Wiper device

Abstract

To provide a wiper device capable of restricting the rotation angle of an arm shank relative to an arm head without increasing the number of components, and of holding the arm shank relative to the arm head at a rotation angle close to a state where the rotation angle is restricted.SOLUTION: A wiper device comprises: lock grooves 59 provided at an arm head 50 and recessed toward both sides in a wiping direction of a wiper blade; and lock claws 49a provided at an arm shank 40 and protruding toward both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade. By concave-convex engagement mating of the lock grooves 59 and the lock claws 49a with each other, the arm shank 40 is restricted from rotating relative to the arm head 50 by β degrees (about 22 degrees) or more, and a state in which the arm shank 40 is erected at α degrees (about 20 degrees) smaller than β degrees relative to the arm head 50 is maintained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper device including a wiper blade for wiping a wiping surface and swung by a swing shaft.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a wiper arm mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiper arm includes an arm head body fixed to a drive shaft, a retainer rotatably connected to the arm head body, and a rotation restricting member provided between the arm head body and the retainer. The rotation restricting member has a function of restricting the rotation angle of the retainer with respect to the arm head body so as not to largely raise the retainer with respect to the arm head body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a rotation restricting member of a separate member between the retainer and the arm head body, leading to an increase in the number of parts. Further, it has not been possible to hold the retainer with respect to the arm head body so that the rotation angle becomes a rotation angle close to a state where the rotation angle is restricted by the rotation restricting member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper device that can restrict the rotation angle of an arm shank with respect to an arm head of the arm shank without increasing the number of parts and can hold the arm shank with respect to the arm head so that the rotation angle becomes a rotation angle close to a state where the rotation angle is restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the wiper device, there is provided a wiper device including an arm head fixed to a swing shaft, an arm shank having a proximal end rotatably attached to the arm head, and a wiper blade attached to a distal end side of the arm shank for wiping a wiping surface, wherein a head-side engaging portion provided on the arm head and having a concave or convex shape toward at least one side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade, and a shank-side engaging portion provided on the arm shank and having a convex or concave shape toward at least the other side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade are provided, and the head-side engaging portion and the shank-side engaging portion are engaged with each other in a concave-convex manner, whereby rotation of the arm shank with respect to the arm head by a first rotation angle or more is restricted, and a state in which the arm shank stands up at a second rotation angle smaller than the first rotation angle with respect to the arm head is maintained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to restrict the rotation angle of the arm shank with respect to the arm head without increasing the number of parts, and to realize a wiper device capable of holding the arm shank with respect to the arm head so that the rotation angle is close to a state where the rotation angle is restricted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a view of the wiper device seen from the front side, FIG. 2 is a view of the wiper device seen from the side, FIG. 3 is a view of the wiper device seen from the back side, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the arm shank and the wiper blade, FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the base end side of the arm shank, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the arm head seen from the front side, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the arm head seen from the back side, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the broken line circle B part of FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view when the wiper device is in the lock-back holding state, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a view showing the relationship between the shank side convex part and the head side concave part in the lock-back holding state, FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 11 when the wiper device is in the rotation restriction state, and FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 12 when the wiper device is in the rotation restriction state, respectively.

[0011] [Overview of Wiper Device] The wiper device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 wipes a windshield (wiping surface WS) provided on the back door of a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiper device 10 includes a wiper blade 20 that wipes the wiping surface WS, and a wiper arm 30 to which the wiper blade 20 is attached.

[0012] The proximal end side (the right side in FIGS. 1 to 4) of the wiper arm 30 is fixed to the distal end side of a swing shaft SH of a rear wiper motor (not shown) housed inside the back door by a fastening nut NT. Thereby, when the swing shaft SH swings due to the drive of the rear wiper motor, the wiper arm 30 and the wiper blade 20 swing on the wiping surface WS.

[0013] The wiper blade 20 is attached to the distal end side (the left side in FIGS. 1 to 4) of the wiper arm 30. The wiper blade 20 includes a connecting member 21 that is rotatably attached to the distal end side of the wiper arm 30, and a blade rubber 22 held by the connecting member 21.

[0014] Here, the blade rubber 22 is formed in a long shape by extrusion molding of natural rubber or the like, and is held by the connecting member 21 via a pair of leaf springs (not shown) also called vatives. Covers 23 that cover the back sides of the pair of leaf springs and the blade rubber 22 are provided on both longitudinal sides of the connecting member 21, respectively. Further, end caps 24 are attached to both longitudinal sides of the pair of leaf springs and the blade rubber 22, respectively. Thereby, the blade rubber 22 is prevented from falling out of the pair of leaf springs.

[0015] The blade rubber 22 is pressed against the wiping surface WS by the spring force of a tension spring 70 (see FIG. 4) provided inside the wiper arm 30. Then, the wiper blade 20 reciprocally wipes a predetermined wiping range (not shown) on the wiping surface WS by the swinging motion of the wiper arm 30. Thereby, rainwater, dust, etc. attached to the wiping surface WS are wiped off.

[0016] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the wiper arm 30 includes an arm shank 40, an arm head 50, a cover member 60, and a tension spring 70.

[0017] [Arm shank] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the arm shank 40 is formed in a substantially rod shape with a tapered end by injection molding a resin material such as plastic. The arm shank 40 has a substantially U-shaped cross section along a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction and includes a pair of side wall portions 41. These side wall portions 41 are arranged to face each other on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 3), that is, on both sides in the short direction of the arm shank 40.

[0018] The arm shank 40 also 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 and connects 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 direction of the top wall portion 42, respectively.

[0019] Inside the arm shank 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 shank 40 (the right side in FIGS. 5 and 6), a connecting shaft 43 that is rotatably attached to the arm head 50 is integrally provided. That is, the proximal end side of the arm shank 40 is rotatably attached to the arm head 50. Specifically, the connecting shaft 43 extends in the short direction of the arm shank 40, and both axial ends of the connecting shaft 43 are connected to the pair of side wall portions 41, respectively. The connecting shaft 43 is disposed at a location of a notch portion 44 provided on the proximal end side of the top wall portion 42.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, 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 longitudinal direction of the arm shank 40 is substantially D-shaped. That is, the connecting shaft 43 has a flat portion 43a and has a so-called D-cut shape. Thereby, the connecting shaft 43 can be easily attached to the connecting recess 58 of the arm head 50.

[0021] Also, inside the arm shank 40 and on the tip side of the arm shank 40 (the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5), a mounting shaft 45 on which the connecting member 21 of the wiper blade 20 is rotatably mounted is integrally provided. That is, at the tip side of the arm shank 40, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 20 is rotatably mounted. Specifically, similar to the connecting shaft 43, the mounting shaft 45 extends in the short side direction of the arm shank 40, and both axial sides of the mounting shaft 45 are respectively connected to a pair of side wall portions 41.

[0022] And the mounting shaft 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and as shown by the broken line arrow M in FIG. 5, a connecting portion 21a provided on the connecting member 21 can be mounted on the mounting shaft 45 with one touch by a so-called snap fit. In other words, the wiper blade 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the arm shank 40, and has excellent maintainability.

[0023] Furthermore, inside the arm shank 40 and between the connecting shaft 43 and the mounting shaft 45 in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank 40, a shank-side hook portion 46 on which the tip side (the left side in FIG. 4) of the tension spring 70 is hooked is integrally provided. Specifically, the shank-side hook portion 46 is provided between a pair of side wall portions 41 and is fixed at three locations in total, including the side wall portions 41 and a single top wall portion 42. Thereby, sufficient strength of the shank-side hook portion 46 is ensured.

[0024] And the shank-side hook portion 46 is arranged closer to the top wall portion 42 in the height direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) of the arm shank 40. That is, the shank-side hook portion 46 is arranged in a deep portion inside the arm shank 40. Thereby, the tip side of the tension spring 70 is also arranged closer to the top wall portion 42.

[0025] Note that the proximal end side (the right side in FIG. 4) of the tension spring 70 is hooked to the head-side hooking portion 57 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) of the arm head 50. Here, the head-side hooking portion 57 is disposed closer to the wiping surface WS than the shank-side hooking portion 46 in the height direction of the arm shank 40 (the vertical direction in FIG. 4). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the tension spring 70 can be hooked to the shank-side hooking portion 46 and the head-side hooking portion 57 respectively while avoiding the connecting shaft 43 and the connecting recess 58.

[0026] Here, the tension spring 70 is provided between the arm head 50 and the arm shank 40, and generates a spring force for pressing the wiper blade 20 toward the wiping surface WS. As shown in FIG. 4, the tension spring 70 includes a coil portion 71, a first hook portion 72 hooked to the head-side hooking portion 57, and a second hook portion 73 hooked to the shank-side hooking portion 46. Further, between the coil portion 71 and the first hook portion 72, a straight portion 74 extending in the extending direction of the arm shank 40 and an inclined portion 75 inclined with respect to the straight portion 74 are provided.

[0027] Thus, by providing the straight portion 74 and the inclined portion 75 in the tension spring 70, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the tension spring 70 can be substantially hidden inside the arm shank 40.

[0028] Note that the tension spring 70 corresponds to the spring in the present invention.

[0029] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, inside the arm shank 40 and on the proximal end side of the top wall portion 42 (the arm head 50 side), a spring housing recess 47 is provided.

[0030] The spring accommodation recess 47 extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank 40, and its length dimension is approximately half of the length dimension of the top wall portion 42. Further, the spring accommodation recess 47 is recessed at a predetermined depth from the inside to the outside of the arm shank 40. Specifically, the thickness dimension of the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring accommodation recess 47 is provided is approximately half of the thickness dimension of the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring accommodation recess 47 is not provided.

[0031] And at the tip side (the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the spring accommodation recess 47, a tapered portion 47a that gently slopes from the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring accommodation recess 47 is provided toward the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the spring accommodation recess 47 is not provided is provided. Thereby, stress concentration at the tip side of the spring accommodation recess 47 in the top wall portion 42 is suppressed.

[0032] Note that the shank-side engaging portion 46 is arranged in the region of the spring accommodation recess 47 in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank 40 and in the vicinity of the tapered portion 47a. That is, although the portion of the top wall portion 42 where the shank-side engaging portion 46 is provided is thin, sufficient rigidity is ensured. Therefore, the shank-side engaging portion 46 can be arranged closer to the top wall portion 42.

[0033] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, when the arm shank 40 is raised 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 without contacting the top wall portion 42.

[0034] Also, inside the arm shank 40 and between the tapered portion 47a and the mounting shaft 45 in the longitudinal direction of the top wall portion 42, a reinforcing rib 48 is provided. The reinforcing rib 48 protrudes toward the inside of the arm shank 40 and has a substantially mesh shape. Specifically, the reinforcing rib 48 is fixed to a total of three locations: the pair of side wall portions 41 and the single top wall portion 42.

[0035] As a result, the rigidity of the portion where the reinforcing rib 48 of the arm shank 40 is provided can be sufficiently ensured. Here, a shank-side engaging portion 46 is provided near the reinforcing rib 48. Therefore, the distortion of the portion where the shank-side engaging portion 46 of the arm shank 40 is provided, in other words, the portion where a relatively large load is likely to be applied, is effectively suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 11 to 14, a pair of inner surfaces 49 facing a pair of side surfaces 51 provided on the arm head 50 are provided on the proximal end side (notch portion 44 side) of the pair of side wall portions 41. Specifically, the pair of inner surfaces 49 face the pair of side surfaces 51 on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 11 and 13).

[0037] A locking claw 49a is integrally provided on each of the pair of inner surfaces 49. The pair of locking claws 49a protrude at a predetermined height toward the inside of the side wall portion 41 (the arm head 50 side) and are arranged opposite to each other in the direction in which the connecting shaft 43 extends (the left-right direction in FIGS. 11 and 13). That is, the pair of locking claws 49a protrude on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20. Further, the locking claw 49a 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 substantially semicircular.

[0038] The pair of locking claws 49a provided on the arm shank 40 are convex on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, and correspond to the shank-side engaging portion and the convex portion in the present invention.

[0039] These locking claws 49a can each enter the inside of a locking groove 59 (see FIG. 9) provided on the pair of side surfaces 51 forming the arm head 50. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, when the arm shank 40 is raised with respect to the arm head 50, the locking claws 49a can engage with the locking groove 59.

[0040] Here, when the locking claw 49a and the locking groove 59 engage with each other in a concave-convex manner, the rotation of the arm shank 40 relative to the arm head 50 by β degrees or more (see FIG. 14) is restricted, and the state where the arm shank 40 stands up relative to the arm head 50 at an angle α degrees smaller than β degrees (see FIG. 12) is maintained (β degrees > α degrees).

[0041] Note that the β degrees shown in FIG. 14 correspond to the first rotation angle in the present invention, and the α degrees shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the second rotation angle in the present invention.

[0042] Here, the rotation angle of the arm shank 40 relative to the arm head 50 being α degrees and β degrees, that is, the rotation operation of the arm shank 40 relative to the arm head 50 will be described in detail later.

[0043] Furthermore, when releasing the state where the arm shank 40 stands up at an angle α degrees relative to the arm head 50, that is, releasing the lock-back holding state of the wiper device 10 and returning the wiper device 10 to the use state, the arm shank 40 may be pushed downward with a predetermined force toward the wiping surface WS. Thereby, the locking claw 49a is disengaged from the locking groove 59, and the engagement state between the two is released.

[0044] [Arm head] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the arm head 50 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by injection molding a resin material such as plastic, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm 30 (see FIG. 3). The arm head 50 has a pair of side portions 51 respectively directed to both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20 (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0045] Also, a fixed body 52 is provided on the proximal end side (the right side in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the arm head 50. The fixed body 52 is a portion fixed to the swing shaft SH by a fastening nut NT as shown in FIG. 4, and an annular reinforcing member 53 is inserted (embedded) in the fixed body 52.

[0046] Note that the reinforcing member 53 is made of aluminum and has a function of reinforcing the resin-made fixing body 52. Specifically, the swing shaft SH is inserted through the reinforcing member 53, and the tightening force of the fastening nut NT is applied to the reinforcing member 53. Thereby, the arm head 50 can be firmly fixed to the swing shaft SH that is swing-driven so as not to rattle by the fastening nut NT.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of convex portions 54 are provided on the base end side of the arm head 50. These convex portions 54 are respectively provided on a pair of side surface portions 51 that form the arm head 50. Specifically, the convex portions 54 respectively project from the side surface portions 51 at a predetermined height on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20. And a cover member 60 is rotatably mounted on these convex portions 54. That is, the cover member 60 can be opened and closed with respect to the arm head 50 with the pair of convex portions 54 as the rotation center.

[0048] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when the cover member 60 is in the closed state, the cover member 60 covers and hides the fastening nut NT. Therefore, the appearance of the wiper device 10 is 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, and it becomes possible to tighten or loosen the fastening nut NT.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, a groove portion 55 is provided on the tip end side (left side in the figure) of the arm head 50 along the longitudinal 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 in a portion excluding the fixing body 52 of the arm head 50.

[0050] Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the proximal end side (the right side in FIG. 4) of the tension spring 70 enters the groove portion 55. Note that the tension spring 70 is in a non-contact state with respect to the groove portion 55 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). As a result, the tension spring 70 does not need to protrude significantly beyond the wiping surface WS side from the arm head 50. Therefore, the overall height of the wiper device 10 can be kept low.

[0051] Inside the groove portion 55, a head-side hook portion 57 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape is integrally provided. Specifically, the head-side hook portion 57 is disposed at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the arm head 50 and in the vicinity of the fixed main body 52. Further, the head-side hook portion 57 is disposed so as to cross the inside of the groove portion 55 in the short-side direction (the 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 hook portion 57.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a connecting recess 58 for rotatably supporting the connecting shaft 43 of the arm shank 40 is provided at the distal end side of the arm head 50. Specifically, the connecting recess 58 is disposed on the arm shank 40 side (the left side in the figure) rather than the head-side hook portion 57 in the longitudinal direction of the arm head 50.

[0053] In addition, an opening 58a serving as a mounting side on which the connecting shaft 43 is mounted is provided on the side opposite to the wiping surface WS side of the connecting recess 58 (the upper side in FIGS. 4 and 7). And in a state where the wiper device 10 is assembled, the opening 58a is covered by the cover member 60. Thereby, the connecting shaft 43 is prevented from coming off from the connecting recess 58. Further, since the opening 58a is covered by the cover member 60, the surface of the wiper device 10 becomes smooth, and thus the generation of wind noise can be suppressed.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 14, lock grooves 59 are respectively provided on a pair of side portions 51 that form the arm head 50. Specifically, inside the lock grooves 59, when the arm shank 40 is raised with respect to the arm head 50, a pair of lock claws 49a (see FIG. 6) provided on the arm shank 40 can respectively enter.

[0055] The lock grooves 59 are arranged between the fixed main body 52 and the connecting recess 58 in the longitudinal direction of the side portion 51 (the left - right direction in FIG. 7). And each lock groove 59 is recessed with a predetermined depth toward a groove portion 55 provided at the center in the short - hand direction of the arm head 50.

[0056] Note that the pair of lock grooves 59 provided on the arm head 50 are respectively concave toward both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, and correspond to the head - side engaging portion and the recess in the present invention.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the lock groove 59 includes a rotation - angle regulating wall portion 59a and a guiding convex portion 59b. Specifically, the rotation - angle regulating wall portion 59a and the guiding convex portion 59b are arranged to face each other in the height direction of the arm head 50 (the up - down direction in the figure). The rotation - angle regulating wall portion 59a is arranged on the wiping - surface WS side (the lower side in the figure) in the height direction of the arm head 50, and the guiding convex portion 59b is arranged on the side opposite to the wiping - surface WS side (the upper side in the figure) in the height direction of the arm head 50.

[0058] And when the rotation angle of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 is β degrees (see FIG. 14), the lock claw 49a that has entered the inside of the lock groove 59 abuts against the rotation - angle regulating wall portion 59a (see FIGS. 13 and 14). That is, the lock claw 49a and the rotation - angle regulating wall portion 59a respectively have a function of regulating the rotation of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 by β degrees or more.

[0059] Further, the introduction convex portion 59b includes an upright state holding wall portion 59c and a tapered surface TP. The upright state holding wall portion 59c and the tapered surface TP each extend in the extending direction of the introduction convex portion 59b. The upright state holding wall portion 59c is disposed on the side of the lock groove 59 (the lower side in the figure), and the tapered surface TP is disposed on the side opposite to the lock groove 59 side, that is, the side where the lock claw 49a is introduced (the upper side in the figure).

[0060] When the arm shank 40 stands up with respect to the arm head 50 at an angle of α degrees (see FIG. 12), the lock claw 49a that has entered the inside of the lock groove 59 abuts against the upright state holding wall portion 59c (see FIGS. 11 and 12). That is, the lock claw 49a and the upright state holding wall portion 59c each have a function of holding the state in which the arm shank 40 stands up at an angle of α degrees with respect to the arm head 50, that is, setting the wiper device 10 in the locked-back holding state.

[0061] Here, the lock claw 49a provided on the arm shank 40 can enter the inside of the lock groove 59 by getting over the introduction convex portion 59b via the tapered surface TP. Thereby, the arm shank 40 can be easily set in the locked-back holding state with respect to the arm head 50.

[0062] Note that the introduction convex portion 59b forming the lock groove 59 corresponds to the guide protrusion in the present invention.

[0063] Here, when the wiper device 10 is in the locked-back holding state (see FIGS. 10 to 12), the spring force of the tension spring 70 acts in a direction of pressing the arm shank 40 toward the wiping surface WS. However, only the spring force of the tension spring 70 cannot disengage the lock claw 49a from the upright state holding wall portion 59c and cannot get over the introduction convex portion 59b. That is, the lock groove 59 and the lock claw 49a can hold the state in which the arm shank 40 stands up at an angle of α degrees with respect to the arm head 50 against the spring force of the tension spring 70.

[0064] Therefore, the lock-back holding state of the wiper device 10 is maintained unless an operating force (external force) is applied to tilt the arm shank 40 toward the wiping surface WS. Thus, the replacement work of the wiper blade 20 and the like can be easily performed, and the maintainability is improved.

[0065] Note that the lock-back angle of the wiper device 10, that is, the angle on the narrow-angle side of the arm shank 40 with respect to the wiping surface WS (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is about 20 degrees.

[0066] Further, although the locking claw 49a of the arm shank 40 will get over the introduction convex portion 59b while deflecting the side wall portion 41, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking claw 49a is disposed at the notch portion 44 of the arm shank 40. Thereby, the portion of the side wall portion 41 where the locking claw 49a is provided can be elastically deformed relatively easily. Therefore, the locking claw 49a can get over the introduction convex portion 59b relatively easily.

[0067] [Regarding the lock-back holding state (α degrees) and the rotation angle restricting state (β degrees)] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, when the arm shank 40 is held and the arm shank 40 is raised with respect to the arm head 50, a pair of locking claws 49a provided on the arm shank 40 enter the inside of a pair of locking grooves 59 provided on the arm head 50. At this time, since the locking claw 49a gets over the tapered surface TP of the introduction convex portion 59b, it can be relatively easily disposed inside the locking groove 59.

[0068] When the hand is released from the arm shank 40 in this state, the arm shank 40 tends to fall with respect to the arm head 50 due to the spring force of the tension spring 70. However, as shown by the arrow M1 in FIG. 11, since the locking claw 49a that has entered the inside of the locking groove 59 is abutted against the standing state holding wall portion 59c and is in an engaged state, the arm shank 40 is in a rotation restricting state with respect to the arm head 50 in the direction shown by the arrow R1 in FIG. 12. Therefore, it becomes a lock-back holding state.

[0069] At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the tension spring 70 approaches the top wall portion 42 (spring housing recess 47). Then, 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.

[0070] Note that the coil portion 71 is in a non-contact state with respect to the top wall portion 42, and neither the top wall portion 42 nor the coil portion 71 is damaged. Further, in the locked-back holding state of the wiper device 10, as shown in FIG. 10, when the arm shank 40 is viewed from the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, the entire tension spring 70 is completely hidden by the pair of side wall portions 41.

[0071] Furthermore, the locked-back angle of the wiper device 10, that is, the angle (α degrees) on the narrow-angle side with respect to the wiping surface WS of the arm shank 40 is about 20 degrees. This is to prevent the arm shank 40 from contacting the rear spoiler (not shown) provided on the vehicle side when the wiper device 10 is hidden by the rear spoiler (to prevent damage). And since the wiper blade 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the arm shank 40 by a snap-fit structure, even if the locked-back angle (α degrees) is about 20 degrees, the maintainability of the wiper device 10 is not deteriorated.

[0072] On the other hand, to return the wiper device 10 to the use state, that is, to tilt the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50, an operating force is applied to the arm shank 40 to tilt the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50. As a result, the engagement state between the locking claw 49a and the standing state holding wall portion 59c is released, and the locking claw 49a gets over the introduction convex portion 59b and disengages from the locking groove 59. Thus, the wiper device 10 becomes the use state shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] Note that, depending on the vehicle model on which the wiper device 10 is installed, there are some with a large curvature of the wiping surface WS. In this case, as shown by the dashed arrow R in FIG. 4, the wiper blade 20 swings greatly about the mounting shaft 45 with respect to the arm shank 40. At this time, the proximal end side (the right side in FIG. 4) of the wiper blade 20 enters the inside of the arm shank 40 as shown in the enlarged portion surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 4. In other words, the wiper device 10 can also cope with those with a large curvature of the wiping surface WS.

[0074] Also, for example, when the vehicle is washed by a car wash device, a relatively large force is applied to the arm shank 40, and the arm shank 40 is caused to stand up more than the locked-back holding state (α degrees) with respect to the arm head 50. In this case, as shown by the arrow M2 in FIG. 13, the locking claw 49a that has entered the inside of the locking groove 59 abuts against the rotation angle restricting wall portion 59a and enters an engaged state. Therefore, the rotation of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 is restricted in the direction shown by the arrow R2 in FIG. 14, and the rotation angle of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 is restricted to β degrees (about 22 degrees). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the arm shank 40 from coming into contact with vehicle-side components such as a rear spoiler.

[0075] As described in detail above, according to the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, there are provided a locking groove 59 provided in the arm head 50 and concave toward both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20, and a locking claw 49a provided in the arm shank 40 and convex toward both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20. By the concave-convex engagement of the locking groove 59 and the locking claw 49a with each other, the rotation of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 is restricted to β degrees (about 22 degrees) or more, and the state in which the arm shank 40 stands up at an α degree (about 20 degrees) smaller than β degrees with respect to the arm head 50 is maintained.

[0076] As a result, without increasing the number of components, the rotation angle of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 can be restricted. Therefore, for example, when a vehicle is washed with a car wash device, even if a relatively large force is applied to the arm shank 40, it is possible to prevent the arm shank 40 from standing up by β degrees or more with respect to the arm head 50. Thus, damage to the wiper device 10 and the vehicle side can be prevented.

[0077] Also, without increasing the number of components, it is possible to hold the arm shank 40 in a state of standing up at α degrees close to β degrees with respect to the arm head 50 (lock-back state). Therefore, by setting it to the lock-back holding state, it becomes possible to attach and detach the wiper blade 20 with respect to the arm shank 40, and thus it becomes possible to easily maintain the wiper device 10.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, the lock groove 59 is a concave portion, the lock claw 49a is a convex portion, the lock claw 49a can enter the inside of the lock groove 59, and the lock groove 59 has a rotation angle regulating wall portion 59a against which the lock claw 49a abuts when the rotation angle of the arm shank 40 with respect to the arm head 50 is β degrees, and a standing state holding wall portion 59c against which the lock claw 49a abuts when the arm shank 40 stands up at α degrees with respect to the arm head 50.

[0079] As a result, it is possible to give the lock groove 59 and the lock claw 49a a rotation angle regulating function and a lock-back holding function without increasing the number of components.

[0080] Also, according to the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, the lock claw 49a can enter the inside of the lock groove 59 by overcoming the introduction convex portion 59b having the tapered surface TP.

[0081] As a result, the arm shank 40 can be easily set to the lock-back state with respect to the arm head 50, and the maintainability can be improved.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, a tension spring 70 that presses the wiper blade 20 against the wiping surface WS is provided between the arm head 50 and the arm shank 40, and the lock groove 59 and the lock claw 49a hold the state in which the arm shank 40 stands up at α degrees with respect to the arm head 50 against the spring force of the tension spring 70.

[0083] Thereby, unless an operating force (external force) is applied to the arm shank 40, the lock claw 49a does not overcome the introduction convex portion 59b, and the engaged state between the lock claw 49a and the lock groove 59 is maintained. Therefore, the wiper device 10 can be set in the lock-back holding state, and the maintainability can be improved.

[0084] In addition, according to the wiper device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the durability without increasing the number of parts, and thus it is possible to reduce the manufacturing energy. Therefore, it is possible to achieve particularly Goal 7 (ensuring access for all people to affordable, reliable and sustainable modern energy) and Goal 13 (taking urgent measures to mitigate climate change and its impacts) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above embodiment, the lock groove 59 (recess) is provided in the arm head 50 and the lock claw 49a (protrusion) is provided in the arm shank 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a lock claw (protrusion) can be provided in the arm head 50 and a lock groove (recess) can be provided in the arm shank 40.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, a set including the lock groove 59 and the lock claw 49a is provided on both sides in the wiping direction of the wiper blade 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the set including the lock groove 59 and the lock claw 49a may be provided only on one side in the wiping direction or the other side in the wiping direction (only one side) of the wiper blade 20.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the wiper device 10 has been described by taking as an example the one that wipes a windshield (rear windshield) provided on a back door of a vehicle such as an automobile. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it can also be applied to a wiper device that wipes a front windshield of a vehicle such as an automobile, a glass of an aircraft, a railway vehicle, a construction machine, or the like.

[0088] In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, installation location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 10: Wiper device, 20: Wiper blade, 21: Connecting member, 21a: Connecting portion, 22: Blade rubber, 23: Cover, 24: End cap, 30: Wiper arm, 40: Arm shank, 41: Side wall portion, 42: Top wall portion, 43: Connecting shaft, 43a: Flat portion, 44: Notch portion, 45: Mounting shaft, 46: Shank-side engaging portion, 47: Spring housing recess, 47a: Taper portion, 48: Reinforcing rib, 49: Inner surface portion, 49a: Lock claw (shank-side engaging portion, convex portion), 50: Arm head, 51: Side surface portion, 52: Fixed body, 53: Reinforcing member, 54: Convex portion, 55: Groove portion, 57: Head-side engaging portion, 58: Connecting recess, 58a: Opening portion, 59: Lock groove (head-side engaging portion, concave portion), 59a: Rotation angle restricting wall portion, 59b: Introducing convex portion (guide projection), 59c: Standing state holding wall portion, 60: Cover member, 70: Tension spring (spring), 71: Coil portion, 72: First hook portion, 73: Second hook portion, 74: Straight portion, 75: Inclined portion, NT: Fastening nut, SH: Swing shaft, TP: Taper surface, WS: Wiping surface

Claims

1. An arm head fixed to a swing axis, An arm shank with its proximal end rotatably attached to the arm head, A wiper blade attached to the distal end side of the arm shank for wiping a wiping surface, A wiper device comprising: A head-side engaging portion provided on the arm head and having a concave or convex shape facing at least one side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade, A shank-side engaging portion provided on the arm shank and having a convex or concave shape facing at least the other side in the wiping direction of the wiper blade, Having: By the head-side engaging portion and the shank-side engaging portion engaging with each other in a concave-convex manner, the rotation of the arm shank relative to the arm head is restricted to be equal to or greater than a first rotation angle, and the state where the arm shank stands at a second rotation angle smaller than the first rotation angle relative to the arm head is maintained, Wiper device.

2. In the wiper device according to Claim 1, The head-side engaging portion is a concave portion, The shank-side engaging portion is a convex portion, The convex portion can enter inside the concave portion, The concave portion has: A rotation angle restricting wall portion against which the convex portion abuts when the rotation angle of the arm shank relative to the arm head is the first rotation angle, An upright state holding wall portion against which the convex portion abuts when the arm shank holds the upright state at the second rotation angle relative to the arm head, Comprising: Wiper device.

3. In the wiper device according to Claim 2, The convex portion can enter inside the concave portion by overcoming a guide projection having a tapered surface, Wiper device.

4. In the wiper device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, A spring for pressing the wiper blade against the wiping surface is provided between the arm head and the arm shank, The head-side engaging portion and the shank-side engaging portion resist the spring force of the spring and maintain the state where the arm shank stands at the second rotation angle relative to the arm head, Wiper device.

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