, in a fitted state, form a form-fitting connection to a base adapter  82   b.  The base adapter  82   b  has fastening means  84   b  which, in a fitted state, form a form-fitting connection to the adapter plate  78   b.  The latching means  80   b  here engage in latching recesses  86   b  of the base adapter  82   b  ( FIG. 12 ). The base adapter  82   b  is fastened to a wiper blade  76   b  via a further component (not illustrated) ( FIG. 13 ). 
         [0053]    When the wiper blade adapter is coupled to a wiper arm adapter, the second coupling element  14   b  has to be removed or placed thereon, depending on a type of the wiper arm adapter. The wiper arm adapter can be coupled to the wiper arm adapters shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  in the same manner as the wiper blade adapter of the first exemplary embodiment. 
         [0054]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a further type of a wiper arm adapter  120   b.  The wiper arm adapter  120   b  has a fastening pin  122   b.  Furthermore, the wiper arm adapter  120   b  comprises a supporting plate  124   b,  the main extent of which first of all extends parallel to the fastening pin  122   b.  The supporting plate  124   b  bends away through 90° in an end region  126   b.    
         [0055]      FIG. 15   a  shows a perspective view of a first installation step of a coupling of the wiper arm adapter  120   b  to the wiper blade adapter. The fastening pin  122   b  is pushed into the fastening recesses  30   b  and forms a form-fitting connection therewith. By rotation of the wiper arm adapter  120   b  relative to the coupling unit  10   b  about a pivot axis  128   b,  part of the supporting plate  124   b  reaches behind the second coupling element  14   b  and therefore avoids pushing the wiper arm adapter  120   b  back ( FIG. 15   b ). 
         [0056]      FIG. 16  shows a wiper arm adapter  130   b  which comprises an elongate basic body  132   b.  The basic body  132   b  has a curvature  134   b  which amounts to 180°. 
         [0057]      FIG. 17   a  shows a perspective view of a first installation step of a coupling of the wiper arm adapter  130   b  to the wiper blade adapter. The enclosure means  66   b  is in an open state. An end region  136   b  of the wiper arm adapter  130   b  is then pushed into the longitudinal guide element  60   b  of the second coupling element  14   b.  By guiding back and latching the enclosure means  66   b,  the wiper arm adapter  130   b  is securely coupled to the wiper blade adapter. 
         [0058]    A further type of wiper arm adapter  140   b  is illustrated perspectively in  FIG. 18 . The wiper arm adapter  140   b  has a basic wall  142   b  on which two side walls  144   b,    146   b  are arranged. The side walls  144   b,    146   b  each enclose an angle of 90° with the basic wall  142   b.  Fastening means  148   b  are arranged at a lower end of said side wall  144   b,    146   b,  said fastening means, in turn, enclosing an angle of 90° with respect to the side walls  144   b,    146   b.  A fastening recess  150   b  is additionally arranged in the basic wall  142   b  of the wiper arm adapter. 
         [0059]    The second coupling element  14   b  is removed in order to install the wiper arm adapter  140   b  ( FIG. 19   a ). The enclosure means  66   b  is displaced in a translational manner relative to the basic body  52   b.  When the wiper arm adapter  140   b  is placed onto the first coupling element  12   b,  a latching means  88   b  arranged on the basic body  52   b  is deflected out of a starting position. 
         [0060]    If the wiper arm adapter  140   b  is placed completely onto the first coupling element  12   b,  the latching means  88   b  is moved back into the starting position thereof and then forms a form-fitting connection with the wiper arm adapter  140   b  which avoids a movement of the wiper arm adapter  140   b  back out of the fitted state ( FIG. 19   b ).