Patent Publication Number: US-10322702-B2

Title: Wiper arm for cleaning a vehicle window

Description:
PRIOR ART 
     The invention relates to a wiper arm for cleaning a vehicle window as per the preamble of claim  1 . A wiper arm of said type such as is known from practice has, for example, a carrier element in the form of a wiper arm rod, on the top side of which there is arranged a spoiler element. The spoiler element, which is composed for example of plastic, serves for increasing the contact pressure on a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm in particular at relatively high speeds, in order that, even at the relatively high speeds, lifting of the wiper blade from the vehicle window is prevented. In particular, it is sought in this way to permit reliable cleaning of the vehicle window even at relatively high vehicle speeds. Even though a spoiler element of said type such as is known from practice exhibits the desired characteristics with regard to its action, its fastening to the wiper arm arranged on the side opposite the wiper blade has the effect that the structural height is increased, which can possibly lead to the driver&#39;s view being obstructed. Furthermore, an arrangement of said type also exhibits increased air resistance. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Proceeding from the presented prior art, it is the object of the invention to further develop a wiper arm for cleaning a vehicle window as per the preamble of claim  1  such that the abovementioned disadvantages of the prior art are avoided. 
     Said object is achieved according to the invention with a wiper arm for cleaning a vehicle window having the characterizing features of claim  1 , in that the additional element connected to the carrier element or to the wiper arm rod has at least one air guide section, extending in longitudinal direction of the wiper arm, which at least one air guide section projects beyond the underside of the carrier element on the side facing the vehicle window. 
     Such an arrangement or design of the additional element thus does not give rise to an increase of the structural height of the wiper arm on the side facing away from the wiper blade. Furthermore, by way of a corresponding design of the air guide section, an increase of the pressing force of the wiper arm in the direction of the vehicle window is achieved. 
     Advantageous refinements of the wiper arm according to the invention for cleaning a vehicle window are specified in the subclaims. The scope of the invention encompasses all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the claims, in the description and/or in the figures. 
     An embodiment is very particularly preferred in which two air guide sections are provided which are arranged parallel to one another. 
     Targeted air guidance in the region of the additional element can be realized by virtue of the air guide sections being constructed so as to have different heights, such that in relation to a direction of travel, on the front side of the wiper arm, the air guide section projects further from the underside of the carrier element than the air guide section on the rear side of the wiper arm. In other words, this means that the two air guide sections are constructed so as to be of different heights. 
     The flow characteristics of the wiper arm can furthermore be optimized if the air guide sections, in a transition region to the carrier element to the outer side, terminate in a surface-flush manner with the carrier dement. 
     The contact pressure on the wiper arm or on the wiper blade connected to the wiper arm can be regulated by virtue of the air guide sections being arranged, at least on the regions projecting from the underside of the carrier element, at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal plane of the wiper arm or with respect to a vertical. 
     A further optimization of the additional element with regard to flow provides that the additional element has a substantially U-shaped cross section with a base section which connects the two air guide sections, and that through-openings are formed in the base section. Air flowing into the region of the additional element can flow off in an upward direction through said through-openings. For this purpose, in a further embodiment or refinement of the invention, it is provided that the through-openings on the additional element are aligned with openings on the carrier element. 
     A very particularly preferred embodiment of the additional element, which assigns an additional task to said additional element, provides that the air guide sections on the side facing the vehicle window have a mount for the form-fitting receiving of a hose carrying a cleaning fluid. 
     In a refinement of the latter proposal, it is provided that the hose has at least one, preferably several spray openings for a cleaning fluid. In this way, it is possible, via the spray openings formed on the hose, for cleaning fluid to be applied to the vehicle window directly in front of the wiper blade, in order to improve or optimize the cleaning action. 
     In an embodiment which is particularly preferred from a production aspect, it is provided that the additional element consists of plastic and is connected with the carrier element by a snap-on connection. 
     Finally, in a refinement of the additional element described thus far, it is provided that, on the side facing the wiper blade, a cleaning arrangement, connected to the carrier element and with at least one spray nozzle, directly adjoins the additional element. 
    
    
     
       Further advantages, features and details of the invention will emerge from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiments and on the basis of the drawing. 
       In the drawing: 
         FIG. 1  shows a wiper device for cleaning vehicle windows in a perspective view, 
         FIG. 2  shows the constituent parts of the cleaning arrangement as per  FIG. 1  in a perspective exploded illustration, 
         FIG. 3  shows the region between a fastening arrangement for the wiper blade and a cleaning arrangement of the wiper device in a plan view, 
         FIG. 4  shows a view in the direction of the arrows IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , 
       
         FIG. 5 
       
       and 
         FIG. 6  each show, in different perspective views, the cleaning arrangement and a subregion of the wiper arm in the case of a connection between the cleaning arrangement and the wiper arm by way of a bayonet connection, 
       
         FIG. 7 
       
       and 
         FIG. 8  each show a subregion of the wiper arm and a cleaning arrangement, wherein the cleaning arrangement is connected to the wiper arm by way of an engagement connection, in each case in a perspective view, 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a cleaning arrangement and of a subregion of a wiper arm, in the case of which the cleaning arrangement is slid into the wiper arm, 
         FIG. 10  shows the fastening region of the wiper blade to the wiper arm in a perspective illustration, 
         FIG. 11  shows a view from below of the cleaning arrangement of  FIG. 10  in a perspective illustration, 
         FIG. 12  shows the cleaning arrangement in a further perspective illustration, wherein the cleaning arrangement can be closed by way of a separate closure cap, 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration, in longitudinal section, of ducts which are arranged in the cleaning arrangement as per  FIG. 12  for the purposes of guiding a heating wire, 
         FIG. 14  shows the cleaning arrangement as per  FIG. 12  with closure cap mounted thereon in a perspective view, 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross section through the wiper arm in the region of two liquid hoses with spray openings formed therein, 
         FIG. 16  shows the wiper device as per  FIG. 1  in a further, partially sectional or cutaway perspective illustration, 
         FIG. 17  shows, in a perspective detail illustration, an auxiliary element in the form of a spray body arranged within the wiper arm, 
         FIG. 18  shows a cross section through the region of the wiper arm as per  FIG. 10 , 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of the wiper arm head of the wiper arm, 
         FIG. 20  shows a view from below of the wiper arm head as per  FIG. 19  in a perspective illustration, 
       
         FIG. 21 
       
       and 
         FIG. 22  show the wiper as head in each case in a perspective illustration from different perspectives, and 
       
         FIG. 23 
       
       to 
         FIG. 25  show a part of the fastening arrangement of the wiper blade and the cleaning arrangement in a perspective illustration during various mounting steps. 
     
    
    
     Identical elements or elements of identical function are denoted in the Figures by the same reference designations. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates, in a perspective illustration, a wiper device  100  for cleaning a vehicle window (not shown), in particular a front window of the vehicle. The wiper device  100  has a wiper blade  1  which is in particular in the form of a so-called that wiper blade. The wiper blade  1  is fastened exchangeably to a wiper arm  10 . The wiper arm  10  comprises an elongate wiper arm rod  11  which is composed of metal or plastic and which acts as a carder element and which is fastened pivotably, by way of a pin  12  and a sleeve  13  ( FIG. 2 ), to a wiper arm head  14 , which is composed in particular of aluminium (alternatively plastic). The wiper arm head  14  has, on the side averted from the wiper arm carrier  11 , a through-opening  15  for the purposes of fastening the wiper arm head  14  rotationally conjointly to a wiper shaft (not shown) which is connected at least indirectly to a wiper bearing or to a wiper motor. The wiper arm head  14  is mounted so as to be pivotable about a wiper arm axis  17  and is, at least in the region of the through-opening  15 , covered by a closure cap  16 . 
     The wiper arm rod  11  has, over its entire length, a substantially U-shaped cross section with a top side  18  and with two side was  19 ,  20  which project approximately at right angles from the top side  16  in the direction of the vehicle window. As viewed in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm rod  11 , said wiper arm rod forms, on the side averted from the wiper arm head  14 , a mount or a first mount region  21  for the fastening of the wiper blade  1 , this being adjoined in the direction of the wiper arm head  14  by a second mount region  22 . An elongated moulded part which is composed of plastic and which is in the form of a spray body  30  is arranged within the second mount region  22 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , the spray body  30  laterally terminates approximately flush with the two side walls  19 ,  20  of the wiper arm carrier  11 . Furthermore, the spray body  30  projects, below the two side walls  19 ,  20 , out of the second mount region  22  of the wiper arm rod  11 . 
     Furthermore, within the second mount region  22 , in particular within the cross section of the spray body  30 , there are arranged two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  ( FIG. 2 ) which serve for the supply of cleaning fluid. The two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  are arranged within the spray body  30  on opposite longitudinal sides of the wiper blade  1 . 
     Within the first mount region  21  of the wiper arm rod  11 , there is received a cleaning arrangement  40  which is in the form of a separate component composed of plastic. In particular, the cleaning arrangement  40  is arranged on that end region of the wiper arm rod  11  or of the wiper arm  10  which is averted from the wiper arm head  14 . The fastening of the cleaning arrangement  40  within the first mount region  21  of the wiper arm rod  11  may be realized in a variety of ways, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     The cleaning arrangement  40  has, on the side averted from the wiper arm head  14 , a front end face  41  which simultaneously forms an end face of the wiper arm  10 . By way of example, in the region of the front end face  41 , there are arranged two first spray nozzles  42 ,  43 , whose spray jets  45 ,  46 , which can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , are oriented so as to be inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm carrier  11  in the direction of the vehicle window. It is furthermore essential that the two first spray nozzles  42 ,  43  are arranged such that the spray jets  45 ,  46  can apply the cleaning fluid to the vehicle window in front of different longitudinal sides of the wiper blade  1 . Furthermore, by way of example, the cleaning arrangement  40  has, in the region of its opposite longitudinal sides, in each case two second spray nozzles  47 ,  48  for the cleaning fluid, which spray nozzles generate spray jets  49 ,  50  which are likewise oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm rod  11  in the direction of the vehicle window, wherein the orientation is furthermore in the direction of the side averted from the wiper arm head  14 . 
     For the supply of the cleaning fluid to the cleaning arrangement  40  via the cleaning hoses  31 ,  32 , the cleaning arrangement  40  has, on the side facing toward the wiper arm head  14  and in the region of its two longitudinal sides, in each case one feed connector  51 , onto which the respective cleaning hose  31 ,  32  is pushed. Furthermore, the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  have, as can be seen in particular when viewing  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 15  together, spray nozzles  162  for generating additional spray jets  52  which are likewise directed toward the vehicle window and which strike the vehicle window on both sides of the wiper blade  1 . A cleaning arrangement  40  as described up to this point makes it possible, together with the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32 , and by way of a supply of cleaning fluid which is controlled in a manner dependent on the wiping direction  53  of the wiper blade  1 , for cleaning fluid to be applied to the vehicle window in each case in front of the longitudinal side of the wiper blade  1  in the movement direction of the wiper blade  1 . 
     The cleaning arrangement  40  has two side walls  54 ,  55  ( FIG. 3 ) which, at least in certain regions, run flush with the inner sides of the side walls  19 ,  20  of the wiper arm rod  11  in the region of the first mount region  21 . Furthermore, the cleaning arrangement  40  has a through-opening  57 . The cleaning arrangement  40  forms an additional mount region  58  which is of approximately U-shaped form in cross section and which has an aperture in the region of the through-opening  57 . In particular, the cleaning arrangement  40  which is received within the wiper arm  10  or the first mount region  21  serves for the fastening of the wiper blade  1 . For this purpose, the wiper blade  1  has a wiper blade adapter, only certain areas of which are illustrated in the figures, and which has a fastening arrangement  2 . 
     The fastening arrangement  2  has, on the side facing toward the top side  18  of the first mount region  21 , a spring tongue  3  with an engagement button  4  which, in the mounted state of the wiper blade  1  or of the fastening arrangement  2  on the wiper arm  10 , engages in positively locking fashion into an opening  5  formed in the top side  18  of the wiper arm  10 . In particular, the engagement button  4  forms, together with the opening  5 , an engagement connection between the wiper blade  1  and the wiper arm  10 , by way of which engagement connection the wiper blade  1  or the fastening arrangement  2  is secured on the wiper arm  10 , wherein, after the engagement connection has been released, the wiper blade  1  can be dismounted from the wiper arm  10 , in particular in order to permit an exchange of the wiper blade. 
     As can be seen in particular from the illustration of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , both the fastening arrangement  2  and the cleaning arrangement  40  are arranged, at least in certain areas, within the first mount region  21  of the wiper arm  10  or of the wiper arm rod  11 . Furthermore, in the mounted state of the fastening arrangement  2 , the additional mount region  58  of the cleaning arrangement  40  encompasses the fastening arrangement  2 , whereas the first mount region  21  of the wiper arm  10  encompasses the cleaning arrangement  40 . Corresponding to the illustration of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , provision may also be made whereby the cleaning arrangement  40  is, on the side facing toward the spray body  30 , laterally covered in certain areas by the spray body  30 , for example by way of two lugs  59 ,  60  arranged on the spray body  30  on the longitudinal sides thereof. 
     On the basis of  FIGS. 23 to 25 , the connection between the fastening arrangement  2  of the wiper blade  1  and the cleaning arrangement  40  will now be discussed in more detail: here,  FIG. 23  shows the fastening arrangement  2  before the mounting thereof on the cleaning arrangement  40 . For the mounting of the fastening arrangement  2  on the cleaning arrangement  40 , the fastening arrangement  2  is moved relative to the cleaning arrangement  40  in the direction of a first mounting direction  61 , which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm  10 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate the state in which the fastening arrangement  2  is arranged within the additional mount region  58  of the cleaning arrangement  40  and, there, can be moved no further in the direction of the first mounting direction  61 . 
     Subsequently, a relative movement of the fastening arrangement  2  with respect to the cleaning arrangement  40  is performed in the direction of a second mounting direction  62  ( FIG. 24 ), wherein the second mounting direction  62  runs perpendicular to the first mounting direction  61 . In the final state illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the fastening arrangement  2  is (fully) mounted on the cleaning arrangement  40 , wherein, at the same time, the engagement button  4  of the fastening arrangement  2  is engaged with the opening  5  on the top side  18  of the wiper arm  10  (not shown). 
     To form a guide between the fastening arrangement  2  and the cleaning arrangement  40  during the mounting along the two mounting directions  61 ,  62 , the fastening arrangement  2  and the cleaning arrangement  40  have first and second guide means  65 ,  66  which cooperate with one another. The first guide means  65  are for example formed, in the form of first elevations  71  and second elevations  72 , in the region of the cleaning arrangement  40 , on the inner side of the two side walls  54 ,  55 , which are arranged parallel to one another, of the cleaning arrangement  40 . The first elevations  71  are formed in the form of cams which, in the region of a lower edge  73  of the cleaning arrangement  40 , are arranged with a spacing A to one another. By contrast, the second elevation  72  is arranged in the region of a top edge  74  of the cleaning arrangement  40  and has an elongated shape. In particular, the second elevation  72 , which is arranged between the two first elevations  71  as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning arrangement  40 , simultaneously serves as an axial abutment for the fastening arrangement  2  when the latter is inserted into the cleaning arrangement  40  in the direction of the first mounting direction  61 . 
     The first elevations  71  on the cleaning arrangement  40  cooperate with in each case one depression  75 ,  76  as second guide means  66 , which are formed on in each case an outer side of a side wall  67 ,  68  of the fastening arrangement  2 . In particular, the two depressions  75 ,  76  have in each case a width B slightly larger than a width b of the two first elevations  71 , such that, in the position of the fastening arrangement  2  illustrated in  FIG. 24 , there is movement play  77  in the cleaning arrangement  40  in the direction of the second mounting direction  62 . The depressions  75 ,  76  transition, in the direction of the top side, which faces toward the spring tongue  3 , of the fastening arrangement  2 , into an elongated depression  78 . 
     Viewed overall, the first and second guide means  65 ,  66  serve, during the mounting process, to guide the fastening arrangement  2  between the starting position  80  illustrated in  FIG. 24  and the end position  81  illustrated in  FIG. 25 . Furthermore, by way of corresponding geometric dimensioning of the guide means  65 ,  66 , it is ensured that the movement play  77  that is initially provided in the starting position  80  is reduced to zero in the end position  81 , that is to say the fastening arrangement  2  is, in the end position  81 , received without play within the cleaning arrangement  40 . By way of the discussed geometric dimensioning, it is the case here that the movement play  77  decreases preferably in continuous fashion between the starting position  80  and the end position  81 . 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 23  that the fastening arrangement  2 , which is part of the wiper blade adapter (not illustrated) for the fastening of the wiper blade  1  to the wiper arm  10 , has an opening  82  which forms an axis of rotation  83 , with the wiper blade  1  being mounted in the fastening arrangement  2  so as to be pivotable about said axis of rotation. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first elevations  71  are, in relation to the additional mount region  58  in the cleaning arrangement  40  or in relation to the depressions  75 ,  76  of the fastening arrangement  2 , arranged at corner regions of the fastening arrangement  2  and of the cleaning arrangement  40 , wherein the axis of rotation  83  is arranged between the first elevations  71 . Finally, it can be seen from  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 25  that, by way of the depressions  75 ,  76  or the delimiting surfaces  84 ,  85  thereof, in the end position  81 , the delimiting surfaces  84 ,  85  act as an abutment in order to limit the relative movement between the cleaning arrangement  40  and the fastening arrangement  2 . 
     Different fastening types between the cleaning arrangement  40  and the first mount region  21  on the wiper arm  10  or on the wiper arm rod  11  will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 9 . All of the fastening types have in common the fact that the cleaning arrangement  40  is in each case directly connected to the wiper arm  10 ,  FIGS. 5 and 6  will be discussed first, from which figures it can be seen that the connection between the cleaning arrangement  40   a  and the wiper arm  10   a  is realized by way of a bayonet connection  88 . For this purpose, as can be seen most clearly from  FIG. 6 , the wiper arm  10   a  has, on the inner side of the two side walls  19 ,  20 , two projections  89 ,  90  which are spaced apart from one another as viewed in the longitudinal direction. The projections  89 ,  90  cooperate with cutouts  91 ,  92  formed on the cleaning arrangement  40   a . Whereas the cutouts  91  formed in the region of the side walls  54   a ,  55   a  of the cleaning arrangement  40   a  are situated in an approximately central region in relation to the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arrangement  40   a , the cutouts  92  are arranged on the side averted from the front face end face  41   a , and terminate with an end face  93 . Furthermore, the cutouts  91  are of L-shaped form, whereas the cutouts  92  are in the form of elongated cutouts. A bayonet connection  88  of said type enables the cleaning arrangement  40   a  to be mounted on the wiper arm  10   a  by virtue, for example, of the wiper arm  10   a  firstly being connected to the cleaning arrangement  40   a  in the direction of the first mounting direction  61   a , wherein the projections  89  engage into the vertical part of the cutouts  91 . When the projections  89  bear against the underside of the cutouts  91 , a movement of the wiper arm  10   a  takes place in the direction of the second mounting direction  62   a , wherein the projections  89 ,  90  cooperate with the cutouts  91 ,  82  which are each oriented or arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning arrangement  40   a . The relative movement between the wiper arm  10   a  and the cleaning arrangement  40   a  is limited by virtue of the projections  89 ,  90  bearing in each case against those delimitations of the cutouts  91 ,  92  which face toward the end face  41   a . Here, the rear side  94  of a closure cap  95  which is connected by way of an engagement connection  96  to the cleaning arrangement  40   a  is still arranged with a minimal spacing to the front end face  97  of the wiper arm  10   a . To prevent an inadvertent detachment of the cleaning arrangement  40   a  from the wiper arm  10   a , an engagement cam  87  is arranged with resilient action in the vertical section of the cutout  91 . The engagement cam  87  projects into the movement travel of the projection  89  and is pushed inward by said projection during the insertion into the cutout  91 . When the projection  89  is situated in the horizontally arranged section of the cutout  91 , the engagement cam  87  springs back into its original position and forms an abutment for the projection  89  in the event of a movement of the cleaning arrangement  40   a  counter to the direction of the mounting direction  62   a.    
       FIG. 7  illustrates the situation in which the wiper arm  10   b  is connected to the cleaning arrangement  40   b  by way of an engagement connection  98 . For this purpose, the two side walls  54   b ,  55   b  of the cleaning arrangement  40   b  have, in their upper region, in each case two engagement cams  98  which are spaced apart from one another axially in relation to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning arrangement  40   b  and which, from the position illustrated in  FIG. 7 , are elastically deformable for example into a position offset in the direction of the side walls  54   b ,  55   b . In the region of the wiper arm  10   b , the latter has, on the inner side of the two side walls  19 ,  20 , projections which are arranged, in  FIG. 5 , in overlap with the engagement cams  99  (analogously to the projections  89 ,  90  in the case of the wiper arm  10   a ) and which, during the relative movement of the wiper arm  10   b  in the direction of the mounting direction  101  toward the cleaning arrangement  40   b , cause the engagement cams  99  to be pushed in and to subsequently be locked to the wiper arm  10   b . Here, it is essential that, by way of a corresponding design of the engagement cams  99 , easy release of the cleaning arrangement  40   b  from the wiper arm  10   b  is made possible. 
     The engagement connection  102  illustrated in  FIG. 8  differs from the engagement connection  98  in that, on the cleaning arrangement  40   c , in the region of the two side walls  54   c ,  55   c , there are respectively arranged elongated barbs  103  which, in forming the engagement connection  102 , cooperate with the projections arranged in the region of the wiper arm  10   c  in such a way that the engagement connection  102  can no longer be released again. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the situation in which the cleaning arrangement  40   d  is connected to the wiper arm  10   d  by way of a positively locking connection  105 . The positively locking connection  105  has, on the wiper arm  10   d , elongated projections or guide elements  106 ,  107  which project inward from the side was  19 ,  20  of said wiper arm and which cooperate with counterpart elements in the form of groove-like, elongated cutouts  108  in the region of the two side was  54   d ,  55   d  of the cleaning arrangement  40   d . It is thereby possible for the cleaning arrangement  40   d  to be inserted by way of a linear movement into the (open) cross section of the first mount region  21  of the wiper arm  10   d  in the direction of the mounting direction  109 , wherein the guide elements  106 ,  107  pass into the cutouts  108  and, in so doing, fix the cleaning arrangement  40   d  in a direction running perpendicular to the mounting direction  109 . The axial movement or the sliding-in movement of the cleaning arrangement  40   d  is likewise limited by the rear side  94  of the closure cap  95 . Furthermore, in order to prevent the cleaning arrangement  40   d  from inadvertently being pulled out of the wiper arm  10   d , provision may be made for an engagement connection to be formed between the cleaning arrangement  40   d  and, for example, the spray body  30 , for which purpose, for example, the cleaning arrangement  40   d  has engagement hooks  110 . 
     In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a further detail of the pivotable fastening of the wiper blade  1  to the wiper arm  10  will now be discussed. In particular, it can be seen on the basis of  FIG. 10  that the wiper blade  1 , in particular the wiper blade body  115  thereof, is connected by way of a wiper blade adapter to the wiper arm  10  or to the cleaning arrangement  40 , which, aside from the fastening arrangement  2 , has an adapter element  116  which is fastened to the wiper blade body  115  and which is pivotably connected to the fastening arrangement  2  in the region of the through-opening  57  of the fastening arrangement  2 . The adapter element  116  has a length V as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade  1 . 
     To make it possible for the wiper blade  1  to be pivoted through as great as possible a pivot angle in the direction of the double arrow  117  ( FIG. 10 ) relative to the wiper arm  10 , the wiper arm  10 , in particular the cleaning arrangement  40 , has two elongated cutouts  118 ,  119  which can be seen in  FIG. 11 . The two cutouts  118 ,  119  each have a length X slightly greater than the length Y of the adapter element  116 . In particular, in the mounted state of the wiper blade  1  on the cleaning arrangement  40 , the adapter element  11 $ projects into the two cutouts  118 ,  119 . As viewed over their length, the two cutouts  118 ,  119  each have an at least substantially constant cross section. They proceed from the underside  120  of the cleaning arrangement  40  and project into the side walls  54 ,  55  of the cleaning arrangement  40  at the inner side thereof. In particular, provision may be made whereby, correspondingly to the illustration of  FIG. 11 , the depth t of the respective cutout  118 ,  119  increases slightly on the side facing toward the first spray nozzles  42 ,  43  in order to increase the possible pivot angle of the adapter element  116 . 
     Viewing  FIGS. 10 and 11  together, it can furthermore be seen that the two feed connectors  51  of the cleaning arrangement  40  are situated approximately at the level of the cutout  118 ,  119 , in the same way as the two first spray nozzles  42 ,  43 .  FIG. 10  shows a connecting duct  121  which connects a feed connector  51  to a first spray nozzle  42  or  43 . The connecting duct  121  runs, in the region of the cutout  118 ,  119 , at least approximately parallel to the cutout  118 ,  119  and is hydraulically connected to the respective first spray nozzle  42 ,  43  and to the respective feed connector  51  by way of a section  122  of curved form. 
     From  FIG. 11 , it can also be seen that the two side walls  54 ,  55  of the cleaning arrangement  40  are, on both sides of the cutouts  118 ,  119 , connected to one another by way of two transverse connecting elements  124 ,  125  which permit stiffening of the cleaning arrangement  40 , wherein the two transverse connecting elements  124 ,  125  are arranged outside the further mount region  58  for the fastening arrangement  2  or the adapter element  116 . 
     Below, the arrangement of a heating element in the form of a heating wire  130 , which extends within the cleaning arrangement  40 , will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 12 to 14 . For this purpose, the cleaning arrangement  40  has a main body  131  which is connected by way of the closure cap  95 , as already described above, by way of the engagement connection  98 . The engagement connection  95  has, on the closure cap  95 , an engagement hook  132  which, in the locking position, cooperates with two counterpart engagement elements  133 ,  134  arranged on both sides of the engagement hook  132 . In particular, the closure cap  95  serves, in the installed state of the cleaning arrangement  40  on the wiper arm  10 , to close off, in a surface-flush manner, the first mount region  21 , which is open at the and side, of the wiper arm  10 . 
     From  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that the two feed connectors  51  are connected to the respective first spray nozzle  42 ,  43  by way of the connecting duct  121 . From the connecting duct  121 , in the transition region to the section  122 , there extends in each case one branch  135  with a section  137 , wherein the section  137  forms a rectilinear elongation of a longitudinal axis  136  of the connecting duct  121 . In this way, the section  122  runs at an angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis  136 . On the side averted from the branch  135 , the section  137  has a mouth region  139  which opens out within a connecting chamber  140  formed between the closure cap  95  and the main body  131 . The section  137  or the mouth region  139  furthermore forms a feed port  141  in the connecting chamber  140 . 
     Within the two connecting ducts  121 , between the respective feed connector  51  and the branch  135  and within the two sections  137  and in the connecting chamber  140 , the (single) heating wire  130  is led at least substantially horizontally. For this purpose, the heating wire  130  is, in the region of the connecting chamber  140 , arranged in the form of a loop  142  below the two counterpart engagement elements  133 ,  134 , in order to make it possible for the engagement hook  132  to interact, without making contact with the heating wire  130 , with the two counterpart engagement elements  133 ,  134 . 
     To hydraulically seal off the section  137  in order that no cleaning fluid can pass into the region of the connecting chamber  140 , it is for example the case that a seal element  143  or a seal compound  144  is arranged within the respective mouth region  139 . Furthermore, provision may be made whereby the connecting chamber  140  itself is also hydraulically sealed off to the outside by way of corresponding measures. It is also pointed out that the feed port  141  is of tubular form, or has a hollow cross section, in the region of the connecting chamber  140 . 
     For the mounting of the heating wire  130  in the cleaning arrangement  40 , the heating wire  130  is laid in the main body  131  corresponding to the illustration in  FIG. 13 . It is pointed out, merely in supplementary fashion, that the heating wire  130  is also arranged or led within the cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  in order to heat these as well as the cleaning arrangement  40 . After the mounting of the heating wire  130  in the main body  131 , it is the case, corresponding to the illustration of  FIG. 14 , that the closure cap  95  is connected by way of the engagement connection  96  to the main body  131  in order to close off the connecting chamber  140  or the main body  131 . 
     A detail regarding the fastening or guidance of the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  in the region of the spray body  30 , which is in the form of a moulded part, will be discussed in more detail below in  FIG. 15 . In particular, the spray body  30  is at least substantially formed over the entire length of the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  in the region of the wiper arm rod  11 . The spray body  30  is connected to the wiper arm rod  11  by way of an engagement connection  150 . For this purpose, the spray body  30 , which has approximately a U-shaped cross section, has two grooves  151 ,  152  which run in a longitudinal direction and into which inwardly projecting sections  153 ,  154  of the cross section of the wiper arm rod  11  engage in positively locking fashion and fix the spray body  30  to the wiper arm rod  11  in a direction running perpendicular to its longitudinal extent. 
     On the underside averted from the wiper arm rod  11 , the spray body  30  has in each case one mount  155  for receiving the respective cleaning hose  31 ,  32  in positively locking fashion, having in each case one insertion slot  156 , the opening width w of which is slightly smaller than the cross section of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  in the unloaded state of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32 , such that the respective cleaning hose  31 ,  32  is held in the mount  155  by way of a clamping action. 
     The cleaning hose  31 ,  32 , which is formed from a plastics material as an extruded part, has the same cross section over its entire length. In particular, the cross section of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  within the mount  155  is characterized in that the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  has a non-circular region  158 . The non-circular region  158  is formed by two planar outer wall sections  159 ,  160  which are arranged at an angle β with respect to one another. Such a design of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  has the effect that said cleaning hose is not only held within the mount  155  by way of a clamping action but also assumes a position with a fixed angle of rotation. For the positively locking mounting of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32 , the mount  155  thereof is furthermore of identical but inverse design with respect to the outer contour of the cleaning hose  31 ,  32 , wherein the angle β between the two outer wall sections  159 ,  160  is at most 90°. 
     The cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  have, in particular, multiple spray nozzles  162  which are arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction at uniform intervals and which are in the form of through-openings for forming the additional spray jets  52  ( FIG. 1 ). The spray nozzles  162  are situated in the region of the insertion slot  156 . Between the two mounts  155  for the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32 , the spray body  30  forms a mount region  161  for the wiper blade  1  (not illustrated in  FIG. 15 ). In this way, by way of a corresponding supply of the cleaning fluid to the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32 , it is possible, in a manner dependent on the movement direction of the wiper blade  1  or of the wiper arm  10 , for cleaning fluid to be applied to the vehicle window in each case in front of the wiper blade  1  by way of the spray nozzles  162 . As already discussed above, the cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  are in turn connected to the cleaning arrangement  40 , which has the first and second spray nozzles  42 ,  43  and  47 ,  48 . 
       FIGS. 16 to 18  illustrate further details of the wiper arm  10  or of the wiper arm rod  11  which serves as carrier element, of the spray body  30  which is designed and/or acts as an auxiliary element, and of the wiper blade  1 . In particular, it can be seen from  FIG. 18  that the spray body  30  has two air-guiding sections  166 ,  167  which extend in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm  10  or of the wiper arm rod  11  and which are arranged parallel to one another and which project beyond the underside  168  of the wiper arm rod  11  on the side facing toward the vehicle window. In particular, from  FIG. 18 , it can also be seen that the two air-guiding sections  166 ,  167  are designed to be of different heights, such that, on the front side of the wiper arm  10  or of the wiper arm rod  11  in relation to a direction of travel, the air-guiding section  166  projects further from the underside  168  of the wiper arm rod  11  or of the wiper arm  10  than the air-guiding section  167  on the rear side of the wiper arm  10 . Furthermore, the two air-guiding sections  166 ,  167  are, at least at the regions which project from the underside  168  of the wiper arm carrier  11 , arranged at an oblique angle γ in relation to a vertically arranged longitudinal plane of the wiper arm  10 . In a transition region  171  to the wiper arm rod  11 , the two-air-guiding sections  166 ,  167  terminate at the outer side of the wiper arm rod  11  so as to be flush with the surface of the wiper arm rod  11 . 
     Corresponding to the illustration of  FIG. 17 , the spray body  30  has a substantially U-shaped cross section with a base section  172  which connects the two air-guiding sections  166 ,  167 , wherein the base section  172  has multiple cutouts or through-openings  173  which run in the longitudinal direction of the spray body  30  and which are at least approximately rectangular. The through-openings  173  are aligned with openings  174  on the wiper arm carrier  11 , as can be seen in particular from  FIG. 18 , wherein the openings  174  are of at least approximately the same size as the through-openings  173 . 
     Finally,  FIGS. 19 to 22  illustrate the guidance and fastening of the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  in the region of the wiper arm head  14  in more detail. In particular, it can be seen that the wiper arm head  14  has, in the region between the first end region  178 , in which the through-opening  15  for the drive shaft is arranged, and the second end region  179 , in which the wiper arm rod  11  is pivotably fastened, means for guiding the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32 . Said means comprise in particular in each case one leadthrough  181 ,  182  in the form of a longitudinal slot for each cleaning hose  31 ,  32 . The longitudinal slot or the leadthrough  181 ,  182  has, as viewed toward the outer contour  185  of the wiper arm head  14 , an opening  186  through which the respective cleaning hose  31 ,  32  can be inserted. While the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  is guided along the top side  187  of the wiper arm head  14  on the side facing toward the first and region  178 , said cleaning hose is arranged above the underside  188  of the wiper arm head  14  on the side facing toward the second end region  179 . 
     From  FIGS. 19 and 22 , it can also be seen that the means for guiding the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  furthermore additionally have guide projections  190 . The guide projections  190  are integrally formed on the wiper arm head  14 , which is composed of aluminium (alternatively plastic) and which is in the form of an injection-moulded part, and have the effect that the two cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  run laterally within the outer contour  185  of the wiper arm head  14 , in particular in order to also permit simple fastening of the closure cap  16  on the wiper arm head  14 . The closure cap  16 , which has substantially a U-shaped cross section, has side walls  192 ,  193  which terminate flush with side surfaces  194 ,  195  of the wiper arm head  14 . 
     Furthermore, it can be seen in particular from  FIG. 21  that the two leadthroughs  181 ,  182  are arranged offset one behind the other in relation to a longitudinal axis  191  of the wiper arm head  14 . 
     The second end region  179  has an eyelet  197  for forming a pivot axis  198 . Furthermore, the means for guiding the cleaning hoses  31 ,  32  have two projections  201 ,  202  which, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, project beyond the eyelet  197  on the side situated opposite the first end region  178 . Between the two projections  201 ,  202 , there is arranged a bridging spring  203  which is bent into a C shape and which in turn is connected, on the side averted from the second and region  179 , to a tension spring  205  by way of which the wiper arm rod  11  is pulled together with the wiper blade  1  in the direction of the vehicle window with a pressing force. The wiper arm head  14  has, below the eyelet  197 , a guide channel  206  for the cleaning hose  31 ,  32 , which guide channel guides the cleaning hose  31 ,  32  so as to be spaced apart from the eyelet  197 . It is finally pointed out that the two leadthroughs  181 ,  182  are arranged within the lateral outer contour  185  of the wiper arm head  14 . 
     The wiper device  100  thus described may be altered or modified in a variety of ways. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS 
     
         
           1  Wiper blade 
           2  Fastening arrangement 
           3  Spring tongue 
           4  Engagement button 
           5  Opening 
           10   /a/b/c/d  Wiper arm 
           11  Wiper arm rod 
           12  Pin 
           13  Sleeve 
           14  Wiper arm head 
           15  Through-opening 
           16  Closure cap 
           17  Wiper arm axis 
           18  Top side of the wiper arm rod 
           19  Side wall of the wiper arm rod 
           20  Side wall of the wiper arm rod 
           21  First mount region 
           22  Second mount region 
           30  Spray body 
           31  Cleaning hose 
           32  Cleaning hose 
           40   /a/b/c/d  Cleaning arrangement 
           41   /a  Front end face 
           42  First spray nozzle 
           43  First spray nozzle 
           45  Spray jet 
           46  Spray jet 
           47  Second spray nozzle 
           48  Second spray nozzle 
           49  Spray jet 
           50  Spray jet 
           51  Feed connector 
           52  Additional spray jet 
           53  Wiping direction 
           54 / a/b/c/d  Side wall 
           55   /a/b/c/d  Side wall 
           57  Through-opening 
           58  Additional mount region 
           59  Lug 
           60  Lug 
           61   /a  First mounting direction 
           62   /a  Second mounting direction 
           65  First guide means 
           66  Second guide means 
           67  Side wall 
           68  Side wall 
           71  First elevation 
           72  Second elevation 
           73  Bottom edge of the cleaning arrangement 
           74  Top edge of the cleaning arrangement 
           75  Depression 
           76  Depression 
           77  Movement play 
           78  Elongate depression 
           80  Starting position 
           81  End position 
           82  Opening 
           83  Axis of rotation 
           84  Delimiting surface of the depression 
           85  Delimiting surface of the depression 
           87  Engagement cam 
           88  Bayonet connection 
           89  Projection 
           90  Projection 
           91  Cutout 
           92  Cutout 
           93  End side 
           94  Rear side of a closure cap 
           95  Closure cap 
           96  Engagement connection 
           97  End face 
           98  Engagement connection 
           99  Engagement cam 
           100  Wiper device 
           101  Mounting direction 
           102  Engagement connection 
           103  Barb 
           105  Positively locking connection 
           106  Guide element 
           107  Guide element 
           108  Cutouts 
           109  Mounting direction 
           110  Engagement hook 
           115  Wiper blade body 
           116  Adapter element 
           117  Double arrow 
           118  Cutout 
           119  Cutout 
           120  Bottom side of the cleaning arrangement 
           121  Connecting duct 
           122  Curved section 
           124  Transverse connecting element 
           125  Transverse connecting element 
           130  Heating wire 
           131  Main body 
           132  Engagement hook 
           133  Counterpart engagement element 
           134  Counterpart engagement element 
           135  Branch 
           136  Longitudinal axis 
           137  Section 
           139  Mouth region 
           140  Connecting chamber 
           141  Feed port 
           142  Loop 
           143  Seat element 
           144  Seal compound 
           150  Engagement connection 
           151  Groove 
           152  Groove 
           153  Section 
           154  Section 
           155  Mount 
           156  insertion slot 
           158  Non-circular region 
           159  Outer wall section 
           160  Outer wall section 
           161  Mount region 
           162  Spray nozzle 
           166  Air-guiding section 
           167  Air-guiding section 
           168  Underside of the wiper arm carrier 
           171  Transition region 
           172  Base section 
           173  Through-openings 
           174  Opening 
           178  First end region 
           179  Second end region 
           181  Leadthrough 
           182  Leadthrough 
           185  Outer contour of the wiper arm head 
           186  Opening 
           187  Top side of the wiper arm head 
           188  Bottom side of the wiper arm head 
           190  Guide projection 
           191  Longitudinal axis of the wiper arm head 
           192  Side wall of the closure cap 
           193  Side wall of the closure cap 
           194  Side surface of the wiper arm head 
           195  Side surface of the wiper arm head 
           197  Eyelet 
           198  Pivot axis 
           201  Projection 
           202  Projection 
           203  Bridging spring 
           205  Tension spring 
           206  Guide channel 
         A Spacing 
         B Width of the depressions 
         b Width 
         L Length 
         l Length 
         t Depth 
         w Opening width 
         Y Length 
         X Length 
         α Angle 
         β Angle 
         γ Angle