Wiper device

Abstract

The invention provides a wiper device which enables the height from a wiping surface to be lower and further suppresses the generation of wind noise. The arm head (50) includes a head-side hooking portion (57) on which the extension spring (70) is hooked, and the arm handle (40) includes: a pair of side wall portions (41) disposed facing each other in the wiping direction; a top wall section (42) provided on the opposite side of the pair of side wall sections (41) from the wiping surface side and connecting the pair of side wall sections (41); a handle-side hooking part (46) which is provided between the pair of side wall parts (41) and on which the extension spring (70) is hooked; and a spring housing recess (47) provided in the top wall section (42) and capable of housing a part of the extension spring (70), the part of the extension spring (70) being housed in the spring housing recess (47) when the arm handle (40) is raised, and the extension spring being hidden by the side wall sections when the arm handle (40) is raised and viewed from a direction in which the pair of side wall sections face each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper device having a wiper blade that wipes a wiping surface and that swings about a swing axis. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is described a wiper arm including: an arm head main body fixed to a drive shaft; a holder rotatably connected to the arm head main body; and a return spring disposed between the arm head main body and the holder. Further, the spring force of the return spring acts to press the wiper blade held by the holder against the wiping surface.

[0003] [Prior Art Documents]

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-101059 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] However, the wiper device is subject to traveling wind when the vehicle is moving. As a result, the wiper device generates wind noise, particularly when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. In recent electric vehicles and the like, since the power source is an electric motor, the noise is small, and the wind noise transmitted into the vehicle becomes harsh for the occupants. In order to suppress the generation of such wind noise, it is desirable to reduce the height of the wiper device from the wiping surface as much as possible so that it is less likely to be subject to traveling wind.

[0008] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, in a state where the holder is tilted with respect to the arm head main body, the return spring protrudes from the holder toward the wiping surface side, and on the opposite side of the wiping surface side, there is a relatively large dead space between the return spring and the holder. Therefore, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to sufficiently suppress the generation of wind noise.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper device capable of further reducing the height from the wiping surface and further suppressing the generation of wind noise.

[0010] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0011] 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 base end side of the wiper arm head; a wiper blade mounted on the front end side of the wiper arm handle; and a spring provided between the wiper arm head and the wiper arm handle to press the wiper blade against a wiping surface. In the wiper device, the wiper arm head includes a first hooking portion for hooking the base end side of the spring, and the wiper arm handle has: a pair of side wall portions disposed opposite to each other in the wiping direction of the wiper blade; a top wall portion provided on the side opposite to the wiping surface side of the pair of side wall portions to connect the pair of side wall portions; a second hooking portion provided between the pair of side wall portions for hooking the front end side of the spring; and a spring housing recess provided in the top wall portion capable of housing at least a part of the spring. When the wiper arm handle is erected relative to the wiper arm head, at least a part of the spring is housed in the spring housing recess, and when the wiper arm handle is erected relative to the wiper arm head and the wiper arm handle is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions face each other, the spring is hidden by the pair of side wall portions.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a wiper device can be realized in which a spring does not protrude significantly toward the wiping surface, the height from the wiping surface can be further reduced, and further generation of wind noise can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a view of the wiper device as viewed from the front side.

[0015] Figure 2 is a view of the wiper device as viewed from the side.

[0016] Figure 3 is a view of the wiper device as viewed from the back side.

[0017] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the wiper arm handle and the wiper blade.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the wiper arm handle.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the wiper arm head as viewed from the front side.

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wiper arm head as viewed from the back side.

[0022] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the tension spring alone.​

[0023] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the backlock state of the wiper device.

[0024] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken along line B-B.

[0025] [Description of symbols]

[0026] 10: Wiper device

[0027] 20: Wiper blade

[0028] 21: Connecting member

[0029] 21a: Connecting portion

[0030] 22: Blade rubber

[0031] 23: Cover

[0032] 24: End cap

[0033] 30: Wiper arm

[0034] 40: Arm handle

[0035] 41: Side wall portion

[0036] 42: Top wall portion

[0037] 43: Connecting shaft

[0038] 43a: Flat portion

[0039] 44: Cutout portion

[0040] 45: Mounting shaft

[0041] 46: Handle side hook portion (second hook portion)

[0042] 47: Spring receiving recess

[0043] 47a: Tapered portion

[0044] 48: Reinforcing rib

[0045] 49: Locking claw

[0046] 50: Arm head

[0047] 51: Side face portion

[0048] 52: Fixed body

[0049] 53: Reinforcing member

[0050] 54: Protrusion

[0051] 55: Groove portion

[0052] 57: Head-side hooking part (first hooking part)

[0053] 58: Connecting recess

[0054] 58a: Opening part

[0055] 59: Locking groove

[0056] 59a: Insertion convex part

[0057] 60: Cover member

[0058] 70: Tension spring (spring)

[0059] 71: Coil part

[0060] 72: First hook part (hook part)

[0061] 73: Second hook part

[0062] 74: Straight part

[0063] 75: Inclined part

[0064] B1: First bending part

[0065] B2: Second bending part

[0066] EF: Side wall end face

[0067] NT: Fastening nut

[0068] SH: Swing shaft

[0069] TP: Tapered surface

[0070] WS: Wiping surface Detailed implementation mode

[0071] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Figure 1 A view showing the wiper device as viewed from the front side, 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 A perspective view showing the inside of the arm handle, Figure 7 A perspective view showing the arm head as viewed from the front side, Figure 8 A perspective view showing the arm head as viewed from the back side, Figure 9 A perspective view showing the tension spring shown aloneFigure 10 The cross-sectional view shows the lock-back state of the wiper device, Figure 11 shows along Figure 10 the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of

[0073] [Overview of Wiper Device]

[0074] Figures 1 to 4 The illustrated wiper device 10 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 to which the wiper blade 20 is attached.

[0075] The proximal end side of the wiper arm 30 ( Figures 1 to 4 the right side of Figure 4 ) is fixed to the front end side of a swing shaft SH (see Figure 4 ) of a rear wiper motor housed inside the rear door by a fastening nut NT (see

[0076] ). Thereby, the swing shaft SH swings by the drive of the rear wiper motor, and then the wiper arm 30 and the wiper blade 20 swing on the wiper surface WS. Figures 1 to 4 The wiper blade 20 is attached to the front end side of the wiper arm 30 (

[0077] the left side of

[0078] ). The wiper blade 20 includes: a connection member 21 rotatably attached to the front end side of the wiper arm 30; and a blade rubber 22 held by the connection member 21. Figure 4 Here, the blade rubber 22 is formed into a long strip by extrusion molding of natural rubber or the like, and is held by the connection member 21 via a pair of leaf springs (not shown) also called vertebra. 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 connection member 21. Further, end caps 24 are attached to 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 from the pair of leaf springs.

[0079] 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.

[0080] [Arm handle]

[0081] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the arm handle 40 is formed into a substantially rod-like shape with a thinner 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 long side direction is formed into a substantially U-shaped, and includes a pair of side wall portions 41. These side wall portions 41 are arranged facing each other in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 the vertical direction), that is, in the short side direction of the arm handle 40.

[0082] In addition, the arm handle 40 includes a single top wall portion 42. Specifically, the top wall portion 42 is provided on the opposite side of the wiping surface WS side of the pair of side wall portions 41 to connect 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. Thus, the cross-section of the arm handle 40 along the direction orthogonal to the long side direction becomes a substantially U-shaped.

[0083] Inside the arm handle 40 surrounded by the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42 and on the proximal end side of the arm handle 40 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 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, and both axial sides of the connecting shaft 43 are connected to the pair of side wall portions 41. In addition, the connecting shaft 43 is disposed in a part of the notch portion 44 provided on the proximal end side of the top wall portion 42.

[0084] Furthermore, as Figure 4 shown, the connecting shaft 43 is formed in a shape in which a notch is cut out in a part of the outer peripheral portion of a cylinder 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 is formed into a so-called D-shaped cutting shape. Thus, the connecting shaft 43 can be easily mounted in the connecting recess 58 of the arm head 50.

[0085] In addition, on the inner side of the arm handle 40 and on the front end side of the arm handle 40 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 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 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 the pair of side wall portions 41.

[0086] Moreover, the mounting shaft 45 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, as Figure 5As shown by the dashed arrow M, the connecting portion 21a of the connecting member 21 can be installed on the installation shaft 45 by means of a so-called snap fit 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.

[0087] Furthermore, on the inner side of the arm handle 40 and integrally between the connecting shaft 43 and the installation shaft 45 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40, a handle-side hooking portion 46 for hooking the front end side ( Figure 4 the left side) of the tension spring 70 is provided. Specifically, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is provided between a pair of side wall portions 41 and integrally provided at a total of three portions straddling these side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42. Thereby, sufficient strength of the handle-side hooking portion 46 can be ensured.

[0088] In addition, the handle-side hooking portion 46 corresponds to the second hooking portion of the present invention.

[0089] Moreover, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is arranged at a portion close to the top wall portion 42 in the height direction ( Figure 4 the up-and-down direction) of the arm handle 40. That is, the handle-side hooking portion 46 is arranged at a deep portion inside the arm handle 40. Thereby, the front end side of the tension spring 70 is also arranged at a portion close to the top wall portion 42.

[0090] In addition, the base end side ( Figure 4 the right side) of the tension spring 70 is hooked on 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 arranged at a portion closer to the wiping surface WS than the handle-side hooking portion 46 in the height direction ( Figure 4 the up-and-down direction) of the arm handle 40. Thereby, as Figure 4 shown, the tension spring 70 can be hooked on the handle-side hooking portion 46 and the head-side hooking portion 57 while avoiding the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58.

[0091] In addition, as Figures 4 to 6 shown, on the inner side of the arm handle 40 and at the base end side (arm head 50 side) of the top wall portion 42, a spring receiving recess 47 is provided.

[0092] The spring receiving 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 receiving recess 47 is recessed from the inner side 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 receiving recess 47 is provided is approximately half of the thickness dimension of the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring receiving recess 47 is not provided.

[0093] Moreover, on the front end side ( Figures 4 to 6On the left side), a tapered portion 47a is provided which gently slopes from the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring receiving recess 47 is provided towards the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring receiving recess 47 is not provided. Thereby, stress concentration in the front end side portion of the spring receiving recess 47 of the top wall portion 42 can be suppressed.

[0094] In addition, the handle side hooking portion 46 is disposed in the region of the spring receiving recess 47 in the longitudinal direction of the arm handle 40 and near the tapered portion 47a. That is, the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the handle side hooking portion 46 is provided is near the tapered portion 47a, so sufficient rigidity can be ensured. Therefore, the handle side hooking portion 46 can be disposed closer to the top wall portion 42. Thereby, when the arm handle 40 is erected with respect to the arm head 50 (when set to the back lock state), the spring receiving recess 47 can be accommodated without bringing a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70 into contact with the top wall portion 42 (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0095] In addition, 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 is formed in a substantially mesh shape. Specifically, the reinforcing rib 48 is integrally provided across a total of three portions of the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42. Thereby, the rigidity of the portions of the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42 where the reinforcing rib 48 is provided is sufficiently increased.

[0096] Thus, the reinforcing rib 48 has a function of strengthening the arm handle 40 and is disposed relatively close to the mounting shaft 45, the tapered portion 47a, and the handle side hooking portion 46. That is, the reinforcing rib 48 effectively suppresses deformation of the portion of the arm handle 40 where a load is easily applied.

[0097] Furthermore, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 shown, locking claws 49 are integrally provided on the base end sides (the cutout portion 44 sides) of the pair of side wall portions 41, respectively. The pair of locking claws 49 protrude towards the inside of the pair of side wall portions 41 at a prescribed height. Specifically, the pair of locking claws 49 are disposed facing each other in the direction in which the connecting shaft 43 extends ( Figure 11 the left - right direction). In addition, the locking claw 49 extends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion 41, and the cross - section in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion 41 is in a substantially semicircular shape.

[0098] Here, the pair of locking claws 49 enter the locking grooves 59 provided in the arm head 50 (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 11), and can be respectively engaged with the locking groove 59. Specifically, the locking claw 49 and the locking groove 59 can be engaged with each other when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50 (when set to the back-locked state) (refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). Thus, the locking claw 49 and the locking groove 59 have the function of maintaining the back-locked state of the wiper device 10.

[0099] In addition, when the arm handle 40 is laid down relative to the arm head 50 to release the back-locked state of the wiper device 10 (return the wiper device 10 to the use state), it is only necessary to press the arm handle 40 against the wiping surface WS with a specified force, thereby releasing the engagement between the locking claw 49 and the locking groove 59.

[0100] [Arm head]

[0101] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 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 side faces 51 facing the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 vertical direction).

[0102] In addition, a fixing body 52 is provided on the proximal end side of the arm head 50 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 right side). The fixing body 52 is a part fixed to the swing shaft SH (refer to Figure 4 ) by a fastening nut NT, and an annular reinforcing member 53 is inserted (embedded) in the fixing body 52.

[0103] In addition, the reinforcing member 53 is made of aluminum and has the 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 without shaking.

[0104] Furthermore, a pair of convex portions 54 are provided on the proximal end side of the arm head 50. These convex portions 54 are respectively provided on the pair of side faces 51 forming the arm head 50. Specifically, the convex portions 54 project from the side faces 51 in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 by a specified height. In addition, the cover member 60 can be rotatably mounted on these convex portions 54. That is, the pair of convex portions 54 serve as the rotation center of the cover member 60, and the cover member 60 can be opened and closed relative to the arm head 50 with the pair of convex portions 54 as the rotation center.

[0105] As Figure 4As shown, when the cover member 60 is in a state of being closed with respect to the arm head 50, 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 a state of being opened with respect to the arm head 50, 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.

[0106] 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 disposed 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 disposed at a portion of the arm head 50 other than the fixed main body 52.

[0107] Moreover, as Figure 4 shown, in a state where the wiper device 10 is assembled, the proximal end side ( Figure 4 right side) of the tension spring 70 enters the groove portion 55. In addition, the tension spring 70 is in a state of not contacting the arm head 50. 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.

[0108] An approximately cylindrical head-side hooking portion 57 is integrally provided inside the groove portion 55. Specifically, the head-side hooking portion 57 is disposed 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 disposed across the inside of the groove portion 55 in the short side direction (wiping direction of the wiper blade 20) of the arm head 50. Thereby, the proximal end side of the tension spring 70 can be hooked on the head-side hooking portion 57.

[0109] In addition, the head-side hooking portion 57 corresponds to the first hooking portion of the present invention.

[0110] Furthermore, as Figure 7 shown, a connecting recess 58 is provided on the front end side of the arm head 50 for rotatably supporting the connecting shaft 43 of the arm handle 40. Specifically, the connecting recess 58 is disposed on the side closer to the arm handle 40 (left side in the figure) than the head-side hooking portion 57 in the long side direction of the arm head 50. Thus, the proximal end side ( Figure 4 right side) of the arm handle 40 is rotatably mounted on the arm head 50.

[0111] More specifically, on the side opposite to the wiping surface WS side of the connecting recess 58 ( Figure 4 and Figure 7On the upper side), an opening 58a is provided as the mounting side where the connecting shaft 43 is mounted. Moreover, in the state where the wiper device 10 is assembled, the opening 58a is covered by the cover member 60. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft 43 from disengaging from the connecting recess 58. In addition, since the opening 58a is covered by the cover member 60, the surface of the wiper device 10 becomes smooth, and further the generation of wind noise is suppressed.

[0112] In addition, as Figure 7 and Figure 11 shown, locking grooves 59 are respectively provided on a pair of side faces 51 forming the arm head 50. Specifically, when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50 (when in the back-lock state), a pair of locking claws 49 provided on the arm handle 40 respectively enter and engage with the locking grooves 59.

[0113] The locking grooves 59 are arranged between the fixed body 52 and the connecting recess 58 in the longitudinal direction of the side face 51 ( Figure 7 the left-right direction). Moreover, each locking groove 59 is provided so as to be recessed with a predetermined depth toward the groove portion 55 provided at the center of the short side direction of the arm head 50.

[0114] Furthermore, on the side opposite to the wiping surface WS side of the locking groove 59 (the upper side in the figure), guide protrusions 59a are provided in a manner arranged with the locking grooves 59. That is, the locking claws 49 provided on the arm handle 40 can engage with the locking grooves 59 by passing over the guide protrusions 59a.

[0115] Here, as Figure 11 shown, tapered surfaces TP are respectively formed on the guiding side (the upper side in the figure) of the guide protrusion 59a and the locking groove 59 side (the lower side in the figure). Thereby, by operating the arm handle 40 with a relatively light operating force, the locking claws 49 can easily pass over the guide protrusions 59a.

[0116] In addition, when the wiper device 10 is in the back-lock state (refer to Figure 10 ), the spring force of the tension spring 70 acts in the direction of making the arm handle 40 fall. However, only by the spring force of the tension spring 70, the locking claws 49 will not pass over the guide protrusions 59a and will not disengage from the locking grooves 59. That is, as long as no external force (operating force) other than the spring force of the tension spring 70 is applied, the back-lock state of the wiper device 10 will not be released and will be maintained. Therefore, the replacement operation of the wiper blade 20 and the like can be easily performed, and the maintainability is improved.

[0117] Here, a pair of locking claws 49 provided on the arm handle 40 pass over the guide protrusions 59a while flexing a pair of side wall portions 41. However, as Figure 6 and Figure 11As shown, a pair of locking claws 49 are arranged near the cutout portion 44 of the arm handle 40. Therefore, the portion of the side wall portion 41 where the locking claws 49 are provided can be elastically deformed relatively easily.

[0118] [Extension spring]

[0119] like Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, a tension spring 70 is provided between the arm head 50 and the arm handle 40, and the tension spring 70 makes the wiper blade 20 elastically contact with the wiping surface WS. Specifically, the tension spring 70 includes a coil portion 71 formed by forming a hard steel wire or the like into a coil shape. In addition, a first hook portion 72 hooked to the head side hook portion 57 is provided on the base end side (right side in the figure) of the coil portion 71, and a second hook portion 73 hooked to the handle side hook portion 46 is provided on the front end side (left side in the figure) of the coil portion 71.

[0120] In addition, the tension spring 70 corresponds to the spring of the present invention, and the first hook portion 72 corresponds to the hook portion of the present invention.

[0121] In the longitudinal direction of the tension spring 70, a linear portion 74 extending in the extension direction of the coil portion 71 is integrally provided between the coil portion 71 and the first hook portion 72. Specifically, the extension direction of the coil portion 71 and the extension direction of the linear portion 74 are parallel to each other.

[0122] In addition, a first curved portion B1 and a second curved portion B2 are provided between the straight portion 74 and the coil portion 71, and an inclined portion 75 is provided between these first curved portion B1 and the second curved portion B2. The inclined portion 75 and the first curved portion B1 and the second curved portion B2 arranged at both ends thereof have the function of making the axis C1 of the coil portion 71 and the axis C2 of the straight portion 74 mutually offset and parallel.

[0123] Thus, by providing a plurality of curved portions (the first curved portion B1, the second curved portion B2) and the inclined portion 75, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the first hook portion 72 and the second hook portion 73 of the tension spring 70 can be hooked on the head-side hook portion 57 and the handle-side hook portion 46 , respectively, while avoiding the connection shaft 43 and the connection recess 58 .

[0124] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the arm handle 40 is lowered relative to the arm head 50 (when the wiper device 10 is in a use state), the straight portion 74 of the tension spring 70 is parallel to the extending direction of the pair of side wall portions 41. Specifically, when the arm handle 40 is lowered relative to the arm head 50, the straight portion 74 extends along the side wall end surface EF (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the pair of side wall portions 41. Figure 6 ) method.

[0125] Here, the side wall end faces EF provided on a pair of side wall portions 41 are provided on the wiping surface WS side of the pair of side wall portions 41 and can face the wiping surface WS. Specifically, when the arm handle 40 is tilted relative to the arm head 50, the pair of side wall end faces EF face the wiping surface WS (see Figure 4 ).

[0126] In contrast, as Figure 10 shows, when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50 (when in the backlock state), a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70 (the side opposite to the wiping surface WS side) is housed in the spring housing recess 47 of the arm handle 40, and when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50 and the arm handle 40 is viewed from the direction facing the pair of side wall portions 41, the entire tension spring 70 is hidden by the pair of side wall portions 41.

[0127] [Regarding the backlock operation]

[0128] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 show, when the arm handle 40 is erected relative to the arm head 50, a pair of locking claws 49 provided on the arm handle 40 respectively enter a pair of locking grooves 59 provided on the arm head 50. Thereby, the tension spring 70 approaches the top wall portion 42 (spring housing recess 47), and the backlock state of the wiper device 10 is maintained.

[0129] In addition, the backlock angle of the wiper device 10, that is, the angle of the arm handle 40 relative to the narrow angle side of the wiping surface WS (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) is about 20 degrees. Here, the reason for reducing the backlock angle to about 20 degrees is that when the wiper device 10 is hidden by a rear spoiler (not shown) provided on the vehicle side, the arm handle 40 does not contact the rear spoiler (to prevent damage). In addition, since the wiper blade 20 is easily detached from the arm handle 40 (snap-fit structure), even if the backlock angle is about 20 degrees, the maintainability of the wiper device 10 will not be reduced.

[0130] Moreover, when the wiper device 10 is in the backlock state, the tension spring 70 assumes the posture as Figure 10 shows. Specifically, a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70 (the upper part in the figure) is housed in the spring housing recess 47 of the arm handle 40. That is, a part of the coil portion 71 enters the portion of the top wall portion 42 that is thinner than other parts (spring housing recess 47). At this time, the coil portion 71 is in a state of not contacting the top wall portion 42. Therefore, damage to both the top wall portion 42 and the coil portion 71 can be prevented.

[0131] Furthermore, when the wiper device 10 is in the backlock state and the arm handle 40 is viewed from the direction facing the pair of side wall portions 41, asFigure 10 As shown, the entire tension spring 70 is completely hidden by a pair of side wall portions 41.

[0132] In contrast, in order to set the arm handle 40 to fall relative to the arm head 50, that is, to set the wiper device 10 to the use state, it is only necessary to apply an operating force to the arm handle 40 to make the arm handle 40 fall relative to the arm head 50. Thus, the locking claw 49 crosses the introduction convex portion 59a and disengages from the locking groove 59. Therefore, the tension spring 70 separates from the top wall portion 42 (spring housing recess 47) and becomes Figure 4 the state shown (the use state of the wiper device 10).

[0133] Here, as Figure 4 shown, when observing the arm handle 40 in the direction facing each other from the pair of side wall portions 41, the entire tension spring 70 is substantially hidden by the side wall portions 41. Specifically, at least a part of the straight portion 74 of the tension spring 70 is disposed inside the arm handle 40 relative to the side wall end faces EF of the pair of side wall portions 41. Therefore, the axially proximal side ( Figure 4 the right side of) the coil portion 71 does not protrude significantly toward the wiping surface WS.

[0134] In this way, in the back-locked state of the wiper device 10, a part of the coil portion 71 escapes (is housed) inside the spring housing recess 47, and in the use state of the wiper device 10, the axially proximal side of the coil portion 71 does not protrude significantly toward the wiping surface WS. This is achieved by providing a first bending portion B1, a second bending portion B2, a straight portion 74, and an inclined portion 75 in the tension spring 70. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the height of the wiper device 10 from the wiping surface WS can be reduced, and thus the wind noise that may occur during high-speed driving or the like can be effectively reduced.

[0135] In addition, 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 with the mounting shaft 45 as the center relative to the arm handle 40. In the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, the proximal side ( Figure 4 the right side of) of the wiper blade 20 can enter the inside of the arm handle 40 surrounded by a pair of side wall portions 41 and a single top wall portion 42. As shown by the enlarged portion surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 4 , the proximal side of the wiper blade 20 enters the inside of the arm handle 40. In this way, the wiper device 10 can also cope with a large curvature of the wiping surface WS.

[0136] As described in detail above, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the arm head 50 includes a head-side hook portion 57 for hooking the base end side of the tension spring 70, and the arm handle 40 has: a pair of side wall portions 41 disposed opposite to each other in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20; a top wall portion 42 provided on the opposite side of the pair of side wall portions 41 from the wiping surface WS side to connect the pair of side wall portions 41; a handle-side hook portion 46 provided between the pair of side wall portions 41 for hooking the front end side of the tension spring 70; and a spring accommodation recess 47 provided in the top wall portion 42 and capable of accommodating a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70. When the arm handle 40 is erected with respect to the arm head 50, a part of the coil portion 71 of the tension spring 70 is accommodated in the spring accommodation recess 47, and when the arm handle 40 is erected with respect to the arm head 50 and the arm handle 40 is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions 41 face each other, the tension spring 70 is hidden by the pair of side wall portions 41.

[0137] Accordingly, the tension spring 70 does not protrude significantly toward the wiping surface WS, and the height of the wiper device 10 from the wiping surface WS can be further reduced. Furthermore, the wind noise generated by the wiper device 10 during high-speed driving of the vehicle or the like can be further suppressed. Therefore, in the case of being applied to a vehicle powered by a quiet electric motor such as an electric vehicle, the wind noise transmitted into the vehicle can be reduced, and the comfort inside the vehicle can be improved.

[0138] In addition, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, side wall end faces EF capable of facing the wiping surface WS are respectively provided on the wiping surface WS sides of the pair of side wall portions 41. The tension spring 70 includes: a coil portion 71 formed in a coil shape; a first hook portion 72 provided on the base end side of the coil portion 71 and hooked on the head-side hook portion 57; and a straight portion 74 provided between the coil portion 71 and the first hook portion 72 and extending along the extending direction of the coil portion 71. When the arm handle 40 is laid down with respect to the arm head 50, at least a part of the straight portion 74 is disposed on the inner side of the arm handle 40 with respect to the side wall end face EF.

[0139] Accordingly, the tension spring 70 can be prevented from protruding significantly from the arm handle 40 toward the wiping surface WS, and thus, the overall height of the wiper device 10 can also be further suppressed to be low.

[0140] Furthermore, in the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the base end side of the wiper blade 20 can enter the inside of the arm handle 40 surrounded by the pair of side wall portions 41 and the top wall portion 42.

[0141] Accordingly, the wiper device 10 can also easily cope with a large curvature of the wiping surface WS.

[0142] In addition, with the wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment, the height from the wiping surface WS can be reduced, the load caused by the traveling wind applied to the wiper device 10 can be alleviated, the durability of the wiper device 10 can be improved, and the manufacturing energy of the wiper device 10 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve 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).

[0143] 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 wiper device 10, which wipes the window glass (rear glass) of the rear door of a vehicle such as an automobile, is taken as an example for description. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be applied to a wiper device that wipes the front glass of a vehicle such as an automobile or the glass of an aircraft, a railway vehicle, a construction machine, or the like.

[0144] In addition, the material, shape, size, number, installation location, 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; A windshield wiper blade mounted on the front end side of the wiper arm handle; And A spring provided between the wiper arm head and the wiper arm handle, pressing the windshield wiper blade against a wiping surface, In the windshield wiper device, The wiper arm head includes a first hooking portion, The proximal end side of the spring is hooked to the first hooking portion, The wiper arm handle has: A pair of side wall portions disposed opposite to each other in the wiping direction of the windshield wiper blade; A top wall portion provided on the side opposite to the wiping surface side of the pair of side wall portions to connect the pair of side wall portions; A second hooking portion provided between the pair of side wall portions for hooking the front end side of the spring; And A spring receiving recess provided in the top wall portion and capable of receiving at least a part of the spring, When the wiper arm handle is erected relative to the wiper arm head, at least a part of the spring is received in the spring receiving recess, and when the wiper arm handle is erected relative to the wiper arm head and the wiper arm handle is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions face each other, the spring is hidden by the pair of side wall portions.

2. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1, wherein Side wall end faces capable of facing the wiping surface are respectively provided on the wiping surface sides of the pair of side wall portions, The spring includes: A coil portion formed in a coil shape; A hook portion provided on the proximal end side of the coil portion and hooked to the first hooking portion; and A straight portion provided between the coil portion and the hook portion and extending along the extending direction of the coil portion, When the wiper arm handle is tilted relative to the wiper arm head, at least a part of the straight portion is disposed on the inner side of the wiper arm handle closer to the wiper arm handle than the side wall end face.

3. The windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The proximal end side of the windshield wiper blade can enter the inside of the wiper arm handle surrounded by the pair of side wall portions and the top wall portion.

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