EP1663745A1

EP1663745A1 - Wiper blades having different sizes for automobile glass panels

Info

Publication number: EP1663745A1
Application number: EP00963937A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Kotlarski
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 1999-09-24
Filing date: 2000-08-30
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Also published as: CN1182994C; WO2001023232A1; CN1376122A; RU2260528C2; US6810556B1; KR20020059412A; JP2003510218A; DE10082922D2; RU2002109235A; BR0014202A; CZ20021019A3; KR100765590B1; DE19945858A1; AU7505800A

Abstract

The invention relates to wiper blades having different sizes for automobile glass panels, comprising long, elastic support elements (14) shaped in the form of a strip for a wiper strip (22) pertaining to each wiper blade (10) which can be placed on the glass panel (12) and arranged on the (10) lower band surface (21) opposite the glass panel, wherein one half (16) of a connecting device (18) located on the wiper blade side rests on the top band surface (15) opposite the glass panel in a longitudinal central section of each support element. In order to provide wiper blades with different sizes and one type of the above-mentioned connecting device half thereby reducing the costs of the wiper blades, the widths (36) of the support elements in said longitudinal central section have the same size regardless of the other dimensions of said support element.

Description

Wiper blades of different dimensions for windows of motor vehicles

State of the art

When designing wiper blades, a large number of criteria specified by law and vehicle manufacturers, such as the area of the window to be covered by the wiper blade, window size,

Window curvature, contact pressure of the wiper blades on the window, flow of the air in front of the window etc. are taken into account. For obvious reasons, all of this means that, for practically every type of vehicle and also for the driver-side and the passenger-side wiper blade, very special supporting elements are required for the wiper strips resting against the window. These support elements must then be provided with the wiper blade side half of a connecting device, via which the wiper blade is equipped with the other half

Wiper arm can be connected.

In order to meet the specifications specified by the vehicle manufacturer, there are support elements that are particularly noticeable in the present context different lengths and widths. Furthermore, the width of such support elements can also change over their length, for example, the cross-section of the support element or its width tapering, starting from the seating position of the connecting device half. In known wiper blades of this type referred to in the preamble of claim 1 (DE 19729865.6 AI), the device half engages under the support element on its outer longitudinal edges with hook-like extensions, so that it is firmly connected to the support element. Since, for the reasons mentioned above, the maximum width of the support element differs from case to case, a special device half adapted to the width of the support element must be kept ready for each of these cases, even if the deviations in the width are relatively small. This is because the device half must always be immovably connected to the support element, ie also during the wiping operation transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, because of the other half of the connecting device on the wiper arm side.

This requirement requires a large number of device halves, since each of these halves can generally only be used for one wiper blade of a single type of vehicle.

Comparable problems arise at the two end sections of the support elements, to which cap-like holders have to be attached. These caps are said to reduce the risk of injury, for example, when

Handling of the wiper blades, for example when replacing the wiper blade, is given by the end edges of the support elements. In known wiper blades of the type mentioned (DE 19802451.7 AI), these caps can also connect the wiper strip and support element support if, for example, they grip under the support element with claws and grasp the wiper strip. Also for this cap or for its seating positions on the support elements, the width of the support elements at the ends of the support elements varies from case to case for the reasons mentioned above. For this reason, appropriately adapted caps must also be provided for each application, which is very cost-intensive, starting with the manufacturing devices for these caps up to storage and the risk of confusion during assembly.

Advantages of the invention

In the wiper blades according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1, by standardizing the width of the support elements in said longitudinal central section, at least several types of support elements can be provided with the same device halves, so that the manufacturing costs for these halves are cheaper and their storage is simplified.

Characterized in that the wiper blade side half of the connecting device fits over the two facing away from each other longitudinal edges of each support element with longitudinal shoulders, the Url movability of the connection between the halves of the connection device and the support element is further improved.

Due to the features specified in claim 3, the variety of caps can be significantly reduced and thus

Costs for the wiper blade can be significantly reduced.

The measures according to claims 1 and 3 remain without influence on the support element design because both in the longitudinal central section and at the end sections of the Supporting elements are always stiffened by the attachments positioned there, which must be taken into account when dimensioning them.

A correct fit of the caps on the

The ends of the support elements are achieved when the caps fit over the two outer longitudinal edges of each support element facing away from one another with longitudinal shoulders.

In certain applications, it is advantageous if the support elements are designed as one-piece bands which have the same width in the region of the seating position of the device halves.

If the width of the support elements in their effective spring areas exceeds a certain fit, it is expedient if the width of the seating position is formed by a partial, lateral constriction of the support element.

If, however, the width-fit dimension prescribed for the support elements is undershot when designing the support element, the width of the seating position can be formed in a simple manner by a partial, lateral expansion of the support element.

If the length of the constriction is matched to the length of the half of the device on the wiper blade side, this results in a precisely defined seating position for the half of the device without further measures.

For certain applications, it is advantageous if the support elements are designed as one-piece bands which have the same width in the region of the seating position of the cap. To adjust the fit dimensions of the support element width in the area of the seating positions of the caps, depending on the respective width determined by the design of the support element, the fit dimension can be maintained in that the width of the seating position for the caps is formed by a partial lateral constriction of the support element or that the width the seating position for the caps is formed by a partial, lateral expansion of the support element.

The design of the support elements by means of two spring rails arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another can represent an advantageous alternative to the support elements formed in one piece in many applications.

In this case, these spring rails belonging to a single support element can be arranged in longitudinal grooves of the wiper strip, which are located in a common, at a distance from the

Disc lying level and their base area are spaced apart.

Further advantageous developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the following description of exemplary embodiments shown in the associated drawing.

drawing

1 shows a side view of a wiper blade according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a top view of the wiper blade according to FIG. 1, shown rotated through 90 ° and enlarged, FIG. 3 shows the sectional area of a section through the wiper blade along the line III-III in FIG. 2 rotated by 90 ° and shown enlarged,

4 shows the cut surfaces of a cut through the wiper blade along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 rotated by 90 ° and enlarged, FIG. 5 shows a perspective partial view of a differently designed wiper blade according to the invention, FIG. 6 shows the cut surface of a cut through the wiper blade according to FIG 5 along the line VI-VI shown rotated accordingly, FIG. 7 shows the sectional area of a section through the wiper blade according to FIG. 5 along the line VII-VII rotated accordingly, FIGS. 8 to 10 plan views of differently designed support elements that form the wiper blade according to FIG. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 11 to 13 are plan views of differently designed support elements which belong to the wiper blade according to FIGS. 8 to 10.

Description of the embodiments

A wiper blade 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for windows 12 of motor vehicles has an elongated, spring-elastic support element 14. On the upper side 15 of the support element 14 facing away from the window 12 to be wiped, the wiper blade-side half 16 of a connecting device 18 is arranged, by means of which the wiper blade 10 is detachably connected to a driven wiper arm 20, which is guided on the body of a motor vehicle and is indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG can be. On the underside 21 of the support element 14 facing the window 12, an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip 22 is arranged parallel to the support element along the longitudinal axes. The wiper arm 20 and thus also the wiper blade 10 are loaded in the direction of an arrow 24 toward the window to be wiped, the surface of which is to be wiped in FIG. 1 is indicated by a dash-dotted line 26. Since the dash-dotted line 26 is intended to represent the strongest curvature of the window surface, it can be clearly seen that the curvature of the unloaded wiper blade 10 resting on the window 12 with its two ends is stronger than the maximum window curvature. Under the contact pressure (arrow 24), the wiper blade 10 with its wiper strip 22 lies against the window surface 26 over its entire length. In this case, a tension builds up in the band-like spring-elastic support element 24, which ensures that the wiper strip 22 is properly seated on the motor vehicle window 12 over its entire length. FIGS. 1 and 2 further show that a cap 28 is arranged at each of the two ends of the wiper blade 10, the function of which will be discussed later.

The particular embodiment of a first embodiment of the wiper blade according to the invention will now be explained in detail below. As the section through the wiper blade 10 shown in FIG. 3 shows, the wiper blade-side half 16 of the connecting device 18 has a plate-like base 30 which is provided with coupling means (not shown in more detail) for the free end of the wiper arm 20. The base plate 30 has on its longitudinal sides L-shaped extensions 32 which overlap with their one L-leg 31 the outer longitudinal edges 34 of the support element 14 facing away from each other and which further engage under the support element 14 with their other L-legs 33 and on the underside 21 of the support member 14 abut. The distance 36 between the two mutually facing inner sides of the one L-leg 31 corresponds to a fit dimension which the support element 14 has where the half 16 is positioned. This seat position of the half 16 is shown in the two central embodiments of the invention in the longitudinal central section of the wiper blade or the support element 14. The term "longitudinal middle section" does not rule out that it is also close to one of the two end sections of the wiper blade or the support element, and that it even covers one of the two end sections of the support element, so that the half 16 also one of the functions of the caps 28 takes over.

In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4, the support element is designed as a one-piece band. In the area of the seating position of the device halves 16, the two longitudinal edges 34 run essentially parallel to one another, so that there is a constant fit 36 over the entire seating position for the half 16. Since the distance between the two an L-leg 31 - which can be referred to as longitudinal shoulders interacting with the longitudinal edges 34 - in one

Distance 36 lying in front of one another, which corresponds to the fitting dimension, results, seen in the working direction (double arrow 37 in FIG. 2), of the wiper blade 10 a good fit between the supporting element 14 and the half 16. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that the supporting element 14 of the wiper blade 10 lies at a distance 38 in front of the window 12 to be wiped when the wiper blade 10 with its wiper strip 22 assumes its operating position in relation to the window 12. From Figure 2 is finally seen that the width of the support member 14 based on the sitting position for the

Half 16 tapered towards both ends. This can also be seen when comparing the fit dimension 36 for the sitting position of the half 16 with a second fit dimension 40 (FIG. 4) for the caps 28. The caps 28 have an essentially U-shaped cross section, with their U base 42 - just like the base plate 30 of the half 16 - rests on the upper side 15 of the support element 14 facing away from the disk 12. The two U-legs 43 of the caps 28 are at a distance from one another which corresponds to the fitting dimension 40. At the free ends of the U-legs 43, the caps are provided with mutually directed claws 44 which engage in longitudinal grooves 45 of the wiper strip 22. The wiper strip 22 is firmly connected with its end surface 47 facing away from the pane 12 in the exemplary embodiment by an adhesive connection to the underside 21 of the support element 14. Since the

Adhesive connection is exposed to a high permanent alternating load during the wiping operation, the caps arranged at the ends of the support element 14 contribute considerably to securing the adhesive connection between the wiper strip 22 and the support element 14 when they engage with their claws on the wiper strip.

Since, as already explained at the beginning, the wiper blades of the supplier's entire wiper blade palette must have different dimensions, an essential aspect of the invention will be discussed in more detail below for the exemplary embodiment of a wiper blade just explained with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. It should be taken into account here that the support elements 114 (FIG. 9), 214 (FIG. 8) and 314 (FIG. 10) shown in these figures are not shown to scale, particularly in the longitudinal direction, and therefore must in no way be regarded as a working drawing. Assuming that the support element 114 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds in its contour to the support element 14 in FIG. 2, this is preferably intended for medium-sized wiper blades. It has a fitting dimension 36 in the area of the sitting position 115 for the half 16 of the connecting device 18. At its two end sections 116, which define the sitting positions for the two Represent caps 28, the width of the support member 114 corresponds to the fit dimension 40th

The embodiment of the support element 214 shown in FIG. 8 is generally intended for wiper blades which are larger or longer than the wiper blades in which the support element 114 (FIG. 9) is used. Therefore, the support element 214 in its two between the seat position 215 for the half 16 and the two seat positions 216 for the caps 28 is wider than the corresponding areas of the support element 114 (FIG. 9). So that the same halves 16 can be used on this support element 214 as in the case of the support element 115, this is provided on its two longitudinal sides in the region of the seating position 215 with constrictions 217 lying opposite one another, the lengths 218 of which are matched to the length of the half 16. The depth of the constrictions 217 is dimensioned such that the fit dimension 36 results in the area of the sitting position 215. A corresponding design is provided at the two ends of the support element 214. Constrictions 219 of the support element 214 are also arranged at these two ends, so that there is a width in the area of the seat positions 216 of the caps 28 which corresponds to the fitting dimension 40, so that in the case of wiper blades with a support element 214 according to FIG and the caps 28 can also be used which can also be used in the case of wiper blades with a support element corresponding to FIG. 9.

The support element 314 according to FIG. 10 is below

Consideration of the statements made at the outset is preferably intended for wiper blades that are smaller than the wiper blades in which the support elements 114 and 214 according to FIGS. 9 and 8 are used. However, this also means the same halves 16 as in the case of the support elements 114 and 214 can be used, this support element 314 is provided in the region of the sitting position 315 for half 16 on its two long sides with partial, lateral extensions 317. The extensions 317 on both sides of the support element 314 in the region of the seating position 315 of the half 16 are dimensioned such that there is a width of the support element 314, the dimension of which corresponds to the fit dimension 36. This makes it possible to use the same halves 16 for the connection device 18 for this support element 314 as is also possible for the support elements 114 and 214. Both end regions of the support element 314, which mean the seating position 316 for the holders 28, also have mutually opposite extensions 318 which are dimensioned such that the seating positions 316 for the caps 28 result in fitting dimensions which correspond to the fitting dimension 40 according to FIG , As a result, it is also possible to use caps 28 which are used for the elements 114 and 214 in the case of wiper blades with support elements 314 according to FIG.

As FIGS. 5 to 7 show, another embodiment of the wiper blade 50 according to the invention has a support element 55 which is divided in its longitudinal direction and thus comprises two spring rails 56. This wiper blade 50 has a wiper strip 52, which is provided at a distance 53 from the window 12 with lateral, mutually opposite longitudinal grooves 54 which serve to receive the two spring rails 56 belonging to the support element 55. In the exemplary embodiment, the two spring rails 56 are arranged in a common plane, but this is not absolutely necessary. The bases of the two longitudinal grooves 54 are at a distance 57 from one another (FIG. 6). The width of the two spring rails 56 is dimensioned such that they protrude from their receiving longitudinal grooves 54 with edge regions. This is particularly important where the seating positions for half 16 of the connecting device 18 and the caps 28 must be provided. Since the wiper strip 52 in this exemplary embodiment has a head strip 59 located on the upper side 58 of the support element 55, the half 16 must have a corresponding receiving groove for the

Header bar 59 may be provided. In this embodiment too, 16 L-shaped extensions 61 are provided on the longitudinal sides of a base plate 60 of the half 16, one L-leg 62 crossing the plane of the spring rails 56 and with the other L-legs 63 engaging under the support element 55 or its spring rails 56. The distance between the opposing one L-leg 62 corresponds to a fitting dimension 36, which is composed of the width of the spring rails 56 in the area of the seating position for the cap 28 plus the dimension 57 between the two base surfaces of the longitudinal grooves 54 (Fig. 6). The caps in this embodiment have a structure corresponding to the structure of the half 16 according to FIG. 6 (FIG. 7). Claw-like extensions 65 adjoin the long sides of a cap base plate 64 and engage under the respective spring rail 56. The distance between the two claws 65 in the area of the spring rails 56 is such that there is a fitting dimension 40 which results from the width of the two spring rails 56 in the region of the two ends of the support element 55 plus the dimension 57 between the two at a distance from one another lying base surfaces of the longitudinal grooves 54 results. The fit dimension 40 is smaller than the fit dimension 36 because the two spring rails 56 taper from the seat position for the half 16 to the seat positions for the caps 28. Since the wiper strip 52 is usually in the

Extrusion process is produced, their cross-sections in the area of the seating position for half and also in the areas for the seating positions the caps are identical. Thus, the cap 28 must also be provided with a receiving groove for the header 59. Various embodiments of the support element 55 are shown in FIGS. The support element according to FIG. 12 has been given the reference number 414. The embodiment of the support element according to FIG. 11 has the reference number 514. FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the support element, which is provided with the reference number 614 there. The support element 414 according to FIG. 12 has two spring rails 456 which are arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another which corresponds to the distance 57 (FIG. 6) between the two base surfaces of the longitudinal grooves 54 in the wiper strip 52. This also applies to the spring rails 556 and 656 according to the embodiments of the support elements 514 and 614, which are shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. Apart from the longitudinal division of the support element in the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 13, all statements that have been made about the embodiments according to FIGS. 8 to 10 (support elements 114, 214 and 314) apply to these embodiments. That's how it was

Support element 414 in the area of the seat position 415 for the half 16 of the connecting device 18 a width which corresponds to the fit dimension 36. Furthermore, the width of the spring rails in the area of the seat positions 416 for the caps 28 is dimensioned such that a fitting dimension 40 results.

In order for the wider support element 514 according to FIG. 11 in the area of the seat position 515 for the half 16 to be matched to the fit dimension 36, constrictions 517 are also provided in this area of each spring rail 556, which constrictions the constrictions 217 according to the support element 214 (FIG. 8) correspond. In this case too, the length of the constrictions 517 is matched to the length of the half 16. The same also applies to the arrangement and configuration of the two ends of the support element 514 in the region of the Seating positions 516 for the caps 28. Corresponding constrictions 519 are also arranged there, which are dimensioned such that a fitting dimension 40 results. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 13, both the caps 28 and the half 16 ensure that the spring rails are properly secured in the longitudinal grooves 54 of the wiper strip 52.

The embodiment of the support element according to FIG. 13 corresponds - with the exception of the longitudinal division and the associated spacing 57 between the two

Spring rails 656 of the design of the support element 314 - which has been shown in FIG. 10. In the area of the seat position 615 for the half 16, each spring rail has an outward extension 617 so that a fit dimension 36 is also obtained with this narrow support element 614. The same applies to the design of the two ends of the support element 614. Corresponding extensions 618 are also arranged there, so that a fit dimension 40 results for the holder 28 in the region of the seating positions. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 13, both the caps 28 and the half 16 ensure that the spring rails are properly secured in the longitudinal grooves 54 of the wiper strip 52.

It goes without saying that, as already mentioned and as is also clear from the drawing, the distance dimension 57 must be taken into account in all longitudinally divided support elements 414, 514, 614 when dimensioning the fit dimensions 36 and 40. It is therefore clear that for both of the described embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8 to 10 and 5 to 7 and 11 to 13, the corresponding halves 16 for the connecting device 18 are formed by a corresponding design of the carrying elements 114, 214, 314 and 414, 514, 614 and the same holder 28 can be used, even if the wiper blades are particularly long and wide have different dimensions. This is possible because the widths of all support elements in the area of these seating positions for the halves and caps are the same regardless of the further dimensions of these support elements or the wiper blades. This makes it possible to operate a wide range of wiper blades of different dimensions with a single type of connector halves and caps.

Claims

Expectations

1. wiper blades of different dimensions for windows of motor vehicles, with band-like, elongated, spring-elastic support elements (14) for each wiper blade (12) belonging to the window (12), which can be placed on the lower belt surface (21) facing the window and arranged on the wiper strip ( 22) wherein the wiper blade side half (16) of a connecting device (18) is seated on the upper band surfaces (15) facing away from the disc in a longitudinal central section of each support element, characterized in that the widths (36) of the

Support elements in this longitudinal central section are the same size regardless of the further dimensions of these support elements.

2. Wiper blades according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper blade side half (16) of the connecting device (18) the two opposite outer longitudinal edges (34) of each support element (14) with longitudinal shoulders (31) fits over t.

3. Wiper blades, in particular according to one of claims 1 or 2, with band-like, elongated, spring-elastic supporting elements (14) for each wiper blade (10) belonging to the disc (12), which can be placed on the disc-facing lower band surface (21) arranged wiper strip (22), a cap (28) being seated on the upper band surfaces (15) facing away from the window on at least one of the two end sections of each support element (14), characterized in that the widths of the support elements (14) are on this end section , regardless of the further dimensions of these support elements are the same size.

4. Wiper blades according to claim 3, characterized in that the cap (28) the two outer facing away from each other

Longitudinal edges (34) of each support element (14) with longitudinal shoulders (43) fit over them.

5. Wiper blades according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the support elements (14) as one piece

Bands are formed which have the same width in the area of the seating position of the device halves (16).

6. Wiper blades according to one of claims 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that the width (36) of the sitting position for half (18) is formed by a partial lateral constriction (217 or 517) of the support element (214 or 514).

7. Wiper blades according to one of claims 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that the width (36) of the sitting position for half (18) is formed by a partial lateral expansion (317 or 617) of the support element (314 or 614).

8. Wiper blades according to claim 6, characterized in that the length (218 or 518) of the constriction (217 or 517) is matched to the length of the device half (18) on the wiper blade side.

9. Wiper blades according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the supporting elements (114 or 214 or 314) are designed as one-piece bands which have the same width (40) in the region of the seating position of the cap (28).

10. Wiper blades according to claim 9, characterized in that the width of the seating position for the caps (28) is formed by a partial lateral constriction (219 or 519) of the support element (214 or 514).

11. Wiper blades according to claim 9, characterized in that the width (40) of the seating position for the caps (28) by a partial, lateral expansion (318 or 618) of the support element (314 or 614).

12. Wiper blades according to claim 10, characterized in that the length of the constriction (519) to the length of the cap

(28) is coordinated.

13. Wiper blades according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the supporting elements (414 or 514 or 614) are formed by two spring rails (456 or 556 or 656) arranged parallel to one another and at a distance (57) from one another.

14. Wiper blades according to claim 13, characterized in that the two to a single support element (414 or 514 or 614) belonging spring rails (456 or 556 or 656) are arranged in longitudinal grooves (44) of the wiper strip (52), which are located on a common plane (53) in front of the window (12) and their base areas are at a distance (57) from each other.