Vehicle wipers

Abstract

To provide a vehicle wiper with a washer nozzle which can favorably supply a wiper blade with an injected washer fluid within a range in a longer direction of the wiper blade even when being influenced by traveling wind.SOLUTION: A washer nozzle 20 arranged in a vehicle wiper 10 includes a membranous injection part which injects washer fluid in a first injection state A1 where membranous spread is given in a longer direction of the wiper blade 12 at least in injection of washer fluid W directing diagonally downward at a tip side of a wiper blade 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle wiper having a washer nozzle. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle wiper with a washer nozzle is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. For example, a washer nozzle is attached to the tip of a wiper arm, and washer fluid is sprayed from the center of the wiper blade in the longitudinal direction to the wiping surface at various points in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6755016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is preferable that the washer fluid sprayed from the washer nozzle onto the wiping surface be supplied within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade without waste, taking into consideration the subsequent wiping by the wiper blade. One of the issues to be considered is whether this is done appropriately not only when the vehicle is stopped, but also when the vehicle is moving.

[0005] That is, the vehicle wiper is subjected to the wind from the front to the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling. When the wiper blade is oriented in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle during the wiping operation of the vehicle wiper, the wind also aligns with the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade. In such a situation, when the washer fluid is sprayed with a linear directional jet to supply the fluid to the tip of the wiper blade, the spray with the linear directional jet has a strong propulsive force of the washer fluid W, and the fluid lands locally. Moreover, since the incident angle of the washer fluid W to the wiping surface is small, the washer fluid after landing on the wiping surface spreads widely toward the tip side of the spray direction due to the propulsive force, and is likely to be supplied outside the tip of the wiper blade. Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the spread is further promoted due to the influence of the wind, and the area to which the washer fluid is supplied is unstable, and the washer fluid is supplied to the outside of the longitudinal range of the wiper blade, resulting in waste of the washer fluid. Furthermore, if the washer fluid is sprayed toward the inside of the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade in order to prevent the washer fluid from leaking outward from the tip of the wiper blade, it is not possible to supply a sufficient amount of washer fluid to the tip when driving at low speeds.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle wiper with a washer nozzle that can effectively supply sprayed washer fluid within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade even in situations where it is affected by wind caused by vehicle travel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle wiper that solves the above problem comprises a wiper blade (12) for wiping a wiping surface (WSa), and a wiper arm (11) that is connected to the wiper blade and transmits a driving force for the wiping operation to the wiper blade. The vehicle wiper (10) also comprises a washer nozzle (20) that is integral with the wiper arm or the wiper blade and sprays washer fluid (W) onto the wiping surface. When the longitudinal end on the side that coincides with the tip of the vehicle wiper is the tip (12a) of the wiper blade and the opposite end is the rear end (12b) of the wiper blade, the washer nozzle is provided with a film-like spray portion (N1) that sprays the washer fluid at least diagonally downward toward the tip side of the wiper blade, spreading in a film-like manner in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the washer nozzle provided on the vehicle wiper is configured such that, when spraying the washer fluid at least obliquely downward on the tip side of the wiper blade, the spray spreads in a film shape in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade from the film spray portion. The washer fluid sprayed in a film shape from the film spray portion can be continuously landed on the wiping surface within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade, and the washer fluid can be supplied substantially uniformly and continuously in the longitudinal direction, compared to the intermittent landing of the washer fluid when, for example, a linearly directional spray is performed at multiple points. In addition, the washer fluid sprayed in a film shape from the film spray portion has a weaker propulsive force than a linearly directional spray, so that the washer fluid after landing on the wiping surface is less spread in the spray direction due to the propulsive force. Therefore, even if the tip side of the film spray is sprayed toward the tip of the wiper blade, the spread due to the propulsive force after landing is suppressed. In other words, the sprayed washer fluid can be supplied to the wiping surface efficiently within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle wiper with a washer nozzle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 4 is a front view of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the washer nozzle in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the washer nozzle in the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nozzle part of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle component of the washer nozzle in the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle wiper will be described. [Overall configuration of vehicle wiper 10] A vehicle wiper 10 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 wipes the outer surface of a windshield WS at the front of a vehicle as a wiping surface WSa. The vehicle wiper 10 includes a wiper arm 11 and a wiper blade 12, and is configured by connecting a tip of the wiper arm 11 to a longitudinal center of the wiper blade 12. In the vehicle wiper 10, the wiper arm 11 is driven by a wiper motor (not shown), and the wiper blade 12, which receives a driving force from the wiper arm 11, reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to its own longitudinal direction. The wiper blade 12 wipes the wiping surface WSa in an arc shape, and wipes away foreign matter such as raindrops adhering to the wiping surface WSa. The vehicle wiper 10 according to the present embodiment is also integrally provided with a washer nozzle 20 that sprays and supplies washer fluid W to the wiping surface WSa.

[0011] [Configuration of wiper arm 11 and wiper blade 12] The wiper blade 12 includes, as an example of various configurations, a main lever 13, two yoke levers 14, two movable covers 15, and a blade rubber 16. Each of these components is elongated in one direction, and is arranged so that their longitudinal directions are aligned with each other.

[0012] The central portions of the yoke levers 14 are rotatably connected to both longitudinal ends of the main lever 13 by respective shaft portions 13a. The base ends of the movable covers 15 are rotatably connected to the portions of the yoke levers 14 that protrude slightly outward in the longitudinal direction from the main lever 13 by respective shaft portions 15a. The movable covers 15 and the main lever 13 connected to the yoke levers 14 have an integrated external shape that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, and are configured to have the same longitudinal length as the long blade rubber 16.

[0013] Each yoke lever 14 is provided at both longitudinal ends with gripping portions 14a for gripping the blade rubber 16. Each movable cover 15 is provided at its tip with gripping portions 15b for gripping the blade rubber 16. The six gripping portions 14a, 15b provided on each yoke lever 14 and each movable cover 15 are positioned at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the blade rubber 16 and grip the blade rubber 16 at various locations in the longitudinal direction. The blade rubber 16 is locked at at least one location of each of the gripping portions 14a, 15b so as not to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Such a wiper blade 12 is rotatably connected to the tip of the wiper arm 11 at the longitudinal center of the main lever 13. The tip of the wiper arm 11 has a hook portion (not shown) formed by bending an arm material made in the shape of a long, thin plate into a U-shape, and is connected to the main lever 13 of the wiper blade 12 at the hook portion via a connecting member (e.g., a clip not shown). The portion of the tip of the wiper arm 11 subsequent to the hook portion is a tip plate portion 11a having a plate shape of a predetermined length. The tip plate portion 11a is a portion to which a washer nozzle 20 is attached. The washer nozzle 20 attached to the tip of the wiper arm 11 (a portion closer to the hook portion on the rear end side than the hook portion) sprays and supplies washer fluid W from near the upper portion of the longitudinal center of the wiper blade 12 toward the wiping surface WSa.

[0015] For the purposes of the following description of the washer nozzle 20, the longitudinal end of the side coinciding with the leading end of the vehicle wiper 10 is defined as the leading end 12a of the wiper blade 12, and the opposite end is defined as the rear end 12b of the wiper blade 12. When the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, the up-down direction of the washer nozzle 20 is the direction of separation and approach of the wiping surface WSa wiped by the wiper blade 12. The left-right direction of the washer nozzle 20 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12, and the depth direction of the washer nozzle 20 is defined as the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12.

[0016] [Configuration of washer nozzle 20] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 etc., the washer nozzle 20 includes a nozzle body 21 and first to third nozzle components 31-33.

[0017] The nozzle body 21 has a mounting portion 22 at the upper back side thereof. The mounting portion 22 is provided for mounting to the tip plate portion 11a of the wiper arm 11. The mounting portion 22 has a mounting recess 22a that opens toward the back side, and the tip plate portion 11a of the wiper arm 11 is inserted into the mounting recess 22a from one side in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm 11. The washer nozzle 20 is held relative to the tip plate portion 11a of the wiper arm 11 by mounting the mounting portion 22 to the tip plate portion 11a by inserting the tip plate portion 11a into the mounting recess 22a. The washer nozzle 20 is detachable from the tip plate portion 11a of the wiper arm 11. In addition, the washer nozzle 20 is attached in a state in which the longitudinal movement of the washer nozzle 20 relative to the wiper arm 11 is restricted by engaging the tip plate-shaped portion 11a of the wiper arm 11 with the attachment recess 22a in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] A downward extending portion 23 extending downward is provided on the front side in the depth direction, which is opposite to the mounting portion 22 of the nozzle body 21. The first to third nozzle parts 31 to 33 are integrally assembled to the lower part of the downward extending portion 23 of the nozzle body 21. The first to third nozzle parts 31 to 33 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at the lower part of the downward extending portion 23 of the nozzle body 21, and are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12 when the washer nozzle 20 is mounted on the wiper arm 11. In addition, when the washer nozzle 20 is mounted in the same state, the first to third nozzle parts 31 to 33 located on the front side of the nozzle body 21 are arranged biased to one side in the short direction of the wiper blade 12 (the front side of the wiper blade 12 shown in FIG. 1). In other words, the first to third nozzle parts 31 to 33 are located on the front side of the outgoing path of the wiper blade 12 in the reciprocating wiping process.

[0019] The first to third nozzle parts 31 to 33 respectively constitute the first to third ejection parts N1 to N3 of the washer nozzle 20. The first ejection part N1 ejects the washer fluid obliquely downward from the approximate center of the wiper blade 12 in the longitudinal direction where the washer nozzle 20 is located. The second ejection part N2 ejects the washer fluid obliquely downward from the approximate center of the wiper blade 12 in the longitudinal direction. The third ejection part N3 ejects the washer fluid obliquely downward from the approximate center of the wiper blade 12 in the longitudinal direction. The first to third ejection parts N1 to N3 eject the washer fluid W to the wiping surface WSa on one side of the lateral direction of the wiper blade 12. When the washer fluid W is ejected on the forward path side of the reciprocating wiping of the wiper blade 12, the washer fluid W is first supplied to the front side of the travel direction of the wiper blade 12, that is, the wiping surface WSa of the wiper blade 12 immediately before wiping.

[0020] [First injection part N1] The first ejection part N1 is configured using a first nozzle part 31 shown in Figures 4, 5, 7 to 9, etc. The first nozzle part 31 is attached to one side in the left-right direction at the lower part of the downward extension part 23 of the nozzle body 21. That is, when the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, the first nozzle part 31 is attached to a portion corresponding to the tip end 12a of the wiper blade 12.

[0021] The first nozzle part 31 is integrally provided with a substantially spherical holding part 31a and a nozzle part 31b for spraying the washer fluid W. The holding part 31a is attached in a liquid-tight state to a holding recess 24a provided in the downward extension part 23 of the nozzle body 21. By attaching the holding part 31a to the holding recess 24a, the first nozzle part 31 is held so as to be able to roll with respect to the nozzle body 21. In addition, the holding part 31a is held in a manner that allows three-dimensional movement (rolling) with respect to the nozzle body 21 due to its own shape. In other words, the first nozzle part 31 can change the orientation of its own nozzle part 31b, that is, the spray direction of the washer fluid W can be changed. In addition, the holding part 31a is provided with an introduction flow path 31c for introducing the washer fluid W from the nozzle body 21 side (see FIG. 9).

[0022] The nozzle portion 31b has an injection port 31d and a pair of guide walls 31e in the center. The injection port 31d has a generally elliptical shape that is long in one direction. The injection port 31d has a throttle portion 31f in the center in the longitudinal direction. The injection port 31d communicates with the introduction flow path 31c of the holding portion 31a. A pair of guide walls 31e are erected on both sides of the injection port 31d in the short direction. Each guide wall 31e regulates the spread of the washer fluid W injected from the injection port 31d in the depth direction of the washer nozzle 20 (the width direction of the wiper blade 12). That is, when the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, each guide wall 31e regulates the spread of the washer fluid W injected from the injection port 31d in the short direction of the wiper blade 12.

[0023] 1 and 2, the washer fluid W is sprayed from the nozzle 31d of the first nozzle part 31 in a first spray mode A1 diagonally downward toward the tip of the wiper blade 12. The first spray mode A1 is a spray mode (simply called a film spray) having a film-like spread in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12. The first spray mode A1 assumes continuous water landing on the wiping surface WSa in the range from approximately 1 / 4 inside to approximately the center of the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12. In addition, the first spray mode A1 is set so that the spray force is slightly stronger at the longitudinal center than at other parts. In other words, the first spray mode A1 has a film-like spread shape reflecting the elliptical shape of the nozzle 31d, and the spray force is stronger at the center of the spray mode A1 reflecting the narrowed portion 31f of the nozzle 31d.

[0024] [Second injection part N2] The second ejection section N2 is configured using the second nozzle part 32 shown in Figures 4, 7, etc. The second nozzle part 32 is attached to the left-right center of the lower part of the downward extension part 23 of the nozzle body 21. That is, when the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, the second nozzle part 32 is attached to a portion corresponding to approximately the longitudinal center of the wiper blade 12 with ejection ports 32c1 to 32f1, which will be described later, facing the wiping surface WSa.

[0025] The second nozzle part 32 is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second nozzle part 32 is attached and held in a liquid-tight state in a holding recess 24b provided in the downward extension 23 of the nozzle body 21. The upper part of the second nozzle part 32 is a tapered insertion part 32a, which makes it easy to insert into the holding recess 24b.

[0026] The front surface of the second nozzle part 32 is provided with an introduction flow passage 32b for introducing the washer fluid W from the nozzle body 21, and four jet flow passages 32c-32f that branch off from the introduction flow passage 32b and have a smaller cross-sectional area than the introduction flow passage 32b. The introduction flow passage 32b and the jet flow passages 32c-32f are each formed as a straight groove surrounded by walls on three sides and open on one side (the front surface). In other words, by assembling the second nozzle part 32 to the holding recess 24b of the nozzle body 21, the inner wall surface of the holding recess 24b closes the groove-shaped open portion, completing the introduction flow passage 32b and the jet flow passages 32c-32f as a flow passage closed on all four sides. In other words, since the introduction flow passage 32b and the jet flow passages 32c-32f are formed as grooves, it is easy to fabricate the respective flow passages 32b-32f for the second nozzle part 32. More specifically, the multiple flow paths 32b-32f and the ejection ports 32c1-32f1 can be easily produced simultaneously for the second nozzle part 32 without using, for example, a slide mold. When the second nozzle part 32 is assembled into the holding recess 24b of the nozzle body 21, the four ejection ports 32c1-32f1, which are openings of the four ejection flow paths 32c-32f, are formed in the lower part of the washer nozzle 20 (see FIG. 7). Each of the ejection ports 32c1-32f1 has a rectangular shape.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the washer fluid W is sprayed from each of the nozzles 32c1 to 32f1 of the second nozzle part 32 in the second spraying manner A2 toward the center of the wiper blade 12. The second spraying manner A2 is composed of two spraying manners that are slightly slanted downward toward the front end side and two spraying manners that are slightly slanted downward toward the rear end side in the vicinity of the approximately central portion of the wiper blade 12 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the spraying passages 32c to 32f that determine the second spraying manner A2 are inclined to spray in the respective directions. The second spraying manner A2 is a spraying manner in which each of the four spraying manners has a linear directivity (simply referred to as linear spraying). The second spraying manner A2 is set so that the landing positions from each of the nozzles 32c1 to 32f1 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12 following the first spraying manner A1, and the water is supplied to the wiping surface WSa near the approximately central portion of the wiper blade 12. In particular, the two spray patterns directed obliquely downward slightly toward the rear end side of the wiper blade 12 are sprayed from each of the spray ports 32e1, 32f1 of the flow paths 32e, 32f of the second nozzle part 32. The respective directions are set so that the spray direction from the spray port 32f1 is sprayed toward the rear end side more than the spray direction from the spray port 32e1.

[0028] [Third injection part N3] The third ejection section N3 is configured using a third nozzle part 33 shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, etc. The third nozzle part 33 is attached to the other left-right side at the lower part of the downward extension part 23 of the nozzle body 21. That is, when the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, the third nozzle part 33 is rotatably attached to a portion corresponding to the rear end part 12b of the wiper blade 12.

[0029] The third nozzle part 33 is configured in a substantially spherical shape. The third nozzle part 33 is attached in a liquid-tight state to the holding recess 24c provided in the downward extension part 23 of the nozzle body 21. The third nozzle part 33 is held in a manner that allows three-dimensional movement (rolling) relative to the nozzle body 21 due to its own shape. In other words, the third nozzle part 33 is capable of changing its own orientation, i.e., the spray direction of the washer fluid W is capable of being changed. The third nozzle part 33 has an injection port 33a in the center (see FIG. 6). The injection port 33a is circular.

[0030] 1 and 2, the washer fluid W is sprayed from the nozzle 33a of the third nozzle part 33 in a third spraying manner A3 obliquely downward toward the rear end side of the wiper blade 12. The third spraying manner A3 is a spraying manner having a linear directivity (simply referred to as linear spraying). The third spraying manner A3 is set so that the water landing positions from the nozzle 33a are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12 following the second spraying manner A2, and the water is supplied to the wiping surface WSa located approximately 1 / 4 inside the rear end 12b of the wiper blade 12. This water landing setting can be set assuming that the water will land further toward the rear end side in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12, as shown by the dashed arrow Wx in FIG. 1. This makes it possible to effectively supply the washer fluid W toward the rear end 12b of the wiper blade 12 by the third injection mode A3 when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, for example.

[0031] [Supply of washer fluid W to first to third injection parts N1 to N3] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, an introduction tube portion 25 protruding toward the rear end 12b of the wiper blade 12 is provided below the mounting portion 22 of the nozzle body 21. The introduction tube portion 25 protrudes toward the base end side of the wiper arm 11. The introduction tube portion 25 is arranged along the wiper arm 11 and is connected to a supply hose (not shown) for receiving the supply of the washer fluid W from the vehicle body side. An introduction flow path 26a inside the introduction tube portion 25 of the nozzle body 21 extends to the center in the left-right direction in the nozzle body 21, and communicates with a central flow path 26b extending approximately perpendicularly to the front side at the end of the extension. The central flow path 26b communicates with a downward flow path 26c extending downward in the downward extension portion 23 on the front side of the nozzle body 21.

[0032] The downward flow passage 26c communicates with the introduction flow passage 32b of the second nozzle part 32 held in the holding recess 24b. From one left-right side of the downward flow passage 26c, a branch flow passage 26d extends obliquely downward toward the holding recess 24a that holds the first nozzle part 31. The lower end of the branch flow passage 26d communicates with the introduction flow passage 31c (see FIG. 9) of the first nozzle part 31 held in the holding recess 24a. Moreover, from the other left-right side of the downward flow passage 26c, a branch flow passage 26e extends obliquely downward toward the holding recess 24c that holds the third nozzle part 33. The lower end of the branch flow passage 26e communicates with the injection port 33a of the third nozzle part 33 held in the holding recess 24c.

[0033] The washer fluid W fed to the introduction tube portion 25 flows through the introduction flow passage 26a, the central flow passage 26b, and the downward flow passage 26c, and branches into three directions: the downward flow passage 26c itself and the two branch flow passages 26d and 26e. The washer fluid W that proceeds from the branch flow passage 26d to the introduction flow passage 31c of the first nozzle part 31 is sprayed in a film shape from the nozzle 31d in the first spray mode A1. The film shape is sprayed onto the wiping surface WSa near the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12 (see FIG. 1). The washer fluid W that proceeds from the downward flow passage 26c to the introduction flow passage 32b of the second nozzle part 32 is sprayed in four linear shapes from the nozzles 32c1 to 32f1 through the four spray passages 32c to 32f in the second spray mode A2. Each linear spray is sprayed onto the wiping surface WSa near the center of the wiper blade 12 (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the washer fluid W that has advanced from the branch flow path 26e to the third nozzle part 33 is sprayed in a single linear line from the spray port 33a in the third spray pattern A3. The single linear line is sprayed onto the wiping surface WSa near the rear end 12b of the wiper blade 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0034] Regarding the above-mentioned injection, the flow path cross-sectional area S1 of the branch flow path 26d through which the washer fluid W for the film-like injection of the first injection mode A1 flows is made larger than the flow path cross-sectional area S2 of the branch flow path 26e through which the washer fluid W for the linear injection of the third injection mode A3 flows. The film-like injection of the first injection mode A1 requires a larger flow rate of the washer fluid W per unit time than the linear injection of the third injection mode A3, and the flow path cross-sectional areas S1 and S2 are set to perform suitable film-like injection.

[0035] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle wiper 10 of this embodiment, the washer fluid W is supplied from the vehicle body side to the wiping surface WSa from the first to third jetting portions N1 to N3 of the washer nozzle 20 in first to third jetting patterns A1 to A3, respectively. The washer fluid W is sprayed from the first to third jetting portions N1 to N3 on one side in the short direction of the wiper blade 12. The film-like jet of the first jetting pattern A1 is sprayed obliquely downward from the leading end side of the wiper blade 12, the four linear jets of the second jetting pattern A2 are sprayed downward in the center, and the single linear jet of the third jetting pattern A3 is sprayed obliquely downward from the trailing end side.

[0036] During the wiping operation of the vehicle wiper 10, the wiper blade 12 changes its orientation from one in which its longitudinal direction is aligned with the width direction of the vehicle to one in which its longitudinal direction is aligned with the front-rear direction. When the wiper blade 12 is aligned with the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a vehicle traveling wind X acts around the wiper blade 12 from the rear end 12b to the tip end 12a of the wiper blade 12, as shown in FIG.

[0037] In this situation, if the first injection mode A1 is linear injection, the propulsive force of the washer fluid W is strong and the washer fluid W lands locally. Moreover, since the incident angle of the washer fluid W to the wiping surface WSa is small, the washer fluid W after landing on the wiping surface WSa spreads widely toward the tip side in the injection direction due to the propulsive force, and is likely to be supplied outside the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12. Furthermore, when traveling at high speeds, the influence of the vehicle wind X also promotes the spreading even more, making the area where the washer fluid W is supplied unstable, and the washer fluid W is supplied outside the longitudinal range of the wiper blade 12.

[0038] In contrast, in the present embodiment, in which the first injection mode A1 for injecting the washer fluid W toward the tip side of the wiper blade 12 employs a film-like injection, the propulsive force of the washer fluid W injected from the first injection portion N1 in a film-like manner is weaker than that of the linear injection described above. Therefore, the washer fluid W on the wiping surface WSa after landing by the film-like injection is less spread in the injection direction due to the propulsive force than that of the linear injection described above, and it is possible to prevent the washer fluid W from being supplied outside the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12 at the tip side of the longitudinal direction of the film-like injection. Moreover, unlike the longitudinal direction supply of the washer fluid W expected to spread when it lands, the film-like injection described above can continuously land on the wiping surface WSa from the longitudinal center to the tip side, within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade 12, and it is possible to supply the washer fluid W approximately uniformly in the longitudinal direction. That is, since a large amount of washer fluid W is not locally supplied to the tip side as in the linear jet, the amount of fluid spread in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12 is small even if the washer fluid W after landing is subjected to a tailwind of the vehicle running wind X. Therefore, the area to which the washer fluid W is supplied is stable, and it is possible to prevent the washer fluid W from being supplied to the outside of the longitudinal range of the wiper blade 12, so that the washer fluid W can be supplied well without waste. The film-like jet can be seen as a continuous jet in which the angle of incidence with respect to the wiping surface WSa gradually increases from the longitudinal tip side of the wiper blade 12 toward the center, and the spread of the washer fluid after landing due to the propulsion force is further suppressed near the longitudinal center.

[0039] Incidentally, in vehicles for cold climates, the wiper blade 12 is replaced with one that is taller than the general specification. In this case, the height of the washer nozzle 20 from the wiping surface WSa (i.e., the height of each jet) is higher than in the general specification. This makes it easy for water to be sprayed out from the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12. However, the above-mentioned film-like jet has a weak propulsive force, so it can suppress the change in the landing position in response to the change in the height of the washer nozzle 20, and it is easy for the water to be sprayed inward from the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12.

[0040] In addition, the washer fluid W is sprayed obliquely downward from the rear end side of the wiper blade 12 into a headwind that is in the opposite direction to the vehicle wind X, and is therefore likely to be pushed back by the vehicle wind X. In this embodiment, taking this into consideration, a directional linear spray of the washer fluid W with a strong propulsive force is adopted as the third spray mode A3, thereby making it possible to suppress the influence of the headwind, which is the vehicle wind X. Therefore, the washer fluid W can be supplied well to the wiping surface WSa by the spray without being significantly deviated from the expected landing position.

[0041] In addition, in the washer nozzle 20 of this embodiment, the orientation of the first nozzle part 31 that produces the above-mentioned film-like spray can be changed three-dimensionally, so the spray direction can be adjusted to a desired direction. Similarly, the spray direction of the third nozzle part 33 that produces the above-mentioned linear spray can also be adjusted by changing its own orientation. Therefore, it is possible to easily accommodate individual differences in the wiper blades 12, specification changes, etc.

[0042] Further, the second ejection section N2 of the washer nozzle 20 of this embodiment is configured by mounting the second nozzle part 32 in the holding recess 24b provided in the downward extension section 23 of the nozzle body 21. Therefore, by mounting the second nozzle part 32 having different numbers and orientations of ejection passages 32c-32f and ejection ports 32c1-32f1 in the holding recess 24b, it is possible to easily configure second ejection sections N2 with different settings by sharing the nozzle body 21.

[0043] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The washer nozzle 20 provided in the vehicle wiper 10 of this embodiment includes a first injection portion N1 as a film-like injection portion for injecting the washer fluid W obliquely downward toward the tip side of the wiper blade 12. The first injection portion N1 injects the washer fluid W spreading in a film-like manner in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade 12. The washer fluid W sprayed from the first injection portion N1 in a film-like manner can be continuously landed on the wiping surface WSa within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade 12. For example, compared to intermittent water landing as in the case of spraying with linear directionality at multiple points (from multiple injection ports), the washer fluid W can be supplied substantially uniformly and continuously in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the washer fluid W sprayed from the first injection portion N1 in a film-like manner has a weaker propulsive force than spraying with linear directionality, so the washer fluid W after landing on the wiping surface WSa does not spread much in the spray direction due to the propulsive force. Therefore, even if the tip side of the film-like jet is jetted toward the tip 12a of the wiper blade 12, it is possible to suppress the spreading of the washer fluid W due to the above-mentioned propulsive force after the water hits the wiper blade 12. In this manner, in this embodiment, the jetted washer fluid W can be supplied to the wiping surface WSa efficiently within the longitudinal range of the wiper blade 12 without waste.

[0044] (2) The washer nozzle 20 of this embodiment further includes a third injection portion N3 as a linear injection portion for injecting the washer fluid W obliquely downward toward the rear end side of the wiper blade 12. The third injection portion N3 injects the washer fluid W with linear directionality, unlike the film-like spreading injection of the first injection portion N1. The washer fluid W sprayed linearly from the third injection portion N3 has a strong propulsive force, and can suppress the influence of the vehicle wind X even when sprayed toward the rear end side where the washer fluid W is easily pushed back by the vehicle wind X, which is a headwind. Therefore, the washer fluid W sprayed in this manner can be supplied well to the wiping surface WSa without being significantly deviated from the expected landing position.

[0045] (3) The washer nozzle 20 includes branch flow paths 26d, 26e branching from the downward flow path 26c to the first and third injection parts N1, N3, respectively, as internal flow paths through which the washer fluid W flows. The flow path cross-sectional area S1 of the branch flow path 26d branching toward the first injection part N1 is set to be larger than the flow path cross-sectional area S2 of the branch flow path 26e branching toward the third injection part N3. In other words, the film-like spray of the first injection part N1 requires a larger flow rate (liquid amount) of the washer fluid W per unit time than the linear spray of the third injection part N3, so that by setting each of the flow path cross-sectional areas S1, S2 as described above, it is possible to perform a suitable film-like spray.

[0046] (4) In the first injection section N1 that performs film-like injection, the injection port 31d has an opening shape that is long in one direction, and a throttle section 31f is provided in the longitudinal center of the injection port 31d. By changing the shape of the throttle section 31f, it is possible to perform film-like injection in which the injection force of the washer fluid W is adjusted between both ends and the center.

[0047] (5) In the first injection part N1 that performs the film-like injection, a pair of guide walls 31e are provided on both sides of the short side of the injection port 31d that has an opening shape that is long in one direction, so that the washer fluid W can be injected in a film-like manner with the spread of the washer fluid W in the short side direction being restricted.

[0048] (6) The washer nozzle 20 is configured such that the nozzle body 21 and the first to third nozzle parts 31-33 are manufactured as separate parts, and the nozzle parts 31-33 are assembled integrally into the nozzle body 21. By manufacturing them as separate parts, the nozzle body 21 and the nozzle parts 31-33 can be easily manufactured. In addition, the first and third nozzle parts 31, 33 are assembled in a holding manner that allows them to roll relative to the nozzle body 21, so that the spray direction of the washer fluid W can be adjusted.

[0049] (7) Each of the flow paths 32b-32f of the washer fluid W formed in the second nozzle part 32 is groove-shaped. Then, by incorporating the second nozzle part 32 into the nozzle body 21, the open portions of the grooves are closed to form the flow paths 32b-32f with closed peripheries. As a result, by making each of the flow paths 32b-32f and their respective injection ports 32e1-32f1 into grooves instead of holes, it is possible to easily manufacture the resin molding die structure without using an additional die such as a slide die.

[0050] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0051] Although a film jet is combined with the downward diagonal jet at the leading edge of the wiper blade 12, four linear jets are combined with the downward diagonal jet at the center, and one linear jet is combined with the downward diagonal jet at the trailing edge, these combinations of jet patterns are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate. The number of linear jets may also be changed as appropriate.

[0052] Regarding the configuration of the washer nozzle 20, the first to third nozzle components 31 to 33 are assembled into the nozzle body 21 to form the first to third ejection sections N1 to N3. However, this configuration is merely one example, and the number of ejection sections, the number of components, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0053] Although the washer nozzle 20 is attached to the wiper arm 11, it may be attached to the wiper blade 12. Although the washer nozzle 20 is detachably attached, it may be integrally provided to the vehicle wiper 10.

[0054] The configuration of the wiper blade 12 of the vehicle wiper 10 is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the wiper blade 12 may be modified to a configuration using a tournament-shaped lever assembly, a configuration using only one lever, or a leverless configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Vehicle wiper, 11 Wiper arm, 12 Wiper blade, 12a Tip portion, 12b Rear end portion, 20 Washer nozzle, N1 First spray portion (film-shaped spray portion), W Washer fluid, WSa Wiping surface

Claims

1. The wiper device includes a wiper blade (12) for wiping a surface to be wiped (WSa), and a wiper arm (11) connected to the wiper blade and transmitting a driving force for a wiping operation to the wiper blade; A vehicle wiper (10) comprising a washer nozzle (20) integrally provided on the wiper arm or the wiper blade for spraying a washer fluid (W) onto the wiping surface, When the longitudinal end portion on the side coinciding with the tip end of the vehicle wiper is defined as the tip end (12a) of the wiper blade, and the opposite end portion is defined as the rear end (12b) of the wiper blade, The washer nozzle includes a film-like spraying portion (N1) that sprays the washer fluid obliquely downward at least toward the tip end side of the wiper blade, and the spray is performed in a film-like spreading manner in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade; The washer nozzle further includes a linear injection portion (N3) that injects the washer fluid obliquely downward toward the rear end side of the wiper blade, the washer fluid is injected with linear directivity. Vehicle wiper.

2. the washer nozzle includes a branch flow path that branches from an internal flow path (26c) through which the washer fluid flows to the film-like spray portion and the linear spray portion, a flow path cross-sectional area (S1) of the branch flow path (26d) branching toward the film-shaped injection portion is set to be larger than a flow path cross-sectional area (S2) of the branch flow path (26e) branching toward the linear injection portion.

2. The vehicle wiper according to claim 1.

3. The film-shaped spray portion has a spray port (31d) for the washer fluid that is elongated in one direction, The injection port is provided with a throttle portion (31f) at the longitudinal center. The vehicle wiper according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The film-shaped spray portion has a spray port (31d) for the washer fluid that is elongated in one direction, A pair of guide walls (31e) are provided on both sides of the injection port in the lateral direction to restrict the washer fluid from spreading in the lateral direction. The vehicle wiper according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The washer nozzle includes a nozzle body (21) and a nozzle part (31, 33) having an injection port (31d, 33a) for injecting the washer fluid and assembled into the nozzle body, The nozzle part is assembled to the nozzle body in a holding manner that allows the nozzle part to roll, so that the spray direction of the washer fluid can be adjusted. The vehicle wiper according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The washer nozzle includes a nozzle body (21) and a nozzle part (32) having an injection port (32c1 to 32f1) for injecting the washer fluid and assembled into the nozzle body; The nozzle part has a groove-shaped flow path (32b to 32f) for the washer fluid, and when assembled with the nozzle body, an open portion of the groove is closed to form a closed flow path. The vehicle wiper according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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