Wiper device and method for assembling a wiper device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBA CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-05
Smart Images
Figure 2026126812000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper device and a method for assembling the wiper device.
Background Art
[0002] As a wiper device assembled to a vehicle body, there is one including a wiper motor, a link mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the wiper motor, a pivot shaft having the link mechanism connected to one end and the wiper arm fixed to the other end, and a holding member for fixing the pivot shaft to the vehicle body. In many cases, a total of two wiper arms are arranged on the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side. Correspondingly, the pivot shaft, the link mechanism, and the holding member are also arranged on the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side. The two link mechanisms are connected by a rod. Thereby, the rotational force of the wiper motor is transmitted to the two pivot shafts via the rod and the two link mechanisms. Then, the wiper arm on the driver's seat side and the wiper arm on the passenger seat side are driven synchronously.
[0003] By the way, for the convenience of assembling the wiper device to the vehicle body, the wiper device may be temporarily held (temporarily placed) without being fixed to the vehicle body once, and then each holding member may be fixed to the vehicle body. In order to realize this temporarily held state, a technique has been disclosed in which an engagement hole is formed in the vehicle body and an engagement pin inserted into the engagement hole is formed in the holding member. By inserting the engagement pin into the engagement hole, it becomes possible to temporarily hold the wiper device before fixing the wiper device to the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, with the conventional technology described above, depending on the orientation of the wiper device in its temporary holding state on the vehicle body, simply inserting the engagement pin into the engagement hole may not be sufficient to maintain the temporary holding state. In particular, if the area on the vehicle body where the wiper device is mounted is sloped, the insertion of the engagement pin into the engagement hole may be insufficient. As a result, there was a possibility that the wiper device would fall off due to its own weight while in the temporary holding state.
[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a wiper device and a wiper device assembly method that can sufficiently maintain a temporary holding state and facilitate assembly work. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, the wiper device comprises a first pivot shaft and a second pivot shaft to which wiper arms are connected, a drive unit that applies rotational force to each pivot shaft, a connecting unit connected to each pivot shaft and the drive unit that rotates each pivot shaft synchronously, a first holding member for fixing the first pivot shaft to the vehicle body, and a second holding member for fixing the second pivot shaft to the vehicle body, wherein each holding member has a body that rotatably supports the corresponding pivot shaft. The device comprises a part and a fixed part provided on the main body and fixed to the vehicle body via a fixing member, wherein at least the first holding member of the first holding member has a projection provided on the fixed part, a hole formed in the vehicle body into which the projection is inserted, and in a temporary holding state before the fixed part is fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member and with the projection inserted into the hole, the projection is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole and a part of the holding member is in contact with the vehicle body.
[0008] This configuration allows the retaining member to contact a portion of the vehicle body while the projection contacts only a portion of the inner periphery of the hole in the vehicle body. In this way, the retaining member of the wiper device makes contact with the vehicle body at two points during the temporary holding state. Therefore, the projection can be securely hooked onto the inner periphery of the hole. Thus, the temporary holding state of the wiper device can be sufficiently maintained, and the assembly work of the wiper device can be easily performed.
[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the wiper device of the first aspect, when the direction along the alignment direction of the first holding member and the second holding member is defined as the direction of the rotation axis of the fixed portion in the temporary holding state, in the temporary holding state, the fixed portion is in contact with the vehicle body, and the projection is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole in the direction in which the fixed portion rotates around the rotation axis, with the contact point of the fixed portion with the vehicle body as a pivot point.
[0010] This configuration ensures that, for example, if the vehicle body is tilted, the retaining member will not fall off, using the contact point with the fixed part to the vehicle body as a pivot point. As a result, the temporary holding state of the wiper device can be sufficiently maintained.
[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the wiper device of the first or second aspect, in the temporary holding state, the projection penetrates the hole, and the tip of the projection protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the hole.
[0012] This configuration allows the projection to adequately hook into the hole. Therefore, the temporary holding state of the wiper device can be sufficiently maintained.
[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the wiper devices of the first to third aspects, the projection is formed in the shape of a rod extending linearly in one direction from the fixed portion, and in the temporary holding state, the axial direction of the projection intersects with the axial direction of the hole.
[0014] This configuration simplifies the shape of the protrusions. It makes it easier to insert the protrusions into the holes in the vehicle body, and allows them to securely hook into the holes when temporarily held in place.
[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a wiper device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the projection is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the hole when the fixed portion is fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member.
[0016] This configuration prevents the hole and projection from coming into contact and generating abnormal noise during operation after the wiper device has been fixed in place. It also prevents the projection from coming into contact with the hole and causing deformation of the projection or the retaining member.
[0017] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the wiper device, the projection is provided only on the fixed portion of the first retaining member, the fixed portion of the second retaining member has a claw portion that engages with the vehicle body in the temporary holding state, and the claw portion has a contact surface that rests on the vehicle body in the temporary holding state.
[0018] This configuration allows the first and second holding members to have different restricting directions in the temporary holding state. As a result, the temporary holding state of the wiper device can be maintained more reliably. In the second retaining member, the contact surface of the claw portion can stably support the second retaining member.
[0019] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the wiper device of the sixth aspect, the first pivot shaft is connected to the wiper arm attached to the passenger side of the vehicle body, the second pivot shaft is connected to the wiper arm attached to the driver's side of the vehicle body, the fixing member is a bolt or a pin, each of the fixed parts has a fixing hole into which the fixing member is inserted, and the size of the fixing hole on the first pivot shaft side is larger than the size of the fixing hole on the second pivot shaft side.
[0020] This configuration allows the second pivot axis on the driver's side to be positioned with higher precision than the first pivot axis on the passenger side. The fixing hole and fixing member corresponding to the first pivot axis can absorb manufacturing errors of the wiper device. By positioning the second pivot axis on the driver's side with high precision, the wiper arm connected to this second pivot axis can be positioned with high precision. Therefore, for example, good visibility for the driver can be ensured when driving in rainy weather.
[0021] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling a wiper device comprising a wiper device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and a third retaining member for fixing the drive unit to the vehicle body, the method comprising: a temporary holding step of placing the first retaining member and the second retaining member in a temporary holding state relative to the vehicle body; a first fixing step of fixing the first retaining member and the second retaining member to the vehicle body via the fixing member after the temporary holding step; and a second fixing step of fixing the third retaining member to the vehicle body via the fixing member after the first fixing step.
[0022] This method allows, for example, the first and second retaining members to be fixed to the vehicle body, and then another part of the vehicle body to be attached to the third retaining member. Therefore, a wiper device can be provided to meet various requirements. The wiper device can also be easily attached to the vehicle body using various assembly procedures.
[0023] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling a wiper device comprising a wiper device according to the seventh aspect and a third retaining member for fixing the drive unit to the vehicle body, the method comprising: a temporary holding step of inserting the projection of the first retaining member into the hole in the vehicle body and engaging the claw portion of the second retaining member with the vehicle body to achieve the temporary holding state; a first fixing step of fixing the first retaining member and the second retaining member to the vehicle body via the fixing member after the temporary holding step; and a second fixing step of fixing the third retaining member to the vehicle body via the fixing member after the first fixing step.
[0024] By adopting such a method, for example, after reliably temporarily holding the first holding member and the second holding member with respect to the vehicle body, these first holding member and second holding member can be reliably fixed to the vehicle body. After that, it becomes possible to assemble another member of the vehicle body to the third holding member.
Advantages of the Invention
[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wiper device and a wiper device assembling method that can sufficiently maintain the temporarily held state and easily perform the assembling work.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0026] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the wiper device in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the first holding member in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the passenger seat. [Figure 4] It is a view taken in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the second holding member in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the driver's seat. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the first pedestal portion in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the first pedestal portion in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from below. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the second pedestal portion in the embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front. [Figure 9] It is a view of the second holding member as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a view of the first holding member as seen from the passenger seat side in the vehicle width direction in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the posture of the first holding member in the temporarily held state in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the projection of the first retaining member relative to the hole in the base plate in the temporary holding state of an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0027] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028] <Vehicle> Figure 1 is a front view of a vehicle 100 equipped with a wiper device 1, as seen from the front. In the following description, the directions in the direction of gravity (up and down) may be simply referred to as the upward direction and the downward direction, and the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity may be referred to as the horizontal direction. The area in front of the vehicle 100 in the direction of travel may be simply referred to as the front. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with wiper blades 3a and 3b (a first wiper blade 3a and a second wiper blade 3b) for wiping the windshield 2.
[0029] The first wiper blade 3a is attached to the tip of the first wiper arm 4a. The first wiper blade 3a is biased toward the windshield 2 by a spring (not shown) housed within the first wiper arm 4a. The second wiper blade 3b is attached to the tip of the second wiper arm 4b. The second wiper blade 3b is biased toward the windshield 2 by a spring (not shown) housed within the second wiper arm 4b.
[0030] The vehicle body 101 of the vehicle 100 is equipped with a wiper device 1 inside. The wiper device 1 drives each wiper arm 4a, 4b to perform a wiping operation. The wiping pattern of the wiper device 1 is a so-called tandem type, in which the pivot shafts 6a, 6b (first pivot shaft 6a, second pivot shaft 6b) that support each wiper arm 4a, 4b are located on the driver's side (right side when viewed from inside the vehicle) and the passenger side (center side in the vehicle width direction, left side when viewed from inside the vehicle) of the windshield 2 in the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, the vertical direction of the wiper device 1 will refer to the position in which the wiper device 1 is attached to the vehicle body 101.
[0031] <Wiper device> Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wiper device 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wiper device 1 includes, in addition to two pivot shafts 6a and 6b, a cylindrical pipe frame 7 that spans the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b and extends in the vehicle width direction, two retaining members 10a and 10b (first retaining member 10a and second retaining member 10b) provided at both longitudinal ends of the pipe frame 7, pivot covers 20a and 20b (first pivot cover 20a and second pivot cover 20b) separately attached to each retaining member 10a and 10b, a wiper motor (an example of a drive unit in the claim) 8 fixed to the pipe frame 7, and a link mechanism 50 connected to the wiper motor 8.
[0032] <Pivot axis> The two pivot axes 6a and 6b extend in a direction parallel to the normal direction of the windshield 2. In the following description, the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the pivot axes 6a and 6b may be simply referred to as the axial, radial, and circumferential directions, respectively.
[0033] Of the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b, the first pivot shaft 6a is located on the passenger side below the windshield 2. The base end of the first wiper arm 4a is connected to the tip of the first pivot shaft 6a. Of the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b, the second pivot shaft 6b is located on the driver's side below the windshield 2. The base end of the second wiper arm 4b is connected to the tip of the second pivot shaft 6b.
[0034] <First retaining member> Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first retaining member 10a as seen from the passenger seat. More specifically, the first retaining member 10a shown in Figure 3 is viewed from the direction of arrow III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a view from the direction of arrow IV in Figure 3. The first retaining member 10a is formed by casting, for example, an aluminum material.
[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first retaining member 10a fixes the first pivot shaft 6a to the vehicle body 101. The first retaining member 10a is integrally molded with a cylindrical first main body portion 11 and a first fixing leg portion (an example of a fixed portion in the claim) 12 and a first frame fixing portion 13 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion 11.
[0036] A first pivot shaft 6a is inserted into the first main body portion 11. This allows the first pivot shaft 6a to be rotatably supported within the first main body portion 11 around its axis. The tip of the first pivot shaft 6a protrudes from above the first main body portion 11.
[0037] The first fixed leg portion 12 comprises a plate-shaped first leg portion body 14 extending toward the passenger side from the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion 11, and an annular first base portion 15 integrally molded at the end of the first leg portion body 14 opposite to the first main body portion 11. The first leg portion body 14 extends from the first main body portion 11 with its thickness direction coinciding with the axial direction of the first main body portion 11, and then extends by being bent in a twisting manner. Therefore, the thickness direction at the tip side of the first leg portion body 14 intersects with the thickness direction at the base end side.
[0038] The thickness direction of the first base portion 15 is the same as the thickness direction of the tip side of the first leg body 14. A projection 16 is integrally molded on the passenger side of the first base portion 15. The projection 16 protrudes from the side of the first base portion 15 toward the opposite side of the tip of the first pivot axis 6a (opposite side of the first wiper arm 4a). The projection 16 is formed in the shape of a round rod that extends linearly along the axial direction of the first body portion 11. A flat surface portion 16a is formed at the tip of the projection 16 at an angle to the projection 16. The flat surface portion 16a causes the tip of the projection 16 to be tapered.
[0039] A first damper 17, formed in a cylindrical shape from rubber or the like, is fitted and mounted on the inner circumferential edge of the first base portion 15. A cylindrical first collar (an example of a fixing hole in the claim) 18 is fitted onto the inner circumferential surface of the first damper 17. These first damper 17 and first collar 18 are also components that constitute the first fixing leg portion 12. The first collar 18 is formed in an elongated oval shape, which is longer in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the axial direction. Bolts for fixing the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 are inserted into the first collar 18.
[0040] <First pivot cover> As detailed in Figure 2, the first pivot cover 20a is attached to the first holding member 10a configured as described above, above the first fixing leg portion 12 and the first frame fixing portion 13 of the first main body portion 11. The first pivot cover 20a is integrally molded with an annular first cover body 21, a first outer cylindrical portion 22 rising from the outer peripheral edge of the first cover body 21 toward the tip of the first pivot shaft 6a, and a first inner cylindrical portion 23 rising from the inner peripheral edge of the first cover body 21 toward the tip of the first pivot shaft 6a. Multiple slits 25 are formed in the first cover body 21 and the first outer cylindrical portion 22, spanning them.
[0041] The first pivot cover 20a is attached to the first main body 11 by fitting the first inner cylindrical portion 23 to the outer circumferential surface of the first main body 11. The first pivot cover 20a is prevented from coming off the first main body 11 by a bush nut 24 attached to the first pivot shaft 6a. The bush nut 24 is attached to the base of the portion of the first pivot shaft 6a that protrudes from the first main body 11.
[0042] In this configuration, the first pivot cover 20a prevents rainwater and other liquids from entering the wiper device 1 via the first pivot shaft 6a. Any water that accumulates on the first pivot cover 20a is discharged to the outside through the multiple slits 25.
[0043] <Second retaining member> Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second retaining member 10b as seen from the driver's seat. More specifically, the second retaining member 10b shown in Figure 5 is viewed from the direction of arrow V in Figure 2. The second retaining member 10b is formed in the same way as the first retaining member 10a, for example, by casting an aluminum material.
[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the second retaining member 10b fixes the second pivot shaft 6b to the vehicle body 101. The second retaining member 10b is integrally molded with a cylindrical second main body portion 31 and a second fixing leg portion (an example of a fixed portion in the claim) 32 and a second frame fixing portion 33 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second main body portion 31.
[0045] A second pivot shaft 6b is inserted into the second main body 31. This allows the second pivot shaft 6b to be rotatably supported within the second main body 31 around its axis. The tip of the second pivot shaft 6b protrudes from above the second main body 31.
[0046] The second fixed leg portion 32 comprises a plate-shaped second leg portion 34 extending outward in the vehicle width direction (towards the driver's seat) from the outer peripheral surface of the second main body portion 31, and an annular second base portion 35 integrally molded at the end of the second leg portion 34 opposite to the second main body portion 31. The second leg portion 34 is integrally molded with a base end portion 34a extending from the second main body portion 31 in a thickness direction that coincides with the axial direction of the second main body portion 31, a rising portion 34b bending and extending from the opposite side of the base end portion 34a toward the tip of the second pivot axis 6b, and a tip portion 34c extending parallel to the base end portion 34a from the opposite side of the rising portion 34b. The second base portion 35 is integrally molded on the tip portion 34c.
[0047] The thickness direction of the second base portion 35 is the same as the thickness direction of the tip portion 34c. A claw portion 36 is integrally molded on the driver's side of the second base portion 35. The claw portion 36 is formed in a plate shape. The claw portion 36 is integrally molded with a first extension portion 36a extending from the side of the second base portion 35 and a second extension portion 36b bending and extending from the opposite side of the first extension portion 36a from the second base portion 35. The second extension portion 36b protrudes from the first extension portion 36a toward the opposite side of the tip portion of the second pivot shaft 6b (opposite side of the second wiper arm 4b).
[0048] A second damper 37, formed in a cylindrical shape from rubber or the like, is fitted and mounted on the inner circumferential edge of the second base portion 35. A second collar (an example of a fixing hole in the claim) 38 is fitted onto the inner circumferential surface of the second damper 37. These second damper 37 and second collar 38 are also components that constitute the second fixing leg portion 32. The second collar 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the size of the hole in the first collar 18 is larger than the size of the hole in the second collar 38. Bolts for fixing the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 are inserted into the second collar 38.
[0049] <First pivot cover> As detailed in Figure 2, the second pivot cover 20b is attached to the second main body portion 31 of the second holding member 10b configured as described above, above the second fixing leg portion 32 and the second frame fixing portion 33. The second pivot cover 20b is integrally molded with an annular second cover body 41, a second outer cylindrical portion 42 rising from the outer peripheral edge of the second cover body 41 toward the tip of the second pivot shaft 6b, and a second inner cylindrical portion 43 rising from the inner peripheral edge of the second cover body 41 toward the tip of the second pivot shaft 6b. Multiple slits 45 are formed in the second cover body 41 and the second outer cylindrical portion 42, spanning across them.
[0050] The second inner cylindrical portion 43 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the second main body portion 31, thereby attaching the second pivot cover 20b to the second main body portion 31. The second pivot cover 20b is prevented from coming off the second main body portion 31 by a bush nut 44 attached to the second pivot shaft 6b. The bush nut 44 is attached to the base of the portion of the second pivot shaft 6b that protrudes from the second main body portion 31.
[0051] In this configuration, the second pivot cover 20b prevents rainwater and other liquids from entering the wiper device 1 via the second pivot shaft 6b. Any water that accumulates on the second pivot cover 20b is discharged to the outside through the multiple slits 45.
[0052] <Wiper Motor> The wiper motor 8 is a drive source that drives the first pivot shaft 6a and the second pivot shaft 6b. The wiper motor 8 comprises an electric motor 8a and a reduction gear 8b connected to the electric motor 8a. A pipe frame 7 is attached to one side of the reduction gear 8b via a mounting bracket 8c.
[0053] <Third retaining member> The reduction gear 8b is provided with a third retaining member 47 on the side opposite the pipe frame 7, with the wiper motor 8 in between. The third retaining member 47 is formed by casting, for example, an aluminum material. The third retaining member 47 fixes the wiper motor 8 to the vehicle body 101. The third retaining member 47 includes a third fixing leg portion (an example of a fixed portion in the claim) 48.
[0054] The third fixed leg portion 48 is formed in a strip shape. The third fixed leg portion 48 includes a motor mounting portion 48a that extends parallel to the pipe frame 7 and is fixed to the reduction gear 8b, a vehicle body mounting portion 48b that extends from the end of the motor mounting portion 48a on the second retaining member 10b side, and an annular third base portion 48c integrally molded with the end of the vehicle body mounting portion 48b on the second retaining member 10b side. The vehicle body mounting portion 48b extends in the same direction as the extension direction of the motor mounting portion 48a, while being bent in a twisting manner from the motor mounting portion 48a. Therefore, the thickness direction of the motor mounting portion 48a and the thickness direction of the vehicle body mounting portion 48b intersect.
[0055] The thickness direction of the third base portion 48c is the same as the thickness direction of the vehicle body mounting portion 48b. A third damper 49, formed in a cylindrical shape from rubber or the like, is fitted and mounted on the inner circumference of the third base portion 48c. A cylindrical third collar 49a is fitted onto the inner circumference of the third damper 49. A bolt for fixing the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 is inserted into the third collar 49a. In addition, a linkage mechanism 50 is connected to the output shaft 8d (see Figure 5) of the reduction gear 8b.
[0056] <Link mechanism> The link mechanism 50 is connected to the output shaft 8d of the reduction gear 8b, and also connects the first pivot shaft 6a and the second pivot shaft 6b. The link mechanism 50 transmits the driving force of the wiper motor 8 to the first pivot shaft 6a and the second pivot shaft 6b, causing the first pivot shaft 6a and the second pivot shaft 6b to rotate synchronously. The link mechanism 50 includes a first crank arm 51 connected to the base end of the first pivot shaft 6a, a second crank arm 52 connected to the base end of the second pivot shaft 6b, a third crank arm 53 connected to the output shaft 8d of the reduction gear 8b, and two link connecting rods 54, 55 (first link connecting rod 54, second link connecting rod 55) rotatably connected to these crank arms 51 to 53.
[0057] Each crank arm 51-53 is a plate-shaped member extending in one direction. A corresponding pivot shaft 6a, 6b and output shaft 8d are connected to one end of each crank arm 51-53 in the longitudinal direction. Of the two link connecting rods 54 and 55, one end of the first link connecting rod 54 is rotatably connected to the output shaft 8d of the reduction gear 8b. The other end of the first link connecting rod 54 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first crank arm 51. Of the two link connecting rods 54 and 55, one end of the second link connecting rod 55 is rotatably connected to the other end of the second crank arm 52. The other end of the second link connecting rod 55 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first crank arm 51.
[0058] <Installation status of the wiper unit on the vehicle body> Next, the assembly state of the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 will be described based on Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first base portion 15 from above. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first base portion 15 from below. First, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the assembly state of the first retaining member 10a to the vehicle body 101 will be described. The vehicle body 101 is provided with a first bracket 61 on which the first base portion 15 is mounted.
[0059] The first bracket 61 has a base plate 62 on which the first base portion 15 is placed. The base plate 62 extends slightly diagonally so as it goes downward, it gradually goes forward. The base plate 62 is provided with a female thread portion 63 at a position corresponding to the first collar 18. The base plate 62 has a hole 64 into which the projection 16 provided on the first base portion 15 is inserted.
[0060] A bolt (not shown) is inserted into the first collar 18 from above and fastened to the female threaded portion 63. As a result, the entire end face of the first damper 17 is placed on the base plate 62 so as to overlap, and the first retaining member 10a is fastened and fixed to the base plate 62 by a bolt (not shown). At this time, the projection 16 inserted into the hole 64 of the base plate 62 penetrates the hole 64 and protrudes downward from the base plate 62. The projection 16 is inserted in the radial center of the hole 64. That is, the projection 16 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the hole 64 and is not in contact with the hole 64.
[0061] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second base portion 35 from the front. Next, as shown in Figure 8, the assembly state of the second retaining member 10b to the vehicle body 101 will be described. The vehicle body 101 is provided with a second bracket 65 on which the second base portion 35 is mounted. The second bracket 65 has a damper mounting surface 66 on which the second damper 37 is mounted, and a claw-facing surface 67 that faces the second extension portion 36b of the claw portion 36.
[0062] The damper mounting surface 66 extends slightly diagonally, gradually moving forward as it goes downward. The damper mounting surface 66 is provided with a female screw portion 68 at a position corresponding to the second collar 38. The claw-facing surface 67 extends slightly diagonally, gradually moving towards the driver's seat as it goes downward.
[0063] A bolt (not shown) is inserted into the second collar 38 from above and fastened to the female threaded portion 68. As a result, the entire end face of the second damper 37 is placed on the damper mounting surface 66, and the second retaining member 10b is fastened and fixed to the second bracket 65 by a bolt (not shown). At this time, the second extension portion 36b of the claw portion 36 is spaced apart from the claw-facing surface 67.
[0064] <Method for installing the wiper unit onto the vehicle body> Next, the method for assembling the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 will be explained based on Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a view of the second retaining member 10b from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and is an enlarged view of the second fixing leg portion 32. Figure 10 is a view of the first retaining member 10a from the passenger side in the vehicle width direction.
[0065] First, as shown in Figure 9, the second retaining member 10b is placed on the second bracket 65 provided on the vehicle body 101, and as shown in Figure 10, the first retaining member 10a is placed on the first bracket 61 provided on the vehicle body 101 (temporary holding step). In the following description, the state in which the retaining members 10a and 10b are simply placed on the brackets 61 and 65, and the state before the retaining members 10a and 10b are fastened and fixed to the brackets 61 and 65 by bolts (not shown), will be referred to as the temporary holding state.
[0066] As shown in Figure 9, to temporarily hold the wiper device 1, the claw portion 36 of the second retaining member 10b is hooked onto the second bracket 65. At this time, the claw portion 36 engages with the second bracket 65 due to the weight of the wiper device 1. That is, the second extension portion 36b of the claw portion 36 is placed on the second bracket 65. In this way, one side of the second extension portion 36b on the second bracket 65 side functions as a contact surface 36c that is placed on the second bracket 65 in the temporarily held state. On the other hand, the second damper 37 is placed on the damper mounting surface 66 of the second bracket 65. In this way, the claw portion 36 prevents the second retaining member 10b from falling downward in the temporarily held state.
[0067] As shown in Figure 10, in order to temporarily hold the first bracket 61, the projection 16 is inserted into the hole 64 formed in the base plate 62 of the first bracket 61, and the first damper 17 is placed on the base plate 62. Then, due to the weight of the wiper device 1, the first holding member 10a attempts to rotate so that it falls off the first bracket 61 (see arrow Y1 in Figure 10).
[0068] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the orientation of the first retaining member 10a in the temporary holding state. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the projection 16 of the first retaining member 10a relative to the hole 64 of the base plate 62 in the temporary holding state. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, when the wiper device 1 attempts to rotate so that the first retaining member 10a falls off the first bracket 61 due to its own weight (see arrow Y1 in Figures 10 to 12), the first retaining member 10a rotates on the base plate 62 so that the projection 16 side of the first retaining member 10a rises up, with the corner of the first damper 17 acting as a pivot point P (see arrow Y2 in Figures 11 and 12).
[0069] More specifically, the direction along the alignment direction (vehicle width direction) of the first retaining member 10a and the second retaining member 10b is the direction of the rotation axis A1 of the first fixed leg 12 in the temporary holding state. In the temporary holding state, the corner of the first damper 17 that is in contact with the base plate 62 becomes the pivot point P, and the first fixed leg 12 rotates around the rotation axis A1. The direction of rotation of the first fixed leg 12 at this time is the direction in which the projection 16 side rises (see arrow Y2 in Figures 11 and 12).
[0070] As a result, the projection 16 comes into contact with only a portion of the inner periphery of the hole 64 in the base plate 62. In other words, the projection 16 becomes hooked onto the hole 64. This prevents the first fixed leg portion 12 from rotating and engages the first holding member 10a with the base plate 62. That is, the projection 16 prevents the first holding member 10a from rotating around its axis of rotation A1 in the temporary holding state. Furthermore, the axial direction A3 of the projection 16 intersects with the axial direction A2 of the hole 64. The tip of the projection 16 protrudes radially outward from the inner periphery of the hole 64.
[0071] Next, the second retaining member 10b is fastened and fixed to the second bracket 65 with bolts (not shown) (first fixing step). As a result, the second extension portion 36b of the claw portion 36 is separated from the claw-facing surface 67 of the second bracket 65. The entire end face of the second damper 37 is placed on the damper mounting surface 66 so as to overlap (see Figure 8).
[0072] Next, the first retaining member 10a is fastened and fixed to the first bracket 61 with bolts (not shown) (first fixing step). Then, the first fixing leg portion 12 is rotated so as to be pushed back toward the base plate 62 side around the rotation axis A1 (see arrow Y3 in Figure 10). The first damper 17 is then placed on the base plate 62 so that its entire end face overlaps with the base plate 62. The projection 16 inserted into the hole 64 of the base plate 62 is moved to the radial center of the hole 64 and is no longer in contact with the inner periphery of the hole 64 (see Figure 7).
[0073] Here, the size of the hole in the first collar 18 in the first retaining member 10a into which a bolt (not shown) is inserted is larger than the size of the hole in the second collar 38 in the second retaining member 10b into which a bolt (not shown) is inserted. More specifically, the first collar 18 is formed in an elongated oval shape that is long in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the axial direction. The second collar 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape.
[0074] Therefore, a bolt (not shown) is first inserted into the second collar 38, and the second retaining member 10b is fastened and fixed to the second bracket 65. This ensures that the position of the wiper device 1 relative to the second bracket 65 (driver's side) is precisely determined. Any misalignment between the first collar 18 and the bolt (not shown) due to manufacturing tolerances between the vehicle body 101 and the wiper device 1 is absorbed by the oval shape of the first collar 18.
[0075] Next, the third retaining member 47 is fastened and secured to the vehicle body 101 with bolts (not shown) (see Figure 2, second fixing step). This completes the assembly of the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101.
[0076] <Operation of the wiper device> Next, we will explain the operation of the wiper device 1. By driving the wiper motor 8, the output shaft 8d is rotated. The rotation of the output shaft 8d is transmitted to the first pivot shaft 6a via the third crank arm 53, the first link connecting rod 54, and the first crank arm 51. As a result, the first pivot shaft 6a is rotated in both forward and reverse directions within a predetermined range of rotation angles.
[0077] The second pivot shaft 6b is also connected to the first crank arm 51 via the second link connecting rod 55 and the second crank arm 52. Therefore, the rotation of the output shaft 8d is also transmitted to the second pivot shaft 6b via the third crank arm 53, the first link connecting rod 54, the second link connecting rod 55, and the second crank arm 52. As a result, the second pivot shaft 6b rotates in both forward and reverse directions within a predetermined range of rotation angles.
[0078] In this way, the link mechanism 50 simultaneously transmits the rotation of the output shaft 8d to the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b. As a result, the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b are driven to rotate synchronously. When the two pivot shafts 6a and 6b are rotated, the wiper arms 4a and 4b, each connected to the ends of these pivot shafts 6a and 6b respectively, oscillate synchronously in the same direction within a predetermined range between an upper inversion position and a lower inversion position on the windshield 2. This causes the wiper blades 3a and 3b attached to each wiper arm 4a and 4b to wipe the windshield 2.
[0079] <Effects> The wiper device 1 described above has a projection 16 on the first retaining member 10a. When in a temporary holding state, the projection 16 is inserted into a hole 64 formed in the base plate 62 of the vehicle body 101. In the temporary holding state, the projection 16 is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole 64, and a part of the first retaining member 10a (first damper 17) is in contact with the base plate 62 (vehicle body 101). In this way, the first retaining member 10a is in two-point contact with the base plate 62 in the temporary holding state. Therefore, the projection 16 can be reliably hooked onto the inner periphery of the hole 64. Thus, the temporary holding state of the wiper device 1 can be sufficiently maintained, and the assembly work of the wiper device 1 can be easily performed.
[0080] When the axis of rotation A1 is defined as the direction along the alignment direction (vehicle width direction) of the first retaining member 10a and the second retaining member 10b, the corner of the first damper 17 that contacts the base plate 62 in the temporary holding state becomes the pivot point P, and the first fixed leg 12 rotates around the axis of rotation A1. In the direction of rotation of the first fixed leg 12 at this time (see arrow Y2 in Figures 11 and 12), the projection 16 is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole 64. Therefore, even if the base plate 62 is inclined, it is possible to reliably prevent the first retaining member 10a from rolling off the base plate 62 in the temporary holding state. Thus, the temporary holding state of the wiper device 1 can be sufficiently maintained.
[0081] In the temporary holding state, the projection 16 penetrates the hole 64 of the base plate 62. The tip of the projection 16 protrudes radially outward from the inner periphery of the hole 64. Therefore, the projection 16 can be sufficiently hooked onto the hole 64. Thus, the temporary holding state of the wiper device 1 can be sufficiently maintained. The projection 16 is formed in the shape of a round rod that extends linearly along the axial direction of the first main body portion 11. In the temporary holding state, the axial direction A3 of the projection 16 intersects with the axial direction A2 of the hole 64. This allows for a simplified shape of the projection 16. It is easy to insert the projection 16 into the hole 64, and the projection 16 can be sufficiently hooked onto the hole 64 in the temporary holding state.
[0082] When the first retaining member 10a is fastened and fixed to the base plate 62, the projection 16 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the hole 64 and does not contact the hole 64. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hole 64 and the projection 16 from coming into contact and generating abnormal noise when the wiper device 1 is driven after being fixed. It is also possible to prevent the projection 16 from coming into contact with the hole 64 and deforming the projection 16 or the first retaining member 10a.
[0083] The second fixing leg portion 32 of the second holding member 10b is provided with a claw portion 36. In the temporary holding state, the claw portion 36 engages with the second bracket 65. The claw portion 36 has a contact surface 36c that rests on the second bracket 65 in the temporary holding state. Therefore, the contact surface 36c allows the second holding member 10b to be stably supported on the second bracket 65.
[0084] Furthermore, in the temporary holding state, the first holding member 10a and the second holding member 10b can be configured to have different restricting directions. More specifically, the projection 16 prevents the first holding member 10a from rotating around the rotation axis A1 in the temporary holding state. The claw portion 36 prevents the second holding member 10b from falling downward in the temporary holding state. As a result, the temporary holding state of the wiper device 1 can be maintained more reliably.
[0085] The bolts (not shown) used to fasten the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101 are inserted into the first collar 18 of the first retaining member 10a and the second collar 38 of the second retaining member 10b. The size of the hole in the first collar 18 is larger than the size of the hole in the second collar 38. More specifically, the first collar 18 is formed in an elongated oval shape, which is longer in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the axial direction. The second collar 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As a result, the second pivot shaft 6b on the driver's side can be positioned with higher precision than the first pivot shaft 6a on the passenger side. The bolts (not shown) and the first collar 18 can absorb manufacturing errors in the wiper device 1.
[0086] By precisely positioning the second pivot axis 6b, the second wiper arm 4b connected to this second pivot axis 6b can be positioned with high precision. Therefore, the wiping range of the windshield 2 by the second wiper blade 3b can be precisely determined. Thus, for example, good visibility for the driver can be ensured when driving in rainy weather.
[0087] When assembling the wiper device 1 to the vehicle body 101, first, the second retaining member 10b is placed on the second bracket 65 and the first retaining member 10a is placed on the first bracket 61 (temporary retaining step). Next, the second retaining member 10b is fastened and fixed to the second bracket 65 and the first retaining member 10a is fastened and fixed to the first bracket 61 (first fixing step). Next, the third retaining member 47 is fastened and fixed to the vehicle body 101 (second fixing step).
[0088] This assembly method makes it possible to assemble the third retaining member 47 to the engine compartment side of the vehicle body 101, opposite to the interior. Consequently, by separating the wiper motor 8 from the interior, the driving noise of the wiper motor 8 is less likely to be transmitted to the interior, improving quietness. Furthermore, it is possible to make the panel 70 (see Figure 2) on the engine compartment side of the vehicle body 101 a different panel from the panel to which the first retaining member 10a and the second retaining member 10b are fixed. In this way, a wiper device 1 can be provided that meets various requirements. Depending on the requirements, the wiper device 1 can be assembled to the vehicle body 101 using various assembly procedures.
[0089] In particular, during the temporary holding process, the projection 16 of the first holding member 10a is inserted into the hole 64 of the first bracket 61, and the claw portion 36 of the second holding member 10b is engaged with the second bracket 65. By using this method, the first holding member 10a and the second holding member 10b can have different restricting directions during the temporary holding process. As a result, the temporary holding state of the wiper device 1 can be maintained more reliably, and the holding members 10a and 10b can be securely fixed to the vehicle body 101 during the first fixing process. After this, it becomes possible to assemble a vehicle body 101 component (e.g., panel 70) that is different from the vehicle body 101 component (panel) to which the first holding member 10a and the second holding member 10b are fixed to the third holding member 47.
[0090] The wiper device 1 can adequately maintain a temporary holding state on the vehicle body 101 and facilitate assembly work on the vehicle body 101, thereby contributing to Goal 7, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all," and Goal 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation," both of which are led by the United Nations.
[0091] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 was described as having a driver's seat on the right side in the vehicle width direction and a passenger seat on the left side in the vehicle width direction. The description described a case where the size of the hole in the first collar 18 on the passenger side is larger than the size of the hole in the second collar 38 on the driver's side, of the collars 18 and 38 provided in the first retaining member 10a and the second retaining member 10b, respectively. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, a vehicle may have a driver's seat on the left side in the vehicle width direction and a passenger seat on the left side in the vehicle width direction. In this case, it is preferable to make the size of the hole in the second collar 38 larger than the size of the hole in the first collar 18.
[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the second retaining member 10b is provided with a claw portion 36 was explained. However, the invention is not limited to this, and projections 16 may be provided on both the first retaining member 10a and the second retaining member 10b. A hole for inserting the projection 16 may be formed in the second bracket 65.
[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the projection 16 was described as being formed in the shape of a round bar extending linearly along the axial direction of the first main body portion 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the projection 16 does not have to be round bar-shaped, nor does it have to be formed in a linear shape. The projection 16 only needs to be shaped to contact only a part of the inner periphery of the hole 64 in the temporary holding state. The projection 16 only needs to be shaped so that it is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the hole 64 when the first holding member 10a is fastened and fixed to the base plate 62.
[0095] In the above embodiment, a case was described in which bolts were used as fixing members for fixing each retaining member 10a, 10b, and 47 to the vehicle body 101. However, the invention is not limited to this, and any fixing member that can fix each retaining member 10a, 10b, and 47 to the vehicle body 101 is acceptable. For example, a crimping pin may be used instead of a bolt as the fixing member.
[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the case was explained in which, in the temporary holding state, the projection 16 is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole 64, and the first damper 17 constituting the first fixing leg 12 is in contact with the base plate 62 (vehicle body 101). However, it is not limited to this, and in the temporary holding state, it is sufficient that the projection 16 is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole 64, and that a part of the first holding member 10a is in contact with the vehicle body 101. This means that the first holding member 10a is in contact with the base plate 62 at two points. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0097] 1... Wiper device, 2... Windshield, 3a... First wiper blade, 3b... Second wiper blade, 4a... First wiper arm (wiper arm), 4b... Second wiper arm (wiper arm), 6a... First pivot shaft, 6b... Second pivot shaft, 7... Pipe frame, 8... Wiper motor (drive unit), 8a... Electric motor, 8b... Reducer, 8c... Mounting bracket, 8d... Output shaft, 10a... First retaining member, 10b... Second retaining member, 11... First main body (main body), 12... First fixed leg (fixed) 31…First frame fixing part, 13…First leg body, 14…First base part, 15…Protrusion, 16a…Flat surface part, 17…First damper, 18…First collar (fixed hole), 20a…First pivot cover, 20b…Second pivot cover, 21…First cover body, 22…First outer cylindrical part, 23…First inner cylindrical part, 24…Bush nut, 25…Slit, 31…Second main body part (main body part), 32…Second fixed leg part (fixed part), 33…Second frame fixing part, 34…Second leg body, 34a… Base end, 34b…rising part, 34c…tip part, 35…second base part, 36…claw part, 36a…first extension part, 36b…second extension part, 36c…contact surface, 37…second damper, 38…second collar (fixed hole), 41…second cover body, 42…second outer cylindrical part, 43…second inner cylindrical part, 44…bush nut, 45…slit, 47…third retaining member, 48…third fixing leg part (fixed part), 48a…motor mounting part, 48b…vehicle body mounting part, 48c…third base part, 49…third damper, 49a…third 3 collars, 50...link mechanism (connecting part), 51...first crank arm, 52...second crank arm, 53...third crank arm, 54...first link connecting rod, 55...second link connecting rod, 61...first bracket, 62...base plate, 63...female threaded part, 64...hole, 65...second bracket, 66...damper mounting surface, 67...claw opposing surface, 68...female threaded part, 100...vehicle, 101...body, A1...rotation axis, A2...axial direction, A3...axial direction, P...fulcrum, Y1...arrow, Y2...arrow, Y3...arrow
Claims
1. A first pivot axis and a second pivot axis to which each wiper arm is connected, A drive unit that applies rotational force to each of the pivot axes, A connecting part is connected to each of the pivot shafts and the drive unit, and drives each of the pivot shafts to rotate in a synchronous manner. A first retaining member for fixing the first pivot shaft to the vehicle body, A second retaining member for fixing the second pivot shaft to the vehicle body, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned retaining members is A main body that rotatably supports the corresponding pivot axis, A fixed portion provided on the main body and fixed to the vehicle body via a fixing member, Equipped with, Of the first retaining member and the second retaining member, at least the first retaining member is provided with a projection on the fixed portion, The vehicle body has a hole into which the projection is inserted. Before fixing the part to be fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, and in a temporary holding state in which the projection is inserted into the hole, the projection is in contact with only a part of the inner periphery of the hole, and a part of the holding member is in contact with the vehicle body. A wiper device characterized by the following features.
2. When the direction along the alignment direction of the first holding member and the second holding member is defined as the direction of the rotation axis of the fixed part in the temporary holding state, In the temporary holding state, the fixed portion is in contact with the vehicle body, and the projection is in contact with only a portion of the inner periphery of the hole in a direction in which the fixed portion rotates around the rotation axis, with the point of contact of the fixed portion with the vehicle body as a pivot point. The wiper device according to feature 1.
3. In the aforementioned temporary holding state, the projection penetrates the hole, and the tip of the projection protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral edge of the hole. A wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.
4. The projection is formed in the shape of a rod that extends linearly in one direction from the fixed portion, In the aforementioned temporary holding state, the axial direction of the projection intersects with the axial direction of the hole. The wiper device according to feature 3.
5. In the state in which the part to be fixed is fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, the projection is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the hole. A wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.
6. The projection is provided only on the fixed portion of the first holding member, The fixed portion of the second holding member is provided with a claw portion that engages with the vehicle body in the temporary holding state, The claw portion has a contact surface that is placed on the vehicle body in the temporary holding state. A wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.
7. The wiper arm, which is attached to the passenger side of the vehicle body, is connected to the first pivot shaft. The wiper arm, which is attached to the driver's side of the vehicle body, is connected to the second pivot shaft. The aforementioned fixing member is a bolt or a pin. Each of the parts to be fixed has a hole into which the fixing member is inserted, The size of the fixing hole on the first pivot axis side is larger than the size of the fixing hole on the second pivot axis side. The wiper device according to feature 6.
8. A wiper device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A third retaining member for fixing the drive unit to the vehicle body, A method for assembling a wiper device, comprising: A temporary holding step in which the first holding member and the second holding member are temporarily held in place with respect to the vehicle body, After the temporary holding step, a first fixing step is performed in which the first holding member and the second holding member are fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, After the first fixing step, a second fixing step is performed in which the third retaining member is fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, Having, Wiper device assembly method.
9. The wiper device according to claim 6, A third retaining member for fixing the drive unit to the vehicle body, A method for assembling a wiper device, comprising: A temporary holding step involves inserting the projection of the first holding member into the hole in the vehicle body and engaging the claw portion of the second holding member with the vehicle body to achieve the temporary holding state, After the temporary holding step, a first fixing step is performed in which the first holding member and the second holding member are fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, After the first fixing step, a second fixing step is performed in which the third retaining member is fixed to the vehicle body via the fixing member, Having, Wiper device assembly method.