JP2002178880A - Wiper device, and coupling method for pivot holder of the wiper device and hollow frame - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a wiper device and a coupling method for a pivot holder of the wiper device and a hollow frame, capable of preventing the reduction in strength or a residue of stress on a member after coupling, ensuring coupling fix accuracy for a long term, easily executing by simple positioning that can be checked from the outside without complex positioning, and improving assemble workability. SOLUTION: In this wiper device 10, fitting portions 36, 38 of pivot holders 12, 14 are fitted and coupled with connecting portions 44, 46 of a pipe frame 42. The fitting portions 36, 38 and the connecting portions 44, 46 are formed by the same resinous material, and surfaces of both members are melted by adding high frequency vibrations under the condition fitting with each other. Then, the melted portions are hardened, thereby coupling and firmly fixing both members.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wiper device for wiping windshield glass of an automobile and a method of connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of the wiper device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A wiper device for wiping a windshield glass of an automobile includes a wiper arm attached to a pivot shaft which reciprocates within a predetermined range by rotation of the pivot shaft, thereby wiping raindrops and the like on the windshield glass surface. I do.

Here, among such wiper devices, there is known a so-called pipe-type module wiper device in which a pivot holder for supporting a pivot shaft is connected by a pipe frame (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-156747). , Below.)

[0004] Here, the document discloses that in such a pipe-type module wiper device, a metal pipe frame and an aluminum alloy pivot holder are connected and fixed by "caulking". In "Caulking" shown in this document, a recess is formed in the fitting portion of the pivot holder, and after inserting this fitting portion into the metal pipe frame, the outer peripheral surface of the pipe frame follows the recess. In this way, the press frame is pressed from above and below (by caulking with the die), the meat of the pipe frame is cut into the recess, and the pipe frame and the pivot holder are connected and fixed. .

However, in the configuration disclosed in the above document in which the pipe frame and the pivot holder are connected and fixed by "crimping", the recess formed in the pivot holder due to the "crimping" is predetermined in the longitudinal direction of the pipe frame. Since there is a pair facing each other in parallel in the outer surface state with an interval, it is necessary to match the mold split direction of the molding die of the pivot holder with the parallel direction of this recess, and dimensional accuracy is reduced. It is required and the degree of freedom in design is limited.

That is, in the crimping process as described above, it is necessary to align the recess formed in the pivot holder with the claw of the mold in advance from the outside of the pipe frame and press-contact the same. When the fitting portion of the holder is inserted, it is difficult to confirm the position of the recess formed in the fitting portion. If the position is displaced, there is a possibility that the life of the caulking claw of the mold may be early, or the fitting portion of the pivot holder may be damaged. In particular, damage to the fitting portion of the pivot holder is hidden in the pipe frame and is difficult to find.

On the other hand, there is a type in which the pivot holder is a resin holder from the viewpoint of weight reduction and moldability. However, when the resin holder and the metal pipe frame are caulked and fixed, apart from the above problem, the linear expansion coefficients are different due to the difference in the material (in general, since the metal material is smaller than the resin material, At the time of low temperature, play may occur between both members.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above facts, the present invention can prevent the strength from being reduced or the stress from remaining on the connected member, and can secure the connection fixing accuracy for a long period of time. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wiper device and a method of connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of the wiper device, which can improve assembling workability by simple alignment.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiper device comprising: a wiper motor; a plurality of pivot holders rotatably supporting a pivot shaft having a wiper arm fixed to a tip; and each of the pivot holders. A hollow frame connected to each other, wherein the pivot shaft is rotationally driven by the driving force of the wiper motor, wherein the hollow frame is a hollow resin frame made of a resin material, and both ends of the hollow frame are connected to the pivot holder. It has a connection portion to be connected, the pivot holder,
It has a fitting part to fit with the connection part of the hollow frame, at least the fitting part is formed of a resin material, and the connection part of the hollow frame and the fitting part of the pivot holder are welded. It is characterized by being connected and fixed.

In the wiper device according to the first aspect, the pivot holder rotatably supporting the pivot shaft has a fitting portion, and at least this fitting portion is formed of a resin material. The hollow frame is a hollow resin frame made of a resin material, and has a connection portion. The fitting part of the pivot holder and the connecting part of the hollow frame are connected and fixed by welding.

Therefore, in this wiper device, there is no need to form a recess in the fitting portion of the pivot holder as in the conventional wiper device, and this recess serves as a weak point and the strength is reduced. Absent.

In addition, the members are not plastically deformed and connected by applying a pressing force as in "caulking", but a part of the members is melted, and the melted part is hardened to form the members (pivot). Since the fitting portion of the holder and the connection portion of the hollow frame) are welded and connected and fixed, strong stress is unlikely to remain in each connected member.

Furthermore, since it is not "caulking processing", there is no need for difficult positioning such as "aligning the recess and the claw of the mold in advance from the outside of the pipe frame" as in the conventional wiper device. The assembling operation can be easily performed by a simple alignment that can be confirmed from the outside, such as the fitting amount between the fitting portion of the pivot holder and the connection portion of the hollow frame (the amount of insertion of the fitting portion into the connection portion). In this case, since the welding area (insertion margin) determines the welding area, that is, the joining force between the two members, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust or change this, and the degree of freedom of design and the range of application are expanded. .

As described above, in the wiper device according to the first aspect, it is possible to prevent the strength from being reduced or the stress from remaining on the member after connection, and to further ensure the connection fixing accuracy for a long period of time, and In addition, it is not necessary to perform difficult positioning, and can be easily performed with a simple positioning that can be confirmed from the outside.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the wiper device according to the first aspect, the fitting portion of the pivot holder has a columnar shape or a tubular shape, and the connecting portion of the hollow frame is It is characterized in that it is formed in a cross-sectional shape that fits the outer periphery of the fitting portion of the pivot holder.

In the wiper device according to the second aspect, the connecting portion of the hollow frame is formed to have a cross-sectional shape that fits the outer periphery of the fitting portion of the pivot holder. That is, since the fitting portion of the pivot holder is inserted into the connection portion (hollow portion) of the hollow frame made of resin and welded, the pivot holder is formed even when the outer shape of the hollow frame is relatively large. Can have a small diameter, and the material of the pivot holder can be reduced.

Further, even if the coupling strength is increased by increasing the insertion amount (welding area) of the fitting portion of the pivot holder, the appearance of the fitting portion does not change. That is, in the conventional connection by “crimping”, an attempt to increase the connection strength increases the number of crimped holes and impairs the appearance, but in the wiper device, even if the connection strength is increased, the appearance of the fitting portion is improved. Since there is no change, the product value also increases.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the wiper device according to the first aspect, the connection portion of the hollow frame is formed in a tubular shape, and the fitting portion of the pivot holder is formed of the hollow frame. Is formed in a hollow cross-sectional shape adapted to the outer periphery of the connecting portion.

In the wiper device according to the third aspect, the fitting portion of the pivot holder is formed to have a hollow cross-sectional shape adapted to the outer periphery of the connection portion of the hollow frame. That is, since the connecting portion of the hollow frame is inserted into the fitting portion (hollow portion) of the pivot holder and welded to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion, the outer shape of the hollow frame is relatively small and the insertion amount is small. Even in this case, a relatively large welding area can be secured.

[0020] Even if the connection strength is increased by increasing the insertion amount (welding area) of the connection portion of the hollow frame, the appearance of the fitting portion does not change. In other words, as in the past,
If the connection strength is increased by increasing the connection strength, the number of crimped holes increases and the appearance is impaired.However, with the wiper device, even if the connection strength is increased, the appearance of the fitting portion does not change, so the commercial value is also reduced. improves.

A wiper device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the wiper device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the welding is performed when the connection portion of the hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder are welded. In this case, a welding projection for connecting and fixing the two members is formed on the connection part and / or the fitting part.

In the wiper device according to the fourth aspect, a welding projection is provided on the connecting portion and / or the fitting portion. By providing the welding protrusions, the welding protrusions are melted and the two members are connected and fixed while the two members are inserted in a press-fitted state. As a result, rattling after connection and separation of the welded portion due to the rattling can be prevented without increasing the fitting dimensional accuracy of the two members, and the connection can be made firmly.

In addition, since the welding projections need only be melted when the connection portion of the hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder are welded, quick connection and fixation can be performed.

A wiper device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the wiper device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the connection portion of the hollow frame is provided around the entire periphery of the fitting portion of the pivot holder. It is characterized by being welded over.

In the wiper device according to the fifth aspect, the connection portion and the fitting portion of the two members are welded over the entire circumference, so that the raindrop transmitted from the pivot holder enters through the gap of the fitting portion. Therefore, accumulation in the hollow frame can be prevented. Particularly, in this case, the hollow frame is made of resin, so that so-called "rust" does not occur. However, it is possible to prevent the infiltrated water from decaying and giving off a bad smell, and the infiltrated water is different from the so-called "chapochapo" due to vibration. Emitting sound can also be prevented.

A wiper device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the wiper device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder are made of the same resin material. It is characterized by being formed.

In the wiper device according to the sixth aspect, since the hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder are formed of the same resin material, the melting time and the curing time of both members at the time of welding are the same. Work process management is extremely easy, and the welded portions of both members are well adapted, so that a joined state with less unevenness can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of a wiper device, comprising: a wiper motor; and a plurality of pivot holders rotatably supporting a pivot shaft having a tip to which a wiper arm is fixed. A hollow frame that connects the pivot holders to each other, and in a method of connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame in a wiper device in which the pivot shaft is rotationally driven by the driving force of the wiper motor, the hollow frame includes: A connecting portion connected to the pivot holder is formed of a hollow resin frame made of a resin material having both ends, and a fitting portion for fitting the connecting portion of the hollow frame is provided on the pivot holder, and at least the fitting is performed. Part is formed of a resin material, the connection part of the hollow frame and the pivot The high-frequency vibration to melt the grant to both the surface of the member in at least one of the fitting portion of the holder, thereafter, the connecting and fixing by welding the two members of the melted portion is cured, is characterized by.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame of the wiper device, a fitting portion is formed in the pivot holder, and at least this fitting portion is formed of a resin material. The hollow frame is formed of a hollow resin frame made of a resin material and having a connection portion. High-frequency vibration is applied to the fitting part of the pivot holder and the connection part of the hollow frame, and the surfaces of both members are melted,
Thereafter, the melted portion is hardened and the two members are connected and fixed by welding.

Therefore, in the method of connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame of the wiper device, there is no need to form a recess in the fitting portion of the pivot holder as in the conventional connection method by "crimping" in the wiper device. However, the recess does not serve as a weak point to lower the strength.

Further, the members are not connected by plastically deforming the members by applying a pressing force as in "caulking", but a part of the members is melted, and the melted part is hardened to form the members (pivot). Since the fitting portion of the holder and the connection portion of the hollow frame) are welded and connected and fixed, strong stress is unlikely to remain in each connected member.

In addition, since the high frequency vibration is applied to the members to melt the surfaces of both members, it is possible to prevent the portions other than the desired portions from being melted or deformed.

Furthermore, since it is not "caulking", it is difficult to "align the recess and the claw of the mold from the outside of the pipe in advance" as in the connection method by "caulking" in the conventional wiper device. There is no need for alignment, and it is easy to assemble with simple alignment that can be checked from the outside, such as the amount of fitting between the fitting part of the pivot holder and the connection part of the hollow frame (the amount of insertion of the fitting part into the connection part). Work can be performed. In this case, since the welding area (insertion margin) determines the welding area, that is, the joining force between the two members, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust or change this, and the degree of freedom of design and the range of application are expanded. .

As described above, according to the method for connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame of the wiper device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the strength from being reduced and to prevent stress from remaining in the connected members, and to connect the members for a long period of time. Fixing accuracy can be ensured, and difficult positioning is unnecessary, and can be easily performed with simple positioning that can be confirmed from the outside, and assembling workability is also improved.

The method for connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of a wiper device according to claim 8 is the same as the method for connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of a wiper device according to claim 7, wherein the high-frequency vibration is applied to the hollow frame. The connection part and the fitting part are press-fitted while melting the surface of the connection part of the frame and the fitting part of the pivot holder.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the method of connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame of the wiper device, when melting the surface of the connection portion of the hollow frame and the surface of the fitting portion of the pivot holder,
Since the connecting portion and the fitting portion are melted while being press-fitted to each other, and the two members are connected and fixed, it is possible to prevent rattling after connection of the two members and peeling of the welded portion due to the rattling, and it is possible to firmly connect the members. it can.

[0037]

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a wiper device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Wiper device 10
Is shown in a front view.

The wiper device 10 includes a pair of pivot holders 12 and 14. The pivot holder 12 and the pivot holder 14 are formed substantially symmetrically to the left and right, and have the same basic configuration. Each of the pivot holder 12 and the pivot holder 14 is formed of a resin material (for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, or polyacetal). Further, the pivot holder 12 is provided with a tubular portion 16 integrally therewith. Has a cylindrical portion 18 provided integrally therewith. The cylindrical portions 16 and 18 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the pivot shaft 20 and the pivot shaft 22 are inserted through the shaft holes 17 and 19 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 and rotatably support the shaft holes. .

Pivot levers 24 and 26 are fixed to lower ends of the pivot shafts 20 and 22, respectively, and the pivot shafts 20 and 22 are rotated by swinging of the pivot levers 24 and 26. At the corners of the pivot holders 12, 14, mounting holes 28,
30 are formed respectively. These mounting holes 28,
The wiper device 10 is moved by the mounting bolts
Is fixed to the vehicle body.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pivot holders 12 and 14 have side walls near the mounting holes 28 and 30 respectively.
Connection shafts 32 and 34 are provided. The connection shafts 32 and 34 are solid shafts (solid shafts) made of a resin material in the same manner as the main body portions of the pivot holders 12 and 14, and their distal ends are fitted and connected to a pipe frame 42 described later. The fitting portion 36 and the fitting portion 38 are provided. The fitting part 36 of the pivot holder 12 and the fitting part 38 of the pivot holder 14 are connected to each other by a pipe frame 42 as a hollow frame.

The pipe frame 42 is a hollow resin frame made of the same resin material as the above-mentioned pivot holders 12 and 14 (fitting portions 36 and 38). Fitting portions 36, 38
Are connected to each other. These connecting portions 44 and 46 are formed in an annular cross section that fits the outer periphery of the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14, and the connecting portions 44 are formed in the fitting portions 36 of the connecting shaft 32.
And the connecting portion 46 is fitted to the fitting portion 38 of the connecting shaft 34.
And in this state, the connecting portion 44 and the fitting portion 3
6, and the connecting portion 46 and the fitting portion 38 are connected and fixed to each other by welding.

In this case, the connection portion 4
4 and the fitting portion 36 and the connecting portion 46 and the fitting portion 38 are subjected to high-frequency vibration (for example, a frequency of 30 kHz or less, preferably 20 kHz) to generate frictional heat on the surfaces of both members and melt them. After that, the melted portion is cured to connect and fix both members.

Here, as described above, high-frequency vibration is applied to melt the surfaces of the connecting portions 44 and 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 (connection shafts 32 and 34). Pivot holders 12, 14
In connecting and fixing the pipe and the pipe frame 42, the connecting portion 44 and the fitting portion 36 or the connecting portion 46 and the fitting portion 3
8 are press-fitted to each other, and the connecting portions 44 and 46 are welded over the entire circumference of the fitting portions 36 and 38, respectively.

On the other hand, in the middle of the pipe frame 42,
Wiper motor 5 as a driving source via bracket 56
8 is attached. The wiper motor 58 has a configuration in which a motor portion 58A and a gear portion 58B are provided integrally, and a housing 60 of the gear portion 58B is fixed to the bracket 56.

The output shaft 70 of the wiper motor 58 protrudes toward the back side of the housing 60 (the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 and the lower side of the paper in FIG. 2), and a crank arm 72 is attached to the tip thereof. . A link rod 76 and a link rod 78 are connected to a tip of the crank arm 72 via a ball joint 74. One link rod 76 is connected to the pivot lever 24 of the pivot shaft 20 supported by the pivot holder 12.
And the other link rod 78 is connected to the pivot lever 26 of the pivot shaft 22 supported by the pivot holder 14.
Via a ball joint 82. As a result, the wiper motor 58 operates and the crank arm 72
Is rotated, the driving force is transmitted via the link rods 76, 78 and the pivot levers 24, 26,
The pivot shafts 20 and 22 are configured to rotate.

As described above, the wiper device 10 comprises a pair of pivot holders 1 for supporting the pivot shafts 20 and 22.
A so-called pipe-type module type (a so-called frame-integrated type) in which the pipes 2 and 14 are connected by a pipe frame 42.

Wiper arms and blades (not shown) are attached to the ends of the pivot shafts 20 and 22, respectively. The rotation of the pivot shafts 20 and 22 causes the wiper arms and blades to reciprocate within a predetermined range. I have.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

In the wiper device 10 having the above-described structure, the pivot holders 12 and 14 that rotatably support the pivot shafts 20 and 22 are connected and fixed to each other by the pipe frame 42, and a wiper motor 58 is provided at an intermediate portion of the pipe frame 42. It is fixed and is in an assembled state as a whole. In this state, the pivot holders 12, 14
Are fixed to the vehicle body structural member below the windshield glass (usually a cowl portion) by mounting bolts inserted through the mounting holes 28 and 30.

Further, the operation of the wiper motor 58 causes the pivot shafts 20 and 22 to rotate, and the wiper arm and blade reciprocate within a predetermined range to wipe out raindrops and the like on the windshield glass.

In this wiper device 10, the pivot holders 12, 14 have fitting portions 36, 38 for connecting shafts 32, 34 which are inserted through and connected to the pipe frame 42. Reference numeral 38 is formed of a resin material. The pipe frame 42 is a hollow resin frame made of a resin material mainly composed of polyacetal as the same resin material as the pivot holders 12 and 14 (the fitting portions 36 and 38), and has connection portions 44 and 46. ing. Furthermore, pipe frames 42 are attached to the fitting portions 36 and 38.
Are fitted by press-fitting.
Since it is press-fitted while applying high-frequency vibration of kHz, frictional heat is generated at the contact surface of both members, the surface is melted, and the melted resin is cured,
They are connected and fixed by so-called welding.

Therefore, in the wiper device 10, there is no need to form a connection recess in the fitting portions 36, 38 (connection shafts 32, 34) of the pivot holders 12, 14 unlike the conventional wiper device. However, the recess does not serve as a weak point to lower the strength.

In addition, the members are not plastically deformed and connected by applying a pressing force as in "caulking", but a part of the members is melted, and the melted part is hardened to bring the members into contact with each other. Surface (fitting portion 36 of pivot holders 12 and 14)
38 and the connecting portions 44 and 46) of the pipe frame 42 are welded and connected and fixed, so that strong stress hardly remains in each connected member.

Further, since it is not "caulking processing", there is no need for difficult positioning such as "aligning the recess and the claw of the mold in advance from the outside of the pipe frame" as in the conventional wiper device. , Pivot holder 12,
The amount of fitting between the fitting portions 36, 38 of the fourteen and the connecting portions 44, 46 of the pipe frame 42 (as shown in FIG.
For example, a simple alignment in which the insertion margin L) into the connection portions 44 and 46 of the pipe frame 42 can be confirmed from the outside, for example, a protrusion in which the protruding end surface of the pipe frame 42 abuts the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14. Forming and assembling work can be easily performed by means such as determining the insertion margin L. In this case, the welding area (insertion allowance L) determines the welding area, that is, the joining force between the two members, so that it is possible to arbitrarily adjust or change this, and the design flexibility and the range of application are expanded. I do. Further, in this case, a part of the fitting amount (insertion allowance L) may be (partially) welded.

Further, since the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 are formed of the same resin material, the melting time and the hardening time of both members at the time of welding are the same. Work process management is extremely easy, and the welded portions of both members are well adapted, so that a joined state with less unevenness can be obtained.

Further, the connecting portions 44 and 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portions 36 of the pivot holders 12 and 14,
Since the high frequency vibration is applied to 38 and the surfaces of both members are melted and welded by the generation of frictional heat, it is possible to prevent the portions other than the desired portions from being melted or deformed. Further, the surface can be relatively uniformly melted.

Further, the connecting portion 4 of the pipe frame 42
Fitting portions 36, 3 of the pivot holders 12, 14, and 4, 46
When the surfaces of the members 8 are melted, the connecting portions 44 and 46 and the fitting portions 36 and 38 are melted while being press-fitted to each other, and the two members are connected and fixed. The welded portion can be prevented from peeling due to rattling, and can be firmly connected.

Furthermore, in this wiper device 10, the connecting portions 44, 46 of the pipe frame 42 are formed in hollow cross-sectional shapes which fit the outer circumferences of the fitting portions 36, 38 of the pivot holders 12, 14. That is, the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 are inserted into the connection portions 44 and 46 (hollow portions) of the resin-made pipe frame 42 and welded on the outer peripheral surfaces of the fitting portions 36 and 38. Therefore, even when the outer shape of the pipe frame 42 is relatively large, the fitting portions 36, 3
8, the diameter of the pivot holders 12 and 14 can be reduced.

Even if the coupling strength is increased by increasing the insertion amount (welding area) of the fitting portions 36, 38 of the pivot holders 12, 14, the appearance of the fitting portions does not change. That is, when the connection strength is increased by the conventional “caulking” connection, when the connection strength is increased, the number of caulked holes increases and the appearance is impaired. Since there is no change in appearance, commercial value is also improved.

Further, in this wiper device 10, since the fitting portions 36, 38 of the pivot holders 12, 14 and the connecting portions 44, 46 of the pipe frame 42 are welded over the entire circumference, the pivot device It is possible to prevent raindrops transmitted from the holders 12 and 14 from entering the gaps between the fitting portions and from accumulating in the pipe frame 42. In particular, since the pipe frame 42 is made of resin, so-called "rust" does not occur, but it is possible to prevent the infiltrated water from decaying and giving off a bad smell. Although the air inlet of the air conditioner is located near the occupant, it does not cause discomfort to the occupant.) In addition, it is possible to prevent the infiltrated water from emitting a so-called “chapochapo” due to vibration.

As described above, the wiper device 10 according to the first embodiment has a structure in which the pivot holders 12, 14 and the pipe frame 42 are connected and fixed by welding. (The fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 and the pipe frame 4)
(2) No stress is left on the connecting portions 44 and 46), and the connection and fixing accuracy can be secured for a long period of time. Moreover, it is not necessary to perform difficult positioning, and it can be easily performed by simple positioning that can be confirmed from the outside. It is possible and the assembly workability is improved.

In the above-described first embodiment, not only the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 but also the main body portions of the pivot holders 12 and 14 are all formed of a resin material. However, not limited to this,
At least the fitting portions 36 and 38 may be formed of a resin material (in other words, other portions such as the cylindrical portions 16 and 18 may be formed of a metal material, for example).

In the first embodiment, the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 are formed in a columnar shape having a circular cross section (so-called solid shaft). Not limited to, the connection portion 44 of the pipe frame 42,
It may be configured to have a tubular shape so as to fit into 46.

Further, in the first embodiment, the contours of the fitting portions 36 and 38 of the pivot holders 12 and 14 are formed to have a circular cross section, and the pipe frame 4 is formed.
Although the connection portions 44 and 46 of the second embodiment are formed to have a circular cross section that conforms to the contour shape of the fitting portions 36 and 38, the cross-sectional shapes of the fitting portions 36 and 38 and the connection portions 44 and 46 are The shape is not limited to a circle, but may be another shape. For example,
As in the fitting portion 90 and the connecting portion 92 shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, the high-frequency frequency used for welding is set to 20 kHz. However, the frequency is preferably set to 30 kHz or less, and 30 kHz or less.
With the above, wear occurs between the members.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a wiper device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the wiper device 100, the pivot holder 14 is provided with the fitting portion 102. Although only one pivot holder 14 is shown in FIG. 5, the pivot holder 12 has basically the same structure, and the description of the other pivot holder 12 will be omitted below.

The fitting portion 102 is formed in a hollow cross-sectional shape which fits the outer periphery of the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42. Therefore, the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 is fitted into the fitting portion 102 of the pivot holder 14, and in this state, the fitting portion 102 and the connecting portion 46 are connected and fixed to each other by welding. I have.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

In this wiper device 100, the fitting portion 102 of the pivot holder 14 is connected to the connecting portion 4 of the pipe frame 42.
6 is formed in a hollow cross-sectional shape that fits the outer circumference of the sixth.
That is, since the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 is inserted into the fitting portion 102 (hollow portion) of the pivot holder 14 and is welded to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 46, the outer shape of the pipe frame 42 is compared. Even when the insertion amount is small and the insertion amount is small, a relatively large welding area can be secured (a circumference with a large radius can be obtained by the thickness of the pipe frame 42). Therefore, connection strength can be ensured.

Even if the connection strength is increased by increasing the insertion amount (welding area) of the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42, the appearance of the fitting portion does not change. That is, when the connection strength is increased by the conventional “caulking” connection, the number of caulked holes increases and the appearance is impaired. However, in the wiper device 100 according to the second embodiment, the connection strength is reduced. Even if it is raised, the appearance of the fitting portion does not change, so that the commercial value is also improved.

Further, the wiper device 100 according to the second embodiment has the same effect as the wiper device 10 according to the first embodiment. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a wiper device 110 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the wiper device 110, the pivot holder 14 is provided with a fitting portion 112. FIG.
In FIG. 1A, only one pivot holder 14 is shown, but the pivot holder 12 has basically the same structure, and the description of the other pivot holder 12 will be omitted below.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C,
A welding projection 114 is formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 112. The welding protrusion 114 is formed in a streak shape along the axial direction of the fitting portion 112.
A plurality of rows are formed along the circumferential direction (8 rows in FIG. 6 for convenience, but more rows are preferable in practice). Although the height of the welding projection 114 is extremely small, the welding projection 114 is exaggerated in FIGS. 6A to 6C.
The welding projections 114 are configured to be connected and fixed by melting when welding the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portion 112 of the pivot holder 14.

A tapered chamfered portion 116 is formed at the tip of the fitting portion 112, and the tapered chamfered portion 1 is also formed at the tip of each welding projection 114.
18 are formed. For this reason, the pivot holder 14
The workability at the time of press-fitting the fitting portion 112 to the connecting portion 44 of the pipe frame 42 is improved. The welding projection 114 at the time of press-fitting has its top crushed and has a radial cross section of 0.3 mm with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 46.
It is joined with a width S of about 0.5 mm.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

In this wiper device 110, welding projections 114 are formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 112 of the pivot holder 14, and by providing the welding projections 114, a press-fit state is obtained when both members are inserted. Meanwhile, the welding projections 114 are melted to connect and fix both members. This allows
It is possible to prevent rattling after connection and separation of the welded portion due to the rattling without increasing the fitting dimensional accuracy of the two members, and it is possible to connect firmly.

Furthermore, the welding projection 114 only needs to be melted when the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portion 112 of the pivot holder 14 are welded, so that quick connection and fixation can be performed.

Further, the wiper device 110 according to the third embodiment has the same effect as the wiper device 10 according to the first embodiment.

In the above-described third embodiment, the welding projection 114 is formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 112. However, the location where the welding projection 114 is formed is not limited to this.

For example, the welding projection 114 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe frame 42 as in a wiper device 110A shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, or FIG. ) And the wiper device 1 shown in FIG.
10B, the welding protrusion 114 may be formed on both the outer periphery of the fitting portion 112 and the inner periphery of the pipe frame 42. Even in these cases, it is possible to prevent rattling after connection and separation of the welded portion due to the rattling without increasing the fitting dimensional accuracy of the two members, and it is possible to firmly connect. (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a wiper device 120 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the wiper device 120, the pivot holder 14 is provided with a fitting portion 122. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 1A, only one pivot holder 14 is shown, but the pivot holder 12 has basically the same structure, and the description of the other pivot holder 12 will be omitted below.

As shown in FIG. 9B, a welding projection 124 is formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 122. The welding protrusion 124 is formed in a ring shape along the periphery of the fitting portion 122. The welding protrusion 124 is formed between the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portion 1 of the pivot holder 14.
The two members are connected and fixed by melting at the time of welding with the base member 22.

As in the third embodiment described above, a tapered chamfered portion 126 is formed at the distal end of the fitting portion 122, and the tapered chamfered portion 126 is also formed at the distal end of the welding projection 124. A chamfered portion 128 is formed. For this reason, the fitting portion 122 of the pivot holder 14
(Welding protrusion 124) to the connecting portion 4 of the pipe frame 42.
The workability at the time of press-fitting to 6 is improved.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.

In this wiper device 120, welding projections 124 are formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 122 of the pivot holder 14, and by providing the welding projections 124, a press-fit state is obtained when both members are inserted. In addition, the welding protrusion 124 is melted to connect and fix both members. This allows
It is possible to prevent rattling after connection and separation of the welded portion due to the rattling without increasing the fitting dimensional accuracy of the two members, and it is possible to connect firmly.

In addition, the welding projection 124 only needs to be melted when the connecting portion 46 of the pipe frame 42 and the fitting portion 122 of the pivot holder 14 are welded, so that quick connection and fixation can be performed.

Further, the wiper device 120 according to the fourth embodiment has the same effect as the wiper device 10 according to the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the welding projection 124 is formed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 122. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be configured to be formed on the peripheral surface.
Even in this case, it is possible to prevent rattling after the connection and separation of the welded portion due to the rattling without increasing the fitting dimensional accuracy of the two members, and the connection can be made firmly.

In each of the above embodiments,
Examples of the resin material include polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polyacetal. These resin materials are used as main materials, and have characteristics such as bending strength, elongation, hardness, and color required for the hollow frame (pipe frame 42) of the wiper device. Glass, carbon, or the like may be mixed according to the color and texture.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a wiper device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the entire configuration of the wiper device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing details of a fitting portion of a pivot holder and a connecting portion of a pipe frame of the wiper device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a modification of the fitting part of the pivot holder and the connection part of the pipe frame of the wiper device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing details of a fitting portion of a pivot holder and a connecting portion of a pipe frame of a wiper device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing details of a fitting portion of a pivot holder and a connection portion of a pipe frame of a wiper device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a fitting portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a modified example of a fitting part of a pivot holder and a connecting part of a pipe frame of a wiper device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fitting portion and the connection portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a modified example of a fitting portion of a pivot holder and a connecting portion of a pipe frame of a wiper device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fitting portion and the connection portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing details of a fitting part of a pivot holder and a connection part of a pipe frame of a wiper device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the fitting part and the connection part shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wiper apparatus 12 Pivot holder 14 Pivot holder 20 Pivot shaft 22 Pivot shaft 32 Connection shaft 34 Connection shaft 36 Fitting part 38 Fitting part 40 Depression 42 Pipe frame (hollow frame) 44 Connection part 46 Connection part

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A wiper motor comprising: a wiper motor; a plurality of pivot holders rotatably supporting a pivot shaft to which a wiper arm is fixed at a tip; and a hollow frame connecting the pivot holders to each other, and a driving force of the wiper motor. In the wiper device in which the pivot shaft is driven to rotate, the hollow frame is a hollow resin frame made of a resin material, and has a connection portion having both ends connected to the pivot holder. It has a fitting part to fit with the connection part of the hollow frame, at least the fitting part is formed of a resin material, and the connection part of the hollow frame and the fitting part of the pivot holder are connected by welding. A wiper device, which is fixed. 2. The fitting part of the pivot holder has a columnar or tubular shape, and the connecting part of the hollow frame is formed in a cross-sectional shape that fits the outer periphery of the fitting part of the pivot holder. The wiper device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The connecting portion of the hollow frame has a tubular shape, and the fitting portion of the pivot holder has a hollow cross-sectional shape that fits the outer periphery of the connecting portion of the hollow frame. The wiper device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A welding projection for connecting and fixing both members by fusing at the time of welding the connecting portion of the hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder to the connecting portion and / or the fitting portion. The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. The wiper according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion of the hollow frame is welded over the entire circumference of the fitting portion of the pivot holder. apparatus. 6. The hollow frame and the fitting portion of the pivot holder are formed of the same resin material.
The wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 7. A wiper motor comprising: a wiper motor; a plurality of pivot holders rotatably supporting a pivot shaft to which a wiper arm is fixed at an end; and a hollow frame connecting the pivot holders to each other, and driving the wiper motor. In the method of connecting the pivot holder and the hollow frame in a wiper device in which the pivot shaft is rotationally driven by a force, the hollow frame is formed of a resin material having a connection portion connected to the pivot holder at both ends. The pivot holder is provided with a fitting portion for fitting with the connection portion of the hollow frame, and at least the fitting portion is formed of a resin material. The connection portion of the hollow frame and the pivot holder High frequency vibration is applied to at least one of the mating parts to melt the surfaces of both members. And thereafter, the molten portion is cured and the two members are connected and fixed by welding, wherein the pivot holder and the hollow frame of the wiper device are connected to each other. 8. While press-fitting the connection portion and the fitting portion while applying the high-frequency vibration to melt the surface of the connection portion of the hollow frame and the surface of the fitting portion of the pivot holder. The method of connecting a pivot holder and a hollow frame of a wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that: