DE102018219117A1 - Wiper arm for a windshield wiper of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The wiper arm (2) for a windshield wiper (10) of a vehicle, the wiper arm (2) being rotatably connectable to a wiper blade holder (1) and rotatably connected to a mounting bracket (3), the wiper arm (2) being along its longitudinal extent is made in one piece. For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that the wiper arm (2) is made of a carbon fiber fabric (CFRP) and that a decoupling unit (E) is provided to compensate for relative movements of the wiper arm (2).

Description

The invention relates to a wiper arm for a windscreen wiper of a vehicle according to the preamble of the independent device claim and a corresponding windscreen wiper according to the independent independent device claim.

Known windshield wipers mostly have wiper arms which are designed in two parts along their longitudinal extent. A spring is installed between the parts of the wiper arm in order to cushion a wiper blade when resting on a windshield. The spring is used to press the wiper blades against the windshield with constant force and to compensate for the curvature of the windscreen. A wiper arm which is in one piece along its longitudinal extent could represent a significant simplification of the wiper arm, facilitate the assembly of the wiper and reduce the weight of the wiper. However, a wiper arm that is in one piece along its longitudinal extent could have an uneven force contact behavior, since such a wiper arm provides a longer lever for distributing the drive and contact forces during operation of the windshield wiper, which lever can be set in motion in all directions. This could have a negative impact on wiping behavior.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved wiper arm for a windshield wiper of a vehicle. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a cost-effective and weight-reduced wiper arm which has a uniform force contact behavior and which has an improved wiping behavior. It is also an object of the invention to provide a correspondingly improved windshield wiper.

The object of the invention is achieved by a wiper arm for a windshield wiper of a vehicle with the features of independent claim 1, in particular from the characterizing part, and by a corresponding windshield wiper with the features of the independent independent device claim. Preferred developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. Features that are disclosed for the individual aspects of the invention can be combined with one another in such a way that reference is always made or can be made to one another with respect to the disclosure of the inventive aspects of the invention.

The invention provides a wiper arm for a windshield wiper of a vehicle, the wiper arm being rotatably connectable to a wiper blade holder and rotatably to a mounting bracket, the wiper arm being made in one piece along its longitudinal extent.
For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that the wiper arm is formed from a carbon fiber fabric and that a decoupling unit is provided to compensate for relative movements of the wiper arm, in particular with respect to an axis of rotation relative to the mounting bracket and / or with respect to a windshield of the vehicle.

For the purposes of the invention, one-piece means one-piece, uninterrupted, uniform in material and / or monolithic. Relative movements of the wiper arm can arise due to drive and pressure forces. The relative movements of the wiper arm can occur in all directions around and / or relative to an axis of rotation relative to the mounting bracket and in all directions relative to a windshield.

The idea of the invention is that a wiper arm is made of a cost-effective, weight-reduced and stable material that is in one piece along its longitudinal extent, a decoupling unit being provided to compensate for possible relative movements of such a wiper arm, which preferably has relative movements of the wiper arm in all directions by one and / or can balance relative to an axis of rotation to the mounting bracket and in all directions relative to a windshield. The decoupling unit can advantageously be provided between an end of the wiper arm on the mounting bracket and the axis of rotation which can be rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket and which can serve to drive the wiper arm. The wiper arm is preferably attached to the axis of rotation via the decoupling unit (non-rotatably with a certain elasticity). Thus, the wiper arm can rotate with the axis of rotation, which provides the advantages of a rotationally fixed connection, and can be given a certain elasticity when moving with the axis of rotation via the decoupling unit. Thus, all possible relative movements of the wiper arm about and / or relative to the axis of rotation and thus all possible relative movements of the wiper arm relative to a windshield can be compensated in a simple and advantageous manner. With the aid of the invention, a cost-effective and weight-reduced wiper arm is thus made available which has a uniform force contact behavior and which has an improved wiping behavior.

Furthermore, in the case of a wiper arm, the invention can provide for the wiper arm to have a bore at one end on the mounting carrier, through which a bore is formed. The bore can advantageously serve to receive an axis of rotation by means of which the wiper arm can be driven. It can also the bore preferably serve to receive the decoupling unit, which can in particular be attached between the bore and the axis of rotation.

Furthermore, the invention can provide for a wiper arm that a sleeve is arranged in the first receptacle, through which a second receptacle is formed. A sleeve is a simple and inexpensive element that can be used to be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to an axis of rotation. A sleeve advantageously creates a cylindrical jacket-shaped space between the sleeve and the bore. This space can be used in an advantageous manner to arrange the decoupling unit therein, which in turn can provide a certain flexibility between the sleeve and the bore.

Furthermore, in the case of a wiper arm, the invention can provide that the sleeve is arranged essentially coaxially with the bore. This enables a simple and space-saving assembly of the sleeve in the bore.

In addition, the invention can provide for a wiper arm that the decoupling unit is provided between the bore and the sleeve. In this way, the advantages of a rotationally fixed connection between the sleeve and an axis of rotation for driving the wiper arm can be made possible with the advantages of a certain flexibility of relative movements between the sleeve and the bore. At this point, relative movements of the wiper arm can be compensated for in all directions about or relative to the axis of rotation, which can arise from the driving forces. At the same time, the relative movements of the wiper arm, which are caused by the contact forces of the wiper arm on the windshield, can be absorbed and damped at this point. This enables improved fastening and mounting of the wiper arm on the axis of rotation.

According to an advantage of the invention, the decoupling unit can form a rubber-metal bearing with the bore and the sleeve. A cost-effective and simple decoupling unit can therefore be provided, which offers the advantages according to the invention and which enables improved fastening and mounting of the wiper arm on the axis of rotation.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the decoupling unit has a suspension element. A suspension element can advantageously provide elastic properties when fastening and mounting the wiper arm on the axis of rotation.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the suspension element is made of an elastomeric material. In this way, the suspension element can fill the entire space between the sleeve and the bore. In addition, the suspension element can evenly absorb and dampen relative movements of the wiper arm in all directions about and / or relative to the axis of rotation.

In the context of the invention, it is conceivable that the suspension element has rubber. Rubber is an inexpensive and easy to process material. The rubber is advantageously stretchable under tensile load and returns to its original shape without load. In addition to the elastic properties, the rubber has advantageous damping properties.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the suspension element is designed in the form of a spiral spring. A coil spring is a simple and inexpensive component. One end of the coil spring can be attached to the sleeve and another end of the coil spring to the bore. With the aid of a spiral spring, rotary movements of the wiper arm about the axis of rotation and relative movements of the wiper arm in all radial directions to the axis of rotation and in the axial direction along the axis of rotation can be compensated.

In addition, in the case of a wiper arm, the invention can provide that the decoupling unit has at least one decoupling element, preferably a plurality of decoupling elements. Through the at least one decoupling element, in particular in addition to the suspension element, the freedom of movement of the sleeve relative to the bore and the freedom of movement of the bore relative to the sleeve can be determined.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the at least one decoupling element can be designed in the form of a spoke. Movements between the sleeve and the bore can thus be transmitted.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the at least one decoupling element can extend radially between the bore and the sleeve. Relative rotary movements of the wiper arm about the axis of rotation can thus preferably be compensated for.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the at least one decoupling element extends radially inward from an inner wall of the bore and ends at a distance from an outer wall of the sleeve. Such a decoupling element can preferably have a certain elasticity in the transmission of the movements from the bore the sleeve, ie from the wiper arm to the axis of rotation. Thus, contact forces on the bore can be introduced into the decoupling unit and damped there in an advantageous manner before they reach the sleeve.

In addition, the invention can provide that the at least one decoupling element extends radially outward from an outer wall of the sleeve and ends at a distance from an inner wall of the bore. Such a decoupling element can preferably have a certain elasticity in the transmission of the movements from the sleeve to the bore, i. H. from the axis of rotation to the wiper arm. Thus, driving forces on the sleeve can be introduced into the decoupling unit and damped there in an advantageous manner before they reach the bore and thus the wiper arm.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the context of the invention for a wiper arm that the at least one decoupling element is designed in the form of incisions in the suspension element. In this way, the at least one decoupling element can be formed in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner in an elastic suspension element. Such a decoupling element also allows a certain freedom in its arrangement in order to be able to specifically intercept certain application-specific relative movements of the wiper arm, which can depend on the choice of a drive, the geometry of the windshield, etc.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the (at least some of several) incisions in the suspension element can be made with a filler material that differs from the material of the suspension element. The at least one decoupling element can thus be designed as a damping element with certain selectable properties.

It is also conceivable that metal plates are arranged in the (at least some of several) incisions. This advantageously prevents overtightening or, in other words, knocking out of the sleeve relative to the bore or vice versa.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is achieved by a windshield wiper for a vehicle with a wiper arm, which can be carried out as described above. The same advantages are achieved that were described above in connection with the wiper arm according to the invention. These advantages are referred to in full in the present case.

Furthermore, in the case of a windshield wiper, the invention can provide that the wiper arm is rotatably mounted on a mounting bracket via an axis of rotation. A windshield wiper can thus be provided which has improved fastening and mounting of the wiper arm.

Furthermore, in the case of a windshield wiper, the invention can provide that the wiper arm is attached to the axis of rotation in a torsionally elastic manner by means of the decoupling unit. Torsionally elastic means torsionally rigid with a certain elasticity. Thus, the wiper arm can rotate with the axis of rotation, which provides the advantages of a rotationally fixed connection, and can be given a certain elasticity when moving with the axis of rotation via the decoupling unit. Thus, all possible relative movements from the wiper arm to the axis of rotation (for example, due to contact forces and / or leverage of the wiper arm) or from the axis of rotation to the wiper arm (for example, due to driving forces) can be compensated in a simple and advantageous manner.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wischerarms im Rahmen eines möglichen Scheibenwischers,
• 2 eine vergrößerte schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wischerarms an einer Drehachse,
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wischerarms entlang einer Drehachse, und
• 4 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wischerarms quer zu einer Drehachse.

Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below with the description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that the figures are only descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It shows:

• 1 1 shows a schematic illustration of a wiper arm according to the invention as part of a possible windshield wiper,
• 2nd 2 shows an enlarged schematic illustration of a wiper arm according to the invention on an axis of rotation,
• 3rd is a schematic sectional view of a wiper arm according to the invention along an axis of rotation, and
• 4th is a schematic sectional view of a wiper arm according to the invention transverse to an axis of rotation.

The 1 shows a wiper arm 2nd for a wiper 10th of a vehicle. The wiper arm 2nd is rotatable with a wiper blade holder 1 and rotatable with a mounting bracket 3rd connectable. The mounting bracket 3rd can use bearings 4th , for example in the form of rubber bearings, if necessary with a corresponding screw connection, are attached to the vehicle.

The wiper arm 2nd is made in one piece, uninterrupted, uniform in material and / or monolithic along its longitudinal extent.

The wiper arm according to the invention 2nd is made of a carbon fiber fabric CFRP. Carbon fiber fabric CFRP is an inexpensive, weight-reduced and stable material. In this way, the wiper arm according to the invention 2nd also be inexpensive, lightweight and stable.

According to the invention is a decoupling unit E to compensate for relative movements of the wiper arm 2nd , in particular with respect to an axis of rotation 5 to the mounting bracket 3rd and / or with respect to a windshield of the vehicle. Relative movements of the wiper arm 2nd can arise due to drive and contact forces. The relative movements of the wiper arm 2nd can through the decoupling unit E in all directions with respect to (ie around and / or relative to) the axis of rotation 5 as well as being intercepted and damped in all directions relative to the windshield of the vehicle.

On the mounting bracket 3rd can be, for example, an electromotive drive unit 6 be provided, which can set a linkage in motion, which has one or two axes of rotation 5 can rotate. The axis of rotation 5 or the axes of rotation 5 can be rotatable on the mounting bracket 3rd be stored. At least on an axis of rotation 5 can be a wiper arm 2nd in the sense of the invention are attached in a torsionally elastic manner, with the axis of rotation 5 is moved.

As in the 2nd is indicated, the decoupling unit E between an end of the wiper arm on the mounting bracket 2nd and the axis of rotation 5 be provided. Using the decoupling unit E becomes the wiper arm 2nd torsionally elastic (rotationally fixed with a certain permissible, preferably determinable and / or adjustable elasticity) on the axis of rotation 5 attached. So the wiper arm 2nd with the axis of rotation 5 rotate, which has the advantages of a non-rotatable connection. At the same time, using the decoupling unit E a certain elasticity in the transmission of movement between the wiper arm 2nd and the axis of rotation 5 to be provided.

The 3rd shows a section along a line BB that in the 2nd is shown. It can be seen that the wiper arm 2nd a hole on one end of the mounting bracket 2a has, through which a first recording A1 is formed. In the first shot A1 is a sleeve 7 arranged through which a second recording A2 is formed.

The sleeve 7 can be rotatably on the axis of rotation 5 be attached. For this purpose, a fastening means, for example in the form of a screw, can be provided through the sleeve 7 with the axis of rotation 5 can be screwed. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the axis of rotation 5 itself can serve as a fastener.

On the sleeve 7 or at the hole 2a can also be a support, for example for a lock washer 5b , and / or a support, for example for an axle head 5a or a screw head can be provided.

Between the hole 2a and the sleeve 7 is a cylindrical jacket-shaped space, which is advantageous for receiving the decoupling unit E can serve. In this way, the advantages of a rotationally fixed connection between the sleeve 7 and the axis of rotation 5 with the advantages of a certain flexibility of relative movements between the sleeve 7 and the hole 2a and thus between the axis of rotation 5 and the wiper arm 2nd be made possible.

As it also from the 3rd can be seen and in the cross-sectional representation of the 4th is shown, the sleeve 7 essentially coaxial with the bore 2a , along a longitudinal axis D the axis of rotation 5 seen, arranged.

The decoupling unit can advantageously E with the hole 2a and the sleeve 7 form a rubber metal bearing.

Like it 3rd and 4th can indicate the decoupling unit E a suspension element 8th , for example. Made of an elastomeric material, in particular rubber. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the suspension element 8th can be designed in the form of a spiral spring, for example with one end on the sleeve 7 and with another end to the hole 2a can be attached.

Like it also 3rd and 4th can show the decoupling unit E at least one decoupling element 9 , preferably several decoupling elements 9 , exhibit. The at least one decoupling element 9 can preferably in addition to the suspension element 8th be provided to the freedom of movement of the sleeve 7 relative to the hole 2a to determine and / or adjust.

As it further the 4th shows, several decoupling elements 9 be provided. The decoupling elements 9 can be spoke-shaped and radially between the bore 2a and the sleeve 7 extend.

As it continues in the 4th is shown, a type of decoupling elements 9 from an inner wall of the bore 2a extend radially inward and spaced from an outer wall of the sleeve 7 end up. Another type of decoupling elements 9 can protrude from an outer wall of the sleeve 7 extend radially outward and spaced from an inner wall of the bore 2a end up.

Within the scope of the invention it is conceivable that the decoupling elements 9 in the form of cuts in the suspension element 8th can be trained. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the (at least some of several) incisions in the suspension element 8th can be carried out with a filler material, which is different from the material of the suspension element 8th can distinguish. It is also conceivable that metal plates can be arranged in the (at least some of several) incisions in order to overtighten the sleeve 7 opposite the hole 2a or vice versa.

The above description of the figures describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. Of course, if it makes technical sense, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference symbol list

10th

windshield wipers

2nd

Wiper arm

2a

drilling

A1

first shot

7

Sleeve

A2

second shot

E

Decoupling unit

8th

Suspension element

9

Decoupling element

1

Wiper blade holder

3rd

Mounting bracket

4th

warehouse

5

Axis of rotation

5a

Axis head

5b

Lock washer

6

Drive unit

B-B

Cutting line

D

Longitudinal axis

Claims (17)

Wiper arm (2) for a windscreen wiper (10) of a vehicle, the wiper arm (2) being rotatably connectable to a wiper blade holder (1) and rotatably connected to a mounting bracket (3), the wiper arm (2) being made in one piece along its longitudinal extent, characterized in that the wiper arm (2) is formed from a carbon fiber fabric (CFRP) and that a decoupling unit (E) is provided for compensating for relative movements of the wiper arm (2). Wiper arm (2) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the wiper arm (2) has a bore (2a) at one end on the mounting bracket through which a first receptacle (A1) is formed. Wiper arm (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a sleeve (7) is arranged in the first receptacle (A1), through which a second receptacle (A2) is formed. Wiper arm (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sleeve (7) is arranged coaxially to the bore (2a). Wiper arm (2) after Claim 2 and 3rd , characterized in that the decoupling unit (E) is provided between the bore (2a) and the sleeve (7). Wiper arm (2) after Claim 2 and 3rd , characterized in that the decoupling unit (E) forms a rubber-metal bearing with the bore (2a) and the sleeve (7). Wiper arm (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoupling unit (E) has a suspension element (8). Wiper arm (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suspension element (8) is made of an elastomeric material and / or that the suspension element (8) has rubber. Wiper arm (2) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the suspension element (8) is designed in the form of a spiral spring. Wiper arm (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoupling unit (E) has at least one decoupling element (9). Wiper arm (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one decoupling element (9) is spoke-shaped, and / or in that the at least one decoupling element (9) extends radially between the bore (2a) and the sleeve (7) . Wiper arm (2) after Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the at least one decoupling element (9) extends radially inward from an inner wall of the bore (2a) and ends at a distance from an outer wall of the sleeve (7), and / or that the at least one decoupling element (9) extends away from it an outer wall of the sleeve (7) extends radially outwards and ends at a distance from an inner wall of the bore (2a). Wiper arm (2) after Claim 7 and 10th , characterized in that the at least one decoupling element (9) is designed in the form of incisions in the suspension element (8). Wiper arm (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the incisions in the suspension element (8) are made with a filling material which differs from the material of the suspension element (8) and / or that metal plates are arranged in the incisions. Windscreen wiper (10) for a vehicle with a wiper arm (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Windscreen wiper (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wiper arm (2) is rotatably mounted on a mounting bracket (3) via an axis of rotation (5). Windscreen wiper (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wiper arm (2) is attached to the axis of rotation (5) in a torsionally elastic manner by means of the decoupling unit (E).

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