DE102013224029A1 - Removable windshield wiper device for manual windscreen cleaning - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a windshield wiper device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a wiper blade (2) with an elongated upper part (10) and an elongated lower part (12), which is configured at least partially bendable. Furthermore, a plurality of connecting elements (18) are provided for connecting the upper part (10) and the lower part (12), which are designed spaced apart along a longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade in order to prevent movement of the upper part (10) and the lower part (12 ) relative to each other with a component of movement along a longitudinal extent (8) of the windshield wiper device. Further, a wiper blade side fixing device (77) is adapted to provide a releasable connection with a vehicle-side connecting member (50). The wiper blade (2) comprises, in addition to a wiper lip (72), a first cleaning device for cleaning windows, in particular motor vehicle windows.

Description

Embodiments of the invention relate to a windshield wiper device for a vehicle, in particular a rear windshield wiper device for a motor vehicle.

State of the art

Windscreen wiper devices typically have a wiper arm or wiper lever, wherein a wiper blade is moved on the window of a motor vehicle. In this case, the wiper blade is moved between a first turning position and a second turning position. For this purpose, the wiper arm is connected via a drive shaft with a wiper motor. In particular, on windows of motor vehicles with strong changes in curvature, the wiper blade easily loses contact with the window. This can lead to unwanted wiping areas or to fogging, in particular in the case of strongly curved panes.

Since a wiping operation must be optimized for a variety of parameters, such as the amount of rain on the disc, a possible snow load on the disc or ice coatings occurring, fogging can not be easily prevented by adjusting the pressure of the wiper arm on the windshield become. Curved discs can be wiped better, for example, by a fin-ray wiper, as it adapts to the present curvature of the disc due to its movable connecting elements, which allow a relative displacement of the upper and lower part of the wiper blade.

Furthermore, manual removal of soiling on another or all of the windows and mirrors of a motor vehicle is often unavoidable. There are a variety of mobile objects of use, which are used for cleaning windows, especially windows of motor vehicles, for example for cleaning windows and mirrors of ice, snow and / or other contaminants.

Therefore, there is a need to further improve windscreen wiper devices.

Disclosure of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to ensure a reliable, largely schlierenfreies wiping a window of a vehicle, in addition, a cleaning function for manual windscreen cleaning is provided.

This object is achieved by a windshield wiper device having the features according to claim 1 and the independent independent claim.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a windshield wiper device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is proposed. The windshield wiper device comprises a wiper blade with an elongated upper part and an elongated lower part, which are configured at least partially bendable. Furthermore, a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the upper part and the lower part are provided, wherein the connecting elements are spaced apart along a longitudinal extent of the wiper blade. The connecting elements are designed to allow movement of the upper and lower parts relative to each other with a component of movement along a longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. The windshield wiper device further comprises a wiper blade-side fastening device which is adapted to provide a releasable connection with a vehicle-side connecting element. Furthermore, in addition to a wiper lip, the wiper blade comprises a first cleaning device for cleaning windows, in particular of motor vehicle windows.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a windshield wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper device according to the embodiments described herein, for manual windscreen cleaning.

Preferred embodiments and particular aspects of the invention are evident from the dependent claims, the drawings and the present description.

Advantages of the invention

According to the embodiments of the invention described herein, windshield wiper devices for vehicles can be produced in a particularly favorable manner and for a multiplicity of different fields of use. A windshield wiper device, in particular a removable finray wiper described here, comprises in addition to a wiper lip a cleaning device for cleaning wafers. Thus, a windscreen wiper device is provided, which is suitable for a variety of applications. In particular, a simple and practically manageable windshield wiper device is provided, which provides the user with one or more additional cleaning functions, in particular for manual windscreen cleaning.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments described herein, a windshield wiper device is provided with which a cleaning of a contaminated by, for example, dirt, ice or snow disc can be ensured. In particular, the embodiments described herein provide a windshield wiper device which has the cleaning function of conventional purpose-built special cleaning articles such as sponges, brushes, and ice scrapers. Characterized that the windshield wiper device with the additional cleaning function after its manual use again as a windshield wiper device, that is used outside the vehicle, contamination of the interior of the vehicle by remaining moisture or dirt on the windshield wiper device used for manual dirt removal can be avoided. In contrast, the conventional special cleaning items, such as sponges, brushes or ice scrapers are stored inside the vehicle, which can lead to pollution of the interior. Thus, according to the embodiments described herein, a versatile, multifunctional and easy-to-handle windshield wiper device is provided.

According to embodiments of the windscreen wiper device that can be combined with other embodiments, the first cleaning device is arranged on the elongate upper part and extends substantially along the longitudinal extent of the windscreen wiper device. As a result, a particularly effective cleaning function for manual window cleaning can be provided.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device that can be combined with other embodiments, the first cleaning device comprises an absorbent material, in particular a sponge. As a result, cleaning water can be supplied via the absorbent material to a surface to be cleaned, for example a pane, so that elimination of dried-in water-soluble dirt can be guaranteed.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device that can be combined with other embodiments, the first cleaning device comprises brushes. Thus, a windshield wiper device with a brush function for manual windscreen cleaning is provided.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device that can be combined with other embodiments, the first cleaning device comprises a scraping device for removing ice. Thus, a windshield wiper device with an ice scraper function for manual windscreen cleaning is provided.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device which can be combined with other embodiments, the scraper device is arranged on an edge of the elongated upper part and / or the edge of the elongated lower part which extends substantially along the longitudinal extent of the windscreen wiper device. As a result, a particularly effective ice scrape function can be provided.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, the scraper device comprises a scraper bar and / or a plurality of scraper elements, in particular scraper ripples. As a result, a windshield wiper device is provided which provides one or more different scratching functions required depending on the degree of icing.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, a second cleaning device, which is arranged substantially transversely to the first cleaning device, is arranged on a wiper blade end remote from the attachment device. Thus, a further cleaning device is provided, which is particularly suitable for cleaning smaller areas, such as side mirrors.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, which at the end, on which the fastening device is arranged on a gripping ergonomically designed headboard. Thus, a simple and easy to handle windshield wiper device for manual windscreen cleaning is provided.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, the head part comprises an actuating device which is designed to release a force and / or form fit between the fastening device and the connecting element. This provides a readily removable windshield wiper device.

According to embodiments of the windscreen wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, a standard adapter is provided for connecting the fastening device to the connecting element. Thus, a windshield wiper device provided that can be connected to various vehicle-side connecting elements.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, the connecting elements are pivotally connected to the lower part and / or the upper part. In particular, the connecting elements are connected to the lower part and / or the upper part by means of a first film hinge. The first film hinge may be formed integrally with the connecting element and the upper part and / or the lower part. The one-piece design of the film hinges allows a simple and inexpensive production. Thus, the wiper blades or the windscreen wiper devices can be provided with appropriate design tool falling. In addition, the use of film hinges, in particular by the one-piece design of the film hinges with the connecting elements and the upper part and / or the lower part enables production by injection molding.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device, which can be combined with other embodiments, the width of the lower part and / or the width of the upper part decreases along the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade to a wiper blade end, in particular continuously. Thus, a windshield wiper device is provided, which has a decreasing to the end of the wiper blade moment of inertia. Furthermore, a substantially uniform contact pressure of the windshield wiper device on the windshield as well as a homogeneous force distribution of the windscreen wiper device can be provided, so that an improved adaptation to the windshield and a high wiping and cleaning quality is provided.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments are shown in the figures and will be described in more detail below. Show it:

1 3 is a perspective view of a detachable windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure;

2 3 is a perspective view of a fixture removal wiper blade end of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a wiper lip;

3 1 is a schematic representation of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a first cleaning device comprising an absorbent material,

4 1 is a schematic illustration of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a first cleaning device comprising brushes,

5A a front and side view of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a scratching device comprising a arranged on the top scratch strip,

5B a front and side view of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a scraping device comprising a arranged on the lower part scratch bar,

5C 3 a side view of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure with a scraping device comprising a plurality of scraping elements arranged on the lower part,

6A 1 is a schematic representation of a wiper blade of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure in a basic position,

6B a schematic representation of the wiper blade of a windscreen wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure according to 4A in a position applied to a pane,

7A a schematic representation of another embodiment of a windshield wiper device according to the invention in the form of a wiper arm with integrated wiper blade in a basic position,

7B a schematic representation of the wiper arm with integrated wiper blade after 7A in a position applied to a pane,

8th 3 is a schematic perspective illustration of a wiper arm of a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure,

9A a schematic representation of a section of the wiper blade according to 7A .

9B a schematic representation of a section of the wiper blade according to 7B ,

Embodiments of the invention

In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used for the same and equivalent elements.

1 shows a wiper blade 2 a windscreen wiper device according to embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the windshield wiper device is a fin-ray wiper. The wiper blade comprises an elongated upper part 10 and an elongated lower part 12 , The top 10 and the lower part 12 are designed at least partially bendable. The top 10 and the lower part 12 are by fasteners 18 connected with each other. The connecting elements 18 are along the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade 2 spaced apart and designed such that a movement of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 relative to each other, substantially along the longitudinal extent, is made possible. The wiper blade 2 is wedge-shaped, wherein at an outer connection position 34 the top 10 and the lower part 12 connected to each other. Furthermore, the top part 10 and the lower part 12 on a wiper blade side headboard 70 attached.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the wiper blade-side head part comprises a fastening device 77 , which is adapted to the wiper blade on a fastener 50 of the vehicle, for example a motor vehicle. The attachment between the fastening device 77 and the connecting element 50 can by an actuator 71 For example, a release button, a lever, a push button, or other actuator can be released. The wiper blade 2 is according to embodiments described herein by means of the fastening device 77 and the connecting element 50 releasably connectable designed. Therefore, for manual window cleaning, the wicher can be easily removed to a cleaning device (see, for example 2 . 3 . 4 . 5A . 5B , and or 5C ).

According to embodiments of the disclosure that may be combined with other embodiments, the wiper blade side header comprises 70 the actuator 71 , which is designed to the force and / or positive connection between the fastening device 77 and the vehicle-side connecting element 50 to solve. Typically, the wiper blade-side headboard 70 an ergonomically designed for gripping form.

According to typical embodiments, the actuating device 71 a button or a push button on. A user can thus by pressing the actuator 71 solve the force and / or positive connection to dismantle the windscreen wiper device or from the connecting element 50 to decrease. Accordingly, the windshield wiper device can be easily replaced or removed and then easily re-assembled.

According to embodiments of the disclosure that can be combined with other embodiments, the connecting element is 50 designed as an interface for torque transmission to the wiper arm. Furthermore, for connection of the fastening device 77 with the connecting element 50 a standard adapter 60 provided. The standard adapter 60 is more typically designed so that the push-type wiper device can be connected to various vehicle-side connecting elements. The wiper blade side headboard 70 can one for the standard adapter 60 provided opening (not shown) on the headboard underside. How exemplary in terms of 1 described, a windshield wiper device, in particular a Fin-Ray wiper by means of a quick release (Quickfixanbindung) can be easily mounted or dismounted on a vehicle.

According to embodiments of the disclosure that can be combined with other embodiments, a securing element, for example, the retaining spring, fixed in the wiper blade or the wiper blade side headboard part 70 installed or cast. For mounting, the wiper is axially on connecting element 50 , For example, a bearing or drive shaft, postponed. According to typical embodiments, a translational movement thus takes place for attachment. This translational movement is indicated by the arrow in 1 shown. For example, when pushed onto the axle a spring deviates and engages in a recess of the connecting element or the standard adapter. According to embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible via the interface between the fastening device 77 the wiper blade side headboard part 70 and the vehicle-side connecting element to transmit a torque.

The wiper blade shown in the figures is provided as a fin-ray wiper. The top 10 is about movable fasteners 18 with the lower part 12 connected. The connecting elements are designed to allow movement of the upper and lower parts relative to each other with a component of movement along a longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. A windshield wiper device according to embodiments described herein utilizes the effect of tail fins of certain fish, which do not dodge in the pressure direction at lateral pressure, but buckle in the opposite direction, ie in the direction from which the pressure comes. This principle is also referred to as a fin jet principle or "fin ray" principle. As a result, a windshield wiper device according to the embodiments described herein has the advantage of improved adaptation to a windshield of a motor vehicle. In a conventional windshield wiper blade the upper part is usually rigid, that is, it is not formed bendable. The connecting elements 18 can vary in height. The height of the fasteners 8th tapers at least in some areas towards the opposite side of the Wischblattseitgen headboard 70 , The top 10 and the lower part 12 can at an external connection position 34 be connected to each other.

2 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary wiper blade end of a windshield wiper device according to the embodiments described herein. FIG. As exemplified in 4 is shown, the wiper lip 72 typically at the base 12 of the wiper blade 2 provided. According to embodiments, the wiper lip may consist of the same material as the wiper blade. Alternatively, the lip may be made of a different material than the wiper blade. According to embodiments of the disclosure which may be combined with other embodiments, the wiper lip may be made of one or more materials from a group consisting of: TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), for example TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-U, TPE-A, TPE-V, TPE-E; Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM); Polychloroprene and natural rubber.

According to embodiments described herein, the wiper lip 72 used to provide a manual wipe function. Thus, by removing the windshield wiper device from the vehicle side link 50 , For example, a drive shaft, the windscreen wiper device are used to the motor vehicle, in particular windows and mirrors, manually rid of dirt, especially water. Since the windshield wiper device adapts to the curvatures of the disks and mirrors, a particularly effective cleaning of differently curved surfaces, for example disks or mirrors, is possible. Furthermore, the Quickfixanbindung can be used for easy disassembly and assembly. Further, at the outer connection position 34 an additional wiper lip is provided, which is arranged substantially transversely to the main wiper lip. Thereby, a windshield wiper device with a manual wiping function for smaller areas, such as side mirrors, can be provided.

According to further embodiments, which may be combined with the embodiments described herein. can, as in 3 to see, in the windshield wiper device also be integrated a manual washing function. For example, at the top 10 an absorbent material 73 to be appropriate. The absorbent material can via a connecting element on the upper part 12 be attached so that it is interchangeable. Furthermore, the absorbent may for example also be glued to the upper part. Additionally or alternatively, the absorbent material may also be at a different location of the windshield wiper device, for example at the outer connection position 34 or on the wiper blade side headboard 70 the windscreen wiper device are provided. A provision of the absorbent material at the external connection position 34 is particularly advantageous for cleaning smaller areas, such as side mirrors.

For example, according to embodiments described herein, the absorbent material may be a natural or man-made sponge. According to embodiments described herein, an absorbent material is a material which is substantially capable of absorbing liquid and releasing absorbed liquid by pressure. For example, different foams can be used. Typically, the absorbent material has sufficient compressibility to deliver cleaning water under pressure. According to some embodiments, the absorbent material has a transverse contraction number of 0.05 to 0.2. The cleaning with supplied by the absorbent material water or cleaning water is used to remove stubborn, such as dried dirt. So can a contamination on discs or mirrors, by using the in 3 illustrated windshield wiper device with the aid of a soaked absorbent material 73 be soaked. The manual washing function of the embodiments of the windshield wiper device described herein provides for facilitated removal of the dirt. Furthermore, by means of the embodiments of the windshield wiper device described herein, cleaning water can be supplied via the absorbent material to a surface to be cleaned, for example a disk, so that elimination of dried-on and / or water-soluble dirt can be ensured.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device described herein, as exemplified in FIG 4 illustrated, the first cleaning device comprises brushes 74 , The brushes 74 may additionally or alternatively to an absorbent material 73 to be provided. The brushes 74 can be connected via a connecting element on the upper part 12 be appropriate so that they are interchangeable. Furthermore, the brushes also on the upper part 10 be glued on. In addition, the brushes also at another location of the windshield wiper device, for example, at the outer connection position 34 or on the wiper blade side headboard 70 the windscreen wiper device, are provided. A provision of the brushes 74 at the outer connection position 34 is particularly advantageous for smaller areas, such as Side mirrors, to clean. Typically, the brushes include 74 Fiber elements, which may be bundled or evenly arranged. They fibers may be natural fibers or man-made fibers, such as plastic fibers. According to embodiments described herein, the fiber density and / or fiber thickness is chosen so that no damage to discs or mirrors may occur. Typically, the windshield wiper device described herein may be used with brushes for manual removal of snow and / or larger debris such as leaves.

The 5A - 5C show various embodiments of the windshield wiper device with a scratching device 80 , For example, as in 5A shown, the scratching device 80 at a substantially along the longitudinal extent 8th the windshield wiper device extending edge of the elongated upper part 10 be arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the scratching device 80 or a further scraping device may be arranged on the lower part of the windscreen wiper device, as shown by way of example in FIG 5B is shown. The scratching device can be designed as a continuous scratch bar, as in the 5A and 5B is shown, or more scraping elements 91 include, in particular, scratched corrugation, as exemplified in 5C is shown. Thereby, a windshield wiper device is provided, which provides one or more different scratching functions required depending on the degree of icing. According to embodiments described herein, the razor corrugations may extend along one substantially along the longitudinal extent 8th the windshield wiper device extending edge of the elongated of the elongated lower part 12 be arranged.

According to embodiments described herein, the scraping device is made of materials having a lower hardness than the surface to be cleaned so the surface to be cleaned, e.g. Glass, not damaged. For example, the scraping device may be made of plastics (e.g., weatherable polycarbonates) or of transition metals (e.g., copper) and / or their alloys.

According to embodiments of the windshield wiper device described herein, the absorbent material is / are the absorbent material 73 and / or the brushes 74 and / or the scratching device 80 the first cleaning device arranged so that they extend substantially along the longitudinal extent of the windshield wiper device. Furthermore, the windshield wiper device may be provided with a second cleaning device, which is arranged substantially transversely to the first cleaning device. The second cleaning device may be an absorbent material 73 and / or brushes 74 and / or a scratching device 80 include. Furthermore, the second cleaning device may be located at a fixture remote wiper blade end, for example at the outer connection position 34 be arranged.

The cleaning devices described here can be used individually or in combination with windshield wiper devices. In particular, in the combination of different cleaning devices, these may be attached to different locations of the windshield wiper device. For example, these may be at the top 10 , at the bottom 12 , at the headboard 70 and / or at the connection position 34 (the top) be attached.

The following describes an exemplary windshield wiper device for which the wiper lip described herein can be used. In principle, however, the wiper lip described herein can also be used for other windshield wiper device.

6A and 6B show schematic representations of a wiper blade 2 in a basic position ( 6A ) and in a position applied to a disk ( 6B ) according to embodiments of the windshield wiper device of the disclosure. The wiper blade 2 serves to wipe a slice 4 a vehicle, which is for example a motor vehicle, in particular a car. Usually the wiper blade is 2 attached to a wiper arm, which is driven for wiping by means of a motor. This is indicated by the wiper blade 2 a bracket 6 on, where it can be attached to the wiper arm. The wiper blade 2 is located in the 6A in a basic position, in which they at least partially from the disc 4 is lifted off. The wiper blade 2 has a longitudinal extent 8th and has an elongated top 10 and a likewise elongated lower part 12 on. The longitudinal extent of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 essentially correspond to the longitudinal extent 8th of the wiper blade 2 ,

Both the top 10 as well as the lower part 12 are bendable beams or can be designed as bendable beams, which are in the 6A and 6B each example are formed in one piece. This allows a particularly stable construction. It is also possible only one part of the upper part 10 and / or the lower part 12 bendable design. Furthermore, it is alternatively possible, the upper part 10 designed in two parts, in each case one end of the two parts of the two-piece upper part 10 on the bracket 6 are attached.

In accordance with some embodiments that may be combined with the other embodiments described herein, the upper part will be described 10 and / or the lower part 12 used a material having a modulus of elasticity which is in a range between 0.005 kN / mm ² and 0.5 kN / mm ² , in particular 0.01 kN / mm ² and 0.1 kN / mm ² . This allows a suitable bending ability of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 , Together with a suitably designed cross-sectional area of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 This results in an optimal bending stiffness. The top 10 and the lower part 12 are arranged so that they face each other. Both ends of the shell 10 are at external connection positions 14 and 16 with one end each of the lower part 12 firmly connected. Otherwise, the top part 10 and the lower part 12 spaced apart.

The top 10 and the lower part 12 are by fasteners 18 connected with each other. Especially in the basic position of the wiper blade 2 , These extend approximately transversely to the longitudinal extent 8th of the wiper blade 2 , The connecting elements 18 are on facing inner longitudinal sides of the upper part 10 and the lower part 12 by means of swivel joints 20 attached. The swivel joints 20 here are hinges. In particular, the swivel joints 20 be designed as film hinges. This is especially advantageous if upper part 10 , Lower part 12 and / or fasteners 18 are made of a plastic material or coated with a suitable plastic material.

According to typical embodiments described herein that may be combined with other embodiments described herein, a hinge is selected from the group consisting of: a hinge, a living hinge, a taper of the material to provide lower stiffness along a torsion axis, a hinge a rotation axis, a means for connecting the upper part to the connecting element or for connecting the lower part to the connecting element, which allows the displacement of the lower part with respect to the upper part along the longitudinal extension, etc.

Embodiments in which the hinge is provided by a living hinge thus provide a very simple way to provide the hinges for a fin-ray wiper. The wiper blade 2 can be provided one-piece, especially tool falling. According to typical embodiments, the film hinges have a high extensibility. This can be provided, for example, by a material selected from the group PP, PE, POM, and PA. Alternatively, the film hinges may be made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), for example, TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-U, TPE-A, TPE-V, and TPE-E.

The connecting elements 18 are along the longitudinal extent of the wiper blade 2 spaced apart. The distances between each two adjacent connecting elements 18 are equal. But you can also be chosen differently. The distances are advantageously less than 50 mm, in particular less than 30 mm. As a result, a particularly high flexibility of the windshield wiper device, in particular of its lower part, and good adaptation to the curvature and changes in curvature of the windshield to be wiped can be ensured. In 6A is representative of the distances between each two connecting elements 18 a distance 22 shown. The connecting elements 18 are, especially in the basic position of the wiper blade 2 , so on the lower part 12 attached that their longitudinal axes in angles 26 to the lower part 12 run, which are between 65 ° and 115 °, in particular between 75 ° and 105 °. Particularly advantageous are the angles between 80 ° and 100 °. This advantageously ensures a particularly good transmission of a force acting on the lower part of the upper part. Furthermore, a particularly stable windshield wiper device can be achieved in this way. The same applies to the fastenings of the connecting elements 18 at the top 10 ,

The same applies in the present embodiment for the fastenings of the connecting elements 18 at the top 10 ,

In the 6A is exemplary of the longitudinal axes of the connecting elements 18 a longitudinal axis 24 and exemplified for the angles between the connecting elements 18 and the lower part 12 an angle 26 shown. The distances between the shell 10 and the lower part 12 are mainly due to the lengths of the fasteners 18 certainly. The lengths of the connecting elements 18 take, starting from the two outer connection positions 14 . 16 in about the places where the to the top 10 attached bracket 6 begins, too. This will form the upper part 10 and lower part 12 in side view on the wiper blade 2 to 6A a double wedge with the tips of the two wedges facing in opposite directions. The connecting elements 18 are designed kink-resistant.

6B shows a schematic representation of the wiper blade 2 to 6A in one to the disc 4 created position. Because the disc 4 has a curvature, acting when applying the wiper blade 2 to the disc 4 Contact pressure forces on the lower part 12 , Because the top part 10 and the lower part 12 bendable beams and the connecting elements 12 rotatable on upper part 10 and lower part 12 are stored, are the shell 10 and the lower part 12 slidable against each other. Through the bottom of the base 12 acting pressure forces bends the wiper blade 2 in the direction from which the pressure forces come, and lies exactly on the curvature of the disc 4 at.

By the construction of the embodiments described here, takes place at a force on the lower part (through the disc 4 ) a bend of the lower part in the direction from which the force acts. This is through the connection of the shell 10 and the base at a connection position 14 and or 16 , the shape, and given by hinges at the connection between the connecting elements and the upper and lower part.

In the illustration after 6B is between the wiper blade 2 and the disc 4 a small distance exists, here only the clarification of the disc 4 and the wiper blade 2 serves and in reality when applying the wiper blade 2 to the disc 4 largely so does not exist. Furthermore, typically located at the top 10 opposite bottom of the base 12 a wiper lip 50 according to the embodiments described herein as exemplified in 1 which is shown for wiping on the disc 4 touches down. For clarity, the wiper lip in the 6A and 6B not shown.

A windshield wiper device according to embodiments described herein utilizes the effect of tail fins of certain fish, which do not dodge in the pressure direction at lateral pressure, but buckle in the opposite direction, d. H. in the direction from which the pressure comes. This principle is also referred to as a fin jet principle or "fin ray" principle. Thereby, a windshield wiper device according to the embodiments described herein has the advantage of an improved adaptation to a window of a motor vehicle. In a conventional windshield wiper blade whose upper part is usually rigid, d. H. it is not bendable.

6A and 6B show a wiper blade 2 with a longitudinal extension 8th which are essentially between the connection positions 14 and 16 extends. Such an arrangement is often used for windshield wipers. Alternatively, however, a windshield wiper device can also have only one connection position, which is analogous to the 6A and 6B halving the windshield wiper device, and wherein, for example, at a position of the holder 6 provided a rotation axis. Such an arrangement is often used for rear wiper. This is exemplary among others in the 7A and 7B shown. Optional configurations and details, as described in the individual embodiments, can generally be used for both variants of a configuration of a windshield wiper device.

7A shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the windshield wiper device according to the invention in the basic position. The windshield wiper device is here a wiper arm with an integrated wiper blade 2 attached to a fixing part 30 is appropriate. The fastening part 30 is with a wiper motor 32 connected to the fastening part 30 to wipe the disc 4 drives. The wiper blade 2 is wedge-shaped, with one end of the upper part 10 at an external connection position 34 with one end of the base 12 is firmly connected. The other end of the shell 10 and the lower part 12 are on the mounting part 30 attached. Regarding the basic structure and in particular the fasteners of the fasteners 18 corresponds to the windscreen wiper device after 7A in principle, according to those 7A ,

7B shows a schematic representation of the wiper blade 2 with integrated wiper arm 30 to 7B in one to the disc 4 created position. Again, the direction of the disc act from below 4 Pressure forces on the lower part 12 of the wiper blade 2 so that the lower part 12 and the top 10 in the direction of the disc 4 to bend.

As well in 6A as well as in 7A the wiper blade is shown in its not applied to the disc position such that the lower part 12 is essentially straight. According to still further embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the lower part is convex in the unloaded state, ie with a curvature which projects away from the upper part in a middle region. The windshield wiper device according to the embodiments described herein may typically assume contact with a disk starting from the convex shape of the base, then the corresponding concave shape of the base which adapts to the disk.

8th a schematic perspective view of a wiper blade 2 a windshield wiper device according to embodiments of the disclosure. As in 8th is shown, the wiper blade 2 at the outer connecting positions, at which the ends of the elongated upper part 10 and the lower part 12 connected to each other are an outer width W _E. According to typical embodiments, the outer width W _{E is} at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm, in particular at least 25 mm.

According to embodiments of the disclosure that may be combined with other embodiments, the width of the wiper blade decreases 2 from the outer connecting positions in the direction of the fastening part 30 or the holder 6 to which the wiper blade can be attached to the wiper arm, too. In 8th For example, an inner width is designated by W _M. According to typical embodiments, the inner width W _{M is} at least 20 mm, in particular at least 25 mm, in particular at least 30 mm.

9A shows a schematic representation of a section of the wiper blade 2 according to the embodiment according to 7A in which is the wiper blade 2 is in the basic position. Shown is the left end of the wiper blade 2 in which one end of the shell 10 and one end of the base 12 on the fastening part 30 are attached. 9A shows starting from the transition from the fastening part 30 to the wiper blade 2 the first two connecting elements 18 , the two wiper blade elements 36 and 38 limit. The connecting elements 18 are about swivels 20 at the top 10 and the lower part 12 attached.

9B shows a schematic representation of a section of the wiper blade 2 according to the embodiment according to 7B in which the wiper blade 2 to the disc 4 is created. It act from below from the direction of the disk pressure forces on the lower part 12 , Representing the pressure forces is in the 9B a compressive force 40 shown. The pressure force 40 causes buckling and bending of the base 12 of the wiper blade element 36 , This will make the swivel joint 20 of the first connecting element 18 shifted one way to the left. The second wiper blade element 38 bends down in the direction from which the compressive force 40 comes, and clings to the disc. This results between the first wiper blade element 36 and the second wiper blade element 38 an angle 42 , Further, a further compressive force is formed, which then on the lower part 12 the second wiper blade element 38 acts and further bending of the second wiper blade element 38 prevented downwards. The result is a chain reaction to the right adjacent wiper blade element to the end of the wiper blade 2 ,

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the lower part 12 of the wiper blade 2 , eg on wiper blades as exemplified in the 6A . 6B . 7A and 7B are shown, a wiper lip 50 according to the embodiments described herein. The wiper lip 50 wipes over the window of the vehicle to clean it. In the case of wiper blades falling on the tool, this can be made available in one piece in a preferred embodiment.

According to a further embodiment, in order to produce a wiper lip and a wiper blade favorably and economically, the lower part becomes 12 , or for the entire wiper blade 2 also the top 10 , as well as the fasteners 18 made from a first material. Typically this may be the same material or different materials may be chosen for the individual components. These materials may be selected from a group consisting of: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-U, TPE-A, TPE-V and TPE-E, wherein the low-cost or low-cost materials to be used can be.

The wiper lip 50 and the joint 20 at the bottom 12 can be made of a different material that meets the increased flexural, creep, or other requirements. With such an embodiment of a joint for a wiper blade or wiper lip for a wiper blade, there is a limited material requirement for the joint and wiper lip, higher quality (and more expensive) materials can be used without unduly increasing the overall cost of the wiper blade.

It can be a rigid or relatively stiff rib or a rigid connecting element, the lower part and the upper part are made of a plastic. This can be, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic. The joint 20 and the rubber profile of the wiper lip 72 are made of a rubbery material. The two different materials can be provided, for example, in a 2-component injection molding process. According to typical embodiments, the rubbery material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), for example TPE-S, TPE-O, TPE-U, TPE-A, TPE-V and TPE-E; Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM); Polychloroprene or natural rubber can be used.

Optionally, the TPE joint can be provided independently of the wiper rubber profile, ie the wiper lip. In the same injection molding tool, however, the rubber profile of the wiper lip and / or, for example, a styling of the surface can also be produced. By such a reduction of the injection molds, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to the embodiments described herein, materials may be chosen so as to enable a reliable or durable windshield wiper device even with high temperature fluctuations and / or at constantly high ambient temperatures. The choice of material of the film hinges, particularly in connection with the thickness of the hinges, allows for a flexural rigidity at a predetermined value or below and, moreover, permits injection molding with corresponding characteristics of the wiper blade, e.g. a sufficient creep resistance of the hinges.

According to the embodiments of the invention described herein, windshield wiper devices for vehicles can be produced in a particularly favorable manner and for a multiplicity of different fields of use. A windshield wiper device, in particular a removable finray wiper described here, comprises in addition to a wiper lip a cleaning device for cleaning wafers. Thus, a windscreen wiper device is provided, which is suitable for a variety of applications. In particular, a simple and practically manageable windshield wiper device is provided, which provides the user with one or more additional cleaning functions, in particular for manual windscreen cleaning.

Claims (14)

Windscreen wiper device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a wiper blade ( 2 ) with - an elongated top ( 10 ), which is configured at least partially bendable, - an elongated lower part ( 12 ), which is configured at least partially bendable, and - a plurality of connecting elements ( 18 ) for connecting the upper part ( 10 ) and the lower part ( 12 ), wherein the connecting elements ( 18 ) along a longitudinal extent ( 8th ) of the windscreen wiper device are spaced from each other, and wherein the connecting elements ( 18 ) are designed to prevent movement of the upper part ( 10 ) and the lower part relative to each other with a movement component along a longitudinal extent ( 8th ) of the windscreen wiper device, - a wiper blade-side fastening device ( 77 ) adapted to be connected to a vehicle-side connecting element ( 50 ) to provide a detachable connection, - wherein the wiper blade in addition to a wiper lip ( 72 ) comprises a first cleaning device for cleaning windows, in particular motor vehicle windows. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning device on the elongated upper part ( 10 ) is arranged and substantially along the longitudinal extent ( 8th ) of the windshield wiper device. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cleaning device comprises an absorbent material ( 73 ), in particular a sponge. Windscreen wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cleaning device brushes ( 74 ). Windscreen wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cleaning device comprises a scraping device ( 80 ) for removing ice. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 5, wherein the scratching device ( 80 ) at a substantially along the longitudinal extent ( 8th ) of the windscreen wiper device extending edge of the elongated upper part ( 10 ) and / or the elongated lower part ( 12 ) is arranged. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the scraping device ( 80 ) a scratch bar and / or a plurality of scraping elements ( 91 ), in particular Kratzriffel. Windscreen wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at a fastening device remote wiper blade end and / or on a head part ( 70 ) at least one second cleaning device is arranged, which is arranged in particular substantially transversely to the first cleaning device. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 8, wherein the head part ( 70 ) is arranged at the end of the windshield wiper device, on which the fastening device is arranged, and is ergonomically designed for gripping. Windscreen wiper device according to claim 9, wherein the head part ( 70 ) an actuating device ( 71 ) which is designed to provide a force and / or form fit between the fastening device ( 30 ) and the connecting element ( 50 ) to solve. Windscreen wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein furthermore for connecting the fastening device ( 30 ) with the connecting element ( 50 ) a standard adapter is provided. Windscreen wiper device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting elements ( 18 ) articulated, in particular by means of a first film hinge ( 20 ) with the lower part ( 12 ) and / or upper part ( 10 ) are connected. Windscreen wiper device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the width of the lower part ( 12 ) and / or the width of the upper part ( 10 ) along the Longitudinal extension ( 8th ) of the wiper blade ( 2 ) decreases to a wiper blade end. Use of a windscreen wiper device, in particular a windscreen wiper device according to one of claims 1 to 13, for manual windscreen cleaning.

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