Abstract
Wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, the wiper arm having a first section and a second section, whereby a cover that comprises an elongated, flexible basic body, whereby the basic body covers at least a portion of the first linear section and at least a portion of the second linear section.
Claims
1. A wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, the wiper arm having a first section and a second section, and comprising a cover that comprises an elongated, flexible basic body, whereby the basic body covers at least a portion of the first linear section and at least a portion of the second linear section.
2. The wiper arm according to claim 1, wherein the first section is a first linear section and the second section is a second linear section, whereby the first linear section extends along a first longitudinal axis and the second linear section extends along a second longitudinal axis, whereby the first linear axis extends at an angle to the second linear axis.
3. The wiper arm according to claim 1, wherein the second section is arranged adjacent to the first section.
4. A wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, the wiper arm having a first linear section and a second section that is arranged adjacent to the first linear section, whereby the first linear section extends along a first longitudinal axis and whereby the second section has an endface and the first linear section protrudes from the endface and extends away from the endface along the first longitudinal axis, whereby at the endface the cross-section of the endface is larger than the cross-section of the first linear section, and comprising a cover that comprises an elongated, flexible basic body, whereby the basic body covers at least a portion of the first linear section and abuts against the endface.
5. The wiper arm according to claim 4, wherein the second section is a second linear section, whereby the second linear section extends along a second longitudinal axis, whereby the first linear axis extends at an angle to the second linear axis.
6. The wiper arm according to claim 4, wherein the basic body is pulled or pushed onto the wiper arm.
7. The wiper arm according to claim 4, wherein: a fluid channel is arranged in the basic body; and/or the cover comprises a connector piece, the connector piece having a hose interface suitable for a hose for a fluid to be connected to the hose interface.
8. The wiper arm according to claim 7, wherein the basic body has a first end and a second end, whereby the connector piece is arranged at the first end and whereby the basic body has clips for holding a hose arranged in between the first end and the second end.
9. The wiper arm according to claim 4, wherein an elastic connection is provided at one end of the basic body.
10. A cover for a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, comprising an elongated basic body extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and an elastic connection, whereby the elastic connection is arranged at the first end of the basic body.
11. The cover according to claim 10, further comprising a connector piece, the connector piece having a hose interface suitable for a hose for a fluid to be connected to the hose interface, whereby the elastic connection attaches the connector piece to the basic body.
12. The cover according to claim 10 wherein the basic body is made from an elastic material.
13. The cover according to claim 12 wherein the elasticity of the elastic connection is higher than the elasticity of the basic body.
14. The cover according to claim 10 wherein the elastic connection contains cut-outs to increase the elasticity of the elastic connection.
15. The cover according to claim 10 wherein the elastic connection is made as one piece with the basic body.
16. The cover according to claim 10, wherein a blade carrier is provided that extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, whereby the blade carrier is connected to the basic body in by means of a pin.
17. A windscreen wiper comprising a wiper arm and a wiper blade, comprising a wiper arm according to claim 1.
18. A method for connecting a cover to a wiper arm according to claim 1, comprising pulling or pushing the cover over the first linear section.
19. A method for connecting a cover according to claim 10 to a wiper arm having a first section, comprising pulling or pushing the cover over the first section.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] In the following the invention will be describe with reference to Figures. These Figures only show possible embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments. In these Figures:
[0063] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view onto a first embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention;
[0064] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view onto a second embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention;
[0065] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective, partially sectional view onto a third embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention, whereby FIG. 3 shows the wiper arm without the cover;
[0066] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective, partially sectional view of the wiper arm of FIG. 3 with cover;
[0067] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view onto a fourth embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention;
[0068] FIG. 6 a side view onto a fifth embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention;
[0069] FIG. 7 a enlarged side view onto the detail X marked by the circle X in FIG. 6, but with the second end of the basic body of the cover being a little displaced from the endface of the second linear section;
[0070] FIG. 8 an exploded view onto the cover and the blade carrier of the wiper arm according to FIG. 6;
[0071] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an elastic connection that can be arranged on the basic body of the cover;
[0072] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view a further embodiment of an elastic connection that can be arranged on the basic body of the cover;
[0073] FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view a further embodiment of an elastic connection that can be arranged on the basic body of the cover;
[0074] FIG. 12 shows a schematic perspective view the overlap at the end of the blade carrier and the first end of the basic body including the connector piece with the end of the blade carrier shown see-through;
[0075] FIG. 13 shows the schematic perspective view of FIG. 12 with end of the blade carrier shown in full body;
[0076] FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view the first end of the basic body including the connector piece;
[0077] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of the part of the basic body close to the first end of the basic body together with the elastic connection arranged at the first end of the basic body;
[0078] FIG. 16 shows the view of FIG. 15 with the connector piece attached to the elastic connection and a hose attached to the connector piece;
[0079] FIG. 17 shows the view of FIG. 16 with a blade carrier attached to the connector piece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] FIG. 1 shows a wiper arm 1 of a windscreen wiper. The wiper arm 1 has a first linear section 2 and a second linear section 3. The second linear section 3 that is arranged adjacent to the first linear section 2. A transition in form of a bend 4 exists between the first linear section 2 and the second linear section 3. The first linear section 2 and the second linear section 3 are part of one metal rod, whereby the distinction between the first linear section 2 and the second linear section 3 is provided by bending the metal rod to create the bend 4.
[0081] The first linear section 2 extends along a first longitudinal axis A and the second linear section 3 extends along a second longitudinal axis B. The first linear axis extends at an angle to the second linear axis, which is about 140.
[0082] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a cover 5 that comprises an elongated, flexible basic body 6 is provided. The basic body 6 covers at least a portion of the first linear section 2 and at least a portion of the second linear section 3.
[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cover 5 comprises a connector piece 7. The connector piece 7 has a hose interface. A hose 8 for a fluid is connected to the hose interface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a fluid channel 9 is additionally arranged in the basic body 6. The fluid channel 9 terminates in a hole 10. The hole 10 is provided at a first end 11 of the basic body 6, whereby the first end 11 is provided on that part of the basic body 6 that covers a portion of the first linear section 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the connector piece 7 is provided at a second end 12 of the basic body 6, whereby the second end 12 is provided on that part of the basic body 6 that covers a portion of the second linear section 3. A further piecenot shown in FIG. 1for example a blade carrier 23 may be arranged adjacent the first end 11. Suitable means to convey the fluid from the hole 10 into a fluid channel on the further piece may also be provided.
[0084] The first linear section 2 and the second linear section 3 form a wiper arm segment 13. A further wiper arm segment 14 is provided. The further wiper arm segment 14 can be connected to a rotational drive. A hinge 15 is provided between the wiper arm segment 13 and the wiper arm segment 14.
[0085] The embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 primarily in that the fluid channel 9 that in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is present has been disposed of. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the connector piece 7 has been arranged on the first end 11. The hose 8 is led in parallel along the basic body 6. The hole 10 is arranged in the connector piece 7. Clips 16 are provided on the basic body 6 that hold the hose 8.
[0086] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the wiper arm 1 has a first linear section 2, similar to the design of FIGS. 1 and 2. The second section 17 of the wiper arm 1 is, however, only partially linear and contains an endface 18 and a bend 19. The endface 18 is a flat surface. The bend 19 is incorporated in the material of the second section 17. The cross-sectional areal of the first linear section 2 is rectangular and is smaller in size than the endface 18 of the second section.
[0087] In FIGS. 3 and 4 the left hand end of the respective Fig. is section. The first linear section 2 continues further towards the left than what is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The basic body 6 of the cover 5 continues further towards the left than what is shown in FIG. 4.
[0088] The second end 12 of the basic body 6 abuts against the endface 18 of the second section 17.
[0089] Clips 16 are provided to hold the hose 8 to extend in parallel to the first longitudinal axis A along the basic body 6. The hose 8 can be connected to a connector piece 7 (not shown in FIG. 4) thatcomparable to the arrangement in FIG. 2can be arranged at the first end 11 (not shown in FIG. 4) of the basic body 6.
[0090] While FIGS. 1 and 2 show the second end 12 of the basic body 6 to have a larger cross section than the second line section 3 in the area, where the second end 12 is located, the design shown in FIG. 4 as regards the second end 12 abutting against an endface 18 of the second section 17 can also be implemented into the designs of FIGS. 1 and 2. In such an embodiment, the cross-section of the second line section 3 would be increased and a step showing an endface 18 would be introduced. In such a modification, the second end 12 would be abutting against such an endface 18. FIG. 5 shows such a modification. In such a design, the second linear section 3 would consist of a slim part 3a with a smaller cross-section and a wide part 3b with a bigger cross-section, the endface 18 marking the transition from the wide part 3b to the slim part 3a of the second linear section 3.
[0091] Within the general concept of the invention, the design of FIGS. 3 and 4 could also be adapted to make the second section 17 a second linear section 3. In such a design, the first linear section 2 and the second linear section 3 could be arranged co-axially or with the first longitudinal axis A being arranged in parallel to the second longitudinal axis B.
[0092] Such a design in implemented in the embodiment shown in the FIG. 6 to 8. As can best be seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 7 that by way of showing the second end 12 of the basic body 6 of the cover 5 being a little displaced from the endface 18 of the second linear section 3 allows a better view onto the first linear section 2, the first longitudinal axis A of the first linear section is coaxially or slightly offset but parallel to the second longitudinal axis B. The design of FIG. 6 to 8 could also be adopted to have the first linear axis extend at an angle to the second linear axis. The angle could be around 175, hence keeping the general appearance of the embodiment of FIG. 6 to 8; but could also be changed into a substantial angle, similar to the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0093] In the embodiment of FIG. 6 to 8, in the installed position, the second end 12 of the basic body 6 abuts against the endface 18 of the second linear section 3 (see for example FIG. 6). FIG. 7 could be seen as an intermediate position, when the cover 5 is slid onto the first linear section 2 of the wiper arm 1.
[0094] In the design of FIG. 6 to 8, the connector piece 7 is arranged at the first end 11 of the basic body 6. An elastic connection 20 by way of a spring is arranged at the end of the basic body 6. The connector piece 7 is attached to the elastic connection 20. Hence, within the flexibility of the elastic connection 20, the connector piece 7 is attached to, but moveable in relation to the basic body 6. A groove 21 is provided that extends almost along the complete length of the basic body 6. The hose 8 can be inserted into and held in the groove 21.
[0095] A wiper blade 22 is provided. The wiper blade 22 is attached to a blade carrier 23 by way of a blade connector 24.
[0096] FIG. 9 to 11 show different embodiments of the elastic connection 20. They show that the elastic connection can contains cut-outs 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 the cut-outs 30 are slits in the material that is used for the elastic connection 20, namely slits that pass through the complete height of the material. The slits have a noticeably size and can be said to be windows in the material used for the elastic connection 20. The slits in the embodiment of FIG. 11 are of linear shape and extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body 6.
[0097] FIGS. 9 and 10 show that the cut-outs 30 can be used to create ring-shaped elements 31 that form part of the elastic connection 20. In the design shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ring-shaped elements 31 are of flattened elliptical shape, whereby the designs of FIGS. 9 and 10 primarily differ in the thickness of the material left between the cut-outs 30. The two ring-shaped elements 31 of the designs of FIGS. 9 and 10 are attached to neighbouring elements by way of bridges 32, whereby in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, only one bridge 32 is used to connect the ring-shaped element 31 to a neighbouring element, the respective bridge 32 extending radially from the ring-shaped element 31. The ring-shaped elements 31 are aligned along an axis, that is either coaxial with or parallel with an longitudinal axis of the basic body 6. The bridges 32 are arranged on an axis that is either coaxial with or parallel with an longitudinal axis of the basic body 6.
[0098] In the embodiments of FIG. 9 to 11 the elastic connection 20 has a protruding pin 33 and the connector piece 7 has a socket 34, whereby the pin 33 is arranged in the socket 34. The pin 33 extends along a pin axis C that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and offset to the longitudinal axis.
[0099] FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show a bloc-shaped part 25 of the connector piece that is arranged alongside the elastic connection 20. This bloc-shaped part 25 provides material that can be used for an internal channel 26 inside the connector piece 7 that leads the fluid from the hose interface to an interface where the fluid can be passed into a channel in the blade carrier 23. The channel 26 visible in FIG. 12, 13, 14 is only visible due to the sectional view used in FIG. 12, 13, 14. The channel 26 does not open towards the right hand side of the bloc-shaped part 25 in the FIG. 12, 13, 14. The interface 36 for the channel 39 in the blade carrier 23 is on the opposite, left-hand side of the bloc-shaped part 25 (see FIG. 17).
[0100] FIGS. 12 and 13 also show part of a protruding endcover-portion 40 of the blade carrier 23 that protrudes outward from the end of the blade carrier 23 and covers the elastic connection 20.
[0101] Especially FIGS. 12 and 13 show that the first linear section 2 can be a hollow shaft with a rectangular cross-section in planed perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis A.
[0102] The two arrows D in FIG. 12 show a force that is passed along the basic body 6 and taken up by the elastic connection 20. If the cover 5 and the blade carrier 23 are slid onto a first linear section 2 of a wiper arm 1 and abut against an endface 18 of a second linear section 3, like in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, application of a further force directed towards the endface 18 applied to the blade carrier 23 will lead to a reaction force symbolized by the two arrows D from the endface 18 onto the basic body 6. This reaction force will lead to the elastic connection 20 being compressed. If the blade carrier 23 is affixed to the first linear section 2 in a state of the elastic connection 20 where the elastic connection 20 is compressed, the elastic connection 20 will create a pre-tensioning force that presses the basic body 6 against the endface 18. A gap like the one shown in FIG. 7 will hence be avoided.
[0103] FIG. 15 shows a portion of the basic body 6 towards the first end 11. The view of FIG. 15 shows that the first end 11 has an endface 35 and that the bridge 32 that connects one of the ring-shaped elements 31 of the elastic connection 20 to the first end 11 protrudes from the endface 35 at the first end.
[0104] FIG. 15 also shows parts of the groove 21 that is arranged along the basic body 6 to take up a hose 8 (not shown in FIG. 15).
[0105] FIG. 16 shows the parts of FIG. 15 but with the connector piece 7 additionally attached to the elastic connection 20. FIG. 16 shows how the pin 33 is place in the socket 34 of the connector piece. FIG. 16 also shows, how a hose 8 has been connected to the hose interface. The hose is arranged in the groove 21.
[0106] The view of FIG. 16 shows the interface 36 at the end of the internal channel within the connector piece 7. Said internal channel leads from the hose interface to the interface 36.
[0107] FIG. 16 also shows that the connector piece 7 contains a through-hole 37 that can take up the first linear section 2 (not shown in FIG. 16). The first linear section 2 hence can be placed in a channel 38 inside the basic body 6 and inside the through-hole 37. As visible from FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the first linear section 2 passes uncovered below the elastic connection 20 from the channel 38 to the through-hole 37.
[0108] FIG. 17 shows the parts of FIG. 16 but also with a part of the blade carrier 23. The blade carrier 23 in the view of FIG. 17 is shown as see-through to better see the arrangement of parts. As described above, the blade carrier 23 has a protruding endcover-portion 40 that protrudes outward from the end of the blade carrier 23 and covers the elastic connection 20.
[0109] The blade carrier 23 has a channel 39 that passes along the blade carrier 23 to transport fluid along the blade carrier 23 to nozzles 41 arranged on the blade carrier. The nozzles 41 can be used to spray fluid transported along the hose 8, the internal channel of the connector piece 7 and the channel 39 onto the windscreen of a car.
[0110] The blade carrier 23 can be made of more elastic material than the connector piece 7. The blade carrier 23 can be overmolded over the connector piece 7.
[0111] The exploded view of FIG. 8 shows that the blade carrier 23 can have further nozzles 41 at the front end 42 of the blade carrier.
[0112] The terms comprising or comprise are used herein in their broadest sense to mean and encompass the notions of including, include, consist(ing) essentially of, and consist(ing) of. The use of for example, e.g., such as, and including to list illustrative examples does not limit to only the listed examples. Thus, for example or such as means for example, but not limited to or such as, but not limited to and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples. The term about as used herein serves to reasonably encompass or describe minor variations in numerical values measured by instrumental analysis or as a result of sample handling. Such minor variations may be in the order of 0-25, 0-10, 0-5, or 0-2.5, % of the numerical values. Further, The term about applies to both numerical values when associated with a range of values. Moreover, the term about may apply to numerical values even when not explicitly stated.
[0113] Generally, as used herein a hyphen - or dash - in a range of values is to or through; a > is above or greater-than; a is at least or greater-than or equal to; a < is below or less-than; and a is at most or less-than or equal to. On an individual basis, each of the aforementioned applications for patent, patents, and/or patent application publications, is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in one or more non-limiting embodiments.
[0114] It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, it is to be appreciated that different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
[0115] The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both single and multiple dependent, is herein expressly contemplated.
