Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to an end cap arrangement, more particularly for a wiper blade ( 12   a;    12   b ), comprising an end cap main part ( 14   a;    14   b ) that can be fixedly connected to a main component ( 10   a;    10   b ) of a wiper blade ( 12   a;    12   b ). It is proposed that the end cap arrangement comprise at least an end cap spoiler element ( 16   a;    16   b ) which is designed so that in an installed condition an installation opening ( 18   a;    18   b ) is left free for a wiper rubber ( 20   a;    20   b ).

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    An end cap device, in particular for a wiper blade, having an end cap base member which can be securely connected to at least one main component of a wiper blade, has already been proposed. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is based on an end cap device, in particular for a wiper blade, having an end cap base member which can be securely connected to at least one main component of a wiper blade. 
         [0003]    It is proposed that the end cap device comprise at least one end cap spoiler element which is provided to release an assembly opening for a wiper arm in an assembly configuration. A wiper lip of the wiper blade can thereby advantageously be replaced in a simple manner. In a further advantageous manner, aerodynamic disturbances of the end cap device, in particular during travel operation, can be prevented. The term “main component” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to be at least one resilient rail, a wind deflection element and/or a retention element. The term “resilient rail” is intended in particular to be understood to be a macroscopic element which has at least one extent which can be resiliently changed in a normal operating state by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30% and, in a particularly advantageous manner, by at least 50%, and which in particular produces a counter-force which is dependent on a change of the extent and which is preferably proportional to the change and which counteracts the change. Preferably, the resilient rail is at least partially formed from a spring steel. In an unloaded state, the resilient rail is preferably substantially in the form of a bent rod and, in a particularly advantageous manner, a flattened bent rod. In a particularly advantageous manner, a curvature of the resilient rail along a longitudinal extent in an unloaded state is greater than a curvature of a vehicle surface of a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle window, by means of which the resilient rail is guided in at least one operating state. The term “extent” of an element is intended in particular to be understood to be a maximum spacing between two points of a perpendicular projection of the element on a plane. The term “macroscopic element” is intended in particular to be understood to be an element with an extent of at least 1 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm. 
         [0004]    The term “wiper blade” is intended in particular to be understood to be a unit of a resilient material having a wiper lip which is provided, in order to clean a surface which is intended to be cleaned, in particular a window surface, preferably of a vehicle window, to be moved in contact over the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the wiper blade is produced from a natural or synthetic elastomer material, in particular rubber. The term “wind deflection element” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to be an element which is provided to deflect a travel wind which acts on the wiper blade and/or to use it for pressing the wiper blade onto a vehicle window. Preferably, the wind deflection element has at least one concave wind deflection face. In particular, the wind deflection element is constructed to be different from a wiper blade adapter and/or an end cap. The term “retention element” is intended in this context to refer in particular to an element which is provided to retain a resilient rail. Preferably, the retention element is formed by an extruded member, in particular of plastics material. 
         [0005]    The term “end cap spoiler element” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to refer to an element of an end cap which in at least one operating state is provided for an aerodynamic production of a pressing force of the end cap device, in particular in the direction of a vehicle window. Preferably, the at least one end cap spoiler element has at least one substantially concave-curved main flow face. The main flow face is in particular provided to deflect an incoming air flow. Preferably, the at least one end cap spoiler element has at least a first face which in at least one operating state extends at least substantially parallel with a vehicle window. In a further advantageous manner, the at least one end cap spoiler element has at least a second face which in at least one operating state extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the vehicle window. The second face is preferably smooth in this instance, in particular free from corrugation. The term “at least substantially” is in this context intended in particular to be understood to be an angular deviation of less than 15°, preferably less than 10°, in a particularly preferred manner less than 5°, in a quite particularly preferred manner less than 2°. The term “can be securely connected” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to be able to be connected in a non-detachable and/or non-releasable manner. The term “connected in a non-releasable manner” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to mean that destruction-free separation is prevented. 
         [0006]    The term “assembly configuration” is intended in this context to be understood in particular to be a configuration of the end cap device in which a wiper arm can be assembled and/or disassembled. In particular, the wiper blade in the assembly configuration can be pulled out of and/or pushed into a wiper blade. The term “assembly opening” is intended in this context to refer in particular to an opening, in particular a gap, through which the wiper arm can be guided during assembly and/or disassembly. Preferably, the assembly opening opens the end cap device in a longitudinal direction. The term “longitudinal direction” in this context is intended to be understood in particular to be a direction which extends at least substantially parallel with a main longitudinal extent of the end cap device and/or at least substantially parallel with a main longitudinal extent of the wiper arm. The term “provided” is intended in particular to be understood to be specifically configured and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is intended in particular to be understood to mean that the object performs and/or carries out this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the at least one end cap spoiler element be movably supported on the end cap base member, whereby a particularly simple production of the assembly configuration can be achieved. 
         [0008]    It is further proposed that the at least one end cap spoiler element be displaceably supported on the end cap base member, whereby a movement which may be obtained in a particularly simple and intuitive manner in respect of the at least one end cap spoiler element can be achieved. Preferably, the at least one end cap spoiler element is displaceably supported on the end cap base member in a wiping direction. In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, it is proposed that the at least one end cap spoiler element be pivotably supported on the end cap base member. 
         [0009]    It is further proposed that the at least one end cap spoiler element have an opening direction which is directed from the end cap base member at least partially toward a leeward side. Preferably, the at least one end cap spoiler element can be opened at least partially in the opening direction. The term “opening direction” in this context is intended to be understood in particular to be a direction in which the at least one end cap spoiler element is constructed so as to be able to be at least partially displaced relative to the end cap base member in order to produce an opening. Preferably, this is intended in particular to be understood to be a direction in which the end cap spoiler element can be displaced from a position mounted on the end cap base member relative to the end cap base member, in particular is displaced at least substantially in the direction toward an opening. In a particularly preferred manner, this is intended in particular to be understood to be a direction which extends at least substantially parallel with a translation axis of the displacement movement of the end cap spoiler element relative to the end cap base member. The fact that the opening direction “is directed in the direction toward a leeward side” is intended in particular to be understood to mean that the opening direction is directed from the end cap base member in the direction of a leeward side of the end cap device. Preferably, this is intended in particular to be understood to mean that the opening direction corresponds to a wiping direction of the wiper blade during a movement with the wind, that is to say, in particular during an upward movement. In this instance, the term “leeward side” is in this context intended in particular to be understood to be a side facing away from the wind, in particular a side facing away from the travel wind. This is preferably intended in particular to be understood to be a side facing away from the wind, in particular a side facing away from the travel wind, of the end cap device and/or in particular the wiper blade. Furthermore, the term “wiper direction” is intended in particular to be understood in this instance to be a tangential direction in which the wiper blade is guided in an operating state over a vehicle window which is intended to be wiped. It is thereby possible in particular to achieve an advantageously comfortable opening of the end cap spoiler element. Furthermore, it is thereby possible to provide a movement which may be obtained in a simple and intuitive manner in respect of the at least one end cap spoiler element. 
         [0010]    It is further proposed that the at least one end cap spoiler element have an opening direction, which is directed from the end cap base member at least partially toward a windward side. The fact that the opening direction “is directed toward a windward side” is intended in particular to be understood to mean that the opening direction is directed from the end cap base member in the direction of a windward side of the end cap device. This is preferably intended in particular to be understood to mean that the opening direction corresponds to a wiper direction of the wiper blade during a movement against the wind, that is to say, in particular during a downward movement. In this instance, a “windward side” in this context is intended in particular to be understood to be a side facing the wind, in particular a side facing the travel wind. This is preferably intended in particular to be understood to be a side facing the wind, in particular a side facing the travel wind, of the end cap device and/or in particular the wiper blade. It is thereby possible to achieve in particular an advantageously comfortable opening of the end cap spoiler element. Preferably, it is thereby possible to prevent undesirable release of the end cap spoiler element from the end cap base member, which release is caused by the travel wind. In particular, it is thus possible to achieve, as a result of a pressing force caused by the travel wind, additional retention of the end cap spoiler element on the end cap base member. 
         [0011]    A particularly reliable and rapid securing of the at least one end cap spoiler element can be achieved when the end cap device comprises a catch unit, which is provided to engage the at least one end cap spoiler element on the end cap base member in an operating configuration. The term “catch unit” in this context is intended in particular to be understood to be a unit which has at least one catch hook, which is provided during a locking operation to be redirected from a starting position in a resilient manner and, when a locking position is reached, moves in a resilient manner at least partially back into the starting position. 
         [0012]    If the catch unit comprises at least one catch hook which is constructed integrally with the at least one end cap spoiler element, a locking of the at least one end cap spoiler element can be achieved, which locking is particularly cost-effective to produce and stable. 
         [0013]    It is further proposed that the end cap device have an operating unit which is provided to move the catch unit into a release configuration. It is thereby possible for an operator to release the catch unit in a particularly simple manner without the use of tools. The term “release configuration” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to be a configuration in which the at least one end cap spoiler element can be moved, in particular displaced, in order to release the assembly opening. 
         [0014]    It is further proposed that the operating unit comprise at least one operating element which is constructed integrally with the at least one end cap spoiler element. The operating element can thereby be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner. Preferably, the operating unit has at least one corrugated operating region. In a particularly preferred manner, the corrugated operating region extends on a face which extends at least substantially parallel with a vehicle window to be wiped. 
         [0015]    If the end cap device has a limitation unit which is provided to limit a movement freedom of the at least one end cap spoiler element in an assembly configuration in an opening direction, the at least one end cap spoiler element can advantageously be prevented from falling off the end cap base member and/or becoming lost. 
         [0016]    The end cap device can be constructed in an aerodynamically advantageous manner when the at least one end cap spoiler element has at least partially a flush surface extent with respect to the end cap base member. The term “flush” is intended in this context in particular to be understood to be offset-free, smooth and/or without edges. 
         [0017]    A system having a wiper blade and an end cap device according to the invention is further proposed. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, a method for releasing an assembly opening of an end cap base member is proposed, wherein at least one end cap spoiler element is moved relative to the end cap base member. 
         [0019]    The end cap device according to the invention is in this instance not intended to be limited to the above-described application and embodiment. In particular, the end cap device according to the invention may have, in order to carry out an operating method described herein, a number which differs from a number mentioned herein of individual elements, components and units. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Other advantages will be appreciated from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings, two embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a number of features in combination. The person skilled in the art will advantageously also consider the features individually and combine them to form other advantageous combinations. 
           [0021]    In the drawings: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wiper blade with an end cap device according to the invention, 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an end cap base member of the end cap device according to the invention according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of an end cap base member of the end cap device according to the invention according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an end cap spoiler element of the end cap device according to the invention according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is another perspective view of an end cap spoiler element of the end cap device according to the invention according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a sectioned illustration through VI-VI of a system having a wiper blade and the end cap device, 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of the system according to  FIG. 6  in an assembly configuration, 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the system according to  FIG. 6  in an assembly configuration, 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a wiper blade with an alternative end cap device according to the invention, 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a system having a wiper blade and the alternative end cap device according to the invention in an assembly configuration, 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an end cap base member of the alternative end cap device according to the invention, 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an end cap spoiler element of the alternative end cap device according to the invention, 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a schematic partially sectioned illustration of the system with the wiper blade and the alternative end cap device according to the invention in an operating configuration, and 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of the system with the wiper blade and the alternative end cap device according to the invention in another assembly configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a wiper blade  12   a  and an end cap device for the wiper blade  12   a.  The wiper blade  12   a  is provided for wiping a vehicle window, in particular a vehicle window of a motor vehicle. The end cap device is provided to close the wiper blade  12   a  in a longitudinal direction  38   a.  Furthermore, the end cap device is provided to retain a wiper arm  20   a  of the wiper blade  12   a  in a secure position in an operating state. The wiper arm  20   a  is produced from a resilient material, in particular from rubber. Furthermore, the wiper arm  20   a  has a wiper lip  58   a . The wiper lip  58   a  is provided for cleaning a vehicle window. 
         [0037]    The end cap device has an end cap base member  14   a.  The end cap base member  14   a  is securely connected to a main component  10   a  of the wiper blade  12   a.  The main component  10   a  is formed by means of two resilient rails  36   a  which extend parallel with each other. The resilient rails  36   a  are constructed from a spring steel. In the embodiment shown, the end cap base member  14   a  is securely connected to at least one resilient rail  36   a.  More specifically, the end cap base member  14   a  is connected to the resilient rail  36   a  in a non-releasable manner. However, in this context it is also conceivable for the end cap base member  14   a  to be securely connected to a wind deflection element  40   a  of the wiper blade  12   a.  The end cap base member  14   a  is at least substantially formed from plastics material. The end cap base member  14   a  has a spoiler attachment  42   a.  The spoiler attachment  42   a  is provided to deflect travel wind and to produce a pressing pressure in the direction of a vehicle window. The spoiler attachment  42   a  is arranged at a side of the end cap base member  14   a  facing away from the vehicle window. 
         [0038]    Furthermore, the end cap device comprises an end cap spoiler element  16   a.  The spoiler attachment  42   a  merges with a wind flow face  44   a  in a flush manner into the end cap spoiler element  16   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  has in this instance a flush surface extent with respect to the end cap base member  14   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  comprises a single component. However, it is also conceivable in principle for the end cap spoiler element  16   a  to comprise a plurality of components, in particular to be constructed in two parts. The end cap spoiler element  16   a  is connected to the end cap base member  14   a  in a non-releasable manner. 
         [0039]    The end cap base member  14   a  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The end cap base member  14   a  has at least one guiding rail  46   a,    48   a  which is provided for movable support of the end cap spoiler element  16   a.  More specifically, the end cap base member  14   a  has two guiding rails  46   a,    48   a  which are provided for movable support of the end cap spoiler element  16   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  is consequently movably supported on the end cap base member  14   a.  The guiding rails  46   a,    48   a  extend at least substantially parallel with a wiping direction  22   a.  The wiping direction  22   a  extends in this instance perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction  38   a.  Consequently, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  is displaceably supported on the end cap base member  14   a.  More specifically, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  is displaceably supported on the end cap base member  14   a  in the wiping direction  22   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  has an opening direction  34   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  can be opened partially in the opening direction  34   a.  The opening direction  34   a  extends parallel with the wiping direction  22   a.  The opening direction  34   a  is the direction in which the end cap spoiler element  16   a  can be displaced from an operating configuration in a state supported on the end cap base member  14   a  into an assembly configuration. The opening direction  34   a  is directed from the end cap base member  14   a  toward a leeward side. The opening direction  34   a  is directed from the end cap base member  14   a  toward a side facing away from the wind, in particular a side facing away from travel wind. The end cap spoiler element  16   a  is closed counter to the opening direction, that is to say, pushed into an operating configuration on the end cap base member  14   a . The end cap base member  14   a  further has a barb  52   a.  The barb  52   a  is constructed integrally with the end cap base member  14   a,  in particular with the spoiler attachment  42   a.    
         [0040]    The end cap spoiler element  16   a  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The end cap spoiler element  16   a  aerodynamically produces in an operating state a pressing pressure of the end cap device in the direction of the vehicle window. Preferably, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  has a main flow face  54   a  which is curved in a concave manner. The end cap spoiler element  16   a  has a closure wall  56   a.  The closure wall  56   a  extends at least substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction  38   a.  The closure wall  56   a  forms a closure of the end cap device in the longitudinal direction  38   a.  Furthermore, the closure wall  56   a  closes an assembly opening  18   a  in an operating state. In an assembly configuration, the wiper arm  20   a  can be guided through the assembly opening  18   a.    
         [0041]    The end cap device comprises a catch unit  24   a  which is provided to engage the end cap spoiler element  16   a  in an operating configuration on the end cap base member  14   a.  The catch unit  24   a  has to this end a catch hook  26   a  which is constructed integrally with the end cap spoiler element  16   a.  The catch hook  26   a  is provided to be redirected in a resilient manner from a starting position during a locking operation. More specifically, the catch hook  26   a  is resiliently redirected by the barb  52   a  during the locking operation. When a locking position is reached, the catch hook  26   a  moves resiliently back into the starting position. In this instance, the catch hook  26   a  engages with the barb  52   a  and prevents movement of the end cap spoiler element  16   a  relative to the end cap base member  14   a.    
         [0042]    The end cap device further has an operating unit  28   a  which is provided to move the catch unit  24   a  into a release configuration. The operating unit  28   a  comprises an operating element  30   a.  The operating element  30   a  is constructed integrally with the end cap spoiler element  16   a.  The operating element  30   a  is constructed integrally with the catch hook  26   a.  The operating element  30   a  can be resiliently redirected by hand. When the operating element  30   a  is redirected, the catch hook  26   a  is released by the barb  52   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   a  can subsequently be displaced along the guiding rails  46   a,    48   a  between an operating configuration and the assembly configuration. The end cap spoiler element  16   a  can subsequently be displaced in an opening direction  34   a  along the guiding rails  46   a,    48   a  between an operating configuration and the assembly configuration. The end cap spoiler element  16   a  is consequently provided to release the assembly opening  18   a  for the wiper arm  20   a  in an assembly configuration. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the end cap device additionally has a limitation unit  32   a.  The limitation unit  32   a  is provided to limit a movement freedom of the end cap spoiler element  16   a  in the assembly configuration in the opening direction  34   a.  The limitation unit  32   a  comprises a stop element  50   a.  The stop element  50   a  is constructed integrally with the end cap base member  14   a.  The stop element  50   a  is constructed in a plate-like manner. The stop element  50   a  has in this instance a stop face  60   a  which extends at least substantially perpendicularly relative to the wiping direction  22   a.  In the assembly configuration, the catch hook  26   a  abuts the stop element  50   a,  in particular the stop face  60   a.    
         [0044]      FIG. 7  shows the wiper blade  12   a  and the end cap device in the assembly configuration. In the assembly configuration, the wiper arm  20   a  can be assembled or disassembled ( FIG. 8 ). The wiper arm  20   a  can in this instance be pulled out of or pushed into a wiper blade  12   a.  The assembly opening  18   a  is produced by means of a gap between the end cap base member  14   a  and the closure wall  56   a  of the end cap spoiler element  16   a  in the assembly configuration. 
         [0045]    In order to exchange the wiper blade  20   a,  in a first disassembly step, the operating element  30   a  is redirected manually. The end cap device is thereby moved from an operating configuration into a release configuration. In the release configuration, the catch unit  24   a  releases a movement freedom of the end cap spoiler element  16   a  relative to the end cap base member  14   a.  In a second disassembly step, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  is moved in the opening direction  34   a  until it strikes the stop element  50   a.  Consequently, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  is moved relative to the end cap base member  14   a.  In the second disassembly step, the assembly opening  18   a  is released. In a third disassembly step, the wiper arm  20   a  is pulled out of the wiper blade  12   a  through the assembly opening  18   a  in a displacement direction  62   a.  The displacement direction  62   a  extends at least substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction  38   a.  Subsequently, a new wiper arm is pushed in a first assembly step through the assembly opening  18   a  into the wiper blade  12   a.  In a second assembly step, the end cap spoiler element  16   a  is moved counter to the opening direction  34   a  until the catch unit  24   a  engages the end cap base member  14   a  and the end cap spoiler element  16   a  with each other. Consequently, the end cap device is moved back into the operating configuration. 
         [0046]    In  FIGS. 9 to 14 , another embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions are substantially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein, with respect to components, features and functions which remain the same, reference may be made to the description of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 8 . In order to differentiate the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 8  is replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 to 14 . With regard to components which remain the same, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, it is in principle also possible to refer to the drawings and/or the description of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 8 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  shows a wiper blade  12   b  and an end cap device for the wiper blade  12   b.  The wiper blade  12   b  is provided for wiping a vehicle window, in particular a vehicle window of a motor vehicle. The end cap device is provided to close the wiper blade  12   b  in a longitudinal direction  38   b.  Furthermore, the end cap device is provided to retain a wiper arm  20   b  of the wiper blade  12   b  in a fixed position in an operating state. 
         [0048]    The end cap device has an end cap base member  14   b.  The end cap base member  14   b  is securely connected to a main component  10   b  of the wiper blade  12   b.  The main component  10   b  is formed by means of two resilient rails  36   b  which extend parallel with each other. Furthermore, the end cap device comprises an end cap spoiler element  16   b.  The spoiler attachment  42   b  merges with a wind flow face  44   b  in a flush manner in the end cap spoiler element  16   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  in this instance has a flush surface extent with respect to the end cap base member  14   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  is connected to the end cap base member  14   b  in a non-releasable manner. 
         [0049]    The end cap base member  14   b  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 11 . The end cap base member  14   b  has at least one guiding rail  46   b,    48   b  which is provided to movably support the end cap spoiler element  16   b.  More specifically, the end cap base member  14   b  has two guiding rails  46   b,    48   b  which are provided to movably support the end cap spoiler element  16   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  is consequently movably supported on the end cap base member  14   b . The guiding rails  46   b,    48   b  extend at least substantially parallel with a wiping direction  22   b.  The wiping direction  22   b  extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction  38   b  in this case. Consequently, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  is displaceably supported on the end cap base member  14   b.  More specifically, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  is displaceably supported in the wiping direction  22   b  on the end cap base member  14   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  has an opening direction  34   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  can be partially opened in the opening direction  34   b.  The opening direction  34   b  extends parallel with the wiping direction  22   b . The opening direction  34   b  is the direction in which the end cap spoiler element  16   b  can be displaced from an operating configuration in a state supported on the end cap base member  14   b  into an assembly configuration. The opening direction  34   b  is directed from the end cap base member  14   b  toward a windward side. The opening direction  34   b  is directed from the end cap base member  14   b  toward a side facing the wind, in particular a side facing a travel wind. The end cap spoiler element  16   b  is closed counter to the opening direction, that is to say, pushed onto the end cap base member  14   b  in an operating configuration. The end cap base member  14   b  further has a barb  52   b.  The barb  52   b  is integrally constructed with the end cap base member  14   b,  in particular with the spoiler attachment  42   b.    
         [0050]    The end cap spoiler element  16   b  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 12 . The end cap spoiler element  16   b  aerodynamically produces in an operating state a pressing pressure of the end cap device in the direction of the vehicle window. Preferably, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  has a concave-curved main flow face  54   b.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  forms a large portion of a flow face  44   b,    54   b  of the end cap device. The end cap spoiler element  16   b  has a closure wall  56   b.  The closure wall  56   b  extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction  38   b.  The closure wall  56   b  forms a closure of the end cap device in the longitudinal direction  38   b.  Furthermore, the closure wall  56   b  closes an assembly opening  18   b  in an operating state. The wiper arm  20   b  can be guided through the assembly opening  18   b  in an assembly configuration. 
         [0051]    The end cap device comprises a catch unit  24   b  which is provided to engage the end cap spoiler element  16   b  in an operating configuration on the end cap base member  14   b.  The catch unit  24   b  has to this end a catch hook  26   b  which is constructed integrally with the end cap spoiler element  16   b.    
         [0052]    The end cap device further has an operating unit  28   b  which is provided to move the catch unit  24   b  into a release configuration. The operating unit  28   b  comprises an operating element  30   b.  The operating element  30   a  is constructed integrally with the end cap spoiler element  16   b.  The operating element  30   b  is constructed integrally with the catch hook  26   b.  The operating element  30   b  can be resiliently redirected manually. When the operating element  30   b  is redirected, the catch hook  26   b  is released from the barb  52   a.  The end cap spoiler element  16   b  can subsequently be displaced along the guiding rails  46   b,    48   b  between an operating configuration and the assembly configuration. The end cap spoiler element  16   b  can subsequently be displaced in an opening direction  34   b  along the guiding rails  46   b,    48   b  between an operating configuration and the assembly configuration. The end cap spoiler element  16   b  is consequently provided to release the assembly opening  18   b  for the wiper arm  20   b  in an assembly configuration. 
         [0053]    Furthermore, the end cap device additionally has a limitation unit  32   b.  The limitation unit  32   b  is provided to limit a movement freedom of the end cap spoiler element  16   b  in an opening direction  34   b  in the assembly configuration. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 10 and 14  show the wiper blade  12   b  and the end cap device in the assembly configuration. In the assembly configuration, the wiper arm  20   b  can be assembled or disassembled. In this instance, the wiper arm  20   b  can be pulled out of a wiper blade  12   b  or pushed into a wiper blade. The assembly opening  18   b  is produced by means of a gap between the end cap base member  14   b  and the closure wall  56   b  of the end cap spoiler element  16   b  in the assembly configuration. 
         [0055]    In order to replace the wiper arm  20   b,  in a first disassembly step, the operating element  30   b  is redirected manually. The end cap device is thereby moved from an operating configuration into a release configuration. In the release configuration, the catch unit  24   b  releases a movement freedom of the end cap spoiler element  16   b  relative to the end cap base member  14   b.  In a second disassembly step, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  is moved in the opening direction  34   b  until it strikes the stop element  50   b.  Consequently, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  is moved relative to the end cap base member  14   b.  In the second disassembly step, the assembly opening  18   b  is released. In a third disassembly step, the wiper arm  20   b  is pulled out of the wiper blade  12   b  through the assembly opening  18   b  in a displacement direction  62   b . The displacement direction  62   b  extends at least substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction  38   b.  Subsequently, a new wiper arm is inserted in a first assembly step through the assembly opening  18   b  into the wiper blade  12   b.  In a second assembly step, the end cap spoiler element  16   b  is moved counter to the opening direction  34   b,  until the catch unit  24   b  engages the end cap base member  14   b  and the end cap spoiler element  16   b  with each other. Consequently, the end cap device is moved back into the operating configuration.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1