DE102009000762B4 - Wiper blade with an adapter unit for attachment to a wiper arm - Google Patents

Abstract

Wiper blade for a windshield wiper, with a wiper strip (12) and an adapter unit (50) for fastening the wiper strip (12) to a wiper arm (18), characterized in that the wiper strip (12) has a back strip (24) and on the adapter unit (50) at least two collapsible adapter parts (52, 58) are provided, which have head regions (82, 88) connected to one another by a joint (55) and associated foot regions (81, 87), the adapter parts (52, 58) being folded together State of the adapter unit (50) form a fixing element (56, 57, 51, 59) which fixes the wiper arm (18) in the adapter unit (50) in the axial direction of the wiper blade (10), the foot regions (81, 87) of the Adapter parts (52, 58) surround the back bar (24) of the wiper bar (12) at least in sections and fix it in the adapter unit (50) in a predetermined position relative to the wiper arm (18).

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a wiper blade for a windshield wiper, with a wiper strip and an adapter unit for fastening the wiper strip to a wiper arm.

The EP 0 141 186 B1 describes such a wiper blade, in which an adapter unit consisting of a plastic molded body with a molded-on joint has two approximately symmetrical parts which can be pivoted about the joint. These are arranged at one end of the wiper arm and fastened to one another by folding them together, and are thus fastened to the end of the wiper arm. The folded parts form an arc-shaped bearing element into which a cylindrical pivot axis provided on a wiper strip assigned to the wiper blade can be inserted.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that a pivot axis provided on the wiper strip is required in order to enable the adapter unit fastened to the wiper arm to be fastened to the wiper strip. The adapter unit must also first be attached to the wiper arm before the wiper strip can be attached to the adapter unit. This makes the handling of the adapter unit cumbersome and complicated.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new wiper blade for a windshield wiper, with an adapter unit which is easy to handle and enables a wiper blade associated with the wiper blade to be connected to a corresponding wiper arm without joints.

This problem is solved by a wiper blade for a windshield wiper, with a wiper strip and an adapter unit for fastening the wiper strip to a wiper arm. The wiper strip has a back strip. At least two collapsible adapter parts are provided on the adapter unit, which have head regions and associated foot regions connected to one another by a joint. When the adapter unit is folded, the adapter parts form a fixing element which fixes the wiper arm in the adapter unit in the axial direction of the wiper blade, the foot areas of the adapter parts at least partially encompassing the back strip of the wiper strip and fixing it in the adapter unit in a predetermined position relative to the wiper arm.

The invention thus enables the provision of a wiper blade in which a joint-free connection between the wiper strip and the wiper arm is achieved with a simple and inexpensive adapter unit.

The base areas of the adapter parts preferably include the back bar of the wiper strip in the folded state of the adapter unit, at least in sections like a claw.

A simple and stable connection between the wiper strip and adapter unit can thus be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the foot areas have latching means and associated counter-latching means are provided on the back bar, the latching means latching with the counter-latching means when the adapter unit is folded. The latching means and the counter-latching means are preferably designed at least in sections as longitudinal ribs.

The invention thus enables a secure attachment of the adapter unit to the wiper strip in a simple manner.

According to one embodiment, at least one clamping element is provided on at least a first of the collapsible adapter parts, and at least one second of the adapter parts has at least one associated clamping element for clamping the clamping element. The clamping element is preferably a clamping pin and the clamping element is preferably a clamping tube for receiving the clamping pin.

Thus, when the adapter unit is folded, stable fastening of the folded adapter parts to one another is made possible.

The clamping element is preferably designed for mounting a hook-shaped end region of the wiper arm. A blocking member is preferably provided on at least one of the collapsible adapter parts and is designed to block the hook-shaped end region of the wiper arm in the axial state of the wiper blade when the adapter unit is folded. Here, the hook-shaped end region is arranged at least in sections between the fixing element and the clamping element.

The invention thus enables simple positioning of the end region of the wiper arm in the adapter unit, wherein axial displacement of the adapter unit on the wiper arm is prevented during operation of the wiper blade.

The wiper strip preferably has at least one groove-like recess, and an associated holding element for engaging in the groove-like recess is formed on at least one of the adapter parts.

Axial displacement of the wiper strip in the adapter unit during operation of the wiper blade can thus be prevented in a simple manner and correct positioning of the wiper strip on the adapter unit can be ensured during assembly.

Figure list

• 1 eine Seitenansicht eines Wischblatts gemäß der Erfindung,
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts des Wischblatts von 1 mit einer zusammengeklappter Adaptereinheit gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Ausschnitts von 2 mit aufgeklappter Adaptereinheit,
• 4 eine Seitenansicht des Ausschnitts von 3 mit aufgeklappter Adaptereinheit, und
• 5 eine Schnittansicht des Ausschnitts von 4 mit zusammengeklappter Adaptereinheit, entlang der Linie V-V von 4.

The invention is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a side view of a wiper blade according to the invention,
• 2nd a perspective view of a section of the wiper blade of 1 with a collapsed adapter unit according to one embodiment,
• 3rd a perspective view of the detail of 2nd with the adapter unit opened,
• 4th a side view of the detail of 3rd with the adapter unit opened, and
• 5 a sectional view of the detail of 4th with the adapter unit folded, along the VV line from 4th .

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a wiper blade 10th with a wiper strip 12th , one over a tipping bar 27 with a back bar 24th connected wiper lip 29 having. On the wiper strip 12th is an adapter unit 50 for connecting a wiper arm 18th attached. With the help of the wiper arm 18th can the wiper blade 10th for wiping over a dash-dot line 22 , for example a motor vehicle window.

According to one embodiment, the wiper blade is 10th designed as a joint-free wiper blade, ie the wiper strip 12th and the wiper arm 18th are about the adapter unit 50 connected without a material pivot axis, so that the wiper arm 18th and the wiper strip 12th are not pivotable relative to each other. In the following, this type of connection is also referred to as "joint-free connection" or "joint-free fastening". Components that due to a material deformation, in particular an elastic deformation, a relative movement between the wiper arm 18th and the wiper strip 12th enable are not considered as a joint in the context of the present invention.

In 1 is the wiper blade 10th not yet completely on the disc 22 attached, there are only its axial wiper blade ends 21 , 23 on the disc 22 on while the squeegee 12th in the middle of the wiper blade 26 , ie approximately in the area of the adapter unit 50 , still from the disc 22 is spaced. Will over the wiper arm 18th an intended contact pressure on the adapter unit 50 exercised, lies down under the tension of an associated, rail-like spring element ( 14 in 2nd ) the wiper strip 12th on the disc 22 on. This tension ensures that an even contact pressure is maintained over the entire length of the wiper blade, even if the curvature of the window changes during the wiping movement.

2nd shows one in 1 Section of the wiper blade marked with II 10th from 1 according to one embodiment, with the wiper strip 12th by the adapter unit 50 when folded on the wiper arm without joints 18th is attached. The wiper strip 12th preferably has a hollow profile with a longitudinal channel 25th trained back bar 24th on which the adapter unit 50 is attached. In the longitudinal channel 25th is a rail-like spring element 14 arranged as above at 1 described.

The adapter unit 50 is made of plastic, for example, and has two collapsible adapter parts, for example 52 , 58 which are preferably claw-like and are therefore also referred to below as “adapter claws”. The adapter claw 52 has a head area 82 and a foot area 81 . The adapter claw 58 has a head area 88 and a foot area 87 . The head areas 82 , 88 are through a joint 55 connected with each other.

The adapter claws 52 , 58 enclose an end area ( 15 in 3rd ) of the wiper arm 18th , whose foot areas 81 , 87 the back bar 24th the wiper strip 12th grasp like a claw in a given area. This is the wiper strip 12th in the adapter unit 50 in a given position relative to the end area ( 15 in 3rd ) of the wiper arm 18th fixed. An axial displacement of the adapter unit 50 on the wiper arm 18th preventing is a blocking member 59 on the adapter claw 58 provided the wiper arm 18th in an axial direction of the wiper blade 10th blocked as below 4th described.

3rd shows the section of the wiper blade 10th from 2nd with the adapter unit 50 when unfolded. To open the Adapter unit 50 becomes the adapter claw, for example 52 in the direction of an arrow 99 around the joint 55 pivoted.

According to one embodiment, the wiper arm has 18th a hook-shaped end area 15 on the one arm end 19th completes. In this hook-shaped end area 15 preferably grips a clamping element 57 one that's on the adapter claw 58 is provided. This is exemplified as a clamp tube for mounting the hook-shaped end area 15 of the wiper arm 18th educated. The hook-shaped end area 15 has an arc-shaped curve 17th on whose diameter is approximately the diameter of the clamping tube 57 corresponds. The curve 17th is approximately in the area between the clamp tube 57 and the blocking member 59 arranged.

On the wiper strip 12th is preferably at least one groove-like recess 28 intended. This is designed to correctly position the wiper strip 12th on the adapter unit 50 to enable.

4th shows the section of the wiper blade 10th from 3rd in a side view. This serves to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the adapter unit 50 .

According to one embodiment there are claws on the adapter 52 two clamping elements 51 , 56 educated. The clamping element 51 is designed as a bolt and on the adapter claw 58 trained blocking member 59 jammable. This is in 4th double-walled, a distance being provided between the walls, which is preferably smaller than the thickness of the clamping bolt 51 . The clamping element 56 is exemplarily designed as a cylindrical clamping pin. This is in the on the adapter claw 58 trained clamp tube 57 insertable and clampable there.

However, it is pointed out that the number and design of the clamping and clamping elements are only described by way of example and not as a limitation of the invention and can vary depending on the application. Equivalent fastening elements can also be used instead of such clamping and clamping elements, e.g. resilient locking elements and suitable counter-locking elements.

As above 3rd described is the circular arc-shaped curve 17th of the wiper arm 18th between the clamp tube 57 and the double-walled blocking member 59 arranged. The blocking member blocks there 59 the hook-shaped end area 15 of the wiper arm 18th in the axial direction of the wiper blade 10th .

When the adapter unit is open 50 can this in the lateral direction, ie approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the wiper blade 10th , from wiper strip 12th and wiper arm 18th be removed. When the adapter unit is folded 50 form the clamp tube 57 and the blocking member 59 with the clamp pin 56 and the clamping bolt 51 a fixing element that holds the wiper arm 18th in the adapter unit 50 in the axial direction of the wiper blade 10th fixed, ie the wiper arm 18th can when the adapter unit is folded 50 only together with adapter unit 50 and wiper strip 12th in the axial direction of the wiper blade 10th be moved.

5 illustrates the fixation of the wiper arm 18th and the wiper strip 12th in the adapter unit 50 when the adapter unit is folded 50 . The wiper arm 18th is on the one hand between the head areas 82 , 88 the adapter claws 52 , 58 fixed and on the other hand lies with his arm end 19th on a top-in 5 - the back bar 24th the wiper strip 12th on. The bottom - in 5 - the back bar 24th lies on support elements 53 , 54 the foot areas 81 or. 87 the adapter claws 52 or. 58 on. So there is a rotation of the wiper arm 18th , the adapter unit 50 and the wiper strip 12th in the vertical direction from 5 , ie approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the wiper blade 10th , only possible for all elements simultaneously or together, ie the adapter unit 50 connects the wiper arm 18th and the wiper strip 12th as described above without joints.

In 5 is a first enlarged detail view 60 to illustrate the clamp connection 66 between clamping pin 56 and clamp tube 57 into which the clamping pin 56 intervenes, shown. In a second enlarged detail view 70 is an exemplary design of the foot area 81 the adapter claw 52 shown. This has a holding element 72 , which is exemplary as a projection on the adapter claw 52 is designed to engage in the groove-like recess 28 . At the foot area 87 the adapter claw 58 is an example of a corresponding holding element 84 for engaging in a groove-like recess 85 intended.

According to one embodiment, the support element 53 the adapter claw 52 a locking device 76 trained and on the back bar 24th an assigned counter-locking means 74 intended. The locking device 76 and the counter detent 74 are designed as longitudinal ribs, for example. These snap into place when the adapter unit is folded 50 with each other, as in 5 shown. On the support element 54 the adapter claw 58 is analogously to this a locking means designed as a longitudinal rib 76 trained and on the back bar 24th is an associated counter-locking means designed as a longitudinal rib 78 intended.

However, it is pointed out that the number and design of the latching and counter-latching means are only described by way of example and not as a limitation of the invention and can vary depending on the application. It is also possible to dispense with the formation of corresponding latching and counter-latching means if the back bar 24th the wiper strip 12th sufficiently strong from the adapter claws 52 , 58 is held. For example, the clamping and clamping elements 51 , 56 or. 57 , 59 be designed such that the back bar by jamming them together 24th between the adapter claws 52 , 58 is pinched or squeezed and thus in the adapter unit 50 is fixed.

Claims (9)

Wiper blade for a windshield wiper, with a wiper strip (12) and an adapter unit (50) for fastening the wiper strip (12) to a wiper arm (18), characterized in that the wiper strip (12) has a back strip (24) and on the adapter unit (50) at least two collapsible adapter parts (52, 58) are provided which have head regions (82, 88) and associated foot regions (81, 87) connected to one another by a joint (55), the adapter parts (52, 58) being folded together State of the adapter unit (50) form a fixing element (56, 57, 51, 59) which fixes the wiper arm (18) in the adapter unit (50) in the axial direction of the wiper blade (10), the foot regions (81, 87) of the Adapter parts (52, 58) surround the back bar (24) of the wiper bar (12) at least in sections and fix it in the adapter unit (50) in a predetermined position relative to the wiper arm (18). Wiper blade after Claim 1 , characterized in that the foot regions (81, 87) of the adapter parts (52, 58) comprise the back bar (24) of the wiper bar (12) in the folded state of the adapter unit (50) at least in sections like a claw. Wiper blade after Claim 2 characterized in that the foot areas (81, 87) have latching means (76, 77) and counter-latching means (74, 78) are provided on the back bar (24), the latching means (76, 77) being in the folded state of the adapter unit ( 50) with the counter locking means (74, 78). Wiper blade after Claim 3 , characterized in that the latching means (76, 77) and the counter-latching means (74, 78) are formed at least in sections as longitudinal ribs. Wiper blade according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one clamping element (56) is provided on at least a first of the collapsible adapter parts (52, 58) and at least a second clamping element (57) for at least a second of the adapter parts (52, 58) Jamming the clamping element (56). Wiper blade after Claim 5 , characterized in that the clamping element (56) is a clamping pin and the clamping element (57) is a clamping tube for receiving the clamping pin. Wiper blade after Claim 6 , characterized in that the clamping element (57) is designed for mounting a hook-shaped end region (15) of the wiper arm (18). Wiper blade after Claim 7 , characterized in that on at least one of the collapsible adapter parts (52, 58) a blocking member (59) is provided, which is designed to axially extend the hook-shaped end region (15) of the wiper arm (18) in the collapsed state of the adapter unit (50) To block the direction of the wiper blade (10), the hook-shaped end region (15) being arranged at least in sections between the fixing element (59) and the clamping element (57). Wiper blade according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper strip (12) has at least one groove-like recess (28, 85), and on at least one of the adapter parts (52, 58) an associated holding element (72, 84) for engaging in the groove-like recess (28, 85) is formed.

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