Wiper arm for vehicle wiper, wiper, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wiper arm for a vehicle wiper, a wiper, and a vehicle. The wiper arm includes an elongated arm body having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, and a cover having a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge engaging with the first side wall and the second side edge engaging with the second side wall to form a cavity between the arm body and the cover. A first engagement feature is provided on at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge, and a second engagement feature cooperating with the first engagement feature is provided on at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Wipers are essential components of vehicles, and their main purpose is to ensure safe driving without impeding the driver's visibility by wiping away rainwater, snow, and dust that fall on the windshield of a vehicle during bad weather (e.g., rain, snow, or sandstorms). Generally, a wiper includes a wiper arm base connected to a drive mechanism, a wiper arm connected to the wiper arm and used to hold a wiper blade, and a nozzle for spraying washer fluid toward the windshield. The wiper arm may include an arm body, a cover connected to the arm body to form a cavity, and a duct disposed in the cavity and used to supply washer fluid. The nozzle is attached to a nozzle frame, which is generally disposed on the arm body.

[0003] During a snowstorm, snow tends to accumulate on the windshield of a vehicle parked outdoors, making it extremely difficult to remove the accumulated snow over a long period of time. Vehicle users must use a snow blower to remove the snow. While removing the snow, it is inevitable that the snow blower will collide with the wiper. Because there are gaps at the connection between the cover and the arm body and the connection between the nozzle frame and the arm body, such a collision could cause the cover to separate from the arm body of the wiper arm, damaging the nozzle frame. In such a case, components inside the cavity of the wiper arm could be exposed. This could affect the appearance of the wiper and even prevent the wiper from operating normally. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wiper arm for a vehicle wiper, a wiper equipped with the wiper arm, and a vehicle equipped with the wiper. Even when subjected to external force, such as when removing snow, the wiper arm cover will not separate from the arm body, the wiper arm nozzle frame will not be damaged, and the cavity formed by the cover and the arm body will not be exposed. Therefore, the wiper arm will not be damaged and will maintain a perfect appearance. Furthermore, the wiper arm has a simple structure and low manufacturing costs.

[0005] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the wiper arm, wiper, and vehicle described below.

[0006] The present invention relates to a wiper arm for a vehicle wiper. The wiper arm includes an elongated arm body having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, and a cover having a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge engaging with the first side wall and the second side edge engaging with the second side wall to form a cavity between the arm body and the cover. A first engagement feature is provided on at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge, and a second engagement feature cooperating with the first engagement feature is provided on at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0007] In an embodiment, the open ends of the first and second side walls define a width of the arm body, while the first and second side edges define a width of the cover, the width of the arm body being greater than or equal to the width of the cover.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first engagement feature comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed on the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, protruding toward the interior of the cavity, and the second engagement feature is the inner surface of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0009] In an embodiment, the protrusions are spaced apart along the length of the cover.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first engagement feature comprises a snap fit disposed on the first side edge and an overlapping portion disposed on the second side edge, and the second engagement feature is a first lug (first protrusion) disposed on the first side wall and cooperating with the snap fit, and a second lug (second protrusion) disposed on the second side wall and cooperating with the overlapping portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first engagement feature comprises a first snap fit disposed on the first side edge and a second snap fit disposed on the second side edge, and the second engagement feature is a first lug disposed on the first side wall and cooperating with the first snap fit, and a second lug disposed on the second side wall and cooperating with the second snap fit.

[0012] In embodiments, at least one of the snap fit, the first snap fit, and the second snap fit is at least partially located within the cavity and adjacent an inner surface of the corresponding second engagement feature.

[0013] In an embodiment, at least one of the snap fit, the first snap fit, and the second snap fit is an inverted U-shaped clip or a snap hook.

[0014] In an embodiment, the wiper arm further includes a nozzle frame, a U-shaped slot is provided in the nozzle frame, a portion of the first side wall is inserted into the U-shaped slot, and the side wall of the U-shaped slot located outside the arm body does not protrude beyond the outermost edge of the first side wall.

[0015] In an embodiment, a recess is provided in the first side wall, and an end of the side wall of the U-shaped slot located outside the arm body is located within the recess.

[0016] In an embodiment, an opening is provided in the portion of the first side wall, and a protrusion is provided on a side wall of a U-shaped slot located inside the arm body, the protrusion engaging with the opening.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a wiper for a vehicle, the wiper comprising a wiper arm as described above.

[0018] The invention further relates to a vehicle equipped with the wiper described above.

[0019] The advantages and objects of the present invention may be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: In order to better show the relationship between the parts therein, the drawings are not drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows a schematic view of a section BB of a part of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows a schematic view of a section BB of a part of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a cross section AA of a part of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another schematic view of a section AA of a part of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows another schematic view of a section AA of a part of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a nozzle frame of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a nozzle frame of a wiper arm of a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a part of the nozzle frame according to FIG. 7 in cross section CC. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a section DD of a part of the nozzle frame according to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In order to clarify the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and thoroughly described below with reference to the drawings of specific embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only a part of the present invention, but not the whole. All other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without any creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the common meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms "first," "second," and the like used in the specification and claims of this invention patent application do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are used only to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "one" do not necessarily denote a quantitative limitation. Terms such as "comprising," "including," or "having" mean that the element or object preceding the term covers the elements or objects listed thereafter and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "communicating" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or communications shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or communications, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper (upper, upper side)," "lower (lower, lower side)," "left (left side, left side)," and "right (right side, right side)" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and if the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationships may also change accordingly.

[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a wiper according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wiper is installed on the windshield of a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.). The schematic view of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wiper as seen facing the windshield. The wiper includes a wiper arm 1 for holding a wiper blade and a wiper arm base 2 connected to a drive mechanism. The wiper arm 1 is connected to the wiper arm base 2, and driven by the drive mechanism, the wiper arm 1 can move back and forth between a return wiper position (i.e., a maximum wiping position) and an inner wiping position (i.e., the installed position shown in FIG. 1). The wiper arm 1 may include a metal arm body, a plastic cover that covers the arm body and forms a cavity, and a nozzle frame 12. When snow or ice accumulates on the windshield, the vehicle user must use a snow blower to remove the snow. For example, the user applies force substantially in the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 1 to remove the snow or ice accumulated on the windshield.

[0025] 2a and 2b, which are cross-sectional views along plane BB in FIG. 1, the wiper arm 1 includes an elongated arm body 3 and a cover 4. The arm body 3 has a first side wall 5, a second side wall 6, and a base 7 connecting the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 6. The cover 4 has a first side edge 8 and a second side edge 9. The first side edge 8 engages with the first side wall 5, and the second side edge 9 engages with the second side wall 6, forming a cavity 13 between the arm body 3 and the cover 4.

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 1, a first engagement feature 10 is provided on at least one of the first side edge 8 and the second side edge 9, and a second engagement feature that cooperates with the first engagement feature 10 is provided on at least one of the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 6 (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0027] For example, referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first engagement feature 10 includes a plurality of protrusions 101, 102. The protrusions 101, 102 are disposed on the first side edge 8 and the second side edge 9, respectively, and protrude toward the interior of the cavity 13. That is, the plurality of first protrusions 101 are disposed on the first side edge 8, and the plurality of second protrusions 102 are disposed on the second side edge 9; and the second engagement feature is the inner surfaces 111, 112 of the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 6 of the arm body 3, i.e., the inner surfaces facing the cavity 13. The first protrusion 101 is adjacent to the inner surface 111 of the first side wall 5, and the second protrusion 102 is adjacent to the inner surface 112 of the second side wall 6. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the protrusions are spaced apart along the length of the cover 3. For example, the first protrusions 101 are spaced apart at the first side edge 8, particularly uniformly, at intervals of about 10 cm along the length of the cover 3. The second protrusions 102 are spaced apart at the second side edge 9, particularly uniformly, at intervals of about 10 cm along the length of the cover 3. Therefore, even if the cover 4 is subjected to an external force, for example, in the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 2a, the cover 4 will not move in the horizontal direction shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b (i.e., will not move left or right), and will not come off the arm body 3. The white arrow in FIG. 2a schematically illustrates the force that may be applied to the wiper when a user is clearing snow. However, the actual force may deviate from the direction indicated by the arrow. In other words, the white arrow in FIG. 2a schematically illustrates the components of the force that may be applied to the wiper when a user is clearing snow, and the components are directed horizontally to the right in the drawing. For example, the force that may be exerted on the wipers when a user is removing snow or ice may be in a direction substantially opposite to that indicated by the white arrow in Figure 2a.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2b, the open ends of the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 6 of the arm body 3 define a width d1 of the arm body 3. Meanwhile, the first side edge 8 and the second side edge 9 of the cover 4 define a width d2 of the cover 4. The width d1 of the arm body is greater than or equal to the width d2 of the cover 4. For example, the outer contour of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3 is approximately 0.5 mm further outward than the outer contour of the first side edge 8 of the cover 4. Furthermore, the outer contour of the second side wall 6 of the arm body 3 is approximately 0.5 mm further outward than the outer contour of the second side edge 9 of the cover 4. Therefore, when a user is removing snow, the snow blower does not come into contact with the cover 4 and may only come into contact with the arm body 3 in some cases, preventing the cover 4 from coming off the arm body 3.

[0029] 2a, the first protrusion 101 has a height h1 of, for example, about 3 mm, and the second protrusion 102 has a height h2 of, for example, about 3.1 mm. As used herein, the term "height" refers to the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the base 7 of the arm body 3, i.e., the dimension vertically upward in FIG. 2a. In the present invention, the height of the protrusion is not limited as long as it satisfies a specific purpose.

[0030] 3, the first engagement feature 10 may also include a snap fit 103 disposed on the first side edge 8 of the cover 4 and an overlapping portion 104 disposed on the second side edge 9 of the cover 4. In this example, the second engagement feature of the arm body 3 is a first lug 113 disposed on the first side wall 5 and cooperating with the snap fit 103, and a second lug 114 disposed on the second side wall 6 and cooperating with the overlapping portion 104. The snap fit 103 is located at least partially, for example entirely, within the cavity 13 and is adjacent to the inner surface of the first lug 113, i.e., the surface facing the inner surface of the cavity.

[0031] As an alternative or addition to FIG. 3 , as shown in FIG. 4 , the first engagement feature 10 may include a first snap fit 105 disposed on the first side edge 8 of the cover 4 and a second snap fit 106 disposed on the second side edge 9 of the cover 4. In this example, the second engagement features of the arm body 3 are a first lug 113 disposed on the first side wall 5 and cooperating with the first snap fit 105, and a second lug 114 disposed on the second side wall 6 and cooperating with the second snap fit 106. The first snap fit 105 is located at least partially, e.g., entirely, within the cavity 13 and abuts the inner surface of the first lug 113, i.e., the surface facing the inner surface of the cavity. The second snap fit 106 is located at least partially, e.g., entirely, within the cavity 13 and abuts the inner surface of the second lug 114, i.e., the surface facing the inner surface of the cavity.

[0032] For example, the first lug 113 is a protrusion that extends from the end of the first side wall 5 toward the inside of the cavity 13, for example, perpendicular to the first side wall 5. For example, the second lug 114 is a protrusion that extends from the end of the second side wall 6 toward the inside of the cavity 13, for example, perpendicular to the second side wall 6.

[0033] For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , snap fit 103, snap fit 105, and snap fit 106 may be inverted U-shaped clips with their openings facing outward from the cavity. The inverted U-shaped clips are inserted into cavity 13 by deformation, and the end of one arm of the inverted U-shaped clip abuts the inner surface of the corresponding lug. Therefore, the corresponding lug can prevent cover 4 from moving away from the cavity, i.e., vertically downward in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In this way, not only can cover 4 be securely connected to arm body 3, but also the risk of cover 4 coming off arm body 3 can be reduced even when an external force is applied perpendicularly to base 7 of arm body 3 (i.e., vertically downward in FIGS. 3 and 4 ).

[0034] 5, in another example, the first snap fit 105 and the second snap fit 106 may be snap hooks. The snap hooks are hooks with inclined surfaces that can be deformed to be inserted into the cavities 13 and connected to corresponding lugs. In this way, even if an external force is applied to the base 7 of the arm body 3 in a vertical direction (i.e., vertically downward in FIG. 5), the risk of the cover 4 coming off the arm body 3 can be significantly reduced.

[0035] 3 to 5, the width d2 of the cover 4 is smaller than the width d1 of the arm body 3. This prevents the snow blower from coming into contact with the cover 4 while the user is removing snow, and avoids the risk of the cover 4 coming off the arm body 3.

[0036] For example, the first engagement feature may be manufactured integrally with the cover by injection molding.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the nozzle frame 12 of the wiper arm of the wiper of FIG. 1, viewed from the direction N. The nozzle frame 12 is disposed on the arm body 3 and is used to hold the wiper nozzles 14 of the ducts disposed in the cavities to spray fluid toward the windshield. FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of the nozzle frame of FIG. 6, i.e., a perspective view of the nozzle frame as viewed facing the windshield. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view along plane CC of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view along plane DD of FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a U-shaped slot 15 is provided in the nozzle frame 12. A portion 51 of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3 is inserted into the U-shaped slot 15, and the side wall 16 of the U-shaped slot 15 located outside the arm body 3 does not protrude beyond the outermost edge of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a recess 53 is provided in the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3. The end of the side wall 16 of the U-shaped slot 15 located on the outside of the arm body 3 is located within the recess 53. For example, the recess 53 is recessed from the outer surface of the first side wall into the cavity, for example, by about 0.5 to 1 mm to the left in the horizontal direction in FIG.

[0038] To enable the nozzle frame 12 to be attached to the arm body 3, the width of the U-shaped slot 15 (i.e., the horizontal dimension in FIG. 8 ) corresponds to the width of a portion 51 of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3 that is inserted into the U-shaped slot 15. An opening 52 is provided in the portion 51 of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3. A protrusion 18 is provided on the side wall 17 of the U-shaped slot 15 located inside the arm body 3. This protrusion 18 engages with the opening 52. For example, the protrusion 18 is a snap hook. For example, the protrusion 18 is disposed at the end of the side wall 17 of the U-shaped slot 15 located inside the arm body 3.

[0039] 9, the length of the portion 51 of the first side wall 5 that is inserted into the U-shaped slot 15 substantially corresponds to the length of the nozzle frame. These lengths are the dimensions in the horizontal direction of FIG.

[0040] Because the side wall 16 of the U-shaped slot 15 located on the outside of the arm body 3 does not protrude beyond the outermost contour of the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3, even if a vehicle user uses a snow blower to apply force to the wiper in the direction indicated by the white arrow in Figure 8, the snow blower will not come into contact with the nozzle frame 12, and will not get into the small gap between the first side wall 5 of the arm body 3 and the side wall 16 of the U-shaped slot 15 located on the outside of the arm body 3. This prevents damage to the nozzle frame and prevents the cavity 13 from being exposed through the opening 52.

[0041] The nozzle frame 12 described above is a separate part from the cover 4. However, in other examples, the nozzle frame 12 described above may be formed together with the cover 4 as a single part.

[0042] The wiper arm of the present invention is not damaged even when subjected to external forces, such as those encountered during snow removal, and has a simple structure and low manufacturing costs.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical features disclosed above are not limited to being combined with other features disclosed, and those skilled in the art can find other combinations of the technical features according to the objectives of the present invention to achieve the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wiper arm for a vehicle wiper, comprising: an elongated arm body (3) having a first side wall (5), a second side wall (6), and a base (7) connecting the first side wall (5) and the second side wall (6); a cover (4) having a first side edge (8) and a second side edge (9); A wiper arm (1) comprising: The wiper arm (1) is characterized in that the first side edge (8) engages with the first side wall (5) and the second side edge (9) engages with the second side wall (6), thereby forming a cavity (13) between the arm body (3) and the cover (4). a first engagement feature (10) is provided on at least one of the first side edge (8) and the second side edge (9), and a second engagement feature cooperating with the first engagement feature (10) is provided on at least one of the first side wall (5) and the second side wall (6); the open ends of the first side wall (5) and the second side wall (6) define a width (d1) of the arm body (3), while the first side edge (8) and the second side edge (9) define a width (d2) of the cover (4), and the width (d1) of the arm body (3) is greater than or equal to the width (d2) of the cover (4); the first engagement feature (10) comprises a snap fit (103) located on the first side edge (8) and an overlap portion (104) located on the second side edge (9); the second engagement feature is a first lug (113) located on the first side wall and cooperating with the snap fit, and a second lug (114) located on the second side wall and cooperating with the overlap; the arm body (3) further includes a portion facing the base (7) and constituting the first lug (113), and a portion facing the base (7) and constituting the second lug (114); The wiper arm (1) further comprises a nozzle frame (12), A U-shaped slot (15) is provided in the nozzle frame; A portion (51) of the first side wall (5) is inserted into the U-shaped slot (15); a surface of the side wall (16) of the U-shaped slot located outside the arm body, with which the portion (51) of the first side wall (5) inserted into the U-shaped slot (15) comes into contact, does not protrude beyond the outermost periphery of the first side wall (5); Wiper arm.

2. A recess (53) is provided in the first side wall (5), The end of the side wall (16) of the U-shaped slot (15) located outside the arm body is located within the recess (53).

2. The wiper arm according to claim 1.

3. The portion (51) of the first side wall (5) is provided with an opening (52), A protrusion (18) is provided on the side wall (17) of the U-shaped slot located inside the arm body; The protrusion (18) engages with the opening (52).

2. The wiper arm according to claim 1.

4. A wiper for a vehicle, comprising the wiper arm according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A vehicle comprising the wiper according to claim 4.

Images