Patent Publication Number: US-2022219647-A1

Title: Wiper device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wiper device, in particular window wiper device, having a wiper arm adapter and having a cover unit which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position and which, in the closed position, at least partially covers the wiper arm adapter in relation to an environment, has already been proposed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is based on a wiper device, in particular window wiper device, having a wiper arm adapter and having a cover unit which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position and which, in the closed position, at least partially covers the wiper arm adapter in relation to an environment. 
     It is proposed that the cover unit, in the closed position, is displaceable translationally between an unlocked position and a locked position. The configuration according to the invention can enable an advantageously reliable operation of the wiper device. An automatic adjustment of the cover unit from the closed position into the open position can be particularly advantageously avoided. Furthermore, the configuration according to the invention can enable a wiper blade to be installed and/or removed in an advantageously simple and rapid manner. 
     A “wiper device” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably at least one part, preferably a substructure assembly, of a window wiper. In principle, the wiper device may also comprise the entire window wiper, in particular together with the wiper blade. The wiper device is preferably provided for use on a vehicle. “Provided” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably specially designed and/or specially equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is intended to in particular be understood as meaning that the object satisfies and/or carries out this specific function in at least one application state and/or operating state. The wiper device, in particular as part of the window wiper, is preferably provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a window on a vehicle. For cleaning a vehicle window, the wiper device is preferably coupled to a vehicle. 
     The wiper device preferably comprises a wiper arm. The wiper arm preferably comprises a wiper arm rod and the wiper arm adapter. Preferably, the wiper arm adapter has a longitudinal axis which is oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the wiper arm rod. A “longitudinal axis” of an object is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an axis which is oriented parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometrical cuboid which only just completely surrounds the object. The longitudinal axis preferably runs through a geometrical center point of the cuboid. “At least substantially parallel” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation in particular of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2° in relation to the reference direction. The wiper arm adapter is preferably connected, in particular captively, preferably integrally, to the wiper arm rod. “Integrally” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably connected at least in an integrally bonded manner, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, a molding process and/or another process appearing expedient to a person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by production from a casting and/or by production in a single- or multi-component injection-molding method and advantageously from an individual blank. 
     The wiper device preferably comprises the wiper blade. The wiper blade preferably comprises the wiper blade adapter. The wiper blade adapter, in particular the wiper blade, is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis, in particular with respect to the wiper arm. The wiper arm adapter preferably has a bearing unit which is provided to support the wiper blade adapter pivotably with respect to the wiper arm adapter. The bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter is preferably designed as a side-lock adapter. The bearing unit preferably comprises a pin element. The pin element is preferably provided to form a mechanical coupling, in particular to form a pivotable mounting, of the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter. The pin element preferably defines the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is particularly preferably designed as a longitudinal axis of the pin element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter, in particular of the wiper arm rod. The expression “at least substantially perpendicularly” is preferably intended to define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular as viewed in a plane of projection, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 20°, advantageously less than 15° and particularly advantageously of less than 10°. The longitudinal axis of the pin element is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter. The bearing unit preferably comprises a retaining bracket. The retaining bracket is preferably provided to secure the wiper blade adapter, in a fully mounted state of the wiper device on the wiper arm adapter, in a direction parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. A longitudinal axis of the retaining bracket is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The wiper blade adapter preferably has at least one mechanical connecting element for producing a connection to the wiper arm adapter, in particular to the pin element of the wiper arm adapter. The mechanical connecting element of the wiper blade adapter is preferably provided to receive the pin element of the wiper arm adapter. The at least one mechanical connecting element is preferably provided to pivotably mount the pin element. The at least one mechanical connecting element preferably has at least one recess for receiving the pin element. The at least one recess preferably at least mostly forms the at least one mechanical connecting element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis preferably runs, in particular centrally, through the at least one recess of the mechanical connecting element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the cover unit. 
     The wiper device preferably comprises at least one fluidic coupling element to produce a fluidic connection to at least one fluidic connecting element of the wiper blade adapter. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted, in particular in a floating manner, on the wiper arm adapter. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably formed separately from the cover unit. The cover unit and the at least one fluidic coupling element are preferably movable independently of each other. 
     The wiper device preferably comprises at least one electrical connecting element which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The wiper device preferably comprises at least one electrical coupling element for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to be coupled fixedly to the wiper blade adapter. 
     The cover unit preferably has a cap element. The cap element is preferably provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover at least the wiper blade adapter. The cap element is preferably provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover at least the wiper arm adapter. The cap element is preferably provided to completely cover at least the bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter. The cap element is preferably provided to completely cover at least the at least one fluidic coupling element and the at least one fluidic connecting element. The cap element is preferably provided to completely cover at least the at least one electrical coupling element and the at least one electrical connecting element. The cap element is preferably formed by a shell-like cover cap. The cover unit, in particular the cap element, is preferably connected captively to the wiper arm, in particular to the wiper arm adapter. The cover unit preferably comprises a pivot axis via which the cap element is mounted pivotably. The cover unit is preferably pivotable via the pivot axis between the closed position and the open position. The pivot axis of the cover unit is preferably oriented parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The pivot axis of the cover unit is preferably arranged spaced apart from the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The pivot axis of the cover unit and the wiper blade adapter pivot axis are preferably two different axes. The pivot axis of the cover unit is preferably arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and a vehicle-side attachment of the wiper arm. 
     The cover unit preferably comprises at least one gripping structure. The gripping structure is preferably provided to provide grippiness for a manual adjustment of the cover unit. The at least one gripping structure is preferably arranged in a lateral region of the cap element. The cap element preferably forms the at least one gripping structure in at least one partial region of the cap element. 
     The cover unit preferably has the closed position and the open position. A “closed position” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a position of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element, in which the cover unit, in particular the cap element, in particular at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably completely conceals the wiper blade adapter, the wiper arm adapter, the bearing unit, the at least one fluidic coupling element, the at least one fluidic connecting element, the at least one electrical coupling element and/or the at least one electrical connecting element in relation to the environment. An “environment” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a space outside a volume spanned by the cover unit, in particular the cap element. The cover unit, in the closed position, preferably has a locked position and an unlocked position. In the closed position the cover unit, in particular the cap element, is particularly preferably displaceable translationally along a displacement axis between the locked position and the unlocked position. “Displaceable” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably displaceable manually, in particular by hand. The cover unit is preferably provided to be displaced manually, in particular by an operator, between the locked position and the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the cap element can preferably be transferred from the closed position into the open position. In the locked position, the cap element preferably cannot be transferred from the closed position into the open position. The cap element, in particular in the unlocked position, can preferably be transferred from the open position into the closed position. An “open position” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a position of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element, in which the cover unit, in particular the cap element, has been pivoted from the closed position, wherein the wiper blade adapter, the wiper arm adapter, the bearing unit, the at least one fluidic coupling element, the at least one fluidic connecting element, the at least one electrical connecting element and/or the at least one electrical coupling element are exposed to the environment. The cover unit, in particular the cap element, preferably, in particular at least largely, does not conceal the wiper blade adapter, the wiper arm adapter, the bearing unit, the at least one fluidic coupling element, the at least one fluidic connecting element, the at least one electrical connecting element and/or the at least one electrical coupling element in the open position. In the open position, the cap element is preferably pivoted in particular at least by 30°, preferably by at least 45°, particularly preferably by at least 60° and very particularly preferably by at least 90° in relation to the closed position. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the pivot axis is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the displacement axis, wherein the cover unit is displaceable along the displacement axis between the locked position and the unlocked position. By means of this configuration, an advantageously secure connection of the cover unit to the wiper arm can be achieved. As a result, an unintended deflection of the cover unit out of the closed position into the open position can be advantageously avoided. The pivot axis preferably intersects the cap element. The displacement axis is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm, in particular of the wiper arm adapter. The displacement axis is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the cover unit has at least one pivoting bearing element which engages in a recess of the wiper arm adapter and is mounted in the recess so as to be displaceable translationally during a displacement of the cover unit between the unlocked position and the locked position. By means of this configuration, an advantageously captively secure attachment of the cover unit to the wiper arm can be made possible. Furthermore, an advantageously pivotable mounting of the cover unit can be achieved by this configuration. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably arranged on an inner side of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element, facing the wiper arm adapter. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably arranged on the cap element. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably formed integrally with the cap element. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably designed as a pin. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably bolt-shaped and/or peg-shaped. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably mounted so as to be displaceable translationally along the displacement axis. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably not pivotable during a displacement of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element, between the locked and the unlocked position. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably guided in the recess. The at least one pivoting bearing element is preferably mounted translationally along the displacement axis and rotationally about the pivot axis in the recess, in particular depending on the locked position and the unlocked position. The pivot axis preferably intersects the at least one pivoting bearing element. The at least one pivoting bearing element preferably defines the pivot axis. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the recess is in the form of an elongated hole. By means of this configuration, an advantageously defined translational guiding of the at least one pivoting bearing element can be achieved. A longitudinal axis of the elongated hole preferably extends parallel to the displacement axis. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the cover unit has at least one latching element which is arranged on an inner side of the cover unit that faces the wiper arm adapter, and which, in the closed position, is arranged in a latching formation of the wiper arm adapter and which is provided to retain the cover unit in the closed position, in particular in the unlocked position. By means of this configuration, an automatic and/or unintended adjustment of the cover unit from the closed position into the open position can be advantageously avoided. An advantageously reliable operation of the wiper device can thereby be made possible. Furthermore, a secure positioning in the closed position can be achieved by this configuration. An operator of the cover unit can advantageously recognize here whether the cover unit is in the closed position, in order to transfer it from the unlocked position into the locked position. As a result, damage to the cover unit by a movement in an intermediate position can be advantageously avoided. The at least one latching element is preferably designed as an elevation. The at least one latching element is preferably at least partially designed as a spherical section, as a cone or as a pyramid. The at least one latching element is preferably arranged on the cap element. The at least one latching element is preferably formed integrally with the cap element. The at least one latching element is preferably arranged in the latching formation in the closed position. The latching formation is preferably designed as an impression in the wiper arm adapter. The latching formation preferably provides a movement clearance, in which the at least one latching element is movable along the displacement axis. During a pivoting of the cover unit, in particular of the cap element, the at least one latching element is preferably provided to be moved out of the latching formation, in particular by means of a manual action of force during the pivoting. The at least one latching element is preferably arranged outside the latching formation in the open position. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the cover unit comprises a hook element which, in the closed position, engages in a further recess of the wiper arm adapter. By means of this configuration, an advantageous rotational securing of the cover unit can be provided. As a result, an unintended deflection of the cover unit from the closed position into the open position can be advantageously avoided. The hook element is preferably provided to secure the cover unit, in particular the cap element, in the locked position against pivoting out of the closed position. The hook element is preferably provided to prevent pivoting of the cap element in the locked position. The hook element is preferably arranged on the cap element. The hook element is preferably formed integrally with the cap element. In the locked position, the cap element is preferably fastened to the wiper arm adapter, in particular via the hook element. The further recess is preferably designed as a closed profile. The further recess is preferably rectangular or in the form of an elongated hole. The further recess preferably provides a movement clearance, in which the hook element is movable along the displacement axis. An imaginary axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis preferably intersects the further recess and the at least one fluidic coupling element. In the unlocked position, the hook element is particularly preferably arranged in the further recess, wherein the hook element is pivotable without making contact with the wiper arm adapter. In the locked position, the hook element is particularly preferably arranged in the further recess, wherein the hook element is coupled in a form-fitting manner to the wiper arm adapter in a pivoting direction of the cover unit from the closed position into the open position. The hook element preferably forms an extension which reaches behind the wiper arm adapter in the locked position. The hook element is particularly preferably at least L-shaped. In the open position, the hook element is preferably arranged outside the further recess. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the hook element forms a latching element which, in the locked position of the cover unit, is provided to engage in a latching recess of the wiper arm adapter so as to translationally secure the cover unit. By means of this configuration, an advantageous translational securing of the cover unit can be provided. Furthermore, an advantageously simple locking of the cover unit in the locked position can be achieved by this configuration. An unintended displacement of the cover unit can thereby be advantageously avoided. The hook element is preferably provided to latch the cover unit, in particular the cap element, in the locked position. The hook element is particularly preferably J-shaped. The latching element is preferably arranged on the extension. The latching recess is preferably in the form of a through hole. The latching recess is preferably in the form of a closed profile. The latching recess is preferably rectangular. Preferably, an imaginary axis at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter intersects the further recess and the latching recess. The further recess and the latching recess are preferably separated from each other by a web. The latching recess is preferably provided to provide a space for the latching element to latch into. In the locked position, the latching element preferably engages in the latching recess of the wiper arm adapter. The latching element is preferably provided to be moved out of the latching recess during a displacement of the cover unit between the locked position and the unlocked position. The latching element is preferably provided to be moved into the latching recess during a displacement of the cover unit between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the cover unit has at least one spacer element which is arranged on an inner side of the cover unit facing the wiper arm adapter and makes contact with the wiper arm adapter at least in the locked position. The effect which can advantageously be achieved by this configuration is that the hook element, in particular the latching element, is not automatically released from the locked position. Furthermore, by means of this configuration, a contact pressure against the cover unit, which contact pressure is generated by a head wind, can be transmitted in an advantageously dimensionally stable manner to the wiper arm adapter. The spacer element is preferably arranged on the cap element. The spacer element is preferably formed integrally with the cap element. The spacer element is preferably provided to ensure a defined position of the hook element, in particular of the latching element, with respect to the wiper arm adapter. During a translational displacement of the cover unit between the unlocked position and the locked position, the spacer element is preferably mounted in a sliding manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter. In the closed position, the spacer element is preferably arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and the retaining bracket. In the closed position, the spacer element is preferably arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and the hook element. 
     Furthermore, a method for the installation of the wiper device is proposed, wherein the cover unit, in at least one method step, is unlocked and/or locked by means of a translational movement between the unlocked position of the cover unit and the locked position of the cover unit and, in at least one further method step, is pivoted in relation to the wiper arm adapter between the closed position of the cover unit and the open position of the cover unit. By means of this configuration, an advantageously simple and reliable handling of the cover unit can be achieved. 
     The wiper device according to the invention is not intended to be limited here to the above-described use and embodiment. In particular, the wiper device according to the invention, in order to perform a function described herein, may have a number of individual elements, components and units, and also method steps, which differs from the number mentioned herein. In addition, in the ranges of values indicated in this disclosure, values lying within the limits mentioned are also intended to be considered to be disclosed and usable as desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages emerge from the description below of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment 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 form meaningful further combinations. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a wiper device according to the invention with a cover unit in a closed position and in a locked position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the wiper device according to the invention with the cover unit in the closed and in an unlocked position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the wiper device according to the invention with the cover unit in an open position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the cover unit and of a wiper arm of the wiper device according to the invention in the locked position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the cover unit and of the wiper arm in the unlocked position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of the wiper device according to the invention in the closed position and in the unlocked position in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 7  shows a sectional view of the wiper device according to the invention in the closed position and in the locked position in a schematic illustration, and 
         FIG. 8  shows a method according to the invention for the installation of the wiper device according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 7  show a wiper device  10 . The wiper device  10  is provided for use on a vehicle. The wiper device  10 , in particular as part of a window wiper device, is provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a window on a vehicle. In order to clean a vehicle window, the wiper device  10  is coupled to a vehicle. In principle, the wiper device  10  may also form the entire window wiper device. 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a wiper arm  12 . The wiper device  10  comprises a wiper arm rod  14 . The wiper device  10  comprises a wiper arm adapter  16 . The wiper arm adapter  16  has a longitudinal axis which is oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the wiper arm rod  14 . The wiper arm adapter  16  is connected captively to the wiper arm rod  14 . The wiper arm  12  comprises the wiper arm rod  14 . The wiper arm  12  comprises the wiper arm adapter  16 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a wiper blade  18 . The wiper device  10  comprises a wiper blade adapter  20 . The wiper blade adapter  20 , in particular the wiper blade  18 , is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 , in particular with respect to the wiper arm  12 . The wiper blade  18  comprises the wiper blade adapter  20 . 
     The wiper arm adapter  16  comprises a bearing unit  24  which is provided to mount the wiper blade adapter  20  on the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The bearing unit  24  of the wiper arm adapter  16  is designed as a side-lock adapter. The wiper arm adapter  16  has a pin element  26 . The pin element  26  is surrounded by the bearing unit  24 . The pin element  26  is provided for a mechanical coupling, in particular for a pivotable mounting, of the wiper blade adapter  20  on the wiper arm adapter  16 . The pin element  26  defines the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  is designed as a longitudinal axis of the pin element  26 . The wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular of the wiper arm rod  14 . The longitudinal axis of the pin element  26  is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The longitudinal axis of the pin element  26  is oriented substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  is oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The wiper arm adapter  16  has a retaining bracket  28 . The retaining bracket  28  is surrounded by the bearing unit  24  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . A longitudinal axis of the retaining bracket  28  is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The wiper blade adapter  20  has at least one mechanical connecting element, not illustrated specifically, to produce a connection to the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular to the pin element  26 . The mechanical connecting element of the wiper blade adapter  20  is provided to receive the pin element  26  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The at least one mechanical connecting element is provided to pivotably mount the pin element  26 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a cover unit  30  which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis  36  between an open position  34  and a closed position  32  and which, in the closed position  32 , at least partially covers the wiper arm adapter  16  in relation to an environment. The cover unit  30  has the closed position  32  and the open position  34 . The cover unit  30 , in the closed position  32 , is displaceable translationally between an unlocked position  38  and a locked position  40 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a fluidic coupling element  42  to produce a fluidic connection to a fluidic connecting element  44  of the wiper blade adapter  20 . The fluidic coupling element  42  is mounted, in particular in a floating manner, on the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  42  is formed separately from the cover unit  30 . The cover unit  30  and the fluidic coupling element  42  are movable independently of each other. The wiper device  10  comprises a further fluidic coupling element  46  which is formed substantially identically to the fluidic coupling element  42 . The fluidic coupling element  42  and the further fluidic coupling element  46  are formed integrally. 
     The wiper device  10  comprises an electrical connecting element  48  which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The electrical connecting element  48  is formed separately from the cover unit  30 . The wiper device  10  comprises an electrical coupling element  50  for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element  48 . The electrical coupling element  50  is connected captively to the wiper blade adapter  20  and is provided to be coupled pivotably to the wiper arm adapter  16  via the electrical connecting element  48 . The electrical coupling element  50  is formed separately from the cover unit  30 . 
     The cover unit  30  has a cap element  52 . The cap element  52  is formed by a shell-like cover cap. In the present case, the cap element  52  is formed from a plastic. In the closed position  32 , the cap element  52  is displaceable translationally between the unlocked position  38  and the locked position  40 . 
     The cover unit  30  comprises a gripping structure  54 . The gripping structure  54  is provided to provide grippiness for a manual adjustment, in particular translational displacement, of the cover unit  30 . The gripping structure  54  is arranged in a lateral region of the cap element  52 . The cap element  52  forms the gripping structure  54  in a plurality of partial regions of the cap element  52 . The cover unit  30  is provided to be displaced between the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38  by means of one hand and/or by means of at least two fingers, in particular by means of the gripping structure  54 . 
     The cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , is connected captively to the wiper arm  12 , in particular to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The cover unit  30  comprises the pivot axis  36 . The cap element  52  is mounted pivotably on the wiper arm  12 , in particular on the wiper arm adapter  16 , via the pivot axis  36 . The cover unit  30  is pivotable between the closed position  32  and the open position  34  via the pivot axis  36 . The pivot axis  36  of the cover unit  30  is oriented parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The pivot axis  36  of the cover unit  30  is arranged spaced apart from the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The pivot axis  36  of the cover unit  30  and the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  are two different axes. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  is oriented parallel to a transverse axis of the cover unit  30 , in particular of the cap element  52 . The pivot axis  36  of the cover unit  30  is arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and a vehicle-side attachment of the wiper arm  12 . 
     The cap element  52  is provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover at least the wiper blade adapter  20 . The cap element  52  is provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover at least the wiper arm adapter  16 . The cap element  52  is provided to completely cover at least the bearing unit  24  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The cap element  52  is provided to completely cover at least the at least one fluidic coupling element  42 ,  46  and the at least one fluidic connecting element  44 . The cap element  52  is provided to completely cover at least the electrical coupling element  50  and the electrical connecting element  48 . 
     In the closed position  32  the cap element  52  at least largely conceals the wiper blade adapter  20 , the wiper arm adapter  16 , the bearing unit  24 , the at least one fluidic coupling element  42 ,  46 , the at least one fluidic connecting element  44 , the electrical coupling element  50  and the electrical connecting element  48  in relation to the environment. In the closed position  32 , the cover unit  30  has the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38 . In the closed position  32 , the cover unit  30  is either in the locked position  40  or in the unlocked position  38 . In the closed position  32 , the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , is displaceable translationally along a displacement axis  56  between the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38 . The pivot axis  36  is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the displacement axis  56 , wherein the cover unit  30  is displaceable along the displacement axis  56  between the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38 . The pivot axis  36  intersects the cap element  52 . The displacement axis  56  is oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm  12 , in particular of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The displacement axis  56  is oriented at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover unit  30 , in particular of the cap element  52 . The cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , is in the closed position  32  both in the locked position  40  and in the unlocked position  38 . In the unlocked position  38 , the cap element  52  can be transferred from the closed position  32  to the open position  34 . In the locked position  40 , the cap element  52  cannot be transferred from the closed position  32  into the open position  34 . In the unlocked position  38 , the cap element  52  can be transferred from the open position  34  into the closed position  32 . In the locked position  40 , the cap element  52  cannot be transferred from the open position  34  into the closed position  32 . In the open position  34 , the cap element  52  has been pivoted from the closed position  32 , wherein the wiper blade adapter  20 , the wiper arm adapter  16 , the bearing unit  24 , the at least one fluidic coupling element  42 ,  46 , the at least one fluidic connecting element  44 , the electrical connecting element  48  and the electrical coupling element  50  are exposed to the environment. The cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , at least largely does not conceal the wiper blade adapter  20 , the wiper arm adapter  16 , the bearing unit  24 , the at least one fluidic coupling element  42 ,  46 , the at least one fluidic connecting element  44 , the electrical connecting element  48  and the electrical coupling element  50  in the open position  34 . 
     In the present case, the wiper arm adapter  16  has two recesses  58 ,  60  which are provided for coupling to the cover unit  30 , in particular for mounting the cap element  52 . The recesses  58 ,  60  are in each case in the form of an elongated hole. A longitudinal axis of the elongated holes extends in each case parallel to the displacement axis  56 . 
     In the present case, the cover unit  30  has two pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  in each case engage in one of the recesses  58 ,  60  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are in each case arranged on an inner side of the cover unit  30 , in particular of the cap element  52 , which faces the wiper arm adapter  16 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are arranged opposite each other. The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are arranged on the cap element  52 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are formed integrally with the cap element  52 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are each in the form of a pin. The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are each bolt-shaped and/or peg-shaped. In the present case, the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  each form a form-fitting element  66 ,  68  in each case at an end of the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  that faces away from the cap element  52 , said form-fitting elements  66 ,  68  being provided to produce an at least partial form-fitting securing of the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  in the recesses  58 ,  60 . 
     The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are mounted so as to be displaceable translationally along the displacement axis  56 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are each mounted in a sliding manner in one of the recesses  58 ,  60 . During a displacement of the cover unit  30  between the unlocked position  38  and the locked position  40 , the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are each mounted so as to be displaceable translationally in in each case one of the recesses  58 ,  60 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are in each case mounted in one of the recesses  58 ,  60  translationally along the displacement axis  56  and rotationally about the pivot axis  36 , in particular depending on the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38 . The pivot axis  36  intersects the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  define the pivot axis  36 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are not pivotable during a displacement of the cover unit  30 , in particular of the cap element  52 , between the locked position  40  and the unlocked position  38 . The pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are each guided in the recesses  58 ,  60 . 
     The cover unit  30  has a latching element  70  which is arranged on an inner side of the cover unit  30  that faces the wiper arm adapter  16 , and which, in the closed position  32 , is arranged in a latching formation  72  of the wiper arm adapter  16  and which is provided to retain the cover unit  30  in the closed position  32 , in particular in the unlocked position  38 . The latching element  70  is in the form of an elevation. In the present case, the latching element  70  is in the form of a cone. The latching element  70  is arranged on the cap element  52 . The latching element  70  is formed integrally with the cap element  52 . In the closed position  32 , the latching element  70  is arranged in the latching formation  72 . The latching formation  72  is in the form of an impression in the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the present case, the latching formation  72  forms a depression. The latching formation  72  provides a movement clearance in which the latching element  70  is movable along the displacement axis  56 . During a pivoting of the cover unit  30 , in particular of the cap element  52 , the latching element  70  is provided to be moved out of the latching formation  72 , in particular by means of a manual action of force during the pivoting. In the open position  34 , the latching element  70  is arranged outside the latching formation  72 . 
     The cover unit  30  comprises a hook element  74 . In the closed position  32 , the hook element  74  engages in a further recess  76  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The hook element  74  is provided to secure the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , in the locked position  40  against pivoting out of the closed position  32 . The hook element  74  is provided to prevent a pivoting of the cap element  52  in the locked position  40 . The hook element  74  is arranged on the cap element  52 . The hook element  74  is formed integrally with the cap element  52 . In the locked position  40 , the cap element  52  is fastened to the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular via the hook element  74 . The further recess  76  is in the form of an elongated hole. The further recess  76  is in the form of a closed profile. In the present case, the further recess  76  is shaped rectangularly. The further recess  76  provides a movement clearance in which the hook element  74  is movable along the displacement axis  56 . An imaginary axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  intersects the further recess  76  and the fluidic coupling element  42 . In the unlocked position  38 , the hook element  74  is arranged in the further recess  76 , wherein the hook element  74  is pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16  without making contact. In the locked position  40 , the hook element  74  is arranged in the further recess  76 , wherein the hook element  74  is coupled in a form-fitting manner to the wiper arm adapter  16  in a pivoting direction of the cover unit  30  from the closed position  32  into the open position  34 . The hook element  74  forms an extension  78  which reaches behind the wiper arm adapter  16  in the locked position  40 . In the locked position  40 , the hook element  74  makes contact with the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the open position  34 , the hook element  74  is arranged outside the further recess  76 . The hook element  74  is at least L-shaped. The hook element  74  forms a latching element  80 . In the locked position  40  of the cover unit  30 , the latching element  80  is provided to engage in a latching recess  82  of the wiper arm adapter  16  for translationally securing the cover unit  30 . The hook element  74  is provided to latch the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , in the locked position  40 . In the present case, the hook element  74  is J-shaped. The latching element  80  is arranged on the extension  78 . The latching recess  82  is in the form of a through hole. The latching recess  82  is in the form of a closed profile. The latching recess  82  is shaped rectangularly. An imaginary axis at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16  intersects the further recess  76  and the latching recess  82 . An imaginary axis parallel to the displacement axis  56  intersects the further recess  76  and the latching recess  82 . The further recess  76  and the latching recess  82  are separated from each other by a web. The latching recess  82  is provided to provide a space in which the latching element  80  latches. In the locked position  40 , the latching element  80  engages in the latching recess  82  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The latching element  80  is provided to be moved out of the latching recess  82  during a displacement of the cover unit  30  from the locked position  40  into the unlocked position  38 . The latching element  80  is provided to be moved into the latching recess  82  during a displacement of the cover unit  30  from the unlocked position  38  into the locked position  40 . 
     The cover unit  30  has a spacer element  84 . The spacer element  84  is arranged on an inner side of the cover unit  30  that faces the wiper arm adapter  16 . The spacer element  84  makes contact with the wiper arm adapter  16  at least in the locked position  40 . The spacer element  84  is arranged on the cap element  52 . The spacer element  84  is formed integrally with the cap element  52 . The spacer element  84  is provided to ensure a defined distance between the cap element  52  and the wiper arm adapter  16  in a region of the bearing unit  24 . The spacer element  84  is provided to ensure a defined position of the hook element  74 , in particular of the latching element  80 , with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . During a translational displacement of the cover unit  30  between the unlocked position  38  and the locked position  40 , the spacer element  84  is mounted in a sliding manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the closed position  32 , the spacer element  84  is arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and the retaining bracket  28 . In the closed position  32 , the spacer element  84  is arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and the hook element  74 . 
     The cover unit  30  comprises a further hook element  86 . In the closed position  32 , the further hook element  86  is at least partially arranged between the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and the retaining bracket  28 . The further hook element  86  is provided to secure the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , in the locked position  40  from pivoting out of the closed position  32  in the locked position  40 . The further hook element  86  is provided to prevent a pivoting of the cap element  52  in the locked position  40 . The further hook element  86  is arranged on the cap element  52 . The further hook element  86  is formed integrally with the cap element  52 . The further hook element  86  is L-shaped. In the unlocked position  38 , the further hook element  86  is pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16  without making contact. In the locked position  40 , the further hook element  86  makes contact with the retaining bracket  28 . In the locked position  40 , the further hook element  86  reaches behind the retaining bracket  28 , wherein the further hook element  86  is coupled in a form-fitting manner to the wiper arm adapter  16  in the pivoting direction of the cover unit  30  from the closed position  32  into the open position  34 . The hook element  74  and the further hook element  86  are arranged offset with respect to each other, as viewed along the displacement axis  56 . The hook element  74  and the further hook element  86  are arranged offset with respect to each other, as viewed along the pivot axis  36 . The hook element  74  and the further hook element  86  are designed to be simultaneously displaceable translationally along the displacement axis  56  via the cap element  52 . The hook element  74  and the further hook element  86  are designed to be pivotable simultaneously about the pivot axis  36  via the cap element  52 . 
     The cover unit  30 , in particular by means of a formation of the cap element  52 , is provided to exert a downward force on the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular on the wiper blade  18 , at high vehicle speeds. An advantageously high wiping quality can thereby be achieved. For this purpose, the cover unit  30  can have a spoiler element which is arranged on an upper side of the cap element  52 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a method  88  for installation of the wiper device  10 . The method  88  comprises a plurality of method steps  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  100 . 
     In a first method step  90  of the method  88 , the cap element  52  is transferred translationally from the locked position  40  into the unlocked position  38 , in particular by hand, by means of the gripping structure  54 . Before the first method step  90 , the wiper device  10  is in an operationally prepared state. In the first method step  90 , the cover unit  30  is unlocked by means of a translational movement between the locked position  40  of the cover unit  30  and the unlocked position  38  of the cover unit  30 . In the first method step  90 , the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56  in the recesses  58 ,  60 . In the first method step  90 , the hook element  74  is displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56 . The latching element  80  which is formed by the hook element  74  is decoupled here from the latching recess  82  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the first method step  90 , the further hook element  86  is displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56 . The further hook element  86  is decoupled in the process from the retaining bracket  28 . In the first method step  90 , the cover unit  30  is permanently in the closed position  32 . After the first method step  90 , the cover unit  30  is in the unlocked position  38 . 
     In a second method step  92  of the method  88 , the cover unit  30  is pivoted, in particular by hand, from the closed position  32  into the open position  34 . In the second method step  92 , the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , is pivoted in relation to the wiper arm adapter  16  between the closed position  32  of the cover unit  30  and the open position  34  of the cover unit  30 . In the second method step  92 , the cap element  52  is pivoted from the closed position  32  into the open position  34 . In the open position  34 , the cap element  52  is pivoted in relation to the closed position  32  at least by 45°, preferably by at least 60° and particularly preferably by at least 90°. After the second method step  92 , the cover unit  30  is in the open position  34 . 
     In a third method step  94  of the method  88 , the wiper blade  18  is decoupled from the wiper arm  12 . In the third method step  94 , the fluidic coupling element  42  is decoupled from the fluidic connecting element  44 . In the process, a latching unit of the fluidic coupling element  42  is actuated. In the third method step  94 , the electrical coupling element  50  is decoupled from the electrical connecting element  48 . In the third method step  94 , the wiper blade adapter  20  is pivoted with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16  via the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  in such a manner that the bearing unit  24 , in particular the retaining bracket  28 , releases the wiper blade  18  for decoupling via the pin element  26 . In the third method step  94 , the wiper blade adapter  20  is pulled off the pin element  26 . During a pivoting of the electrical connecting element  48 , the electrical connecting element  48  remains in position with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . 
     In a fourth method step  96  of the method  88 , a wiper blade, in particular another wiper blade, is coupled to the wiper arm  12 . In principle, however, it may also be the same wiper blade, and therefore the description below refers to the previously introduced wiper blade  18  for the sake of simplicity. In the fourth method step  96 , the wiper blade adapter  20  is pushed onto the pin element  26 . In the process, the electrical coupling element  50  is coupled to the electrical connecting element  48 . In the fourth method step  96 , the wiper blade adapter  20  is pivoted with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16  via the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  in such a manner that the bearing unit  24 , in particular the retaining bracket  28 , fixes the wiper blade  18  in a direction parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . In the fourth method step  96 , the fluidic coupling element  42  is coupled to the fluidic connecting element  44  by means of the latching unit. 
     The third method step  94  and the fourth method step  96  are provided to exchange the wiper blade  18  for a wiper blade, in particular another, in particular new or serviced wiper blade. 
     In a fifth method step  98  of the method  88 , the cover unit  30  is pivoted from the open position  34  into the closed position  32 , in particular by hand. In the fifth method step  98 , the cover unit  30 , in particular the cap element  52 , is pivoted in relation to the wiper arm adapter  16  between the open position  34  of the cover unit  30  and the closed position  32  of the cover unit  30 . In the fifth method step  98 , the cap element  52  is pivoted from the open position  34  into the closed position  32 . After the fifth method step  98 , the cover unit  30  is in the closed position  32 . After the fifth method step  98 , the cover unit  30  is in the unlocked position  38 . 
     In a sixth method step  100  of the method  88 , the cap element  52  is transferred translationally from the unlocked position  38  into the locked position  40 , in particular by hand, by means of the gripping structure  54 . In the sixth method step  100 , the cover unit  30  is locked by means of a translational movement between the unlocked position  38  of the cover unit  30  and the locked position  40  of the cover unit  30 . In the sixth method step  100 , the pivoting bearing elements  62 ,  64  are displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56  in the recesses  58 ,  60 . In the sixth method step  100 , the hook element  74  is displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56 . In the process, the latching element  80  which is formed by the hook element  74  is coupled to the latching recess  82  of the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the sixth method step  100 , the further hook element  86  is displaced translationally along the displacement axis  56 . In the process, the further hook element  86  is coupled to the retaining bracket  28 . In the sixth method step  100 , the cover unit  30  is permanently in the closed position  32 . After the sixth method step  100 , the cover unit  30  is in the locked position  40 . After the sixth method step  100 , the wiper device  10  is in the operationally ready state, in particular as before the first method step  92 . 
     In principle, it is conceivable for the method  88  to be repeated, in particular after expiry of a defined use period of the wiper blade  18  and/or after expiry of defined operating cycles of the wiper blade  18 .