Wiper arm, wiper, and vehicle

Abstract

A wiper arm and wiper for a vehicle, and a vehicle. The wiper arm (1, 1') of a vehicle wiper includes a wiper arm seat (11) for connection to a drive unit, a wiper arm end piece (13) for holding a wiper blade of the wiper, and at least one arm portion (12) arranged between the wiper arm seat (11) and the wiper arm end piece (13). The arm portion (12) is fixedly connected to the wiper arm end piece (13) and is rotatable relative to the wiper arm seat (11). The wiper arm (1, 1') further includes at least one spray unit (2). The spray unit includes a conduit (40) and a spray nozzle (30). The conduit (40) is guided along the wiper arm (1, 1'). The spray nozzle (30) is arranged at one end of the conduit (40). The arm portion (12) includes a cover plate (20). The spray nozzle 30 is at least held by the cover plate 20. By providing a cover plate for the arm portion 12, the cover plate 20 seals the open side, reliably preventing the components housed inside from being exposed, particularly preventing the conduit from being exposed and damaged, and also facilitating the installation or guidance of the conduit 40 connected to the spray nozzle 30.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper arm, a wiper, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Windshield wipers play an important role in transportation and are used to remove rainwater and dirt from the windshield that adversely affect the driver's visibility, ensuring driving safety.

[0003] In a conventional wiper, the wiper assembly is separate from the washer assembly. The washer assembly is hidden under the front hatch. When the windshield needs to be washed, the washer assembly sprays washer fluid onto the surface of the windshield, and then the wiper assembly starts to operate. Because the washer fluid is sprayed all over the surface, a large amount of washer fluid may be required to clean the windshield.

[0004] In recent years, more and more windshield wipers have incorporated a spray nozzle for the washer fluid into the wiper assembly, in which the spray nozzle is connected to a washer fluid reservoir via a conduit that runs along the wiper arm of the wiper assembly between the wiper arm and the windshield.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable structure that prevents exposed ducting from underneath the wiper arm, as exposed ducting is more susceptible to external environmental influences, such as premature aging from exposure to sunlight and damage from foreign objects, which is detrimental to the lifespan of the ducting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention therefore aims to provide a wiper arm, such that a wiper and a vehicle having the wiper arm can at least partially solve the above mentioned technical problems.

[0007] According to the present invention, a wiper arm for a vehicle is proposed, comprising a wiper arm seat for connecting to a drive unit, a wiper arm end piece for holding the wiper blade, and at least one arm part arranged between the wiper arm seat and the wiper arm end piece, the arm part being fixedly connected to the wiper arm end piece and rotatable relative to the wiper arm seat, the wiper arm also having at least one spray unit having a conduit and a spray nozzle, the conduit being guided along the wiper arm and the spray nozzle being arranged at one end of the conduit, the arm part having a cover plate, and the spray nozzle being at least held in the cover plate.

[0008] In wiper arms, in particular in the arm section directly connected to the wiper arm seat of the wiper arm, a U-shaped cross section is usually provided to accommodate therein associated parts, such as, for example, a spring used to apply a preload to the wiper blade assigned to the wiper arm in order to press it tightly against the windscreen of the vehicle, and a conduit of a spray unit, etc. By providing a cover plate for such an arm section, it is possible to reliably prevent the internally accommodated parts from being exposed, in particular the conduit from being exposed and damaged, since the cover plate can seal the open side.

[0009] Furthermore, when the spray nozzle is held by the cover plate, it is easier to install or guide the conduit connecting to the spray nozzle compared to the arm part having a U-shaped cross section. Also, the spray unit can be installed by simply fitting the cover plate into the arm part in a predetermined position.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle has an opening, the cover plate has a raised first wall, a specific area at the top of the first wall has a convex portion, the width of the convex portion is greater than the width of the opening, the first wall is inserted into the opening, and the convex portion extends outwardly through the opening, the spray nozzle also has a groove, at least a portion of one side wall of the groove is in the shape of a hook, and the hook snaps into the corresponding orifice of the arm portion.

[0011] When the cover plate is installed on the corresponding arm, at least the initial positioning of the spray nozzle on the arm can be achieved by the fitting of the opening of the spray nozzle with the first wall and the protrusion preventing the spray nozzle from falling off the first wall. Then, the hook of the spray nozzle is snapped into the orifice of the arm to achieve the final positioning of the spray nozzle on the arm. Here, one side of the arm is received in the groove of the spray nozzle. This simplifies the assembly.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate has a raised second wall, and the spray nozzle is fixedly held by the second wall, so that simple assembly can be further achieved.

[0013] Exemplarily, the spray nozzle has an opening, the width of the second wall corresponds to the width of the opening, a step and an elastic clip are set in pairs on both sides of the longitudinal side, the second wall is inserted into the opening, the distance between the vertical planes of the step corresponds to the length of the opening, and one side of the spray nozzle surrounding the area of ​​the opening abuts the horizontal plane of the step while the clip abuts the opposite side.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate has a plurality of pairs of third walls for guiding the conduits, which can be arranged in pairs so that the conduits can be accommodated between the third walls, which further facilitates positioning of the conduits and avoids possible damage caused by contact between the conduits and other moving parts.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spray nozzle has multiple outlets that can spray in different directions, so that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed more smoothly and evenly onto the windshield, thereby achieving a better cleaning effect.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover plate is of one-piece design. For example, it may be made by injection molding from plastic, in particular a weather-resistant plastic. Of course, other materials and molding methods are also possible.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, there is also proposed a wiper for a vehicle, said wiper comprising a wiper arm and a blade as described above, said blade being held by said wiper arm.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also proposed a vehicle, the vehicle comprising the wiper arm or wiper described above.

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically an exploded view of an embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic exploded and assembled view of the spray unit for the wiper arm shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a spray nozzle of the wiper arm shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the wiper arm shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cover plate for the wiper arm shown in FIG. 1, on which the nozzle unit shown in FIG. 2 is provided. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically an exploded view of another embodiment of a wiper arm according to the invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the wiper arm shown in FIG. 9, which corresponds to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The following is an exemplary description of an embodiment of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are exemplary in nature, rather than restrictive. In the following text, the same reference numerals generally denote elements having the same or similar functions.

[0022] 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a wiper arm 1 according to the invention for use in a vehicle wiper. The wiper arm 1 comprises a wiper arm seat 11 for connection to a drive, a wiper arm end piece 13 for holding a wiper blade, and at least one arm portion 12 arranged between the wiper arm seat 11 and the wiper arm end piece 13. The wiper arm seat 11, the arm portion 12 and the wiper arm end piece 13 are connected to one another in a longitudinal configuration. The arm portion 12 is fixedly connected to the wiper arm end piece 13 and is rotatable relative to the wiper arm seat 11.

[0023] The accompanying drawings show only the parts of the wiper arm 1 that are used to explain the invention, but the wiper arm also includes other known parts, not shown, such as a spring for applying a preload.

[0024] When multiple arms are set, they may have different cross-sectional shapes and are fixedly connected to each other. Specifically, the arm parts may be appropriately selected based on the shapes of other parts of the wiper arm. For example, one arm part may have a U-shaped cross section, while the other arm part may be rod-shaped, and they are riveted together. Here, the wiper arm end piece 13 and the wiper arm seat 11 are respectively disposed on both sides of the arm parts connected to each other. The wiper arm seat 11 is rotatable with respect to the other above-mentioned parts of the wiper arm 1.

[0025] 1 only one arm 12 is shown diagrammatically, with a U-shaped cross section. On one side, the arm 12 is pivotally connected via a pivot 15 to the wiper arm end piece 11 and on the other side, it is riveted to the wiper arm end piece 13. The wiper arm end piece 13 is made by stamping and has a hook 18 used for the blade.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the wiper arm 1 has at least one spray unit 2. The spray unit 2 has a conduit 40 and a nozzle 30 that can be disassembled and connected to each other. The disassembled and connected states of the spray unit 2 are shown in the upper and lower views of FIG. 2, respectively. The connector 31 of the nozzle 30 connects to the end 41 of the conduit 40. The conduit 40 and the nozzle 30 connected to each other are arranged in a cover plate 20 assigned to the above-mentioned arm part 12. The arm part 12 is preferably adjacent to the wiper arm end piece 11. Thus, by sealing the open side of the arm part 12 with the cover plate 20, it is possible to prevent a part of the conduit 40, in particular the part introduced into the arm part 12, from being unexpectedly exposed from the wiper arm, and the conduit is better protected. The geometric structure of the cover plate 20 therefore corresponds to the geometric structure of the open side of the arm part 12. 1 shows that the cover plate 20 is secured to the arm 12 by screws passing through orifices 21 in the cover plate 20 and into threaded holes (not shown) in the arm 12. Of course, the cover plate 20 may be secured to the arm 12 in any suitable manner, for example by clamping or gluing.

[0027] The wiper arm end piece 13 of the wiper arm 1 leaves a recess 16 which is used to guide the conduit 40 into the arm portion 12. The wiper arm end piece 13 also has an interface 14 at the opposite end of the arm portion for engaging with the output shaft of the drive, allowing the wiper arm to swing back and forth.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the nozzle 30. It can be seen that the nozzle 30 has, besides the connector 31, an opening 33 and a groove 34. The opening 33 and the groove 34 can be located on both sides of the nozzle's flow passage 39 and can be used to interact with the relevant positions of the cover plate 20 and the arm, respectively. Specifically, please refer to FIGS. 4-8. The cover plate 20 has a raised first wall 24. A certain area of ​​the top of the first wall 24 has a protruding portion 24A. The width of the protruding portion 24A is greater than the width of the opening 33. The first wall 24 is inserted into the opening 33. The protruding portion 24A extends outward through the opening 33. One side wall of the arm portion 12 has an orifice 17. At least a portion of one side wall of the groove 34 is in the shape of a hook 35. The hook 35 is snapped into the orifice of the arm portion 12. In this embodiment, the frame 36 and hooks 35 that define the opening 33 exhibit a degree of resilience to facilitate engagement.

[0029] In particular, the distance between side walls 37 and 38 of groove 34 corresponds to the width of the wall of arm 12 into which it is to be inserted so as to avoid lateral movement of nozzle 30. To reduce manufacturing costs, for example, rib 37A can be provided on one of side walls 37 and 38.

[0030] Furthermore, the cover plate 20 may preferably have multiple pairs of third walls for guiding the conduit 40. Two pairs of third walls 22A-22B and 23A-23B are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the installed state, the conduit 40 is arranged between further third walls to limit the position of the conduit 40 and prevent it from contacting other parts of the wiper arm. The other pair of third walls 23A and 23B shown may be used for another conduit, which may be present but is not shown.

[0031] Therefore, the set opening 33 can be regarded as being used for the initial positioning of the nozzle 30. After the nozzle 30 is inserted through the opening into the first wall 24 of the cover plate 20, the protrusion 24A is used to prevent the nozzle 30 from falling out of the cover plate 20. Here, the spray nozzle 30 can be inserted into the cover plate after being connected to the conduit 40. Alternatively, the conduit can be connected to the spray nozzle after the spray nozzle is inserted into the cover plate. The above-mentioned operations can be easily achieved because the cover plate as a whole has an essentially planar structure. Then, the cover plate together with the spray unit is installed on the corresponding arm part. The final fixation of the spray nozzle can be achieved by connecting the spray nozzle 30 to the wall of the arm part 12 via the groove 34. The desired correct positioning of the spray nozzle and the conduit in the wiper arm can be achieved, especially if the cover plate 20 has a guide wall for the conduit.

[0032] The spray nozzle 30 may have multiple outlets that can spray in different directions. In this example, the nozzle 30 is shown to have outlets 32A, 32B, 32C facing three directions, respectively. Therefore, the cleaning fluid can be sprayed more smoothly and evenly onto the windshield, so as to obtain a better cleaning effect.

[0033] The cover plate may be of one-piece design. For example, it may be made by injection molding from plastic, in particular a weather-resistant plastic. Of course, other materials and molding methods are also possible. The cover plate is preferably assigned to an arm section with a U-shaped cross section, for example the arm section adjacent to the wiper arm end piece. By providing a cover plate, the aerodynamic effect of the wiper arm may also be improved.

[0034] 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a wiper arm 1' according to the present invention. Different from the above embodiment, the wiper arm 1' is held directly by a cover plate 20, not by a cover plate or an arm part. The structure of the wiper arm 1' is basically similar to that of the wiper arm 1. Only the differences from the wiper arm 1' will be described in the following text. For the other parts, the above description can be referred to.

[0035] In the wiper arm 1', the cover plate 20 also has a raised second wall 24', to which the spray nozzle 30 is fixedly held. The spray nozzle 30 therefore has an opening 33. The width of the second wall 24' corresponds to the width of the opening 33. Steps 26 and elastic clips 25 are set in pairs on both longitudinal sides. The second wall 24' is inserted into the opening 33. The distance between the vertical planes 26A of the steps 26 corresponds to the length of the opening 33. One side of the spray nozzle 30 surrounding the area of ​​the opening 33 abuts against the horizontal plane 26B of the steps 26, while the clips 25 abut against the other side of said area.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and may have other variations. Although the present invention has been described with a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, while benefiting from this disclosure, may design other embodiments that do not depart from the protective scope of the present invention disclosed herein. The protective scope of the present invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wiper arm (1, 1') for a vehicle, comprising: a wiper arm seat (11) for connecting to a drive unit; a wiper arm end piece (13) for holding a wiper blade; and at least one arm portion (12) disposed between the wiper arm seat (11) and the wiper arm end piece (13), The arm portion (12) is fixedly connected to the wiper arm end piece (13) and is rotatable relative to the wiper arm seat (11); said wiper arm (1, 1') further comprises at least one spray unit (2) having a conduit (40) and a spray nozzle (30); The conduit (40) is guided along the wiper arm (1, 1'), The spray nozzle (30) is arranged at one end of the conduit (40), in the wiper arm (1, 1'), The arm portion (12) has a cover plate (20), The spray nozzle (30) is at least held by the cover plate (20); The spray nozzle (30) has an opening (33), The cover plate (20) has a raised first wall (24); A specific area at the top of the first wall (24) has a convex portion (24A), The width of the protrusion (24A) is greater than the width of the opening (33), The first wall (24) is inserted into the opening (33); The protrusion (24A) passes through the opening (33) and extends outward, The spray nozzle (30) also has a groove (34); At least a portion of one side wall of said groove (34) is in the shape of a hook (35); A wiper arm (1, 1'), characterized in that said hook is snapped into a corresponding orifice (17) in said arm part (12).

2. A wiper arm (1, 1') for a vehicle, comprising: a wiper arm seat (11) for connecting to a drive unit; a wiper arm end piece (13) for holding a wiper blade; and at least one arm portion (12) disposed between the wiper arm seat (11) and the wiper arm end piece (13), The arm portion (12) is fixedly connected to the wiper arm end piece (13) and is rotatable relative to the wiper arm seat (11); said wiper arm (1, 1') further comprises at least one spray unit (2) having a conduit (40) and a spray nozzle (30); The conduit (40) is guided along the wiper arm (1, 1'), The spray nozzle (30) is arranged at one end of the conduit (40), in the wiper arm (1, 1'), The arm portion (12) has a cover plate (20), The spray nozzle (30) is at least held by the cover plate (20); The cover plate (20) has a raised second wall (24'); The spray nozzle (30) is fixedly held in the second wall (24'); The spray nozzle (30) has an opening (33), the width of said second wall (24') corresponds to the width of said opening (33); Steps (26) and elastic clips (25) are set in pairs on both longitudinal sides, The second wall (24') is inserted into the opening (33), the distance between the vertical planes (26A) of the steps (26) corresponds to the length of the opening (33); one side of the spray nozzle (30) surrounding the area of ​​the opening (33) abuts against a horizontal plane (26B) of the step (26), while the clip (25) abuts against the opposite side of said area; The wiper arm (1, 1') is characterized in that

3. The cover plate (20) has a plurality of pairs of third walls for guiding the conduit (40). Wiper arm (1, 1') according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The spray nozzle (30) has a plurality of outlets capable of spraying in different directions. Wiper arm (1, 1') according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The cover plate (20) is of one-piece design. Wiper arm (1, 1') according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A wiper for use in a vehicle, The wiper comprises a wiper arm (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a blade, the blade being maintained on the wiper arm (1, 1'). A wiper characterized by:

7. A vehicle comprising a wiper arm (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or a wiper according to claim 6.

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