JP7194652B2 - wiper arm - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wiper arm that swings a wiper blade that wipes a surface to be wiped.

A wiper device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile includes a wiper arm that swings on a wiping surface. A wiper blade is attached to the tip of the wiper arm, and a swing shaft provided on the vehicle body is attached to the base of the wiper arm. By driving the wiper motor and swinging the swing shaft, the wiper blade reciprocally wipes the surface to be wiped, and the surface to be wiped is wiped clean.

For example, the wiper arm described in Patent Document 1 includes an arm head forming a proximal portion of the wiper arm, and a retainer (arm shank) forming a distal portion of the wiper arm. The retainer has a substantially U-shaped cross section along a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction (lateral direction), and a hose (washer tube) through which the cleaning liquid flows is routed inside.

A long retainer cover is attached to the opening of the retainer so as to cover most of the retainer. This hides the hose inside the retainer. A cleaning liquid (washer liquid) flowing through the hose is jetted toward the wiping surface from a nozzle provided at the tip of the retainer.

JP 2017-013696 A

However, in the wiper arm described in Patent Document 1, the retainer, which occupies most of the portion, is made of iron and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. Therefore, in addition to the size of the entire wiper arm increasing, there is a problem that the weight of the wiper arm increases. Furthermore, along with the increase in the size of the wiper arm as a whole, there is a risk that the wiping performance will be degraded due to wind during high-speed running, and that the design of the wiper arm will be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper arm capable of improving wiping performance and design while achieving a reduction in size and weight.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiper arm for swinging a wiper blade that wipes a surface to be wiped, comprising an arm head having a base end attached to a swing shaft, and a base end attached to a tip end of the arm head. an arm shank with a base end attached to the tip of the arm shank, a washer tube arranged along the arm head, the arm shank and the arm piece, and a tip of the washer tube and a cover member covering at least a part of the arm piece and the washer tube in the longitudinal direction, wherein the cover member covers the top wall portion and the width direction of the top wall portion. A first cover body having a pair of side wall portions protruding from both sides, and a second cover body attached to the pair of side wall portions and arranged to face the top wall portion. and

In another aspect of the present invention, the first cover body and the second cover body are made of resin, and the pair of side wall portions protrude in the lateral direction of the ceiling wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions have The second cover body is provided with an engaging portion having an insertion opening that opens in a projecting direction of the portion, and the second cover body projects toward the ceiling wall portion and is inserted into the engaging portion by being inserted into the insertion opening. It is characterized in that an engaging portion having a hooking claw to be hooked is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, two hooking claws are provided for one of the engaged portions, and the two hooking claws are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body. , wherein the two hooking claws are hooked on a hooking surface of the engaged portion facing the ceiling wall portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, the pair of side wall portions protrude in the lateral direction of the top wall portion, and when the first cover body is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions protrude, A holding projection is provided at a position overlapping the engaging portion, and the arm piece is supported on a supporting surface of the holding projection directed toward the top wall portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, the second cover body includes protruding wall portions that protrude toward the top wall portion, extend parallel to the pair of side wall portions, and enter inside the pair of side wall portions. is provided.

According to the present invention, since the wiper arm is composed of the arm head, the arm shank, and the arm piece, the ratio of the arm shank to the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm can be reduced. That is, since the arm piece is provided, the arm shank can be shortened. As a result, the size and weight of the entire wiper arm can be reduced, and wiping performance can be enhanced. Moreover, since the cover member is attached to the arm piece portion, the washer tube arranged in that portion can be hidden. Therefore, it is possible to improve the design of the wiper arm.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the mounting state to the vehicle of a wiper apparatus. It is the perspective view which looked at the DR side wiper arm from the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at the DR side wiper arm from the back side. (a), (b) is a perspective view which shows a 1st cover body. It is a perspective view which shows a 2nd cover body. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6; 8(a) and 8(b) are enlarged views corresponding to the broken-line circle C part of FIG. 7 showing the molds (the present invention and the comparative example) for molding the first cover body. (a) and (b) are perspective views showing a washer nozzle. It is a figure explaining the assembly|attachment procedure to an arm shank of a 1st cover body and a 2nd cover body. It is a figure explaining the assembly|attachment procedure to an arm shank of a washer nozzle. It is a figure explaining the assembly|attachment procedure of a washer nozzle and a 1st cover body. It is the perspective view which looked at the part of the washer nozzle of the AS side wiper arm (modification) from the back side.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing how the wiper device is mounted on a vehicle, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the DR side wiper arm seen from the front side, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the DR side wiper arm seen from the back side, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the second cover body, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is a diagram. 8(a) and 8(b) correspond to the dashed-line circle C part of FIG. An enlarged view and FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views showing the washer nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 1, a front windshield (wiping surface) 11 is provided on the front side of a vehicle 10 such as an automobile. A DR side (driver's seat side) wiper member 100 and an AS side (passenger's seat side) wiper member 200 are provided on the front windshield 11 for wiping off rainwater, dust, etc. adhering to the front windshield 11 . .

The DR side wiper member 100 includes a DR side wiper blade 110 and a DR side wiper arm 120 , and the DR side wiper blade 110 is rotatably attached to the tip of the DR side wiper arm 120 . The AS-side wiper member 200 includes an AS-side wiper blade 210 and an AS-side wiper arm 220. The AS-side wiper blade 210 is rotatably attached to the tip of the AS-side wiper arm 220. As shown in FIG.

The DR side wiper blade 110 and the AS side wiper blade 210 synchronize the DR side wiping range 12 and the AS side wiping range 13 formed between the lower reversing position LRP and the upper reversing position URP on the front windshield 11, respectively. Then, the wiping action is reciprocated in the same direction. That is, the wiping pattern of the DR side wiper blade 110 and the AS side wiper blade 210 is a so-called "tandem type".

A wiper device 14 for swinging the DR side wiper member 100 and the AS side wiper member 200 is mounted in the front end side portion of the front windshield 11 of the vehicle 10 and in the vicinity of the bulkhead (not shown). . The wiper device 14 includes a DR side pivot shaft 15 and an AS side pivot shaft 16 as swing shafts, and a DR side wiper arm 120 and an AS side pivot shaft 120 and an AS side pivot shaft 120 are provided at the distal ends of the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16 . Base ends of the wiper arms 220 are firmly fixed by fastening nuts (not shown).

One longitudinal ends of a DR-side drive lever 17 and an AS-side drive lever 18 are fixed to base ends of the DR-side pivot shaft 15 and AS-side pivot shaft 16, respectively. The other longitudinal ends of the DR side drive lever 17 and the AS side drive lever 18 are rotatably connected to both longitudinal ends of a connecting rod 19 via a ball joint BJ.

One longitudinal end of the drive rod 20 is rotatably connected to the other longitudinal end of the AS-side drive lever 18 via a ball joint BJ. The other longitudinal end of the drive rod 20 is rotatably connected to one longitudinal end of the crank arm 21 via a ball joint BJ.

The other end in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm 21 is fixed to the output shaft 23 of the wiper motor 22. As the output shaft 23 rotates, the one end in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm 21 (the portion connected to the drive rod 20) It is designed to rotate.

Here, the crank arm 21 , the drive rod 20 , the connecting rod 19 , the DR side drive lever 17 and the AS side drive lever 18 transform the rotational motion of the wiper motor 22 into the swinging motion of the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16 . It constitutes a "link mechanism" that converts. As a result, the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16 are driven to swing.

As a result, the DR side wiper arm 120 and the AS side wiper arm 220 swing, and the DR side wiper blade 110 and the AS side wiper blade 210 move the DR side wiping range 12 and the AS side wiping range 13 on the front windshield 11. Each one is designed to be wiped out.

An electric motor with a brush or an electric motor without a brush can be used as the wiper motor 22 . However, when installing the wiper motor 22 in recent hybrid vehicles (HV), electric vehicles (EV), etc., from the viewpoint of quietness, etc., brushless motors that do not generate brush sliding contact noise (including electromagnetic noise, etc.) It is desirable to adopt an electric motor of

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the DR side wiper arm 120 is formed in a substantially straight linear shape. 140 and an arm piece 150 are provided in series with each other.

The arm head 130 is formed into a substantially bar shape by casting an aluminum material or the like, thereby reducing its weight. A pivot shaft fixing portion 131 to which the tip portion of the DR side pivot shaft 15 (see FIG. 1) is fixed via a fastening nut (not shown) is integrally provided at the longitudinal base end portion of the arm head 130 . there is

The pivot shaft fixing portion 131 is formed in a substantially tubular shape, and a flexible washer tube TB made of silicone rubber or the like is arranged around the outer peripheral portion so as to be wound therearound. As a result, the washer tube TB is wound around the pivot shaft fixing portion 131 and loosened when the DR side wiper arm 120 swings. Therefore, a large load is not applied to the washer tube TB.

That is, elastic deformation of the washer tube TB is suppressed, and the washer fluid W (see FIG. 9) can smoothly flow through the washer tube TB. In addition, since the washer tube TB is prevented from being elastically deformed, the load applied to the wiper motor 22 is also reduced. Here, in the drawing, the washer tubes TB are shaded in order to make it easier to understand how the washer tubes TB are routed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a holding groove 132 is provided on the back side of the arm head 130, that is, on the front windshield 11 (see FIG. 1) side of the arm head 130 to hold the washer tube TB so that it does not fall off. ing. Specifically, the washer tube TB enters the holding groove 132 in a state of being slightly elastically deformed. As a result, the washer tube TB is reliably held in the holding groove 132 without adversely affecting the flow of the washer fluid W.

Furthermore, a total of three recessed portions 133 are provided on the back side of the arm head 130 so as to avoid the holding grooves 132 . These thinning portions 133 have the function of improving the molding accuracy of the arm head 130 in addition to the function of further reducing the weight of the arm head 130 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the front side of the arm head 130, that is, on the side opposite to the front windshield 11 side of the arm head 130 and at the portion of the pivot shaft fixing portion 131, the pivot shaft fixing portion 131 is provided. A tube guide 134 is integrally provided so as to protrude radially outward. As a result, even if the washer tube TB loosens with respect to the pivot shaft fixing portion 131 when the DR side wiper arm 120 swings, the washer tube TB does not drop off from the pivot shaft fixing portion 131 .

Furthermore, a shank fixing portion 135 to which a longitudinal base end portion of the arm shank 140 is attached is integrally provided at the longitudinal distal end portion of the arm head 130 . An arm shank 140 is connected to the shank fixing portion 135 so that it can be locked back, that is, can stand up with respect to the front windshield 11. The shank fixing portion 135 is attached with a support pin PN. That is, the arm shank 140 can be locked back around the support pin PN.

Further, the shank fixing portion 135 is provided with a hooking portion 135a on which a hook member FK made of steel is hooked. One longitudinal end of the tension spring SP is hooked on the hook member FK. The other longitudinal end of the tension spring SP is hooked on a spring hook SF made of steel and fixed to the central portion of the arm shank 140 in the longitudinal direction. The spring force of the tension spring SP acts to press the DR side wiper blade 110 (see FIG. 1) against the front windshield 11 with a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, the spring force of the tension spring SP also acts to hold the arm shank 140 upright with respect to the arm head 130 (lockback state).

Further, the shank fixing portion 135 is provided with a guiding groove 135 b for guiding the washer tube TB held in the holding groove 132 to a predetermined position inside the arm shank 140 . The guide groove 135b is fitted with the washer tube TB so as not to fall off. The guide groove 135b and the hook portion 135a are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the support pin PN. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the tension spring SP and the washer tube TB are arranged side by side in an orderly fashion inside the arm shank 140 .

In addition, in FIG. 3, the central portion of the washer tube TB in the longitudinal direction is provided so as to pass through the spring hook SF fixed to the arm shank 140 . That is, the longitudinal central portion of the washer tube TB is supported by the spring hook SF, thereby preventing the longitudinal central portion of the washer tube TB from coming off the inside of the arm shank 140 .

The arm shank 140 is formed long by pressing a steel plate or the like. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the arm shank 140 along the direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction (lateral direction) is formed in a substantially U shape. The arm shank 140 includes a shank top wall 141 arranged on the front side of the wiper arm 120 on the DR side, and a pair of shank side walls 142 protruding toward the front windshield 11 from both sides of the shank top wall 141 in the short direction. I have. 3, the tension spring SP and the washer tube TB are accommodated inside the arm shank 140, and when the arm shank 140 is viewed from the side, the tension spring SP and the washer tube TB are , is hidden by a pair of shank sidewalls 142 .

A pair of head fixing portions 143 (see FIG. 2) are integrally provided at the longitudinal base end portion of the arm shank 140 so as to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank 140 . These head fixing portions 143 are provided so as to sandwich the shank fixing portion 135 of the arm head 130 from the sides, and are connected to the shank fixing portion 135 by support pins PN. That is, the proximal end of the arm shank 140 is attached to the distal end of the arm head 130 .

Further, a piece fixing portion 144 to which the longitudinal base end portion of the arm piece 150 is fixed is integrally provided at the longitudinal tip portion of the arm shank 140 . Specifically, the longitudinal proximal end portion of the arm piece 150 is fixed to the longitudinal distal end portion of the arm shank 140 by crimping the piece fixing portion 144 . Thereby, the piece fixing portion 144 wraps around the longitudinal base end portion of the arm piece 150 . Thus, the proximal end of the arm piece 150 is attached to the distal end of the arm shank 140 .

A spring hook SF is fixed near the piece fixing portion 144 of the arm shank 140 and between the pair of shank side walls 142 . 2 and 3, the washer tube TB housed inside the arm shank 140 is pulled out of the arm shank 140 at the piece fixing portion 144. As shown in FIG. The washer tube TB pulled out to the outside of the arm shank 140 is arranged straight along the piece fixing portion 144 without slack. Therefore, the appearance of the DR side wiper arm 120 is not spoiled at this portion.

The arm piece 150 is formed in a substantially straight flat plate shape by pressing a steel plate or the like. Here, the arm piece 150 is thicker than the arm shank 140 . As a result, compared with the above-described conventional structure (the structure in which the arm piece portion is also an arm shank), the size and weight can be sufficiently reduced. Although the arm piece 150 is thicker than the arm shank 140, the overall weight of the DR side wiper arm 120 does not increase as compared with the conventional structure.

A U-shaped hook 151 to which the DR side wiper blade 110 is attached is integrally provided at the longitudinal end of the arm piece 150 . A connection member (not shown) provided in the longitudinal center of the DR side wiper blade 110 is fixed to the U-shaped hook 151 with one touch. A connection member provided in the longitudinal center of the DR side wiper blade 110 is swingable with respect to the DR side wiper blade 110 . Therefore, the DR side wiper blade 110 attached to the arm piece 150 is swingable with respect to the DR side wiper arm 120 .

A washer nozzle 160 for injecting washer fluid W (see FIG. 9) toward the front windshield 11 is attached to a portion near the U-shaped hook 151 along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 . The washer nozzle 160 is connected to the longitudinal end of the washer tube TB. Here, the washer tube TB routed between the piece fixing portion 144 and the washer nozzle 160 is arranged along the arm piece 150 without slack. In this manner, washer tube TB is arranged along arm head 130 , arm shank 140 and arm piece 150 .

Here, the longitudinal base end of the washer tube TB is connected to a washer device (not shown) installed in the engine room of the vehicle 10 or the like. This washer device comprises a washer tank for storing washer fluid W and a washer pump attached to the washer tank. The washer pump is activated by operating a washer switch (not shown) provided in the passenger compartment. As a result, the washer fluid W in the washer tank is delivered to the washer tube TB, and then vigorously jetted from the washer nozzle 160 toward the front windshield 11 (see FIG. 9). The structure of the washer nozzle 160 will be detailed later.

Furthermore, between the piece fixing portion 144 of the arm piece 150 and the washer nozzle 160, a cover member 170 is mounted with substantially no gap. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, arm piece 150 between piece fixing portion 144 and washer nozzle 160 is prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby improving the overall appearance of DR side wiper arm 120. .

Here, the cover member 170 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 made of steel. Thereby, the cover member 170 does not rattle with respect to the arm piece 150 . Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 170 is provided so as to fill the stepped portion between the piece fixing portion 144 and the arm piece 150 and the stepped portion between the washer nozzle 160 and the arm piece 150. ing. As a result, the front side of the DR side wiper arm 120 has a smooth (flat) shape, and the design of the DR side wiper arm 120 is improved. In addition, since the cover member 170 eliminates "steps", it is possible to effectively suppress deterioration of the wiping performance due to the impact of running wind.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 170 covers a part of the longitudinal direction of the washer tube TB in addition to the part of the arm piece 150 in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the portion of the washer tube TB covered by the cover member 170 from loosening or being exposed to the outside of the cover member 170 . This also improves the overall appearance of the DR side wiper arm 120 .

Next, the structure of cover member 170 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover member 170 includes a first cover body 171 and a second cover body 172, which are assembled together.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the first cover body 171 is formed by injection molding a molten plastic material or the like into a long length that extends substantially straight along the shape of the arm piece 150 . In this way, the first cover body 171 is made of resin, and is excellent in design and is light in weight.

The first cover body 171 is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section along a direction (lateral direction) that intersects the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the first cover body 171 includes a ceiling wall portion 171a arranged on the front side of the DR-side wiper arm 120 (see FIG. 2), and from both sides of the ceiling wall portion 171a in the short direction, the front windshield 11 ( 1), and a pair of side wall portions 171b projecting toward.

Moreover, the width dimension of the longitudinal direction distal end side of the first cover body 171 (the left side in FIG. 4(a) and the FIG. 4(b) right side) is the longitudinal direction base end side of the first cover body 171 (FIG. 4(a). ) is larger than the width dimension of the right side in FIG. 4(b) and the left side in FIG. This is because the width dimension of the washer nozzle 160 is larger than the width dimension of the piece fixing portion 144, as shown in FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4(b), inside the widened first cover body 171 on the front end side in the longitudinal direction, there is provided between the pair of side wall portions 171b in order to compensate for the decrease in strength of the portion. A reinforcing rib RB is provided so as to straddle it. As a result, the strength of the wide portion of the first cover body 171 is increased to substantially the same strength as the other portions of the first cover body 171 .

Further, a total of six engaged portions E1 to E6 are integrally provided inside the first cover body 171 and on the pair of side wall portions 171b. Of these engaged portions E1 to E6, the engaged portions E1 to E3 (three) are provided at a portion near the tip of one side wall portion 171b (a portion distant from the top wall portion 171a), and They are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 . On the other hand, the other engaged portions E4 to E6 (the other three) are provided near the tip of the other side wall portion 171b, and are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 at regular intervals. are placed. With respect to the width direction of the first cover body 171, the engaged portion E1 and the engaged portion E4 face each other, the engaged portion E2 and the engaged portion E5 face each other, and the engaged portion E3 and engaged portion E6 face each other.

The engaged portions E1 to E6 are formed in the same shape. Specifically, it protrudes at a predetermined height in the lateral direction of the ceiling wall portion 171 a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 . The engaged portions E1 to E6 are provided with insertion openings S1 to S6 that are opened in the projecting direction of the pair of side wall portions 171b. A total of six engaging portions G1 to G6 provided on the second cover body 172 (see FIG. 5) are inserted into these insertion openings S1 to S6 when the cover member 170 is assembled. It's becoming That is, the engaged portions E1 to E6 have the function of fixing the second cover body 172 to the first cover body 171, and by providing a total of six engaged portions E1 to E6, the second cover body 172 can be fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling.

As shown in FIG. 6, the arm piece 150 and the washer tube TB are inserted into the inside of the first cover body 171, but there is a risk that the engaged portions E1 to E6 may interfere with the insertion of the arm piece 150 and washer tube TB. . Therefore, the projection height of the engaged portions E1 to E6 with respect to the lateral direction of the top wall portion 171a is minimized according to the rigidity required for the engaged portions E1 to E6. A tapered surface TP is provided on each of the engaged portions E1 to E6 on the opening side of the first cover body 171 (lower side in FIG. 6). This facilitates the work of inserting the arm piece 150 and the washer tube TB into the inside of the first cover body 171 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the engaged portions E1 to E6 are provided with hooking surfaces T1 to T6 facing the top wall portion 171a. Hooking claws N forming engaging portions G1 to G6 provided on the second cover body 172 are hooked on these hooking surfaces T1 to T6. Thereby, the second cover body 172 can be firmly fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling.

A total of six holding projections H1 to H6 are integrally provided inside the first cover body 171 and on the pair of side wall portions 171b. Of these holding projections H1 to H6, the holding projections H1 to H3 (three) are provided in a portion near the base end of one side wall portion 171b (a portion close to the top wall portion 171a), and are provided on the first cover body. 171 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the other holding projections H4 to H6 (the other three) are provided on the other side wall portion 171b near the proximal end, and are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 at predetermined intervals. It is With respect to the width direction of the first cover body 171, the holding protrusions H1 and H4 face each other, the holding protrusions H2 and H5 face each other, and the holding protrusions H3 and H6 face each other. there is

As shown in FIG. 6, these holding protrusions H1 to H6 hold the arm piece 150 in a state in which the arm piece 150 is in contact with the inside of the top wall portion 171a. In other words, these holding projections H1 to H6 have the function of fixing the first cover body 171 (cover member 170) to the arm piece 150 so as not to rattle.

Of the holding projections H1 to H6, two holding projections H1 and H4 are formed in the same shape, respectively, but are formed in a slightly different shape from the other four holding projections H2, H3, H5 and H6. ing. The pair of holding protrusions H1 and H4 protrude at a predetermined height in the lateral direction of the ceiling wall portion 171a and are arranged near the base end portion of the first cover body 171 in the longitudinal direction. This reliably prevents the longitudinal base end portion of the first cover body 171 from rattling with respect to the arm piece 150 .

The other four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5 and H6 are formed in the same shape, and all protrude at a predetermined height in the lateral direction of the ceiling wall portion 171a. A pair of holding projections H2, H5 out of the four holding projections H2, H3, H5, H6 are arranged at portions corresponding to the pair of engaged portions E1, E4. A pair of holding projections H3, H6 out of the four holding projections H2, H3, H5, H6 are arranged at portions corresponding to the pair of engaged portions E3, E6.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first cover body 171 is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side walls 171b protrude (vertical direction in FIG. 7), the pair of holding projections H2 and H5 are They are arranged at positions overlapping the pair of engaged portions E1 and E4. The pair of holding projections H3 and H6 are arranged at positions overlapping the pair of engaged portions E3 and E6 when the first cover body 171 is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions 171b protrude. . Note that FIG. 7 shows only the holding protrusions H2 and H3 and the engaged portions E1 to E3 provided on one side wall portion 171b.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8A [the present invention], the relative movement distance L1 between the first slide mold D1 and the second slide mold D2 for molding the first cover body 171 is relatively can be short distances. Therefore, the manufacturing energy for manufacturing the first cover body 171 can be saved without increasing the size of the first cover body 171 . However, even if both the first slide mold D1 and the second slide mold D2 are not slidable, either one of the first and second slide molds D1 and D2 may be a "fixed mold". .

On the other hand, the four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5 and H6 and the four engaged portions E1, E3, E4 and E6 are viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions 171b protrude from the first cover body 171. Sometimes, when they are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other, the results are as shown in [comparative example] in FIG. 8(b). That is, the relative movement distance L2 between the first slide mold D1 and the second slide mold D2 is longer than the relative movement distance L1 (L2>L1). Therefore, in the [Comparative Example] of FIG. ] becomes more difficult.

Support surfaces F1 to F6 for supporting the arm piece 150 are provided on the six holding projections H1 to H6, respectively, and these support surfaces F1 to F6 face the top wall portion 171a. However, the supporting surfaces F1 and F4 of the pair of holding protrusions H1 and H4 are shown in FIG. 4(b). 6 and 7 at the support surfaces F2, F3, F5, F6 of the other four retaining projections H2, H3, H5, H6. As a result, the arm piece 150 is sandwiched between the top wall portion 171a and the respective support surfaces F1 to F6 in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the first cover body 171 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 without rattling.

To attach the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150, the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 are pushed apart from each other as indicated by the dashed arrows in FIG. 4(b). There is a need. In this case, since the tip end side of the pair of side wall portions 171b, that is, the side where the engaged portions E1 to E6 are arranged, is separated from the top wall portion 171a, the first cover body 171 can be removed relatively easily without damaging it. can be pushed to Therefore, the arm piece 150 can be easily arranged inside the first cover body 171 and at the ceiling wall portion 171 a , that is, at the deepest part (prescribed position) of the first cover body 171 .

Further, arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 for guiding the attachment of the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150 are provided on the six holding protrusions H1 to H6, respectively. However, the arc surfaces C1 and C4 of the pair of holding projections H1 and H4 are shown in FIG. 4(b). 6 and 7 show arc surfaces C2, C3, C5 and C6 of the other four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5 and H6. Accordingly, when attaching the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150, the arm piece 150 can easily climb over the respective holding projections H1 to H6. In this way, the arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 play a role of improving the assembling property of the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150. As shown in FIG.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the portions of the four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5 and H6 provided with the arcuate surfaces C2, C3, C5 and C6 are provided with the cover member 170 in the assembled state. , recesses P2, P3, P5, and P6 for avoiding the hook N of the second cover body 172 are provided, respectively. This prevents the hooking claw N from interfering with the four holding projections H2, H3, H5, H6, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the cover member 170. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 7, only the recessed portions P2 and P3 are shown.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a first protrusion 171c and a second protrusion 171c and a second protrusion 171c are provided at the longitudinal end portion of the first cover body 171 (left side in FIG. 4(a) and right side in FIG. 4(b)). 171d is integrally provided. These first convex portion 171c and second convex portion 171d protrude in the same direction, respectively, and more specifically, protrude toward the tip side in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 (see FIG. 15).

The first convex portion 171c is arranged substantially in the central portion of the top wall portion 171a along the width direction of the first cover body 171, and is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. On the other hand, the second convex portion 171d is arranged near one side wall portion 171b (upper side wall portion 171b in FIG. 4) along the width direction of the first cover body 171, and is formed in a substantially J shape. . In addition, in the vicinity of the second convex portion 171d, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a recessed portion 171e recessed in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 is formed. As a result, the thickness in the vicinity of the second convex portion 171d is reduced to improve the molding accuracy of the second convex portion 171d.

The first convex portion 171c is adapted to enter a first concave portion 162a (see FIG. 9B) provided in the nozzle body 161 of the washer nozzle 160. As shown in FIG. Further, the second convex portion 171d is adapted to enter a third concave portion 163c (see FIG. 9B) provided in the nozzle body 161 of the washer nozzle 160. As shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the first cover body 171 (cover member 170) and the nozzle body 161 (washer nozzle 160) can be firmly connected without steps. Here, since the first cover body 171 and the nozzle body 161 are firmly connected to each other by the concave-convex engagement, even if the first cover body 171 and the nozzle body 161 change over time due to long-term use, rattling of both can be effectively suppressed. be done.

It should be noted that the cylindrical protrusion 152 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) provided on the arm piece 150 is also inserted into the first concave portion 162a together with the first convex portion 171c. As a result, washer nozzle 160 is positioned at the correct position with respect to arm piece 150 , and cover member 170 is positioned at the correct position with respect to washer nozzle 160 . The columnar projection 152 is arranged on the bottom side of the first concave portion 162a along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150, and the first convex portion 171c is arranged on the opening side of the first concave portion 162a along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150. (See FIG. 12).

In addition, the washer nozzle 160 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 by a fixing screw S (see FIG. 3), and the cover member 170 is firmly connected to the washer nozzle 160. are firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 without rattling.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second cover body 172 is formed in a straight plate shape along the shape of the arm piece 150 by injection molding a molten plastic material or the like. As described above, the second cover body 172 is also made of resin like the first cover body 171, so that the design is excellent and the weight is reduced.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the length dimension of the second cover body 172 is set to approximately half the length dimension of the first cover body 171 . As a result, the washer tube TB is prevented from becoming loose and exposed to the outside of the cover member 170, and the increase in the weight of the entire cover member 170 is suppressed.

The second cover body 172 has a flat plate main body portion 172 a formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the flat plate main body portion 172 a is arranged to face the ceiling wall portion 171 a of the first cover body 171 . Nothing is formed on the front surface 172b (see FIG. 3) of the flat plate body portion 172a, and a total of six engaging portions G1 to G6 are integrally provided on the rear surface 172c of the flat plate body portion 172a. there is A total of four protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are integrally provided on the rear surface 172c of the flat plate body portion 172a. These engaging portions G1 to G6 and protruding wall portions K1 to K4 all protrude from the rear surface 172c toward the top wall portion 171a (see FIG. 7) when the cover member 170 is assembled.

In addition, the engaging portions G1 to G3 (three pieces) out of the total six engaging portions G1 to G6 are provided near one of the long side portions 172d and extend in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. They are arranged side by side at intervals. On the other hand, the other engaging portions G4 to G6 (the other three) are provided near the other long side portion 172d and arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172 at regular intervals. ing. In the width direction of the second cover body 172, the engaging portion G1 and the engaging portion G4 face each other, the engaging portion G2 and the engaging portion G5 face each other, and the engaging portion G3 and the engaging portion G3 face each other. It faces G6.

The engaging portions G1 to G6 are formed in the same shape. Specifically, each of the engaging portions G1 to G6 has two (a pair of) hooking claws N, and these hooking claws N face each other in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. are placed. That is, the projecting directions of the two hooking claws N are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hooking claws N forming the engaging portions G1 to G6 are hooked on the hooking surfaces T1 to T6 forming the engaged portions E1 to E6, respectively. It's becoming In this manner, two hooking claws N are hooked to one engaged portion E1 to E6.

Further, the two hooking claws N are elastically deformable by applying a relatively small external force, and the two hooking claws N are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172 at a predetermined interval. there is As a result, when the two hooking claws N are hooked on the hooking surfaces T1 to T6 of the engaged portions E1 to E6, respectively (when assembling the cover member 170), the insertion openings S1 to S6 of the engaged portions E1 to E6 are inserted into the openings S1 to S6. (See FIG. 4(b)).

In this manner, the engaging portions G1 to G6 of the second cover body 172 cooperate with the engaged portions E1 to E6 of the first cover body 171 to fix the second cover body 172 to the first cover body 171. It has the function to That is, the second cover body 172 is attached to the pair of side wall portions 171b forming the first cover body 171. As shown in FIG. Since the first cover body 171 and the second cover body 172 are fixed to each other at six points, the second cover body 172 can be fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling, and Twisting and distortion of the opening side portion of the first cover body 171 (the portion where the second cover body 172 is attached) can be suppressed. This also reliably prevents the cover member 170 from rattling with respect to the arm piece 150 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the flat plate main body portion 172a of the second cover body 172 is fitted to the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 so as to be completely inside the first cover body 171. getting into As a result, twisting and distortion of the cover member 170 are more reliably suppressed, and in addition, the appearance of the cover member 170 is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the projecting wall portions K1 to K4 are formed in the same shape. Specifically, each of the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and provided along the pair of long side portions 172d. Of the total four projecting wall portions K1 to K4, the projecting wall portions K1 and K2 (two) are provided corresponding to one long side portion 172d, and the projecting wall portion K1 is engaged with the engaging portion G1. The protruding wall portion K2 is arranged between the engaging portion G2 and the engaging portion G3. On the other hand, the other protruding wall portions K3 and K4 (the other two) are provided corresponding to the other long side portion 172d, and the protruding wall portion K3 is between the engaging portion G4 and the engaging portion G5. , and the projecting wall portion K4 is arranged between the engaging portion G5 and the engaging portion G6. In the width direction of the second cover body 172, the protruding wall portion K1 and the protruding wall portion K3 face each other, and the protruding wall portion K2 and the protruding wall portion K4 face each other.

These projecting wall portions K1 to K4 are accommodated inside the first cover body 171 as shown in FIG. 7 when the cover member 170 is assembled. The protruding wall portions K1 to K4 enter inside the pair of side wall portions 171b forming the first cover body 171 and come into contact with the pair of side wall portions 171b. That is, the projecting wall portions K1 to K4 extend parallel to the pair of side wall portions 171b.

As a result, the positioning of the second cover member 172 with respect to the first cover member 171 is ensured, and the work of assembling the cover member 170, that is, the work of engaging the engaged portions E1 to E6 and the engaging portions G1 to G6 can be performed. can be easily done. In addition, the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are formed thicker than other portions of the second cover body 172. As shown in FIG. Therefore, twisting and distortion of the cover member 170 can be suppressed more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the flexible and elastically deformable engaging portions G1 to G6. Therefore, the second cover body 172 is reliably prevented from coming off the first cover body 171 .

As shown in FIG. 9, washer nozzle 160 includes nozzle body 161 . The nozzle body 161 is formed in a predetermined shape by injection molding a resin material such as plastic. Specifically, the nozzle body 161 includes a first wall portion 162 , a second wall portion 163 and a third wall portion 164 . The base end portions of the first wall portion 162 and the third wall portion 164 are connected so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. 3 is connected between the wall portion 164 .

An arm piece mounting groove 165 to which the arm piece 150 is mounted is formed between the first wall portion 162 and the second wall portion 163 . The depth dimension DP of the arm piece mounting groove 165 is larger than the width dimension WL (see FIG. 10) of the arm piece 150 (DP>WL). On the other hand, the width dimension WP of the arm piece mounting groove 165 is slightly smaller than the thickness dimension TN (see FIG. 10) of the arm piece 150 (WP<TN). Thereby, the arm piece 150 is firmly fixed to the arm piece mounting groove 165 without protruding or rattling.

Further, on the second wall portion 163 side of the first wall portion 162 and on the cover member 170 side of the nozzle body 161 (right side in FIG. 9B), a first protrusion provided on the first cover body 171 There is provided a first recess 162a into which 171c (see FIG. 4) enters and engages. The first recess 162a is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150. As shown in FIG. The first convex portion 171c of the first cover body 171 is attached (engaged) to the first concave portion 162a without looseness.

Further, a fixing screw for fixing the washer nozzle 160 to the arm piece 150 is provided on the second wall portion 163 side of the first wall portion 162 and on the U-shaped hook 151 side of the nozzle body 161 (left side in FIG. 12). A second recess 162b is provided as a "relief" for S (see FIGS. 3 and 11). As a result, for example, even if the fixing screw S is over-tightened, the fixing screw S and the first wall portion 162 do not interfere with each other, and damage to the first wall portion 162 can be prevented.

A flat plate portion 163a formed in a substantially flat plate shape is integrally provided with the second wall portion 163, and a screw A hole 163b is provided. The screw hole 163b penetrates the plate portion 163a in the plate thickness direction, and the fixing screw S (see FIGS. 3 and 11) is inserted through the screw hole 163b. That is, the flat plate portion 163a is fixed to the arm piece 150 by a fixing screw S, and the screw hole 163b of the flat plate portion 163a and the second concave portion 162b of the first wall portion 162 are mutually connected. They are arranged facing each other. A procedure for fixing the washer nozzle 160 to the arm piece 150 will be described in detail later.

Further, the cover member 170 side of the second wall portion 163 is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 with respect to the first wall portion 162 and the third wall portion 164. An inner wall IW is formed between the three wall portions 164 . A lid portion 166a of a closing member 166 is inserted into the inner wall IW with a predetermined gap. A third concave portion 163c having a substantially J shape is formed between the inner wall IW and the lid portion 166a. That is, the lid portion 166a is provided inside the third recess portion 163c. Also, in other words, the third recess 163c is arranged along the periphery of the lid portion 166a. Then, the second convex portion 171d (see FIG. 4) of the first cover body 171 enters (engages with) the third concave portion 163c substantially without any gap.

The first recess 162a and the third recess 163c are recessed in the same direction (longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150). Specifically, the first recessed portion 162a and the third recessed portion 163c are recessed toward the longitudinal tip side (left side in FIG. 12) of the arm piece 150. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, an upstream opening (opening) 163d is provided on the second wall 163 on the side of the cover member 170 (one side in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150). This upstream opening 163 d is closed by a closing member 166 . The closing member 166 is formed into a predetermined shape by injection molding a resin material such as plastic, like the nozzle body 161, and is fixed to the nozzle body 161 by an adhesive means such as ultrasonic welding.

As shown in FIG. 9, the closing member 166 includes an elongated substantially rod-shaped lid portion 166a and a joint portion 166b integrally provided with the lid portion 166a. The lid portion 166a seals the upstream opening portion 163d in a liquid-tight state, thereby preventing the washer liquid W from leaking out of the nozzle body 161. As shown in FIG. A third concave portion 163c is arranged around the lid portion 166a, and the second convex portion 171d enters and engages with the third concave portion 163c, so that the second convex portion 171d is arranged around the lid portion 166a. are arranged.

The joint portion 166b is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and extends in a direction orthogonal to the lid portion 166a. A longitudinal tip of the washer tube TB is connected to the longitudinal tip of the joint portion 166b (right side in FIG. 9A) (see FIG. 12). A ring-shaped retainer projection 166c that functions as a retainer for the washer tube TB is integrally provided at the longitudinal end portion of the joint portion 166b.

As shown in FIG. 9, a pair of first downstream side openings 164a and a pair of first downstream side openings 164a opened in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 are provided in a portion of the third wall portion 164 near the front windshield 11 (lower side in the figure). 2 downstream openings 164b are provided. A substantially spherical first nozzle body NZ1 provided with a first injection hole IA for injecting the washer fluid W is attached to the first downstream opening 164a. Further, a substantially spherical second nozzle body NZ2 provided with a second injection hole IB for injecting the washer fluid W is attached to the second downstream opening 164b.

Further, in a portion of the third wall portion 164 closer to the front windshield 11, one third downstream side opening portion 164c that opens in the lateral direction of the arm piece 150 is provided. The third downstream opening 164c is provided with three third injection holes IC, a fourth injection hole ID and a fifth injection hole IE, and a third nozzle body NZ3 formed in a substantially box shape is mounted. ing.

Here, the first and second nozzle bodies NZ1 and NZ2 are rotatably attached to the third wall portion 164. As shown in FIG. As a result, the injection positions of the washer fluid W injected from the first and second injection holes IA, IB with respect to the front windshield 11 can be adjusted. On the other hand, the injection positions of the third, fourth and fifth injection holes IC, ID and IE of the third nozzle body NZ3 cannot be adjusted. However, in place of the third nozzle body NZ3, a substantially spherical nozzle body whose injection position can be adjusted in the same manner as the first and second nozzle bodies NZ1 and NZ2 may be used according to the required specifications. .

The first, second, and third nozzle bodies NZ1, NZ2, and NZ3 are fitted into the first, second, and third downstream openings 164a, 164b, and 164c, respectively, by pressing with a relatively large force. It is worn so that it can be The third nozzle body NZ3 is further fixed to the nozzle body 161 by an adhesive means such as ultrasonic welding, like the closing member 166. As shown in FIG.

Accordingly, by operating the washer switch to operate the washer pump, the washer fluid W flows through the flow path formed inside the washer tube TB and the nozzle body 161 as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. (not shown) and is injected from a total of five first, second, third, fourth and fifth injection holes IA, IB, IC, ID and IE.

Next, the assembly method (assembly procedure) of the DR side wiper arm 120 formed as described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

10 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for assembling the first cover body and the second cover body to the arm shank, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for assembling the washer nozzle to the arm shank, and FIG. The figure explaining the assembly|attachment procedure with 1 cover bodies is shown, respectively.

First, the arm head 130 (see FIG. 2), the arm shank 140 and the arm piece 150 are respectively assembled and connected. At this time, the washer tube TB is routed inside the holding groove 132 of the arm head 130 and the arm shank 140, and the tension spring SP is set inside the arm shank 140 (see FIG. 3).

[First step]
As shown in FIG. 10, a first cover body 171 and a second cover body 172 manufactured through separate manufacturing processes are prepared. After that, as indicated by arrow M1, first cover body 171 is faced from the thickness direction of arm piece 150 (upward in the drawing). Next, the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 are pushed apart from each other (see the dashed arrows in FIG. 4B). Then, in this state, the ceiling wall portion 171 a of the first cover body 171 is pressed in the direction of the arrow M 1 with a predetermined pressure, and the first cover body 171 is attached to the arm piece 150 . At this time, the longitudinal direction base end side (the right side in FIG. 10 ) of the first cover body 171 is brought into contact with the piece fixing portion 144 of the arm shank 140 .

Since the pair of side wall portions 171b are pushed apart from each other in this way, the arm piece 150 can easily get over the tapered surfaces TP of the engaged portions E1 to E6 (see FIG. 4B). Furthermore, since the holding protrusions H1 to H6 are provided with arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 (see FIGS. 4B and 6), respectively, the arm piece 150 can easily climb over the holding protrusions H1 to H6. can. Therefore, by pressing the top wall portion 171a in the direction of the arrow M1 with a predetermined pressure while pushing the pair of side wall portions 171b apart, the arm piece 150 can be moved between the top wall portion 171a and the holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, It can be easily fixed between the support surfaces F2, F3, F5, and F6 of H6, that is, at a regular position.

Subsequently, the second cover body 172 is made to face the first cover body 171 attached to the arm piece 150 as indicated by the arrow M2. Specifically, the second cover body 172 faces from the thickness direction of the arm piece 150 (downward in the figure). At this time, the projecting wall portions K1 to K4 of the second cover body 172 are inserted inside the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 (see FIG. 6), and the second cover body 172 is The engaging portions G1 to G6 are brought into contact with the engaged portions E1 to E6 (see FIG. 4B) of the first cover body 171, respectively.

After that, the flat plate body portion 172a of the second cover body 172 is pressed in the direction of the arrow M2 with a predetermined pressure, and the second cover body 172 is attached to the first cover body 171. As shown in FIG. At this time, the hooking claws N (see FIG. 5) of the engaging portions G1 to G6 are securely hooked on the hooking surfaces T1 to T6 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the engaged portions E1 to E6, respectively. . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the first cover body 171 and the second cover body 172 (cover member 170) are attached to the arm piece 150 from the lateral direction of the arm piece 150, and the first step is completed. do.

[Second step]
Next, the washer nozzle 160 assembled through another assembly process is prepared. Then, as indicated by an arrow M3 in FIG. 11, the washer nozzle 160 faces the side of the arm piece 150 from the width direction of the arm piece 150 (left direction in the drawing). At this time, the opening side of the arm piece mounting groove 165 is made to face the arm piece 150 in the portion near the U-shaped hook 151 along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 . Thereby, the arm piece 150 is accommodated inside the arm piece mounting groove 165 . Therefore, the washer nozzle 160 is attached to the arm piece 150 from the lateral direction of the arm piece 150, and the second step is completed.

[Third step]
11 and 12, the washer nozzle 160 temporarily attached to the arm piece 150 is slid (moved) in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 to move the cover member 170 (first cover member 170). body 171). Then, as indicated by the dashed arrow (1) in FIG. 12, the longitudinal tip of the joint portion 166b of the washer nozzle 160 is inserted into the longitudinal tip of the washer tube TB. As a result, the washer nozzle 160 and the washer tube TB are connected, and the washer tube TB is retained by the retaining protrusion 166c.

After that, as indicated by arrow M4, washer nozzle 160 temporarily attached to arm piece 150 is further slid in the longitudinal direction of arm piece 150, and washer nozzle 160 and cover member 170 are connected. More specifically, the columnar protrusion 152 provided on the arm piece 150 and the first protrusion 171c provided on the first cover body 171 are arranged in that order as indicated by the dashed arrow (2). It is attached to the first recess 162a provided in the body 161. As shown in FIG. Substantially at the same time, the second convex portion 171d of the first cover body 171 is attached to the third concave portion 163c provided in the nozzle body 161, as indicated by the dashed arrow (3).

As a result, the washer nozzle 160 is positioned at the correct position of the arm piece 150 by the cylindrical projection 152, and the first cover body 171 (cover member 170) is engaged with the washer nozzle 160 to the correct position of the arm piece 150. , and the third step is completed.

[Fourth step]
After that, as shown in FIG. 11, the fixing screw S is prepared, and the washer nozzle 160 is screwed to the arm piece 150 as shown by the arrow M5. Here, in the vicinity of the cylindrical projection 152 of the arm piece 150 and on the side of the U-shaped hook 151 along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150, a female screw portion 153 is provided that penetrates in the thickness direction of the arm piece 150, A fixing screw S is screwed into the female threaded portion 153 .

Here, in order to screw the washer nozzle 160 to the arm piece 150 , first, the fixing screw S is inserted through the screw hole 163 b of the nozzle body 161 . The washer nozzle 160 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 by threading the fixing screw S to the female threaded portion 153 . At this time, since the cylindrical projection 152 of the arm piece 150 is positioned deep inside the first concave portion 162a (see FIG. 12) of the nozzle body 161, the threaded hole 163b of the nozzle body 161 and the female threaded portion 153 of the arm piece 150 are aligned. are aligned with each other. Therefore, the fixing screw S can be easily screwed (improved assemblability).

Thus, the assembling work of the DR side wiper arm 120 is finished, and the fourth step is completed.

Next, the AS-side wiper arm 220 (modification) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Parts having functions similar to those of the DR side wiper arm 120 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the washer nozzle portion of the AS-side wiper arm (modification) viewed from the back side.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the AS side wiper arm 220, the shape of the arm piece 150 is different from that of the DR side wiper arm 120 described above due to a layout difference with respect to the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the arm piece 150 of the DR side wiper arm 120 extends substantially straight (see FIG. 3), but the arm piece 150 of the AS side wiper arm 220 has a greatly bent shape.

As a result, a bent portion CV is formed at the longitudinal direction base end side (left side in the drawing) of the first cover body 171 that constitutes the cover member 170 of the AS side wiper arm 220 . A second washer nozzle 230 is provided in the vicinity of the bent portion CV and in a portion on the front windshield 11 side. Specifically, the second washer nozzle 230 is incorporated in the middle of the washer tube TB routed along the AS-side wiper arm 220 .

The second washer nozzle 230 has a nozzle case 231 formed in a substantially box shape. The nozzle case 231 is fixed to the arm piece 150 and arranged so as to be sandwiched between the longitudinal base end portion of the first cover body 171 and the piece fixing portion 144 of the arm shank 140. . Thereby, it can be fixed to the arm piece 150 without using a fixing screw or the like.

The nozzle case 231 is provided with a sixth injection hole IF and a seventh injection hole IG (two in total). As a result, the washer fluid W can be sprayed onto the front windshield 11 and near the bent portion CV, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. Inside the nozzle case 231, there are a main flow path (not shown) to which the washer tubes TB are connected at both ends, and a pair of nozzles branched from the main flow path and extending toward the sixth and seventh injection holes IF and IG. branch channels (not shown) are provided.

13, the washer nozzle 160 and the second cover body 172 are the same as those of the DR side wiper arm 120. As shown in FIG. That is, parts are shared between the DR side and the AS side. Thus, in the AS side wiper arm 220, the washer fluid W is injected from a total of seven injection holes IA, IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, and IG (see FIGS. 9 and 13). there is

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the DR side wiper arm 120 is composed of the arm head 130, the arm shank 140, and the arm piece 150. Therefore, the arm shank 140 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the DR side wiper arm 120 is It is possible to reduce the occupied ratio. That is, since the arm piece 150 is provided, the arm shank 140 can be shortened. As a result, the size and weight of the entire DR side wiper arm 120 can be reduced, and wiping performance can be enhanced. In addition, since the cover member 170 is attached to the portion of the arm piece 150, the washer tube TB arranged in that portion can be hidden. Therefore, the design of the DR side wiper arm 120 can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first cover body 171 and the second cover body 172 are made of resin, and the pair of side wall portions 171b protrude in the lateral direction of the top wall portion 171a and have a pair of Engaged portions E1 to E6 having insertion openings S1 to S6 that open in the projecting direction of the side wall portion 171b are provided. Engagement portions G1 to G6 having hooking claws N that are inserted into and hooked on the engaged portions E1 to E6 are provided.

Thereby, the design of the cover member 170 can be improved, and the weight can be reduced. In addition, the second cover body 172, which is designed to be lightweight, can be firmly fixed to the first cover body 171, which is designed to be lightweight, without rattling. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the noise generated by the DR side wiper arm 120 and sufficiently apply it to hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like.

Further, according to the present embodiment, two hooking claws N are provided for one engaged portion E1 to E6, and the two hooking claws N are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. Two hooking claws N, which are arranged side by side, are hooked on hooking surfaces T1 to T6 facing the top wall portion 171a of the engaged portions E1 to E6.

As a result, the second cover body 172 can be firmly fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling, thereby preventing the second cover body 172 from falling off from the first cover body 171 over a long period of time. be able to.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the pair of side wall portions 171b protrude in the lateral direction of the ceiling wall portion 171a, and when the first cover body 171 is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions 171b protrude, Holding projections H2, H3, H5, and H6 are provided at positions overlapping the engaged portions E1, E3, E4, and E6, and are directed toward the ceiling wall portion 171a of these holding projections H2, H3, H5, and H6. An arm piece 150 is supported on the supporting surfaces F2, F3, F5, and F6.

As a result, the arm piece 150 is sandwiched between the top wall portion 171a and the respective support surfaces F2, F3, F5, and F6 in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the first cover body 171 can be firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 without rattling.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second cover body 172 has protrusions that protrude toward the top wall portion 171a, extend parallel to the pair of side wall portions 171b, and enter the inside of the pair of side wall portions 171b. Wall portions K1 to K4 are provided.

As a result, the positioning of the second cover body 172 with respect to the first cover body 171 can be reliably performed, and the work of assembling the cover member 170, that is, the work of engaging the engaged portions E1 to E6 and the engaging portions G1 to G6, can be performed. work can be done easily. In addition, it is possible to more reliably suppress the twisting and distortion of the cover member 170, which in turn suppresses the application of an excessive load to the flexible and elastically deformable engaging portions G1 to G6. can. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the second cover body 172 from coming off the first cover body 171 .

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the DR side wiper arm 120 is used in a vehicle 10 such as an automobile, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be used in aircraft, railroad vehicles, construction machinery, and the like. can be done.

In addition, the material, shape, size, number, installation location, etc. of each component in the above embodiment are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited to the above embodiment.

10 vehicle 11 front windshield (wiping surface)
12 DR side wiping range 13 AS side wiping range 14 Wiper device 15 DR side pivot shaft 16 AS side pivot shaft 17 DR side drive lever 18 AS side drive lever 19 Connecting rod 20 Drive rod 21 Crank arm 22 Wiper motor 23 Output shaft 100 DR side Wiper member 110 DR side wiper blade (wiper blade)
120 DR side wiper arm (wiper arm)
130 arm head 131 pivot shaft fixing part 132 holding groove 133 thinning part 134 tube guide 135 shank fixing part 135a hook part 135b guide groove 140 arm shank 141 shank top wall 142 shank side wall 143 head fixing part 144 piece fixing part 150 arm piece 151 U-shaped hook 152 cylindrical projection 153 female threaded portion 160 washer nozzle 161 nozzle body 162 first wall portion 162a first recessed portion 162b second recessed portion 163 second wall portion 163a flat plate portion 163b screw hole 163c third recessed portion 163d upstream opening 164 Third wall portion 164a First downstream opening 164b Second downstream opening 164c Third downstream opening 165 Arm piece mounting groove 166 Closing member 166a Lid portion 166b Joint portion 166c Retaining convex portion 170 Cover member 171 First first Cover body 171a Ceiling wall part 171b Side wall part 171c First convex part 171d Second convex part 171e Thinning part 172 Second cover body 172a Flat plate main body part 172b Front surface 172c Back surface 172d Long side part 200 AS wiper member 210 AS wiper blade (wiper blade)
220 AS side wiper arm (wiper arm)
230 Second washer nozzle 231 Nozzle case BJ Ball joint C1-C6 Arc surface CV Bent portion D1 First slide mold D2 Second slide mold E1-E6 Engaged portion F1-F6 Support surface FK Hook member G1-G6 Engagement Joining portion H1-H6 Holding projection IA First injection hole IB Second injection hole IC Third injection hole ID Fourth injection hole IE Fifth injection hole IF Sixth injection hole IG Seventh injection hole IW Inner wall K1-K4 Protruding wall portion LRP Lower reversal position N Hook claw NZ1 First nozzle body NZ2 Second nozzle body NZ3 Third nozzle body P2-P6 Recess PN Support pin RB Reinforcement rib S Fixing screw S1-S6 Insertion opening SF Spring hook SP Tension spring T1-T6 Hooking surface TB Washer tube TP Tapered surface URP Upper reversal position W Washer fluid

Claims (5)

A wiper arm that swings a wiper blade that wipes a surface to be wiped,
an arm head having a proximal end attached to the swing shaft;
an arm shank having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the arm head;
an arm piece having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the arm shank;
a washer tube disposed along the arm head, the arm shank and the arm piece;
a washer nozzle attached to the tip of the washer tube;
a cover member covering at least a part of the arm piece and the washer tube in the longitudinal direction;
with
The cover member is
a first cover body having a ceiling wall and a pair of side walls protruding from both sides of the ceiling wall in the short direction;
a second cover body attached to the pair of side wall portions and arranged to face the top wall portion;
A wiper arm comprising: The first cover body and the second cover body are made of resin,
The pair of side wall portions are provided with engaged portions projecting in the lateral direction of the top wall portion and having insertion openings opened in the projecting direction of the pair of side wall portions,
The second cover body is provided with an engaging portion that protrudes toward the top wall portion and has a hooking claw that is inserted into the insertion opening and hooked to the engaged portion. A wiper arm according to claim 1. Two hooking claws are provided for one engaged portion,
The two hooking claws are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body,
3. A wiper arm according to claim 2, wherein said two hooking claws are hooked on a hooking surface of said engaged portion facing said top wall portion. The pair of side wall portions protrude in the lateral direction of the top wall portion, and are arranged at positions overlapping the engaged portions when the first cover body is viewed from the direction in which the pair of side wall portions protrude. is provided with a retaining projection that
4. The wiper arm according to claim 2, wherein the arm piece is supported on a supporting surface of the holding projection facing the top wall portion. The second cover body is provided with a protruding wall portion that protrudes toward the ceiling wall portion, extends parallel to the pair of side wall portions, and enters inside the pair of side wall portions. The wiper arm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

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