Patent Publication Number: US-2022219646-A1

Title: Wiper device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wiper device having a wiper arm rod, having a wiper blade adapter, which has a fluidic connecting element, having a fluidic coupling element for producing a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element, having a fluid line, which is connected to the fluidic coupling element and is provided for transporting wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod to the fluidic coupling element, and having a wiper arm adapter, which comprises a bearing unit which is provided for mounting the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis, has already been proposed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is based on a wiper device having a wiper arm rod, having a wiper blade adapter, which has a fluidic connecting element, having a fluidic coupling element for producing a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element, having a fluid line, which is connected to the fluidic coupling element and is provided for transporting wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod to the fluidic coupling element, and having a wiper arm adapter, which comprises a bearing unit which is provided for mounting the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about a wiper blade adapter pivot axis. 
     It is proposed that the fluidic coupling element is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter. The configuration according to the invention of the wiper device can make an advantageously simple arrangement of the fluidic coupling element on the wiper arm adapter possible. In particular, an advantageously movable wiper blade can be achieved. Furthermore, the configuration according to the invention can result in advantageously installation-friendly and low-wearing mounting of the fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter. The configuration according to the invention can enable the wiper device to be installed and/or removed in an advantageously rapid and simple manner. 
     A “wiper device” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably at least one part, preferentially 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 preferably 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 the 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 be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, in particular with respect to the wiper arm. The bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter is preferably designed as a side-lock adapter. The wiper arm adapter preferably comprises a pin element. The pin element is preferably surrounded by the bearing unit. 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 30°, advantageously less than 20° and particularly advantageously of less than 15°. The longitudinal axis of the pin element is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The longitudinal axis of the pin element is preferably oriented substantially parallel to a transverse 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 wiper arm adapter preferably has a retaining bracket. The retaining bracket is preferably surrounded by the bearing unit of the wiper arm adapter. 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 at least one 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. 
     A “fluidic connecting element” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an element which is fixedly connected to the wiper blade adapter and which can be coupled in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic coupling element to produce a fluidic connection. A “fluidic coupling element” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably an element which is connected to the fluid line in order to produce a fluidic connection and can be coupled to the fluidic connecting element in order to produce a fluidic connection. The fluid line is preferably attached to a fluid inlet of the fluidic coupling element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the fluidic connecting element at a fluid output of the fluidic coupling element. A “fluid line” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a duct for conducting a fluid, in particular wiping liquid. The fluid line is preferably designed as a hose. The fluid line preferably extends along the wiper arm rod. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the fluid line to be integrated in the wiper arm rod. A “fluidic connection” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a connection in which at least two components or assemblies are connected to each other in such a manner that a fluid, in particular wiping liquid, can be exchanged between them, in particular without a loss of fluid. A fluid, in particular wiping liquid, can preferably flow between at least two fluid-conducting regions and/or fluid-conducting components via a fluidic connection, in particular the fluid line. 
     The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter to be movable with respect to the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic connecting element is preferably in the form of a plug socket, in particular a plug-in coupling, of the wiper blade adapter. An attachment direction, in particular a plug-in direction, of the fluidic coupling element is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade, in particular of the wiper blade adapter, preferably at least in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element can preferably have at least one nonreturn valve, in particular two nonreturn valves. As a result, an advantageously short reaction time for providing wiping liquid can be made possible. The fluidic coupling element is preferably connectable to a pivoting of the wiper blade adapter, in particular about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, and/or is formed releasably with/from the fluidic connecting element. The fluidic connecting element preferably forms at least one fluid inlet on the wiper blade adapter. At least one, preferably at least two, in particular fluidically separated, fluid ducts preferably run through the wiper blade adapter, in particular for operating two wiping directions of the wiper blade with wiping liquid. A “wiping liquid” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably water or a solution which may contain a cleaning additive. The wiper blade adapter, in particular each fluid duct, is preferably fluidically connected to a duct unit of a wiper strip unit of the wiper blade and/or of a wind deflector unit of the wiper blade. The wiper blade adapter preferably has at least one fluid-discharging element, in particular at least one fluid-discharging nozzle. 
     The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a floating manner, in particular two-dimensionally. The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a two-dimensionally floating manner on the retaining bracket. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted in a floating manner on the wiper arm adapter, in particular on the retaining bracket, in a bearing plane. The bearing plane is preferably a geometrical plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. A movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter is preferably smaller than a movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element in the bearing plane at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element is preferably moveable in the bearing plane along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mm. The fluidic coupling element is preferably movable in the bearing plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 5 mm. The fluidic coupling element is preferably movable in the bearing plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter by in particular at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the fluidic coupling element is mounted pivotably about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis with respect to the wiper arm adapter. This configuration can permit a particularly advantageous mounting of the fluidic coupling element in relation to the wiper arm adapter. As a result, a low-wearing operation of the wiper device can advantageously be permitted. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element is particularly preferably connected to the wiper arm adapter via the fluidic connecting element and the wiper blade adapter, in particular in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element is preferably not arranged on the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably spaced apart from the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably arranged in a region on a side of the retaining bracket that faces away from the pin element. The fluidic coupling element is preferably connected to the wiper arm adapter so as to be at least pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter, in particular the pin element, in particular at least by 2°, preferably at least by 5°, particularly preferably at least by 10° and very particularly preferably at least by 15°. The fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted on the wiper arm adapter in a transversely displaceable manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter. In a connected state of the fluidic coupling element and of the fluidic connecting element, the fluidic coupling element can preferably follow a pivoting movement of the wiper blade adapter with respect to the wiper arm adapter about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis by means of a movable, in particular transversely displaceable, mounting. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper arm adapter has at least one bearing recess, and the fluidic coupling element has at least one bearing extension, wherein the bearing extension is guided in the at least one bearing recess. This configuration enables an advantageously simple and rapid exchange of the wiper blade. At the same time, this configuration can achieve an advantageous positioning of the fluidic coupling element during an installation and/or removal of the wiper blade on/from the wiper arm. As a result, a risk of damage to the fluidic coupling element during an installation and/or removal of the wiper blade on/from the wiper arm can advantageously be kept low. The at least one bearing recess is preferably provided to permit a movement of the fluidic coupling element during a wiper operation. The at least one bearing extension is preferably mounted in a floating manner in the at last one bearing recess. The at least one bearing extension is preferably mounted in a floating manner about the wiper blade adaptor pivot axis in the at least one bearing recess. “Mounted in a floating manner” is intended to be understood as meaning preferably a mounting in which the fluidic coupling element, in particular during a wiping operation, is movable within a region of the at least one bearing recess, wherein the fluidic coupling element is coupled to the wiper arm adapter. It is basically conceivable that the wiper blade is pivoted to and fro about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis during a wiping operation, with a maximum possible pivoting angle of the wiper blade corresponding to a maximum possible pivoting angle of the fluidic coupling element within the bearing recess. The fluidic coupling element is preferably provided to move with the wiper blade, in particular to pivot with the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, during a wiping operation. As a result, a movement of the at least one bearing extension with respect to the at least one bearing recess is coupled via a movement of the wiper blade. The at least one bearing extension is preferably hooked in the at least one bearing recess. The at least one fluidic coupling element is preferably mounted movably, in particular captively, on the wiper arm adapter, preferably by means of the at least one bearing extension which is hooked in the at least one bearing recess. The wiper arm adapter preferably has two, in particular identical, bearing recesses. The fluidic coupling element preferably has two, in particular identical, bearing extensions, or the fluidic coupling element is coupled to a second bearing extension. At least two, in particular mutually analogous, bearing recesses are preferably arranged on the at least one fluidic coupling element. The at least one fluidic coupling element preferably delimits the at least one bearing recess. The at least one fluidic coupling element preferably delimits at least two bearing recesses. The two bearing recesses are preferably formed analogously to each other. The two, in particular mutually analogous, bearing recesses are preferably arranged in alignment with each other along an axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The two bearing recesses are preferably arranged on sides of the fluidic coupling element that face away from each other. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the at least one bearing recess has a profile which is in the form of a circular arc segment, the center point of which lies on the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. This configuration can permit an advantageous pivoting of the fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter. As a result, an advantageous low-friction pivoting of the fluidic coupling element can be permitted. Furthermore, an advantageously low-wearing movement of the fluidic coupling element can thereby be achieved. The circular arc segment preferably lies in the bearing plane. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one bearing recess comprises an installation opening, by means of which the at least one bearing extension is insertable into the bearing recess. This configuration enables an advantageously simple installation and/or removal of the fluidic coupling element on/from the wiper arm adapter. The fluidic coupling element does not have to be loaded here per se in order to achieve a coupling and/or decoupling of the at least one bearing extension with/from the at least one bearing recess, as a result of which damage to the fluidic coupling element can advantageously be avoided. The bearing recess preferably forms an open profile by means of the installation opening. The fluidic coupling element is preferably coupled to the wiper arm adapter so as to be releasable from the wiper arm adapter. During a coupling and/or decoupling of the fluidic coupling element to/from the wiper arm adapter, the fluidic coupling element is preferably pivotable by means of the installation opening via an axis, which intersects the at least one bearing extension and which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis, onto the profile of the at least one bearing recess, or is pivotable out of the profile of the at least one bearing recess. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the installation opening runs in a plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and at least substantially perpendicular to the profile of the bearing recess. This configuration can advantageously make it possible to avoid the fluidic coupling element unintentionally falling out of the bearing recess, in particular in a state in which the fluidic coupling element is decoupled from the fluidic connecting element. The installation opening is particularly preferably arranged in a region which intersects the profile of the bearing recess, at least substantially in the center of the profile. The installation opening preferably runs in the plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis and at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis is preferably designed as the bearing plane. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a latching unit which is formed integrally with the fluidic coupling element and is provided to be coupled to at least one corresponding latching element of the wiper blade adapter. By means of this configuration, an advantageously simple and rapid installation and/or removal of the fluidic coupling element on/from the wiper blade adapter can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageously single-handed installation of the fluidic coupling element can be achieved by this configuration. Furthermore, a particularly secure connection can thereby be provided between the fluidic coupling element and the fluidic connecting element. An advantageously high degree of operational reliability of the wiper device can thereby be achieved. The latching unit is preferably provided to couple the fluidic coupling element in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic connecting element. The latching unit is preferably designed as a snap-action closure. The latching unit preferably has two opposite gripping elements which, when the two gripping elements are deflected toward each other, are provided to decouple the latching unit from the at least one corresponding latching element. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a second fluidic coupling element, a second fluid line, and a heating element which is arranged in the fluid line and in the second fluid line and extends through the fluid line and the second fluid line, wherein the heating element is guided in a region of the fluidic coupling element and of the second fluidic coupling element from the fluid line into the second fluid line. By means of this configuration, an advantageously combined heating of the fluid line, the fluidic coupling element, the second fluid line and the second fluidic coupling element can be achieved with a single heating element. Furthermore, the effect which can be achieved by this configuration is that no electrical line is routed from the fluidic coupling element and/or from the fluidic coupling element to the wiper arm adapter. An advantageous movability of the fluidic coupling element and of the second fluidic coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can thereby be made possible. The fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element are particularly preferably formed integrally. The latching unit is preferably formed integrally with the second fluidic coupling element. The fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element are preferably connected to each other via the latching unit. The heating element is preferably provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the fluid line. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the second fluid line. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the fluidic coupling element. The heating element is preferably provided for heating the second fluidic coupling element. It can thereby be advantageously ensured that wiping liquid and/or components of the fluidic coupling element do not freeze. The heating element is preferably guided from the fluid line into the second fluid line in a region between the fluidic coupling element and the pin element. The heating element is preferably guided from the fluid line into the second fluid line through an opening of the fluidic coupling element and through a second opening of the second fluidic coupling element. The wiper device preferably comprises a closure element which is provided to close, in particular to seal, the opening of the fluidic coupling element. The closure element is particularly preferably also provided to close, in particular to seal, the second opening of the second fluidic coupling element. An advantageously simple installation can thereby be achieved. The closure element is preferably provided to prevent fluid from emerging from the fluidic coupling element and from the second fluidic coupling element. The closure element is preferably provided to prevent a fluid exchange between the fluidic coupling element and the second fluidic coupling element. The closure element particularly preferably receives the heating element. The heating element is preferably arranged on the closure element. The closure element is preferably designed as protection for the heating element. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the wiper device to comprise at least two closure elements which are formed separately from each other and which are each provided to close one of the openings. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises an electrical connecting element which is mounted on the wiper arm adapter so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. By means of this configuration, an advantageous pivoting of the electrical connecting element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can be permitted. As a result, an advantageously low-friction pivoting of the electrical connecting element can be permitted. It is thereby possible in particular to provide an advantageous secure electrical connection. The wiper device preferably comprises a fastening element which is provided to mount the electrical connecting element pivotably on the wiper arm adapter. The electrical connecting element is particularly preferably integrated in the fastening element. The electrical connecting element is preferably formed integrally with the fastening element. The fastening element is preferably pivotable together with the wiper blade about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis. The fastening element is preferably connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the pin element. The fastening element is particularly preferably mounted pivotably on the pin element. The fastening element preferably extends into a region within the wiper arm adapter. The fastening element is preferably in the form of a clip for producing a connection to the pin element. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises an electrical coupling element for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element, wherein the electrical coupling element is provided to be coupled fixedly to the wiper blade adapter by means of a latching connection. By means of this configuration, an advantageously secure and fixed connection can be achieved between the wiper blade adapter and the electrical coupling element. As a result, an advantageously secure coupling of the electrical coupling element to the electrical connecting element can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageously defined pivoting of the electrical coupling element with respect to the wiper arm adapter can thereby be achieved. The wiper blade preferably comprises a wiper blade heating unit which is provided to heat the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating unit preferably comprises a wiper blade heating element. The wiper blade heating element is preferably flexible. The wiper blade heating element is preferably strip-shaped. The wiper blade heating element is preferably provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The wiper blade heating element is preferably provided to distribute thermal energy along the wiper blade, in particular for heating fluid ducts in the wind deflector unit, the wiper blade adapter and/or end caps of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating element is preferably also provided to heat a wiping lip of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating element is preferably arranged on the wiper strip unit of the wiper blade and/or on the wind deflector unit of the wiper blade. The wiper blade heating unit preferably has the electrical coupling element. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to provide an electrical connection for heating the wiper blade. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to be mounted together with the wiper blade adapter on the wiper arm adapter. The electrical coupling element is preferably provided to be coupled to the fastening element. By means of an integral formation of the electrical connecting element and of the fastening element, tolerances for aligning the electrical coupling element with respect to the electrical connecting element can advantageously be reduced. 
     Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper device comprises a retaining element which is fixedly connected to the wiper arm adapter by means of a latching connection and is provided to fix at least one electrical line, which is fixedly connected to the electrical connecting element, to the wiper arm adapter. By means of this configuration, a simple and secure fastening of the at least one electrical line can be achieved. By means of this configuration, furthermore an undefined position and/or an undefined profile of the at least one electrical line in a region around the wiper arm adapter can be advantageously avoided when the electrical connecting element, to which the at least one electrical line is connected, is pivoted. An advantageously high degree of operational reliability can thereby be ensured. The wiper device preferably comprises the at least one electrical line. The at least one electrical line is preferably provided to provide electrical energy for the wiper blade heating unit. The retaining element is particularly preferably fastened directly to the wiper arm adapter. The retaining element is preferably fastened to the wiper arm adapter from a lower side of the wiper arm adapter. In a fully mounted state, the at least one electrical line which is fixed to the retaining element is preferably arranged on a side of the wiper arm adapter that faces away from the fluidic coupling element. The retaining element is preferably arranged adjacent to the fastening element. A longitudinal axis of the retaining element is preferably oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter. The retaining element is preferably plate-like, with the retaining element having a plurality of ribs. The ribs are preferably at least partially provided with at least one latching element. The retaining element is preferably attached in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the wiper arm by means of at least one latching element of the retaining element. The at least one electrical line is preferably fixed in a form-fitting manner to the retaining element by means of at least one latching element of the retaining element. The retaining element is particularly preferably designed as a liquid deflector. It can thereby be advantageously avoided that wiping liquid passes under a cover unit of the wiper device. It can thereby be advantageously avoided that liquid accumulates inside the cover unit and overspray effects thus occur. 
     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 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 drawing, 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 wiper device according to the invention in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective detailed view of the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 3  shows a latching unit of the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic sectional illustration, 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a wiper arm adapter and of a wiper blade adapter of the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective detailed view of a fluidic coupling element and of a closure element of the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic illustration, 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective detailed view of the wiper blade adapter and of the wiper arm adapter in a schematic illustration, and 
         FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of a vehicle-side end of fluid lines and electrical lines 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, 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. 
     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, for 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 at least one mechanical connecting element has at least one recess for receiving the pin element  26 . The at least one recess at least largely forms the at least one mechanical connecting element. The wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  runs, in particular centrally, through the at least one recess of the mechanical connecting element. 
     The wiper blade adapter  20  has a fluidic connecting element  30 . The fluidic connecting element  30  is designed as a plug socket, in particular a plug-in coupling, of the wiper blade adapter  20 . The fluidic connecting element  30  forms at least one fluid inlet on the wiper blade adapter  20 . At least two, in particular fluidically separated, fluid ducts run through the wiper blade adapter  20 , in particular for operating two wiping directions of the wiper blade  18  with wiping liquid. The wiper blade adapter  20 , in particular each fluid duct of the wiper blade adapter  20 , is fluidically connected to a duct unit, not illustrated specifically, of a wiper strip unit of the wiper blade  18  and/or of a wind deflector unit of the wiper blade  18 . The wiper blade adapter  20  has a plurality of fluid-discharging elements  32  which are each designed as a fluid-discharging nozzle. 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a fluidic coupling element  34  to produce a fluidic connection to the fluidic connecting element  30 . An attachment direction, in particular a plug-in direction, of the fluidic coupling element  34  is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade  18 , in particular of the wiper blade adapter  20 , preferably at least in the connected state. The fluidic coupling element  34  is coupled to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16  movably with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is connected to the wiper arm adapter  16  via the fluidic connecting element  30  and the wiper blade adapter  20 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is not arranged on the pin element  26 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is arranged spaced apart from the pin element  26 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is arranged in a region on a side of the retaining bracket  28  that faces away from the pin element  26 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is designed to be connectable to a pivoting of the wiper blade adapter  20 , in particular about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 , and/or to be releasable to/from the fluidic connecting element  30 . 
     The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted in a floating manner, in particular two-dimensionally. The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted on the retaining bracket  28  in a two-dimensionally floating manner. The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular on the retaining bracket  28 , in a floating manner in a bearing plane. The bearing plane is a geometrical plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . A movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element  34  along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16  is smaller than a movement clearance of the fluidic coupling element  34  in the bearing plane at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is movable in the bearing plane along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16  by in particular a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mm. The fluidic coupling element  34  is movable in the bearing plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16  by in particular a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 5 mm. The fluidic coupling element  34  is movable in the bearing plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16  by in particular at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm. 
     The wiper blade adapter  20  has a second fluidic connecting element  36 . The second fluidic connecting element  36  is substantially identical in its configuration and operation to the fluidic connecting element  30 . The wiper device  10  comprises a second fluidic coupling element  38  to produce a fluidic connection to the second fluidic connecting element  36 . The second fluidic coupling element  38  is substantially identical in its configuration and operation to the fluidic coupling element  34 . 
     The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The second fluidic coupling element  38  is mounted so as to be pivotable about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  are provided to move with the wiper blade  18  during a wiping operation, in particular to pivot with respect to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is connected to the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be at least pivotable with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 , in particular the pin element  26 , in particular at least by 2°, preferably at least by 5°, particularly preferably at least by 10° and very particularly preferably at least by 15°. The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted on the wiper arm adapter  16  in a transversely displaceable manner with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16 . In a connected state of the fluidic coupling element  34  and of the fluidic connecting element  30 , the fluidic coupling element  34  can follow a pivoting movement of the wiper blade adapter  20  with respect to the wiper arm adapter  16  about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  by means of a movable, in particular transversely displaceable, mounting. 
     In the present case, the wiper arm adapter  16  has two bearing recesses  40 ,  42 . The two bearing recesses  40 ,  42  are formed analogously with respect to each other. The two bearing recesses  40 ,  42  are identical. The wiper arm adapter  16  has a bearing recess  40 . The bearing recess  40  is arranged on the retaining bracket  28 . The bearing recess  40  is arranged on a wing element  44  of the retaining bracket  28 , said wing element extending at least substantially parallel to the bearing plane. The wiper arm adapter  16  has a second bearing recess  42 . The bearing recesses  40 ,  42  are provided to permit a movement of the fluidic coupling element  34  and of the second fluidic coupling element  38  during a wiping operation. The fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  are arranged between the two bearing recesses  40 ,  42 . The fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  delimit the two bearing recesses  40 ,  42 . The two bearing recesses  40 ,  42  are arranged in alignment with each other along an axis parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The two bearing recesses  40 ,  42  are arranged on sides of the fluidic coupling element  34  facing away from each other. 
     The bearing recess  40  has a profile  46 . The fluidic coupling element  34  can move along the profile  46 . The profile  46  is in the form of a circular arc segment. The circular arc segment lies in the bearing plane. A center point of the circular arc segment lies on the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The second bearing recess  42  has the same profile  46  which, however, is not illustrated for reasons of clarity. 
     The fluidic coupling element  34  has a bearing extension  48 . The bearing extension  48  is guided in the bearing recess  40 . The bearing extension  48  is mounted in a floating manner in the bearing recess  40 . The bearing extension  48  is mounted in a floating manner about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  in the bearing recess  40 . The bearing extension  48  is hooked in the bearing recess  40 . The fluidic coupling element  34  is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter  16 , preferably by means of the bearing extension  48  which is hooked, in particular captively, in the bearing recess  40 . 
     The second fluidic coupling element  38  has a second bearing extension, not illustrated specifically. The second bearing extension is guided in the second bearing recess  42 . The second bearing extension is mounted in a floating manner in the second bearing recess  42 . The second bearing extension is mounted in the second bearing recess  42  in a floating manner about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The second bearing extension is hooked in the second bearing recess  42 . The second fluidic coupling element  38  is mounted movably on the wiper arm adapter  16 , preferably by means of the second bearing extension which is hooked, in particular captively, in the second bearing recess  42 . 
     In principle, in an alternative configuration, it would also be conceivable for the wiper arm adapter  16  to have the bearing extensions  48  and for the fluidic coupling elements  34 ,  38  to have the bearing recesses  40 ,  42 . 
     The bearing recess  40  comprises an installation opening  50  by means of which the bearing extension  48  is insertable into the bearing recess  40 . By means of the installation opening  50 , the bearing recess  40  forms an open profile. The fluidic coupling element  34  is coupled to the wiper arm adapter  16  so as to be releasable from the wiper arm adapter  16 . The installation opening  50  runs in a plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and at least substantially perpendicular to the profile  46  of the bearing recess  40 . The installation opening  50  is arranged in a region which intersects the profile  46  of the bearing recess  40  at least substantially in the center of the profile  46 . The installation opening  50  runs in the plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  and at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22  is designed as the bearing plane. During a coupling and/or decoupling of the fluidic coupling element  34  to/from the wiper arm adapter  16 , the fluidic coupling element  34  is pivotable onto the profile  46  of the bearing recess  40  or is pivotable out of the profile  46  of the bearing recess  40  by means of the installation opening  50  via an axis which intersects the bearing extension  48  and which is oriented at least substantially parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The second bearing recess  42  comprises a second installation opening which is formed at least substantially identically to the installation opening  50  of the bearing recess  40 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a latching unit  52 . The latching unit  52  is formed integrally with the fluidic coupling element  34 . The latching unit  52  is formed integrally with the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  are formed integrally. The fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  are connected to each other via the latching unit  52 . The latching unit  52  is provided to be coupled to two corresponding latching elements  54 ,  56  of the wiper blade adapter  20 . The two corresponding latching elements  54 ,  56  of the wiper blade adapter  20  are arranged between the fluidic connecting element  30  and the second fluidic connecting element  36 . The latching unit  52  is provided to couple the fluidic coupling element  34  in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the fluidic connecting element  30 . The latching unit  52  is provided to couple the second fluidic coupling element  38  in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the second fluidic connecting element  36 . The latching unit  52  is designed as a snap-action closure. The latching unit  52  has two opposite gripping elements  58 ,  60  which, when the two gripping elements  58 ,  60  are deflected toward each other, are provided to decouple the latching unit  52  from the two corresponding latching elements  54 ,  56 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a fluid line  62 . The fluid line  62  is in the form of a hose. The fluid line  62  extends along the wiper arm rod  14 . The fluid line  62  is connected to the fluidic coupling element  34  and is provided to transport wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod  14  to the fluidic coupling element  34 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a second fluid line  64 . The second fluid line  64  is in the form of a hose. The second fluid line  64  extends along the wiper arm rod  14 . The second fluid line  64  is connected to the second fluidic coupling element  38  and is provided to transport wiping liquid along the wiper arm rod  14  to the second fluidic coupling element  38 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a heating element  66  which is arranged in the fluid line  62  and in the second fluid line  64  and extends through the fluid line  62  and the second fluid line  64 . The heating element  66  is provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating element  66  is guided from the fluid line  62  into the second fluid line  64  in a region of the fluidic coupling element  34  and of the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The heating element  66  is provided for heating the fluid line  62 . The heating element  66  is provided for heating the second fluid line  64 . The heating element  66  is provided for heating the fluidic coupling element  34 . The heating element  66  is provided for heating the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The heating element  66  is guided from the fluid line  62  into the second fluid line  64  in a region between the fluidic coupling element  34  and the pin element  26 . The heating element  66  is guided from the fluid line  62  into the second fluid line  64  through an opening of the fluidic coupling element  34  and through a second opening of the second fluidic coupling element  38 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a closure element  68 . The closure element  68  is provided to close, in particular to seal, the opening of the fluidic coupling element  34 . The closure element  68  is also provided to close, in particular to seal, the second opening of the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The closure element  68  is provided to prevent fluid from emerging from the fluidic coupling element  34  and from the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The closure element  68  is provided to prevent a fluid exchange between the fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38 . The closure element  68  receives the heating element  66 . In a mounted state, the heating element  66  is arranged on the closure element  68 . The closure element  68  is designed as protection for the heating element  66 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises an electrical connecting element  70  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  70  is designed as a female coupling. The wiper device  10  comprises a fastening element  72  which is provided to mount the electrical connecting element  70  pivotably on the wiper arm adapter  16 . The electrical connecting element  70  is integrated in the fastening element  72 . The electrical connecting element  70  is formed integrally with the fastening element  72 . The fastening element  72  is pivotable together with the wiper blade  18  about the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The fastening element  72  is connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the pin element  26 . The fastening element  72  is mounted pivotably on the pin element  26 . The fastening element  72  extends into a region within the wiper arm adapter  16 . The fastening element  72  is in the form of a clip for producing a connection to the pin element  26 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises an electrical coupling element  74  for the electrical connection to the electrical connecting element  70 . The electrical coupling element  74  is designed as a male coupling. The wiper blade adapter  20  has a receptacle  76  for the electrical coupling element  74 . The receptacle  76  is designed in the manner of a portal. The receptacle  76  completely surrounds the electrical coupling element  74  in a sectional plane perpendicular to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . The electrical coupling element  74  is provided to be coupled fixedly to the wiper blade adapter  20  by means of a latching connection. The electrical coupling element  74  has a latching element  78  which is provided to form the latching connection. In a latched state, the latching element  78  of the electrical coupling element  74  reaches behind the receptacle  76  of the wiper blade adapter  20 . 
     The wiper blade  18  comprises a wiper blade heating unit which is provided to heat the wiper blade  18 . The wiper blade heating unit has a wiper blade heating element  80 . The wiper blade heating element  80  is flexible. The wiper blade heating element  80  is strip-shaped. The wiper blade heating element  80  is provided to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The wiper blade heating element  80  is provided to distribute thermal energy along the wiper blade  18 , in particular for heating fluid ducts in the wind deflector unit, the wiper blade adapter  20  and/or end caps of the wiper blade  18 . The wiper blade heating element  80  is also provided to heat a wiping lip of the wiper blade  18 . The wiper blade heating element  80  is arranged on the wiper strip unit of the wiper blade  18  and/or on the wind deflector unit of the wiper blade  18 . The wiper blade heating unit has the electrical coupling element  74 . The electrical coupling element  74  is provided to provide an electrical connection for heating the wiper blade  18 . The electrical coupling element  74  is provided to be mounted together with the wiper blade adapter  20  on the wiper arm adapter  16 . The electrical coupling element  74  is provided to be coupled to the fastening element  72 , in particular to the electrical connecting element  70 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a retaining element  82 . The retaining element  82  is fixedly connected to the wiper arm adapter  16  by means of a latching connection. In the present case, the retaining element  82  is provided to fix an electrical line  84 , which is connected fixedly to the electrical connecting element  70 , to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The electrical line  84  is provided for providing electrical energy for the wiper blade heating unit. The wiper device  10  comprises the electrical line  84 . The electrical line  84  extends at least along the wiper arm rod  14 . In the present case, the electrical line  84  is of two-core design. The electrical line  84  has two cores  86 ,  88 . In principle, it would also be conceivable for the electrical line  84  to have a different number of cores. The cores  86 ,  88  are in each case insulated. Apart from free end regions of the electrical line  84 , the electrical line  84  has a sheath which surrounds the cores  86 ,  88 . The retaining element  82  is fastened directly to the wiper arm adapter  16 . The retaining element  82  is fastened to the wiper arm adapter  16  from a lower side of the wiper arm adapter  16 . In a completely mounted state, the electrical line  84  which is fixed to the retaining element  82  is arranged on a side of the wiper arm adapter  16  that faces away from the fluidic coupling element  34 . The retaining element  82  is arranged adjacent to the fastening element  72 . A longitudinal axis of the retaining element  82  is oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm adapter  16 . The retaining element  82  is plate-like, with the retaining element  82  having a plurality of ribs which extend perpendicularly away from a base plate of the retaining element  82 . The ribs are at least partially provided with at least one latching element. The retaining element  82  is attached in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the wiper arm adapter  16  by means of at least one latching element, not illustrated specifically, of the retaining element  82 . The electrical line  84  is fixed in a form-fitting manner to the retaining element  82  by means of two latching elements  90 ,  92  of the retaining element  82 . The wiper device  10  comprises a cover unit which has a cap element  94 . The cap element  94  is provided to at least partially, preferably at least largely, cover the wiper blade adapter  20 , in particular the wiper arm adapter  16 . The cap element  94  is provided to cover at least the fluidic coupling element  34  and the second fluidic coupling element  38  in relation to an environment. The cap element  94  is provided to cover at least the fastening element  72 , the electrical connecting element  70  and the electrical coupling element  74  in relation to an environment. The fastening element  72  is designed as a liquid deflector. The fastening element  72  extends as far as an outer edge of the cap element  94 . The cap element  94  is provided to cover at least the retaining element  82  in relation to an environment. The retaining element  82  is designed as a liquid deflector. The retaining element  82  extends as far as an outer edge of the cap element  94 . The cap element  94  is formed by a shell-like cover cap. The cover unit is connected captively to the wiper arm  12 , in particular to the wiper arm adapter  16 . In the present case, the pivot axis of the cap element  94  is oriented parallel to the wiper blade adapter pivot axis  22 . 
     The fluid line  62 , the second fluid line  64  and the electrical line  84  are bunched at a vehicle-side end  96  of the wiper device  10 . The vehicle-side end of the fluid line  62  has an attachment unit  98  to produce a fluidic connection of the fluid line  62  to a wiping liquid container and/or to a wiping liquid pump. The attachment unit  98  is T-shaped. The attachment unit  98  can have at least one non-return valve. The attachment unit  98  has a heating element attachment  100 . One end of the heating element  66  is connected to the heating element attachment  100 . The vehicle-side end of the second fluid line  64  has a second attachment unit  102  to produce a fluid connection of the second fluid line  64  to a wiping liquid container and/or to a wiping liquid pump. The second attachment unit  102  is T-shaped. The second attachment unit  102  can have at least one nonreturn valve. The second attachment unit  102  has a second heating element attachment  104 . A second end of the heating element  66  is connected to the second heating element attachment  104 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a vehicle-side electrical coupling element  106 . The vehicle-side electrical coupling element  106  is designed as a male coupling. In the present case, the vehicle-side electrical coupling element  106  comprises four poles. Two of the four poles are provided for the wiper blade heating element  80 . Two further of the four poles are provided for the heating element  66 . The electrical line  84  is electrically connected at its vehicle-side end to the vehicle-side electrical coupling element  106 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a further electrical line  108 . The further electrical line  108  is electrically connected to the vehicle-side electrical coupling element  106 . The further electrical line  108  is connected to the heating element attachment  100  and to the second heating element attachment  104 . The further electrical line  108  is of two-core design. The further electrical line  108  has two cores  110 ,  112 . The two cores  110 ,  112  of the further electrical line  108  are in each case insulated. In contrast to the electrical line  84 , the further electrical line  108  does not have a sheath which surrounds the cores  110 ,  112 . The cores  110 ,  112  of the further electrical line  108  are at least partially separated from each other. One of the two cores  110  of the further electrical line  108  is connected to the heating element attachment  100 . Another of the two cores  112  of the further electrical line  108  is connected to the second heating element attachment  104 . The fluid line  62  and the second fluid line  64  are connected to the electrical line  84  via the further electrical line  108  at the vehicle-side end  96  of the wiper device  10 . 
     The wiper device  10  comprises a fastening means  114  which is provided to fix the two cores  110 ,  112  of the further electrical line  108  to the electrical line  84 . The fastening means  114  is designed as a tape which surrounds the electrical line  84  and the further electrical line  108 . The fastening means  114  can be designed, for example, as a loop and hook tape or as a cable tie. The wiper device  10  comprises a further fastening means  116  which is provided to fix the two cores  110 ,  112  of the further electrical line  108  to the fluid line  62  and to the second fluid line  64 . The further fastening means  116  is designed as a tape which surrounds the fluid line  62 , the second fluid line  64  and the further electrical line  108 . The further fastening means  116  can be designed, for example, as a loop and hook tape or as a cable tie. As a result, the cores  110 ,  112  of the further electrical line  108  can advantageously be arranged on the fluid line  62  and on the second fluid line  64 . An advantageously simple and secure installation and/or removal of the wiper device  10  can thereby take place.