Wiper device

Abstract

The present invention provides a wiper device capable of further suppressing generation of abnormal noise while improving wiping performance. The arm head (50) has: outer surface sections (51A, 51B); a connection recess (58) provided between the outer surface sections (51A, 51B); and front head-side contact surfaces (HB1, HB3) and rear head-side contact surfaces (HB2, HB4) provided on the outer surface sections (51A, 51B) and disposed on both sides of the connection recess (58) in the longitudinal direction of the arm head, the arm shank (40) comprising: inner surface sections (49A, 49B); a connecting shaft (43) provided between the inner surfaces (49A, 49B); and front handle-side contact surfaces (SB1, SB3) and rear handle-side contact surfaces (SB2, SB4) which are provided in the inner surface section, are disposed on both sides of the connecting shaft in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle, and are in contact with the front head-side contact surface and the rear head-side contact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a windshield wiper device comprising a windshield wiper blade for wiping a wiping surface and swinging through a swing shaft. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a wiper arm mounted on a vehicle or the like. The wiper arm includes an arm head fixed to a drive shaft and a retainer rotatably connected to the arm head. A pair of side walls are provided in front of the arm head, and a connecting shaft is provided between the pair of side walls and in front of the arm head. Furthermore, a connecting recess is provided behind the retainer, and the connecting recess is connected to the connecting shaft of the arm head.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-197096 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, since a connecting shaft is arranged at the front end of the arm head, the retainer is easy to shake relative to the arm head in the wiping direction of the wiper blade. Such shaking of the retainer relative to the arm head may cause the wiping performance of the wiper blade to be reduced or abnormal noise to be generated from the wiper device.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper device that can improve wiping performance and further suppress the generation of abnormal noise.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] In one form of a wiper device, the wiper device includes: a wiper arm head fixed to a swing shaft; a wiper arm handle rotatably mounted on the proximal end side of the wiper arm head; and a wiper blade mounted on the distal end side of the wiper arm handle for wiping a wiping surface. In the wiper device, the wiper arm head has: a pair of head-side side wall portions respectively facing one side and the other side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade; a head-side connecting portion provided between the pair of head-side side wall portions and extending in the wiping direction of the wiper blade; and a first head-side abutting surface and a second head-side abutting surface respectively provided on the pair of head-side side wall portions and arranged on both sides of the head-side connecting portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm head. The wiper arm handle includes: a pair of handle-side side wall portions respectively facing one side and the other side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade and facing the pair of head-side side wall portions respectively; a handle-side connecting portion provided between the pair of handle-side side wall portions and extending in the wiping direction of the wiper blade and connected to the head-side connecting portion; and a first handle-side abutting surface and a second handle-side abutting surface respectively provided on the pair of handle-side side wall portions and arranged on both sides of the handle-side connecting portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm handle and abutting against the first head-side abutting surface and the second head-side abutting surface respectively in the wiping direction of the wiper blade.

[0011] [Advantages of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a wiper device can be realized which can further suppress the generation of abnormal noise while having good wiping performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a view of the wiper device observed from the front side.

[0014] Figure 2 is a view of the wiper device observed from the side.

[0015] Figure 3 is a view of the wiper device observed from the back side.

[0016] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the wiper arm handle and the wiper blade.

[0018] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of the inner side of the proximal end side of the wiper arm handle.

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the wiper arm head observed from the front side.

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wiper arm head observed from the back side. ​

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the arm head, the tension spring, and the proximal end side of the wiper blade.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the tilting state of the arm handle relative to the arm head when the wiper blade wipes on one side.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the tilting state of the arm handle relative to the arm head when the wiper blade wipes on the other side.

[0024] [Description of symbols]

[0025] 10: Wiper device

[0026] 20: Wiper blade

[0027] 21: Connecting member

[0028] 21a: Connecting portion

[0029] 22: Blade rubber

[0030] 23: Cover

[0031] 24: End cap

[0032] 30: Wiper arm

[0033] 40: Arm handle

[0034] 41: Side wall portion

[0035] 42: Top wall portion

[0036] 43: Connecting shaft (handle side connecting portion)

[0037] 43a: Flat portion

[0038] 44: Notch portion

[0039] 45: Mounting shaft

[0040] 46: Handle side hooking portion

[0041] 47: Spring receiving recess

[0042] 47a: Tapered portion

[0043] 48: Reinforcing rib

[0044] 49A: One of the inner surface portions (handle side side wall portion)

[0045] 49B: The other inner surface portion (handle side side wall portion)

[0046] 49C: Locking claw

[0047] 50: Arm head

[0048] 51A: One of the outer surface parts (head-side side wall part)

[0049] 51B: The other outer surface part (head-side side wall part)

[0050] 51C: Locking groove

[0051] 52: Fixing body

[0052] 53: Reinforcing member

[0053] 54: Protrusion

[0054] 55: Groove part

[0055] 57: Head-side hooking part

[0056] 58: Connecting recess (head-side connecting part)

[0057] 58a: Opening part

[0058] 60: Cover member

[0059] 70: Tension spring

[0060] 71: Coil part

[0061] 72: First hook part

[0062] 73: Second hook part

[0063] 74: Straight part

[0064] 75: Inclined part

[0065] CPa: One of the front protrusions (first protrusion)

[0066] CPb: One of the rear protrusions (second protrusion)

[0067] CPc: The other front protrusion (first protrusion)

[0068] CPd: The other rear protrusion (second protrusion)

[0069] HB1, HB3: Front head-side contact surface (first head-side contact surface)

[0070] HB2, HB4: Rear head-side contact surface (second head-side contact surface)

[0071] NT: Fastening nut

[0072] SB1, SB3: Front handle-side contact surface (first handle-side contact surface)

[0073] SB2, SB4: Rear handle-side contact surface (second handle-side contact surface)

[0074] SH: Swing axis

[0075] ST: Step portion

[0076] WS: Wiper surface Detailed implementation mode

[0077] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Figure 1 A view showing the wiper device as viewed from the front side of the table, Figure 2 A view showing the wiper device as viewed from the side, Figure 3 A view showing the wiper device as viewed from the back side, Figure 4 Showing along Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line A-A, Figure 5 A perspective view showing the arm handle and the wiper blade, Figure 6 An enlarged perspective sectional view showing the inside of the proximal end side of the arm handle, Figure 7 A perspective view showing the arm head as viewed from the front side of the table, Figure 8 A perspective view showing the arm head as viewed from the back side, Figure 9 A view showing the arrangement relationship of the arm head, the tension spring, and the proximal end side of the wiper blade, Figure 10 A view showing the tilting state of the arm handle with respect to the arm head when the wiper blade wipes on one side, Figure 11 A view showing the tilting state of the arm handle with respect to the arm head when the wiper blade wipes on the other side.

[0079] [Overview of the wiper device]

[0080] Figures 1 to 4 The wiper device 10 shown wipes the window glass (wiper surface WS) provided on the rear door of a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiper device 10 includes: a wiper blade 20 that wipes the wiper surface WS; and a wiper arm 30 on which the wiper blade 20 is mounted.

[0081] The proximal end side of the wiper arm 30 ( Figures 1 to 4 the right side of) is fixed to the front end side of the swing axis SH of a rear wiper motor (not shown) housed inside the rear door by a fastening nut NT. Thus, the swing axis SH swings by the drive of the rear wiper motor, and further, the wiper arm 30 and the wiper blade 20 swing on the wiper surface WS.

[0082] The wiper blade 20 is mounted on the front end side of the wiper arm 30 ( Figures 1 to 4On the left side). The wiper blade 20 includes: a connecting member 21 rotatably mounted on the front end side of the wiper arm 30; and a blade rubber 22 held by the connecting member 21.

[0083] Here, the blade rubber 22 is formed into a long strip by extrusion molding of natural rubber or the like, and is held on the connecting member 21 via a pair of leaf springs (not shown) also called vertebrae. In addition, covers 23 that cover the back sides of the pair of leaf springs and the blade rubber 22 are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member 21. Furthermore, end caps 24 are respectively provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the pair of leaf springs and the blade rubber 22. Thereby, the blade rubber 22 can be prevented from coming off the pair of leaf springs.

[0084] The blade rubber 22 is pressed against the wiping surface WS by the spring force of a tension spring 70 provided inside the wiper arm 30 (see Figure 4 ). Then, the wiper blade 20 performs a reciprocating wiping action on a prescribed wiping range (not shown) on the wiping surface WS by the swinging motion of the wiper arm 30. Thereby, rainwater, dust, etc. adhering to the wiping surface WS are wiped off.

[0085] Here, as Figures 1 to 4 shown, the wiper arm 30 includes an arm handle 40, an arm head 50, a cover member 60, and a tension spring 70.

[0086] [Arm handle]

[0087] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the arm handle 40 is formed into a substantially rod shape with a thin front end by injection molding of a resin material such as plastic. The cross-section of the arm handle 40 along the direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction is formed into a substantially U shape, and includes a pair of side wall portions 41. These side wall portions 41 are respectively arranged on both sides in the short side direction of the arm handle 40, i.e., on both sides of the wiper blade 20 in one side and the other side ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 in the up and down direction), facing each other.

[0088] In addition, the arm handle 40 includes a single top wall portion 42. Specifically, the top wall portion 42 is provided on the side opposite to the wiping surface WS side of the pair of side wall portions 41, connecting the pair of side wall portions 41. That is, a pair of side wall portions 41 are integrally provided on both sides in the short side direction of the top wall portion 42.

[0089] Inside the arm handle 40 surrounded by the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42 and on the base end side of the arm handle 40 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6On the right side), a connecting shaft 43 that is rotatably mounted on the arm head 50 is integrally provided. That is, the proximal end side of the arm handle 40 is rotatably mounted on the arm head 50. Specifically, the connecting shaft 43 extends along the short side direction of the arm handle 40 (the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20), and both axial sides of the connecting shaft 43 are connected to a pair of side wall portions 41. In addition, the connecting shaft 43 is disposed at the position of a cutout portion 44 provided on the proximal end side of the top wall portion 42.

[0090] Furthermore, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, the connecting shaft 43 has a shape in which a part of the outer peripheral portion of a cylinder is cut out so that the cross-section in the long side direction of the arm handle 40 is substantially D-shaped. That is, the connecting shaft 43 has a flat portion 43a and has a so-called D-shaped cutting shape. Thus, the connecting shaft 43 can be easily connected to the connecting recess 58 of the arm head 50.

[0091] In addition, the connecting shaft 43 corresponds to the handle-side connecting portion in the present invention.

[0092] In addition, inside the arm handle 40 and on the front end side of the arm handle 40 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 on the left side), a mounting shaft 45 for rotatably mounting the connecting member 21 of the wiper blade 20 is integrally provided. That is, the central portion in the long side direction of the wiper blade 20 is rotatably mounted on the front end side of the arm handle 40. Specifically, the mounting shaft 45 extends along the short side direction of the arm handle 40 in the same manner as the connecting shaft 43, and both axial sides of the mounting shaft 45 are connected to a pair of side wall portions 41.

[0093] Moreover, the mounting shaft 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown by the dotted arrow M in Figure 5 , the connecting portion 21a provided on the connecting member 21 can be snap-fitted onto the mounting shaft 45 with one key. In other words, the wiper blade 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the arm handle 40, and the maintainability is excellent.

[0094] Furthermore, inside the arm handle 40 and between the connecting shaft 43 and the mounting shaft 45 in the long side direction of the arm handle 40, a handle-side hooking portion 46 for hooking the front end side ( Figure 4 on the left side) of the tension spring 70 is integrally provided. Specifically, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is provided between a pair of side wall portions 41 and is fixed at a total of three portions of the side wall portions 41 and a single top wall portion 42. Thereby, sufficient strength of the handle-side hooking portion 46 can be ensured.

[0095] Moreover, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is in the height direction of the arm handle 40 ( Figure 4is disposed near the top wall portion 42 in the vertical direction). That is, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is disposed at a deep position inside the arm handle 40. Accordingly, the front end side of the tension spring 70 is also disposed near the top wall portion 42.

[0096] In addition, the proximal end side of the tension spring 70 ( Figure 4 on the right side) is hooked to the head-side hooking portion 57 of the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 ). Here, the head-side hooking portion 57 is disposed closer to the wiping surface WS than the handle-side hooking portion 46 in the height direction of the arm handle 40. Accordingly, as Figure 4 shown, the tension spring 70 can be hooked to the handle-side hooking portion 46 and the head-side hooking portion 57 while avoiding the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58.

[0097] Here, the tension spring 70 is disposed between the arm head 50 and the arm handle 40, and generates a spring force that presses the wiper blade 20 toward the wiping surface WS. As Figure 4 shown, the tension spring 70 includes: a coil portion 71; a first hook portion 72 that is hooked to the head-side hooking portion 57; and a second hook portion 73 that is hooked to the handle-side hooking portion 46. In addition, a straight portion 74 extending in the extending direction of the arm handle 40 and an inclined portion 75 inclined with respect to the straight portion 74 are provided between the coil portion 71 and the first hook portion 72.

[0098] In this way, by providing the straight portion 74 and the inclined portion 75 in the tension spring 70, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the tension spring 70 is substantially hidden inside the arm handle 40.

[0099] In addition, as Figures 4 to 6 shown, a spring housing recess 47 is provided inside the arm handle 40 and on the proximal end side (arm head 50 side) of the top wall portion 42.

[0100] The spring housing recess 47 extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40, and its length dimension is approximately half of the length dimension of the top wall portion 42. In addition, the spring housing recess 47 is recessed from the inside of the arm handle 40 toward the outside with a predetermined depth. Specifically, the thickness dimension of the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring housing recess 47 is provided is approximately half of the thickness dimension of the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring housing recess 47 is not provided.

[0101] Moreover, on the front end side of the spring housing recess 47 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5On the left side), a tapered portion 47a is provided which gently slopes from the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring housing recess 47 is provided towards the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring housing recess 47 is not provided. Thereby, stress concentration at the front end side of the spring housing recess 47 of the top wall portion 42 can be suppressed.

[0102] In addition, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is disposed in the region of the spring housing recess 47 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40 and near the tapered portion 47a. That is, although the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the handle-side hooking portion 46 is provided is a thin wall, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. Therefore, the handle-side hooking portion 46 can be disposed closer to the top wall portion 42.

[0103] Thereby, when the arm handle 40 is erected with respect to the arm head 50 (not shown), a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70 does not contact the top wall portion 42 and can be housed in the spring housing recess 47.

[0104] Further, a reinforcing rib 48 is provided between the tapered portion 47a and the mounting shaft 45 in the longitudinal direction of the top wall portion 42 inside the arm handle 40. The reinforcing rib 48 protrudes towards the inside of the arm handle 40 and forms a substantially mesh shape. Specifically, the reinforcing rib 48 is fixed at a total of three portions of the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42.

[0105] Thereby, sufficient rigidity of the portion of the arm handle 40 where the reinforcing rib 48 is provided can be ensured. Here, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is provided near the reinforcing rib 48. Therefore, strain of the portion of the arm handle 40 where the handle-side hooking portion 46 is provided, in other words, the portion where a load is relatively easily applied, is effectively suppressed.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 , inner surface portions 49A and 49B are respectively provided at the proximal ends of the pair of side wall portions 41 (the side where the cutout portion 44 is provided). A connecting shaft 43 is provided between the pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B, and the pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B respectively face a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B provided on the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0107] Specifically, the inner surface portion 49A and the inner surface portion 49B respectively face one side and the other side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 (the up and down direction in Figure 10 and Figure 11 ), one of the inner surface portions 49A faces one of the outer surface portions 51A of the arm head 50, and the other inner surface portion 49B faces the other outer surface portion 51B of the arm head 50.

[0108] In addition, a pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B correspond to a pair of handle-side side wall portions in the present invention.

[0109] As Figure 5 shown, one of the front convex portions CPa and one of the rear convex portions CPb are integrally provided on one of the inner surface portions 49A. These front convex portions CPa and rear convex portions CPb project from one of the inner surface portions 49A toward one of the outer surface portions 51A of the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 8 ). A front handle-side abutting surface SB1 (one) is provided at the top of the front convex portion CPa, and rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB2 (two) are provided at the top of the rear convex portion CPb.

[0110] These front handle-side abutting surfaces SB1 and rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB2 are respectively arranged on both sides of the connecting shaft 43 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40. That is, the front handle-side abutting surface SB1 and the rear handle-side abutting surface SB2 are arranged so as to sandwich the connecting shaft 43. In addition, the front handle-side abutting surface SB1 and the rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB2 respectively abut on a front head-side abutting surface HB1 and a rear head-side abutting surface HB2 provided on the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0111] Furthermore, as Figure 6 shown, the other front convex portion CPc and the other rear convex portion CPd are integrally provided on the other inner surface portion 49B. These front convex portions CPc and rear convex portions CPd project from the other inner surface portion 49B toward the other outer surface portion 51B of the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 7 ). A front handle-side abutting surface SB3 (one) is provided at the top of the front convex portion CPc, and rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB4 (two) are provided at the top of the rear convex portion CPd.

[0112] These front handle-side abutting surfaces SB3 and rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB4 are respectively arranged on both sides of the connecting shaft 43 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40. That is, the front handle-side abutting surface SB3 and the rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB4 are arranged so as to sandwich the connecting shaft 43. In addition, the front handle-side abutting surface SB3 and the rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB4 respectively abut on a front head-side abutting surface HB3 and a rear head-side abutting surface HB4 provided on the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0113] Here, in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, the front handle-side abutting surface SB1 and the front handle-side abutting surface SB3 face each other, and the rear handle-side abutting surface SB2 and the rear handle-side abutting surface SB4 face each other.

[0114] In addition, the front handle-side abutment surfaces SB1 and SB3 respectively correspond to the first handle-side abutment surfaces in the present invention, and the rear handle-side abutment surfaces SB2 and SB4 respectively correspond to the second handle-side abutment surfaces in the present invention. Further, the front protrusions CPa and CPc respectively correspond to the first protrusions in the present invention, and the rear protrusions CPb and CPd respectively correspond to the second protrusions in the present invention.

[0115] Here, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 in order to easily understand the arrangement positions of the front handle-side abutment surfaces SB1 and SB3 and the rear handle-side abutment surfaces SB2 and SB4, the front handle-side abutment surfaces SB1 and SB3 and the rear handle-side abutment surfaces SB2 and SB4 are respectively shown in shaded form.

[0116] Furthermore, locking claws 49C are integrally provided on a pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B respectively. The pair of locking claws 49C project toward the arm head 50 at a prescribed height respectively. Moreover, the pair of locking claws 49C can respectively enter the inside of locking grooves 51C provided on a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B of the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0117] Specifically, when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50 (when in the back-lock state), the pair of locking claws 49C respectively engage with the pair of locking grooves 51C. Thereby, the back-lock state of the arm handle 40 is maintained.

[0118] [Arm head]

[0119] As Figures 7 to 9 shown, the arm head 50 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by injection molding of a resin material such as plastic, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm 30 (refer to Figure 3 ). The arm head 50 has a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B respectively facing one side and the other side ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 in the vertical direction) of the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20.

[0120] The outer surface portions 51A and 51B respectively face one side and the other side ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 in the vertical direction) of the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, and one of the outer surface portions 51A faces one of the inner surface portions 49A of the arm handle 40, and the other outer surface portion 51B faces the other inner surface portion 49B of the arm handle 40.

[0121] In addition, a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B correspond to a pair of head-side side wall portions in the present invention.

[0122] As Figure 8 shown, two front head-side abutting surfaces HB1 and two rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2 are provided on one of the outer surface portions 51A. These front head-side abutting surfaces HB1 and rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting recess 58 in the long side direction of the arm head 50. That is, the front head-side abutting surfaces HB1 and the rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2 are disposed so as to sandwich the connecting recess 58. In addition, the front head-side abutting surfaces HB1 and the rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2 respectively abut on a front handle-side abutting surface SB1 and a rear handle-side abutting surface SB2 provided on the arm handle 40 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0123] Furthermore, as Figure 7 shown, two front head-side abutting surfaces HB3 and two rear head-side abutting surfaces HB4 are provided on the other outer surface portion 51B. These front head-side abutting surfaces HB3 and rear head-side abutting surfaces HB4 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting recess 58 in the long side direction of the arm head 50. That is, the front head-side abutting surfaces HB3 and the rear head-side abutting surfaces HB4 are disposed so as to sandwich the connecting recess 58. In addition, the front head-side abutting surfaces HB3 and the rear head-side abutting surfaces HB4 respectively abut on a front handle-side abutting surface SB3 and a rear handle-side abutting surface SB4 provided on the arm handle 40 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0124] Here, in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, the front head-side abutting surface HB1 and the front head-side abutting surface HB3 face in opposite directions, and the rear head-side abutting surface HB2 and the rear head-side abutting surface HB4 face in opposite directions.

[0125] In addition, the front head-side abutting surface HB1 and the front head-side abutting surface HB3 respectively correspond to the first head-side abutting surface in the present invention, and the rear head-side abutting surface HB2 and the rear head-side abutting surface HB4 respectively correspond to the second head-side abutting surface in the present invention.

[0126] In addition, as Figures 9 to 11 shown, the front head-side abutting surface HB1 and the front head-side abutting surface HB3 are respectively disposed between the connecting recess 58 and the wiper blade 20 in the long side direction of the arm head 50. Furthermore, at least a part of the wiper blade 20 side of the front head-side abutting surface HB1 and the front head-side abutting surface HB3 is disposed at a position farther from the wiping surface WS than the rear head-side abutting surface HB2 and the rear head-side abutting surface HB4.

[0127] Specifically, on the wiper blade 20 side of the front head-side contact surface HB1 and the front head-side contact surface HB3, they are respectively recessed toward the top wall portion 42 side of the arm handle 40, and a stepped portion ST is provided at this position. Thus, the wiper blade 20 sides of the front head-side contact surface HB1 and the front head-side contact surface HB3 are arranged at a position farther from the wiping surface WS than the rear head-side contact surface HB2 and the rear head-side contact surface HB4. Furthermore, as shown by the arrow M1 in Figure 9 the proximal end side of the wiper blade 20 ( Figure 9 the right side in

[0128] can approach the arm head 50. Therefore, miniaturization of the entire wiper device 10 can be achieved. Figures 7 to 9 In addition, in

[0129] in order to easily understand the arrangement positions of the front head-side contact surface HB1, the front head-side contact surface HB3 and the rear head-side contact surface HB2, the rear head-side contact surface HB4, the front head-side contact surface HB1, the front head-side contact surface HB3 and the rear head-side contact surface HB2, the rear head-side contact surface HB4 are respectively shown shaded. Figure 7 and Figure 8 on the proximal end side of the arm head 50 ( Figure 4 the right side in

[0130] a fixing body 52 is provided. As shown in

[0131] Figure 7 the fixing body 52 is a part fixed to the swing shaft SH by a fastening nut NT, and an annular reinforcing member 53 is inserted (embedded) in the fixing body 52. and Figure 8 In addition, the reinforcing member 53 is made of aluminum and has a function of strengthening the resin-made fixing body 52. Specifically, the swing shaft SH passes through the reinforcing member 53, and the tightening force of the fastening nut NT is applied to the reinforcing member 53. Thus, the arm head 50 can be firmly fixed to the swing shaft SH driven to swing by the fastening nut NT in a non-shaking manner.

[0132] Here, as shown in Figure 4As shown, when the cover member 60 is in the closed state, the cover member 60 covers the fastening nut NT. Therefore, the aesthetics of the wiper device 10 are improved. On the other hand, when the cover member 60 is in the open state, the fastening nut NT is exposed to the outside. Therefore, a fastening tool (not shown) can be used to tighten or loosen the fastening nut NT.

[0133] In addition, as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, on the front end side (left side in the figure) of the arm head 50, a groove portion 55 is provided along the long side direction of the arm head 50. The groove portion 55 is arranged at the center in the short side direction of the arm head 50 (the center in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20), and is arranged at a portion of the arm head 50 other than the fixed main body 52.

[0134] Moreover, as Figure 4 shown, the proximal end side of the tension spring 70 ( Figure 4 right side) enters the groove portion 55. In addition, the tension spring 70 is in a state of not contacting the groove portion 55. Thereby, the tension spring 70 is prevented from protruding significantly more toward the wiping surface WS side than the arm head 50. Therefore, the overall height of the wiper device 10 is suppressed to be low (low height).

[0135] An approximately cylindrical head-side hooking portion 57 is integrally provided inside the groove portion 55. Specifically, the head-side hooking portion 57 is arranged at the center in the long side direction of the arm head 50 and near the fixed main body 52. In addition, the head-side hooking portion 57 is arranged across the inside of the groove portion 55 in the short side direction of the arm head 50 (the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20). Thereby, the proximal end side of the tension spring 70 can be hooked on the head-side hooking portion 57.

[0136] Furthermore, as Figure 7 shown, a connecting concave portion 58 for rotatably supporting the connecting shaft 43 of the arm handle 40 is provided on the front end side of the arm head 50. Specifically, the connecting concave portion 58 is arranged on the arm handle 40 side (left side in the figure) closer than the head-side hooking portion 57 in the long side direction of the arm head 50. In addition, the connecting concave portion 58 is provided between a pair of outer surface portions 51A, 51B and extends along the short side direction of the arm head 50 (the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20).

[0137] In addition, the connecting concave portion 58 corresponds to the head-side connecting portion in the present invention.

[0138] Furthermore, on the opposite side of the connecting concave portion 58 from the wiping surface WS side ( Figure 4 and Figure 7), an opening portion 58a is provided as an installation side on which the connecting shaft 43 is installed. Moreover, when the wiper device 10 is assembled, the opening portion 58a is covered by the cover member 60. Thus, the connecting shaft 43 can be prevented from being separated from the connecting recess 58. In addition, since the opening portion 58a is covered by the cover member 60, the surface of the wiper device 10 becomes smooth, and the generation of wind noise can be suppressed.

[0139] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B forming the arm head 50 are respectively provided with locking grooves 51C. Furthermore, when the arm handle 40 is set to the back-locked state relative to the arm head 50, a pair of locking claws 49C (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) are able to enter the inner side of a pair of locking grooves 51C respectively.

[0140] [About the wiping action of the wiper device]

[0141] like Figure 10 As shown, when the rear wiper motor is driven to rotate the swing shaft SH in the counterclockwise direction (one direction), the arm head 50 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 around the axis C1. As a result, the arm handle 40 mounted on the arm head 50 also tends to rotate in the direction of arrow R1 around the axis C1.

[0142] However, the wiper blade 20 mounted on the front end side of the arm 40 tends to stop there due to the frictional force with the wiping surface WS. As a result, the arm 40 tends to rotate in the direction of arrow R2 with respect to the arm head 50 around the axis C2.

[0143] Here, the connection portion between the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 is a portion where the connection shaft 43 and the connection recess 58 are arranged. That is, the axis C2 is arranged at the axial center of the connection shaft 43 and the connection recess 58.

[0144] The arm head 50 is about to rotate in the direction of the arrow R1, and the arm handle 40 is about to rotate in the direction of the arrow R2, so the arm head 50 moves in a manner of prying the arm handle 40. At this time, the axis CS of the connecting shaft 43 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the axis CH of the connecting recess 58 (refer to Figure 7 ) To stagger the axes C2 (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0145] Therefore, if Figure 10 As shown by the arrow M2 , the front handle side contact surface SB1 of the arm handle 40 strongly contacts the front head side contact surface HB1 of the arm head 50 , and the rear handle side contact surface SB4 of the arm handle 40 strongly contacts the rear head side contact surface HB4 of the arm head 50 .

[0146] Accordingly, when the wiper device 10 performs a wiping operation in one direction, the swaying of the arm handle 40 relative to the arm head 50 can be suppressed. At this time, as shown by the arrow M2, the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 are in contact with each other at two positions in their longitudinal directions. That is, the load applied to the connecting portion (the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58) between the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 is dispersed.

[0147] On the other hand, as Figure 11 shown, when the rear wiper motor is driven to rotate the swing shaft SH in the clockwise direction (the other direction), the arm head 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow R3 about the axis C1. In this case, the arm handle 40 tends to rotate in the direction of the arrow R4 about the axis C2 relative to the arm head 50.

[0148] Since the arm head 50 tends to rotate in the direction of the arrow R3 and the arm handle 40 tends to rotate in the direction of the arrow R4, the arm head 50 moves in a manner of prying open the arm handle 40. At this time, the axis CS of the connecting shaft 43 and the axis CH of the connecting recess 58 tend to be displaced from each other about the axis C2 (see Figure 11 ).

[0149] Accordingly, as Figure 11 shown by the arrow M3, the rear handle-side contact surface SB2 of the arm handle 40 is in strong contact with the rear head-side contact surface HB2 of the arm head 50, and the front handle-side contact surface SB3 of the arm handle 40 is in strong contact with the front head-side contact surface HB3 of the arm head 50.

[0150] Accordingly, when the wiper device 10 performs a wiping operation in the other direction, the swaying of the arm handle 40 relative to the arm head 50 is suppressed. At this time, as shown by the arrow M3, the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 are in contact with each other at two positions in their longitudinal directions. That is, the load applied to the connecting portion (the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58) between the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 is dispersed.

[0151] Here, depending on the vehicle model equipped with the wiper device 10, the curvature of the wiping surface WS may sometimes be large. In this case, as Figure 4 shown by the dashed arrow R, the wiper blade 20 swings significantly about the mounting shaft 45 relative to the arm handle 40. At this time, as Figure 4 shown by the enlarged portion surrounded by the dashed line, the proximal end side ( Figure 4 the right side in

[0152] As described in detail above, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the arm head 50 has: a pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B facing one side and the other side of the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 respectively; a connecting recess 58 provided between the pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B and extending in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20; and front head-side abutting surfaces HB1, HB3 and rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2, HB4 provided on the pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B respectively, and arranged on both sides of the connecting recess 58 in the longitudinal direction of the arm head 50. The arm handle 40 includes: a pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B facing one side and the other side of the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 respectively, and facing the pair of outer surface portions 51A and 51B respectively; a connecting shaft 43 provided between the pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B and extending in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 and connected to the connecting recess 58; and front handle-side abutting surfaces SB1, SB3 and rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB2, SB4 provided on the pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B respectively, arranged on both sides of the connecting shaft 43 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40, and abutting against the front head-side abutting surfaces HB1, HB3 and rear head-side abutting surfaces HB2, HB4 respectively in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20.

[0153] Thus, when the axis CS of the connecting shaft 43 and the axis CH of the connecting recess 58 are about to be displaced, the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 abut against each other at two positions on both sides of the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58 in their longitudinal directions. Therefore, the swaying of the wiper blade 20 in the wiping direction is reliably suppressed. In addition, the load applied to the connecting portion (the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58) between the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 can be dispersed, and the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58 can be protected.

[0154] Thus, the wiping performance of the wiper device 10 can be improved. In addition, the generation of so-called chattering noise and the like caused by swaying can be effectively suppressed, and thus it can be effectively applied to electric vehicles and the like (vehicles requiring quietness, etc.) whose drive source is an electric motor.

[0155] In addition, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the front handle-side abutting surfaces SB1, SB3 and the rear handle-side abutting surfaces SB2, SB4 are provided on front convex portions CPa, CPc and rear convex portions CPb, CPd protruding from the pair of inner surface portions 49A, 49B toward the pair of outer surface portions 51A, 51B respectively.

[0156] Accordingly, a pair of side wall portions 41 (a pair of inner surface portions 49A and 49B) forming the arm handle 40 can be strengthened, and thus the rigidity of the entire wiper device 10 can be improved. Accordingly, the wiping performance of the wiper device 10 can also be improved and the quietness can be enhanced.

[0157] Furthermore, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the front head-side contact surfaces HB1 and HB3 are arranged between the connection recess 58 and the wiper blade 20 in the longitudinal direction of the arm head 50, and the wiper blade 20-side of the front head-side contact surfaces HB1 and HB3 is arranged at a position farther from the wiping surface WS than the rear head-side contact surfaces HB2 and HB4.

[0158] Accordingly, the proximal end side of the wiper blade 20 can be brought close to the arm head 50, and thus miniaturization (lower height) of the entire wiper device 10 can be achieved. Accordingly, generation of wind noise during high-speed running of the vehicle or the like can be effectively suppressed.

[0159] In addition, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, shaking of the arm handle 40 and the arm head 50 can be suppressed, and thus early damage to the connection shaft 43 and the connection recess 58 can be suppressed, and durability can be improved and reduction of manufacturing energy can be achieved. Therefore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, particularly Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) and Goal 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), can be achieved.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the connection recess 58 is provided in the arm head 50 and the connection shaft 43 is provided in the arm handle 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a connection shaft may be provided in the arm head 50 and a connection recess may be provided in the arm handle 40. That is, the relationship of the concave-convex engagement may be reversed.

[0161] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the wiper device 10, that is, the one for wiping the window glass (rear glass) of the rear door of a vehicle such as an automobile, is taken as an example for description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be applied to a wiper device for wiping the front glass of a vehicle such as an automobile or the glass of an airplane, a railway vehicle, a construction machine, or the like.

[0162] In addition, the material, shape, size, number, installation position, etc. of each structural component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper device, comprising: A wiper arm head fixed to a swing shaft; A wiper arm handle, the proximal end side of which is rotatably mounted on the wiper arm head; And A windshield wiper blade mounted on the front end side of the wiper arm handle for wiping a wiping surface, In the windshield wiper device, The wiper arm head has: A pair of head-side side wall portions respectively facing one side and the other side in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade; A head-side connecting portion provided between the pair of head-side side wall portions and extending in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade; and A first head-side contact surface and a second head-side contact surface respectively provided on the pair of head-side side wall portions and arranged on both sides of the head-side connecting portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm head, The wiper arm handle includes: A pair of handle-side side wall portions respectively facing one side and the other side in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade and respectively facing the pair of head-side side wall portions; A handle-side connecting portion provided between the pair of handle-side side wall portions and extending in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade and connected to the head-side connecting portion; and A first handle-side contact surface and a second handle-side contact surface respectively provided on the pair of handle-side side wall portions, arranged on both sides of the handle-side connecting portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm handle, and respectively contacting the first head-side contact surface and the second head-side contact surface in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade.

2. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein The first handle-side contact surface and the second handle-side contact surface are respectively provided on a first convex portion and a second convex portion protruding from the handle-side side wall portion toward the head-side side wall portion.

3. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first head-side contact surface is arranged between the head-side connecting portion and the windshield wiper blade in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm head, and at least a part of the windshield wiper blade side of the first head-side contact surface is arranged at a position farther from the wiping surface than the second head-side contact surface.

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