Folding wiper

Abstract

To provide a flat wiper for a vehicle capable of greatly reducing a transportation cost.SOLUTION: A flat wiper for a vehicle includes a blade rubber 50 for wiping a window, a leaf spring for uniformly pressing the blade rubber to a windshield, a side frame 42 for integrating and holding them, and a clip part 30 for connecting to a wiper arm. The side frame includes first and second side frames respectively incorporating first and second plate springs, one end of each of the first and second plate springs is exposed from the first and second side frames, first and second connecting components 20 are respectively attached to the first and second plate springs, an end of each of the connecting components is fixed to the clip portion in a rotatable state, and finally, the blade rubber is mounted on lower surfaces of the first and second side frames and the first and second connecting components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper used to wipe the glass of a vehicle window, and more particularly to the structure of a flat wiper. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional wiper for a vehicle is made up of a blade rubber that directly comes into contact with the windshield and rear window to wipe away raindrops and dust, a support that holds the entire blade rubber, a yoke that is placed between the support and the wiper arm that drives the wiper to press the support evenly against the glass, and a clip that connects the yoke and the wiper arm.

[0003] To wipe raindrops and dust evenly, the blade rubber must be pressed against the windshield surface with equal force. Early wiper structures primarily consisted of multiple yokes branching out from the wiper arm in a tournament-style arrangement (tournament wipers), pressing the blade rubber at multiple points. However, in recent years, flat wipers, which lack an intermediate yoke, have also appeared on the market. Flat wipers have a single leaf spring inserted and held in a groove inside the support (frame), and a clip in the center of the frame for connecting it to the wiper arm. The elasticity of the leaf spring allows the blade rubber held in the frame to conform to the curve of the windshield and press it against it. Flat wipers avoid the problem of blade lift at high speeds that was a problem with tournament wipers, and also have the advantage of a sleek appearance (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-276724 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-26711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Flat wipers with a structure in which a single leaf spring is built into the frame have the problem that it is difficult to assemble into the frame due to the length of the leaf spring. To solve the problem of the leaf spring's length, a configuration has been disclosed in which the leaf spring is divided into left and right halves near the center and the center of each is fixed to a clip (Patent Document 2). However, this requires the use of small auxiliary parts for fixing when assembling, which has the disadvantage of making the assembly process complicated.

[0006] Flat wipers with a single leaf spring built into the frame pose another problem. When shipping flat wipers with this structure, each part is fully assembled at the factory, and the assembled product's performance, including safety and strength, is checked. Quality control inspections are then conducted before shipping. However, from the perspective of transportation costs, the packaged size must be as small as possible. However, unlike flexible blade rubber, flat wipers with a single built-in leaf spring cannot be folded in half for packaging, as the leaf spring is prone to plastic deformation. Therefore, the longitudinal size of the package cannot be made smaller than the length of the leaf spring, creating the problem of being unable to reduce transportation costs or storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The flat wiper of the present invention has a configuration in which the leaf spring is divided into two parts at the center, and the two leaf springs are held in separate side frames, and the side frames are rotatably connected to the clip part by connecting parts fixed to the ends of the leaf spring.

[0008] The flat wiper of the present invention is configured as follows. A flat wiper for a vehicle includes a blade rubber for wiping a vehicle window, a leaf spring for uniformly pressing the blade rubber against the window, a side frame for holding these components, and a clip part for connecting to a wiper arm, the leaf spring comprises a first and a second leaf spring; The side frame comprises a first side frame and a second side frame, First and second leaf springs are respectively built into the first and second side frames; one end of each of the first and second leaf springs is exposed from the first and second side frames, first and second connecting parts are connected and fixed to the exposed ends of the first and second leaf springs, respectively; a mechanism for rotatably fixing the side frames connected and fixed to the first and second connecting parts to the clip part side ends of the first and second connecting parts and the clip part, With the first and second connecting parts attached in a straight line to the underside of the clip portion, the blade rubber is attached to the undersides of the first and second side frames and the first and second connecting parts.

[0009] The first and second side frames connected and fixed to the first and second connecting parts may rotate relative to the clip portions in a direction toward the window.

[0010] The mechanism by which the first and second connecting parts are rotatably fixed to the clip portion may be a detachable hinge mechanism.

[0011] The ends of the first and second leaf springs exposed from the first and second side frames may be automatically locked and connected and fixed when inserted laterally into the first and second connecting parts, respectively.

[0012] Rubber insertion grooves of similar cross-sectional shapes may be provided on the undersides of the first and second side frames and the undersides of the first and second connecting components, and the blade rubber may be inserted and attached from the side.

[0013] At least one of the first and second side frames may be folded by rotating it around the clip portion as an axis, and then packed together with the folded blade rubber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the wiper structure of the present invention, the leaf spring is divided into two parts at the center, housed in separate frames (side frames), and foldably connected. Therefore, during shipping, the wiper can be folded in the center or removed and packaged together with other components. This allows for a significant reduction in the longitudinal size after packaging. Since transportation costs are determined primarily by the external size rather than the weight, transportation costs can be significantly reduced compared to conventional wipers with a single leaf spring. This also requires less inventory space, reducing storage costs. Another advantage is that after opening the package, users can simply unfold or install the folded frame and then attach the blade rubber to the wiper arm, which is easy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the component configuration of a flat wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view from above and (B) is a perspective view from below. [Figure 2] 2(A) and 2(B) are enlarged views of part A in FIG. 1(A) and part B in FIG. 1(B), respectively. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below showing the flat wiper according to the present invention in the middle of assembly, and the upper right corner is an enlarged view of the center portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the exterior of the flat wiper according to the present invention after assembly is completed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the side frame and blade rubber after assembly of the flat wiper according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 1 shows a perspective view (A) from above and a perspective view (B) from below of the components of a flat wiper 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The main components are first and second elastic leaf springs 10 split into two halves on either side of a central clip portion 30, first and second connecting parts 20 that are attached to the first and second split leaf springs 10, respectively, first and second side frames 42 that house and hold the first and second leaf springs 10, a clip cover 40 that covers and protects the clip portion 30, a single flexible blade rubber 50 that abuts against the window, and end caps 46 that are attached to both ends of the flat wiper 100 to protect the interior from raindrops and dust.

[0017] The perspective views (A) and (B) of Figures 2 are enlarged views of the central areas enclosed by circles A and B in Figures 1A and 1B, respectively. The first and second leaf springs 10 are first inserted into the first and second side frames 42, respectively. The exposed ends of the first and second leaf springs 10 are then inserted all the way into the leaf spring insertion grooves 24 provided in the first and second connecting parts 20, respectively. The flexible claws 12 provided near the tips of the leaf springs 10 then enter the claw receiving holes 27 provided on the top surfaces of the connecting parts 20, securing the leaf springs 10 to the connecting parts 20. As can be seen in Figure 2B, the leaf springs 10 can be easily separated again by pulling out the leaf springs 10 while pressing the flexible claws 12 inserted into the claw receiving holes 27 with a jig. The connecting parts 20 also have a rubber insertion groove 26 on the surface facing the window, through which the blade rubber 50 is ultimately inserted.

[0018] The clip-side ends of the first and second connecting parts 20, to which the leaf spring 10 is fixed, each have a cylindrical hinge pin receiver 22 with a linearly open side. As shown in FIG. 3, these are pressed into and engaged with first and second hinge pins 34 provided at the bottom of the clip portion 30. This movably secures the first and second connecting parts 20 to the clip portion 30, allowing the side frame 42 to rotate toward the window. While this embodiment uses a hinge mechanism in which the hinge pin 34 is pressed into the hinge pin receiver 22 as the detachable pivot mechanism, other hinge mechanisms with the same functionality may be used. Furthermore, while this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the side frame 42 can pivot toward the window, a pivot mechanism with a rotation axis perpendicular to the connecting part 20 (leaf spring 10) may be attached so that the side frame 42 rotates in a plane parallel to the window.

[0019] 3, after the fixed and integrated first and second connecting parts 20 / side frames 42 are attached to the hinge pin receiver 22, they are arranged in a straight line on the underside of the clip part 30, whereby the flexible locks 28 of the connecting parts 20 engage with the lock holes 38 of the clip part 30 and are fixed to the clip part 30. The clip cover 40 is fixed to the clip part 30 by inserting the multiple fixing pieces 36 protruding from the clip part 30 into the fixing grooves 41 of the clip cover 40. Thereafter, a connecting adapter 48 for connecting the clip part 30 to a wiper arm (not shown) is attached to the wiper arm connecting pole 32.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the side frame 42 and blade rubber 50 after assembly. At the top of the side frame 42, the first and second leaf springs 10 pass through holes that are designed to fit the cross-section. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the first and second side frames 42, rubber insertion grooves 44 are provided that are the same shape as the rubber insertion grooves 26 of the connecting part 20. The hollow raised portion 45 at the upper left not only reinforces the strength of the side frame 42, but also serves to convert wind pressure during driving into pressure on the window.

[0021] Meanwhile, the blade rubber 50 is composed of an upper neck portion 52 and a blade portion 54 that contacts the window, and has the same cross-sectional shape from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. The blade rubber 50 is attached by passing the neck portion 52 of the blade rubber 50 from one end to the other through the rubber insertion grooves 26, 44, which have the same cross-sectional shape and are provided in the linearly arranged first side frame 42, first connecting part 20, second connecting part 20, and second side frame 42. Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the rubber insertion groove 26 may be partially provided on the side frame 42 side of the end cap 46, and the end of the blade rubber 50 may be inserted therein. Finally, the end caps 46 are fixed to both ends using a mechanism similar to the method for fixing to the clip portion 30, thereby completing the flat wiper 100 of the present invention (FIG. 4).

[0022] In the flat wiper of the present invention, once the blade rubber 50 is removed from the side frame 42 and connecting part 20, the hinge mechanism of the clip portion 30 allows one connecting part 20 / side frame 42 to be rotated 180° relative to the other connecting part 20 / side frame 42, thereby folding the wiper. This allows the wiper to be easily halved in length. Alternatively, the same effect can be achieved by separating the two parts via the detachable hinge mechanism. Because the blade rubber 50 is highly flexible, it can be easily folded in half, allowing it to be packaged together with the folded connecting part 20 / side frame 42. Therefore, the longitudinal size of the packaged flat wiper of the present invention is significantly reduced compared to conventional non-foldable flat wipers, thereby significantly reducing transportation costs and storage space. After delivery, the package can be opened and easily assembled as shown in Figure 3 to obtain the finished product shown in Figure 4.

[0023] Furthermore, tests conducted by the inventors of the present invention have shown that the foldable flat wiper of the present invention offers another advantage over conventional non-foldable flat wipers. Specifically, wipers with leaf springs that are not split in the middle experience a large difference in the magnitude of vibration between the wiper arm (upper side) and the blade (lower side) during operation. Furthermore, even slight abnormalities in the upper side of the vibration amplify the vibration on the lower side, significantly affecting wiping performance. This is particularly noticeable in long wipers, causing the flat wiper to vibrate. In contrast, the foldable flat wiper of the present invention, with its leaf springs split in the middle, has the effect of suppressing the amplification of vibration on the lower side, thereby maintaining good wiping performance even in long wipers.

[0024] Although the present invention has been described based on the above examples, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit of the present invention and the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 100 Flat wiper of the present invention 10 Leaf spring 12 Flexible claw 20 Connecting parts 22 Hinge pin holder 24 Leaf spring insertion groove 26 Rubber insertion groove 27 Nail receiving hole 28 Flexible Lock 30 Clip part 32 Wiper arm connecting pole 34 Hinge pin 36 Fixed piece 38 Lock hole 40 Clip cover 41 Fixed groove 42 First and second side frames 44 Rubber insertion groove 45 Ridge 46 End cap 48 coupling adapter 50 Blade Rubber 52 Neck 54 Blade section

Claims

1. A flat wiper for a vehicle includes a blade rubber for wiping a vehicle window, a leaf spring for uniformly pressing the blade rubber against the window, a side frame for holding these components, and a clip part for connecting to a wiper arm, the leaf spring comprises a first and a second leaf spring; the side frame comprises a first side frame and a second side frame; First and second leaf springs are respectively built into the first and second side frames; one end of each of the first and second leaf springs is exposed from the first and second side frames, first and second connecting pieces are connected and fixed to the exposed ends of the first and second leaf springs, respectively; a mechanism for rotatably fixing the side frames connected and fixed to the first and second connecting components to the clip portion on the clip portion side ends of the first and second connecting components, respectively, to the clip portion; With the first and second connecting parts attached linearly to the lower surfaces of the clip parts, the blade rubber is attached to the lower surfaces of the first and second side frames and the first and second connecting parts. Flat wiper for vehicle.

2. 2. The vehicle flat wiper according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the first and second side frames connected and fixed to the first and second connecting parts rotate relative to the clip portions is the direction of the window.

3. 3. The vehicle flat wiper according to claim 2, wherein the mechanism by which the first and second connecting parts are rotatably fixed to the clip portion is a detachable hinge mechanism.

4. 2. The vehicle flat wiper according to claim 1, wherein when the ends of the first and second leaf springs exposed from the first and second side frames are inserted laterally into the first and second connecting parts, respectively, they are automatically locked, connected, and fixed.

5. 2. The vehicle flat wiper according to claim 1, wherein rubber insertion grooves of similar cross-sectional shapes are provided on the undersides of the first and second side frames and the undersides of the first and second connecting parts, and the blade rubber is inserted and attached from the side.

6. The vehicle flat wiper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first and second side frames can be rotated and folded relative to the clip portion and packaged together with the folded blade rubber.

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