Wiper blade connection structure

Abstract

Improve the operability when releasing the connection in the connection structure of a wiper blade. A connection structure of a wiper blade includes a wiper arm, a wiper blade, a hook portion provided on the wiper arm, and a connection portion provided on the wiper blade. The hook portion has a front end side extension portion formed with a through hole, and the connection portion has: a pair of side walls facing each other, a cylindrical portion engaged with the pair of side walls and engaged with the hook portion, a release rod provided on the cylindrical portion, and a bridging portion engaged with the pair of side walls. The release rod is flexible and includes a protrusion that can be engaged with the through hole. The front end portion of the release rod protrudes to the outside of the connection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting structure of a scraper blade. Background Art

[0002] A wiper device is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiper device includes a wiper motor as a driving source, a wiper arm that swings when driven by the wiper motor, and a wiper blade mounted on the front end of the wiper arm. The wiper arm and the wiper blade are connected, for example, by a connection structure described in Patent Document 1. In the connection structure described in Patent Document 1, the wiper arm and the wiper blade are connected by connecting a U-shaped hook portion of the wiper arm to a connector provided on the wiper blade.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-532790 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the connection structure of the wiper arm and the wiper blade described in Patent Document 1, a release lever for disconnecting the connected wiper arm and the wiper blade, which is provided on the connector on the wiper blade side, is operated to disconnect the wiper arm and the wiper blade.

[0008] However, since the front end portion of the release lever is retracted and arranged inside the connector, it is difficult to perform an operation for releasing the connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade, resulting in poor operability during the release.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper blade connection structure that improves operability when disconnecting a wiper arm from the wiper blade.

[0010] Technical means to solve the problem

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a connection structure of a wiper blade, comprising: a wiper arm; a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm; a snap-fitting portion provided on the wiper arm and in a U-shape; and a connection portion provided on the wiper blade and connected to the snap-fitting portion, wherein the snap-fitting portion has a front end side extension portion formed with a through hole, and the connection portion has: a pair of side walls facing each other, a cylindrical portion engaged with the pair of side walls and engaged with the snap-fitting portion, a rod portion provided on the cylindrical portion and extending along the pair of side walls, and a bridging portion arranged facing the rod portion and engaged with the pair of side walls, the rod portion having flexibility to bend in a direction away from the bridging portion and including a protrusion that can be engaged with the through hole, and the front end portion of the rod portion protruding to the outside of the connection portion.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in the connection structure between the wiper arm and the wiper blade, operability when disconnecting the connection can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is an external view showing the connection structure of the wiper blade of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the connecting structure of the wiper blade.

[0016] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the connecting portion of the wiper blade shown.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the structure of the protrusion in the connecting portion shown.

[0018] Figure 5 Indicates the direction of the wiper arm Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a wiper blade with its connecting portion mounted is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 Is set to Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure of the ribs of the rod portion of the connecting portion is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 Yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the contact surface in the joint is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) means Figure 2The diagram shows the state of the connection portion of the wiper arm when wiping. Figure 8 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the effect of the connecting portion, Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a defective condition of the connection portion.

[0022] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0023] 10: Wiper arm

[0024] 10a: Hook (engaging portion)

[0025] 10b: Front end extension

[0026] 10c: Through hole

[0027] 10d: upper surface

[0028] 11: Arm head

[0029] 12: Wiper blade

[0030] 13: Connection

[0031] 13a, 13b: Side walls

[0032] 13c: Cylindrical part

[0033] 13d: Release lever (rod)

[0034] 13e: front end

[0035] 13f: protrusion

[0036] 13g: Bridging Department

[0037] 13h: Part 1

[0038] 13i: Part II

[0039] 13j: Upper surface

[0040] 13k: Lower surface (surface on the bridge portion side)

[0041] 13m: Roots

[0042] 13n: rib

[0043] 13p, 13q: facing surfaces

[0044] 13r: Contact surface (protrusion)

[0045] 13s: shaft

[0046] 14: Scraper rubber

[0047] 15: Hood

[0048] 16: Glass DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 The connection structure of the wiper blade 12 shown is formed to be connected to the glass 16 (see FIG. Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b)) is a scraper device (not shown) for wiping. The connection structure of the scraper blade 12 has: Figure 2 The wiper arm 10 shown is comprised of a slender wiper arm 10; a wiper blade 12 connected to the wiper arm 10; a U-shaped hook (engaging portion) 10a provided on the wiper arm 10; and a connecting portion 13 provided on the wiper blade 12 and connected to the hook 10a. Furthermore, the wiper arm 10 is rotatably supported by an arm head 11.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the wiper blade 12 is rotatably connected to a portion near the front end of the wiper arm 10 in the longitudinal direction L of the wiper blade 12. On the other hand, an output shaft (not shown) of a wiper motor forming the wiper device is fixed to the base end side of the wiper arm 10.

[0052] Furthermore, by turning on a wiper switch provided in the vehicle cabin, etc., the output shaft of the wiper motor rotates in forward and reverse directions, thereby causing the wiper arm 10 to swing. Figure 2 The wiper blade 12 shown includes a blade rubber 14 that performs a reciprocating wiping motion within a predetermined range on the glass 16 , and as a result, rainwater and the like adhering to the wiping surface of the glass 16 are wiped off.

[0053] The wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 are connected by the engagement of the hook portion 10a of the wiper arm 10 with the connecting portion 13 of the wiper blade 12. Specifically, the protrusion 13f provided on the release lever (lever portion) 13d of the connecting portion 13 of the wiper blade 12 is engaged with the through hole 10c provided on the front end extension 10b of the hook portion 10a of the wiper arm 10, thereby connecting the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12.

[0054] First, the hook portion 10a of the wiper arm 10 will be described. Figure 2 As shown, the hook portion 10a, which serves as the engaging portion of the wiper arm 10, is formed into a U-shape and has a front-end extension portion 10b at its front end. The top surface 10d of the front-end extension portion 10b is flat. Furthermore, a through-hole 10c is provided in the area formed by the top surface 10d of the front-end extension portion 10b.

[0055] On the other hand, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 13 provided on the wiper blade 12 includes: a pair of side walls 13a, 13b facing each other, and a cylindrical portion 13c engaged with the pair of side walls 13a, 13b and engaged with the hook portion 10a. Figure 2 The shaft portion 13s shown in the figure is a bearing portion, and the side walls 13a and 13b are bearing portions. In addition, the connecting portion 13 has: a release rod 13d provided in the cylindrical portion 13c and extending along the pair of side walls 13a and 13b; and a plate-shaped bridge portion 13g arranged facing a portion of the release rod 13d and connected to the pair of side walls 13a and 13b. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting portion 13 is covered by a cover 15 .

[0056] The release lever 13d is flexible enough to bend in a direction away from the bridge portion 13g (flexure direction P). Furthermore, the release lever 13d includes a protrusion 13f that fits into the through-hole 10c of the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10. The protrusion 13f is provided on the lower surface 13k of the release lever 13d, which faces the bridge portion 13g.

[0057] Here, the release lever 13d is a member operated to release the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12. By bending the release lever 13d in the bending direction P, the protrusion 13f of the release lever 13d slides out of the through hole 10c of the wiper arm 10, thereby releasing the wiper arm 10. As a result, the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 is released.

[0058] Furthermore, in the connection portion 13, the front end 13e of the release lever 13d protrudes outside the connection portion 13. Specifically, the front end 13e of the release lever 13d protrudes outward from the side walls 13a, 13b of the connection portion 13 or the bridge portion 13g.

[0059] Therefore, when the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 is released, the front end portion 13 e of the release lever 13 d can be easily operated, thereby improving the operability of the release lever 13 d when the connection is released.

[0060] In addition, the bridge portion 13g is a member connected to both the side walls 13a and 13b, and is used to improve the rigidity of the side walls 13a and 13b as the bearing portion of the connecting portion 13. Figure 3 As shown, the bridge portion 13g is preferably provided in a thin plate shape so as not to hinder the stroke S of the release lever 13d, but is not limited to a plate shape.

[0061] Furthermore, the release lever 13d comprises a root portion 13m disposed on the cylindrical portion 13c, a first portion 13h connected to the root portion 13m and positioned on the cylindrical portion 13c side, and a second portion 13i positioned on the distal end opposite the cylindrical portion 13c side and connected to the first portion 13h. Specifically, the release lever 13d comprises the root portion 13m, the first portion 13h, and the second portion 13i, with the distal end 13e contained within the second portion 13i. In other words, the portion of the release lever 13d that protrudes outward from the connecting portion 13 is part of the second portion 13i, which includes the distal end 13e. Specifically, the portion of the second portion 13i disposed within the connecting portion 13 faces the bridging portion 13g, while the remaining portion of the second portion 13i protrudes outward from the connecting portion 13.

[0062] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, in the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d, the surface on the bridge portion 13g side of the first portion 13h, that is, the lower surface 13k, can abut against the front end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10. Specifically, when the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 are connected in the connection portion 13, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d abuts against the upper surface 10d of the front end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10. Specifically, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d is inclined at an angle θ relative to the horizontal plane as it moves toward the front end of the release lever 13d. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d is inclined at an angle θ relative to the upper surface 13j of the second portion 13i, which is a surface parallel to the horizontal plane, as it moves toward the front end of the release lever 13d. As an example, the angle θ is 1°. That is, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h tilts 1° in the direction opposite to the bending direction P as it moves toward the front end of the release lever 13d. As a result, when the wiper arm 10 is connected to the wiper blade 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the protrusion 13f of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d can be fitted into the through hole 10c of the front end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10. Furthermore, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d can be brought into contact with the upper surface 10d of the front end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the second portion 13i of the release lever 13d is positioned closer to the bridge portion 13g than the first portion 13h in the first direction Q, which is parallel to the flexing direction P of the release lever 13d. In other words, the second portion 13i is positioned closer to the bridge portion 13g than the first portion 13h. Furthermore, to express this another way, the second portion 13i is positioned closer to the direction opposite to the flexing direction P than the first portion 13h. In other words, the second portion 13i is positioned in a direction opposite to the flexing direction P relative to the first portion 13h. In other words, the second portion 13i is positioned so as to form a step in the direction opposite to the flexing direction P compared to the first portion 13h.

[0064] By adopting the shape of the release lever 13d as described above, Figure 2 In the structure of the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 shown, the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10 and the second portion 13i of the release lever 13d are in a state where at least a portion of each other overlaps in a second direction R that intersects the first direction Q. Specifically, in the second direction R, at least a portion of the thickness of the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10 overlaps with at least a portion of the thickness of the second portion 13i of the release lever 13d. As a result, the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10 can be arranged in the space on the side of the lower surface 13k formed by the step difference between the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i. As a result, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d can be brought into contact with the upper surface 10d of the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10, and the contact can be ensured. Figure 3 The travel S of the release lever 13 d in the deflection direction P is shown.

[0065] In addition, when the wiper arm 10 is connected to the wiper blade 12, Figure 5 As shown, relative to the connecting portion 13 provided on the wiper blade 12, the wiper arm 10 is inserted from the insertion direction M, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the wiper arm 10 is coupled to the wiper blade 12. At this time, because the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d is inclined in a direction opposite to the flexing direction P, when the protrusion 13f of the first portion 13h is engaged with the through-hole 10c of the wiper arm 10, the lower surface 13k of the first portion 13h of the release lever 13d abuts against the upper surface 10d of the front-end extension 10b of the wiper arm 10, potentially causing a clicking sound. This improves the operational feel when coupling the wiper arm 10 to the wiper blade 12.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 6As shown, ribs 13n extending along the second direction R are provided on both sides of the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i of the release lever 13d. Specifically, ribs 13n extending along the first direction Q are provided on both ends of the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i in the width direction of the release lever 13d. The ribs 13n are provided only on both sides of the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i and are not provided on the base portion 13m.

[0067] In this embodiment, the release lever 13d is configured so that the portion near its front end 13e protrudes outward from the connection portion 13, increasing its length. Furthermore, due to the length of the release lever 13d, even when the release lever 13d is pushed upward in the flexing direction P when releasing the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12, the protrusion 13f may not follow the release lever 13d. Furthermore, the step formed between the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i in the release lever 13d may reduce the strength of the release lever 13d itself.

[0068] Therefore, in the release lever 13d of this embodiment, ribs 13n are provided only on the two side portions (end portions) of the first and second portions 13h, 13i; no ribs 13n are provided on the base portion 13m. In other words, the ribs 13n only increase the rigidity of the first and second portions 13h, 13i, while the rigidity of the base portion 13m remains unchanged. Consequently, when the release lever 13d is pushed upward in the bending direction P, the release lever 13d is reliably bent in the bending direction P, and the rigidity of the first and second portions 13h, 13i is increased, allowing the protrusion 13f to follow the movement.

[0069] To explain in detail, the release lever 13d of this embodiment has a tip 13e that protrudes outward from the connecting portion 13 to improve operability, making the length from the base 13m to the tip 13e longer. Furthermore, in order to enhance the rigidity of the side walls 13a and 13b, which serve as bearings, a bridge 13g connecting the side walls 13a and 13b is provided on the connecting portion 13, facing a portion of the release lever 13d (a portion of the second portion 13i). Therefore, the provision of the bridge 13g makes it difficult to ensure a sufficient stroke S in the flexing direction P for the second portion 13i of the release lever 13d, including the tip 13e. If the release lever 13d does not have sufficient stroke in the flexing direction P, it will be difficult for the protrusion 13f to slide out of the through-hole 10c of the wiper arm 10 when the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 are disconnected. Therefore, in the release lever 13d, a step is formed between the first portion 13h and the second portion 13i to ensure the release lever 13d's travel in the flexing direction P. Ribs 13n are provided on both sides (ends) of the first and second portions 13h, 13i to increase the rigidity of the first and second portions 13h, 13i. However, since the ribs 13n are not provided at the base 13m of the release lever 13d, the base 13m has low rigidity, allowing the release lever 13d to flex at the base 13m. As described above, when the release lever 13d is bent in the flexing direction P to release the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12, the high rigidity of the first and second portions 13h, 13i allows the protrusion 13f to follow and move, allowing the protrusion 13f to slide out of the through-hole 10c, thereby releasing the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12. Therefore, by adopting the release lever 13 d of this embodiment, the operability of the release lever 13 d when releasing the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 can be improved, and the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 can be released reliably.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, contact surfaces 13r (protruding portions) that protrude further than the facing surfaces 13p and 13q are provided on the respective facing surfaces 13p and 13q of the pair of side walls 13a and 13b of the connecting portion 13. Specifically, a plurality of contact surfaces 13r that protrude further than the facing surface 13p are provided on the facing surface 13p of the side wall 13a, while a plurality of contact surfaces 13r that protrude further than the facing surface 13q are also provided on the facing surface 13q of the side wall 13b.

[0071] Thus, when the wiper arm 10 is connected to the connecting portion 13, the side of the wiper arm 10 can be brought into contact with the contact surface 13r, thereby preventing the wiper arm 10 from contacting the glass 16 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8(b)) The vibration of the wiper arm 10 during wiping. This can reduce damage to the wiper arm 10 or the connecting portion 13.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), in the connection structure of the wiper blade 12 of this embodiment, a bridge portion 13g is provided in the connection portion 13 to connect to a pair of opposing side walls 13a, 13b. This can improve the rigidity of the side walls 13a, 13b as bearing portions.

[0073] Here, during the wiping action of the wiper arm 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (b), when the wiper arm 10 moves along the wiping surface of the glass 16 in the arm travel direction T, a load N is generated due to the friction F with the wiping surface or the pressing force U against the wiping surface, exerting a large stress V on the side wall 13a on the arm travel direction T. Furthermore, the connection portion 13 has a relatively large number of cavities within it, resulting in low rigidity of the side walls 13a and 13b. Therefore, when a large stress V is exerted on the side wall 13a, it collapses, resulting in a reduction in the wiping performance of the wiper arm 10.

[0074] However, in the connection portion 13 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (a), by providing the bridge portion 13g connecting the side wall 13a and the side wall 13b, the rigidity of the side walls 13a and 13b is increased. Figure 8 Even with a large stress V as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the side walls 13a and 13b are not collapsed or damaged, and the wiping performance of the wiper arm 10 is not impaired.

[0075] Therefore, in the connection structure between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 of this embodiment, the operability when releasing the connection between the wiper arm 10 and the wiper blade 12 can be improved by increasing the strength of the connection part 13 and making the front end 13e of the release rod 13d protrude to the outside of the connection part 13.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can, of course, be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the connection structure of the wiper blade 12 can be applied to a rear wiper device for wiping the rear windshield of a vehicle such as an automobile, or to a wiper device mounted on the front side of a vehicle such as an automobile. Furthermore, it can also be applied to wiper devices mounted on ships, aircraft, railway vehicles, and the like. Furthermore, the wiper arm 10 in the above-described embodiment can be formed of a resin material or a metal material.

Claims

1. A connection structure for a scraper blade, comprising: Wiper arm; a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm; a clamping portion, provided on the wiper arm and having a U-shape; and The connecting portion is provided on the scraper blade and connected to the engaging portion. The connecting structure of the scraper blade is characterized in that: The engaging portion has a front end extending portion having a through hole formed therein. The connecting portion comprises: a pair of side walls facing each other; a cylindrical portion engaged with the pair of side walls and engaged with the engaging portion; a rod portion provided on the cylindrical portion and extending along the pair of side walls; and a bridge portion disposed facing the rod portion and engaged with the pair of side walls. The rod portion has flexibility to bend in a direction away from the bridge portion, and includes a protrusion that can be fitted into the through hole. The front end portion of the rod portion protrudes toward the outside of the connecting portion, The rod portion includes a first portion disposed on a side of the cylindrical portion, and a second portion disposed on an opposite side of the cylindrical portion and connected to the first portion. The side surface of the bridge portion of the first portion of the first portion can abut against the front end side extension portion, and the lower surface of the first portion is inclined relative to the upper surface of the second portion in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the rod portion. The second portion is arranged closer to the bridge portion than the first portion in a first direction parallel to the bending direction of the rod portion. A portion of the second portion of the rod overlaps the distal extension portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a portion of the second portion of the rod faces the bridge portion, and another portion of the second portion protrudes outward from the connecting portion.

2. The connection structure of the wiper blade according to claim 1, characterized in that: Ribs are provided along the second direction at both side ends of each of the first portion and the second portion in the width direction.

3. The connection structure of the wiper blade according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: A protrusion that protrudes further than the facing surface is provided on each of the pair of side walls.

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