JP2021024284A - Wiper arm - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wiper arm which enables improvement of wiping performance and designability while achieving downsizing and reduction of the weight.SOLUTION: A DR side wiper arm 120 comprises an arm head 130, an arm shank 140, and an arm piece 150 to reduce a proportion of the arm shank 140 with respect to a longitudinal direction of the DR side wiper arm 120. In other words, provision of the arm piece 150 enables the arm shank 140 to be shortened. The structure allows downsizing and the weight reduction of the entire DR side wiper arm 120 and improvement of wiping performance. Further, a cover member 170 is attached to a portion of the arm piece 150 and thereby hides a washer tube TB disposed at the portion. Therefore, designability of the DR side wiper arm 120 can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

A wiper device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile is provided with 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 end of the wiper arm. As a result, by driving the wiper motor to swing the swing shaft, the wiper blade reciprocates and wipes on the wiped surface, and the wiped surface is wiped cleanly.

For example, the wiper arm described in Patent Document 1 includes an arm head forming a portion on the base end side of the wiper arm and a retainer (arm shank) forming a portion on the tip end side of the wiper arm. The cross-sectional shape along the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (short direction) of the retainer is formed in a substantially U shape, and a hose (washer tube) through which the cleaning liquid flows is arranged inside the cross-sectional shape.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-013696

However, in the wiper arm described in Patent Document 1 described above, the retainer occupying most of the wiper arm is made of iron, and the cross section thereof is formed in a substantially U shape. Therefore, in addition to increasing the size of the entire wiper arm, there is a problem that the weight of the wiper arm increases. Further, as the size of the entire wiper arm is increased, there is a risk that the wiping property may be deteriorated or the design of the wiper arm may be deteriorated due to the traveling wind at high speed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper arm capable of improving wipeability and design while reducing the size and weight.

In one aspect of the present invention, the wiper arm that swings the wiper blade that wipes the wiping surface, the arm head whose base end is mounted on the swing shaft, and the base end is mounted on the tip of the arm head. An arm shank to be formed, an arm piece whose base end is 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. A washer nozzle mounted on the portion and a cover member that covers at least a part of the arm piece and the washer tube in the longitudinal direction are provided, and the cover member is provided in the top wall portion and the lateral direction of the top wall portion. It is characterized by including 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 top wall portion and the pair of side wall portions. An engaged portion having an insertion opening that opens in the protruding direction of the portion is provided, and the second cover body protrudes toward the top wall portion and is inserted into the insertion opening into the engaged portion. It is characterized in that an engaging portion having a hooking claw for being hooked is provided.

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

In another aspect of the present invention, when the pair of side wall portions projectes in the lateral direction of the top wall portion and the first cover body is viewed from the projecting direction of the pair of side wall portions, the cover is covered. A holding protrusion is provided at a position overlapping the engaging portion, and the arm piece is supported on a support surface of the holding protrusion facing the top wall portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, the second cover body has a protruding wall portion that protrudes toward the top wall portion, extends parallel to the pair of side wall portions, and enters the inside of the pair of side wall portions. Is provided.

According to the present invention, since the wiper arm is composed of an arm head, an arm shank, and an 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 entire wiper arm can be made smaller and lighter, and the wiping property can be improved. Further, since the cover member is attached to the arm piece portion, the washer tube arranged in the portion can be hidden. Therefore, the design of the wiper arm can be improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the mounting state of a wiper device in a vehicle. It is a perspective view which saw the DR side wiper arm from the front side. It is a perspective view which looked at the DR side wiper arm from the back side. (A) and (b) are perspective views showing the first cover body. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd cover body. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the line BB of FIG. (A) and (b) are enlarged views corresponding to the broken line circle C portion of FIG. 7 showing a mold (the present invention and a comparative example) for molding the first cover body. (A) and (b) are perspective views showing a washer nozzle. It is a figure explaining the procedure of assembling the 1st cover body and the 2nd cover body to the arm shank. It is a figure explaining the procedure of assembling the washer nozzle to the arm shank. It is a figure explaining the assembling procedure of a washer nozzle and a 1st cover body. It is a perspective view of the part of the washer nozzle of the AS side wiper arm (a modification) seen from the back side.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a state in which the wiper device is mounted on the vehicle, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the DR side wiper arm seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the DR side wiper arm seen from the back side. a) and (b) are perspective views showing the first cover body, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the second cover body, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is a view. The cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of No. 6 corresponds to the broken line circle C portion of FIG. 7 showing the mold (the present invention and the comparative example) for forming the first cover body in FIGS. 8A and 8B. An enlarged view is shown, and FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are perspective views showing a washer nozzle, respectively.

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. Further, a DR side (driver's seat side) wiper member 100 and an AS side (passenger seat side) wiper member 200 for wiping rainwater, dust, etc. adhering to the front windshield 11 are provided on 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, and the AS side wiper blade 210 is rotatably attached to the tip end portion of the AS side wiper arm 220.

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 inverted position LRP and the upper inverted position URP on the front windshield 11, respectively. Then, the reciprocating wipe operation is performed 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 that swings the DR side wiper member 100 and the AS side wiper member 200 is mounted on the front end side portion of the front windshield 11 in 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 the DR side wiper arm 120 and the AS side are attached to the tips of the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16. The base ends of the wiper arms 220 are firmly fixed by fastening nuts (not shown).

Further, one end in the longitudinal direction of the DR side drive lever 17 and the AS side drive lever 18 is fixed to the base end portions of the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16. Further, the other ends of the DR side drive lever 17 and the AS side drive lever 18 in the longitudinal direction are rotatably connected to both ends of the connecting rod 19 in the longitudinal direction via ball joints BJ, respectively.

One end of the drive rod 20 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the other end of the drive lever 18 on the AS side in the longitudinal direction via a ball joint BJ. Further, the other end of the drive rod 20 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm 21 via a ball joint BJ.

The other end of the crank arm 21 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the output shaft 23 of the wiper motor 22, and the crank arm 21 has one end in the longitudinal direction (connecting portion with the drive rod 20) as the output shaft 23 rotates. 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 change the rotary motion of the wiper motor 22 into the swing motion of the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16. It constitutes a "link mechanism" to convert. As a result, the DR side pivot shaft 15 and the AS side pivot shaft 16 are oscillated, respectively.

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 cover the DR side wiping range 12 and the AS side wiping range 13 on the front windshield 11. Each is designed to be wiped.

As the wiper motor 22, an electric motor with a brush or a brushless electric motor can be used. However, when the wiper motor 22 is mounted on a hybrid vehicle (HV) or an electric vehicle (EV) in recent years, from the viewpoint of quietness, the brushless does not generate the sliding contact sound of the brush (including electromagnetic noise). It is desirable to adopt the electric motor of.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the DR side wiper arm 120 is formed in a substantially straight linear shape, and the arm head 130 and the arm shank are formed from the base end side (right side in FIG. 2) of the DR side wiper arm 120. The 140 and the arm piece 150 are respectively connected and provided in this order.

The arm head 130 is formed in a substantially rod shape by casting and molding an aluminum material or the like, thereby reducing the weight. A pivot shaft fixing portion 131 in which the tip end 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 washer tube TB having flexibility made of silicone rubber or the like is wound around the outer peripheral portion thereof. As a result, when the DR side wiper arm 120 swings, the washer tube TB is wound around or loosened around the pivot shaft fixing portion 131. Therefore, a large load is not applied to the washer tube TB.

That is, the washer tube TB is suppressed from being elastically deformed, and the washer liquid W (see FIG. 9) can smoothly flow in the washer tube TB. Further, since the washer tube TB is suppressed from being elastically deformed, the load applied to the wiper motor 22 is also reduced. Here, in the illustration, the washer tube TB is shaded in order to make it easier to understand the arrangement state of the washer tube TB.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a holding groove 132 for holding the washer tube TB so as not to fall off 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. ing. Specifically, the washer tube TB is slightly elastically deformed into the holding groove 132. As a result, the washer tube TB is securely held in the holding groove 132 without adversely affecting the flow of the washer liquid W.

Further, on the back side of the arm head 130, a total of three meat stealing portions 133 are provided so as to avoid the holding groove 132. These meat stealing portions 133 have a function of improving the molding accuracy of the arm head 130 in addition to the function of making the arm head 130 lighter.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pivot shaft fixing portion 131 is located 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 on the portion of the pivot shaft fixing portion 131. The tube guide 134 is integrally provided so as to project outward in the radial direction. 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 fall off from the pivot shaft fixing portion 131.

Further, a shank fixing portion 135 to which the longitudinal base end portion of the arm shank 140 is mounted is integrally provided at the longitudinal end portion of the arm head 130. The arm shank 140 can be locked back to the shank fixing portion 135, that is, is connected to the front windshield 11 so as to be upright, and the shank fixing portion 135 is equipped 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 hook portion 135a on which a steel hook member FK is hooked. One end of the tension spring SP in the longitudinal direction is hooked on the hook member FK. Further, the other end of the tension spring SP in the longitudinal direction is hooked on a spring hook SF made of a steel material fixed to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank 140. Then, 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 in an upright state (lockback state) with respect to the arm head 130.

Further, the shank fixing portion 135 is provided with a guide groove 135b for guiding the washer tube TB held in the holding groove 132 to a predetermined position inside the arm shank 140. The washer tube TB is attached to the guide groove 135b 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. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the tension spring SP and the washer tube TB are arranged in an orderly manner inside the arm shank 140.

In FIG. 3, the central portion of the washer tube TB in the longitudinal direction is provided so as to dive into 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, which prevents the longitudinal central portion of the washer tube TB from falling off from 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 the longitudinal direction (short 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 DR side wiper arm 120, and a pair of shank side walls 142 protruding from both sides of the shank top wall 141 in the lateral direction toward the front windshield 11. I have. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the tension spring SP and the washer tube TB are housed 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 formed. , Concealed by a pair of shank side walls 142.

Further, 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 project 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 side, and are connected to the shank fixing portion 135 by a support pin PN. That is, the base end portion of the arm shank 140 is attached to the tip end portion 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 end portion of the arm shank 140. Specifically, the longitudinal base end portion of the arm piece 150 is fixed to the longitudinal end portion of the arm shank 140 by crimping the piece fixing portion 144. As a result, the piece fixing portion 144 wraps the longitudinal base end portion of the arm piece 150. In this way, the base end portion of the arm piece 150 is attached to the tip end portion of the arm shank 140.

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

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

A U-shaped hook 151 to which the DR side wiper blade 110 is mounted is integrally provided at the tip end portion of the arm piece 150 in the longitudinal direction. A connecting member (not shown) provided at the center of the DR-side wiper blade 110 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the U-shaped hook 151 with a single touch. The connecting member provided at the center of the DR side wiper blade 110 in the longitudinal direction 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 that injects the washer fluid W (see FIG. 9) toward the front windshield 11 is attached to a portion of the arm piece 150 near the U-shaped hook 151 along the longitudinal direction. The tip of the washer tube TB in the longitudinal direction is connected to the washer nozzle 160. Here, the washer tube TB arranged between the piece fixing portion 144 and the washer nozzle 160 is arranged along the arm piece 150 without loosening. In this way, the washer tube TB is arranged along the arm head 130, the arm shank 140 and the arm piece 150.

Here, the longitudinal proximal end portion 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 is composed of a washer tank for storing the washer fluid W and a washer pump mounted on the washer tank. Then, the washer pump is operated by operating the washer switch (not shown) provided in the vehicle interior. As a result, the washer fluid W in the washer tank is sent out to the washer tube TB, and then is vigorously ejected from the washer nozzle 160 toward the front windshield 11 (see FIG. 9). The structure of the washer nozzle 160 will be described in detail later.

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

Here, the cover member 170 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 made of a steel material. As a result, the cover member 170 does not rattle with respect to the arm piece 150. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 170 is provided so as to fill a step portion between the piece fixing portion 144 and the arm piece 150 and a step 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. Further, since the cover member 170 eliminates the "step", the deterioration of the wiping performance due to the running wind is effectively suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 170 covers not only the periphery of the longitudinal portion of the arm piece 150 but also the periphery of the longitudinal portion of the washer tube TB. As a result, the portion of the washer tube TB covered with the cover member 170 is prevented from being loosened or exposed to the outside of the cover member 170. This also improves the appearance of the entire DR side wiper arm 120.

Next, the structure of the 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, and is formed by assembling these.

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

The first cover body 171 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape along a direction (short direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction thereof. Specifically, the first cover body 171 has a top wall portion 171a arranged on the front side (see FIG. 2) of the DR side wiper arm 120 and a front windshield 11 (from both sides in the lateral direction of the top wall portion 171a). It is provided with a pair of side wall portions 171b protruding toward (see FIG. 1).

Further, the width dimension of the first cover body 171 in the longitudinal direction (left side in FIG. 4A and right side in FIG. 4B) is the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 (FIG. 4 (a)). ) It is larger than the width dimension of the middle right side and the middle left side of FIG. 4B). This is because, as shown in FIG. 3, the width dimension of the washer nozzle 160 is larger than the width dimension of the piece fixing portion 144.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), inside the widened first cover body 171 on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, between the pair of side wall portions 171b in order to compensate for the decrease in strength of the portion. Reinforcing ribs RB are provided so as to straddle them. 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 portion of the pair of side wall portions 171b. Of these engaged portions E1 to E6, the engaged portions E1 to E3 (three) are provided in a portion near the tip of one side wall portion 171b (a portion away from the top wall portion 171a), and The first cover body 171 is arranged side by side at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the other engaged portions E4 to E6 (the other three) are provided in the portion near the tip of the other side wall portion 171b, and are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171. Have been placed. Then, the engaged portion E1 and the engaged portion E4 face each other with respect to the width direction of the first cover body 171, and the engaged portion E2 and the engaged portion E5 face each other, and the engaged portion E1 and the engaged portion E5 face each other. E3 and the engaged portion E6 face each other.

The engaged portions E1 to E6 are each formed to have the same shape. Specifically, the top wall portion 171a is projected at a predetermined height in the lateral direction and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171. Further, the engaged portions E1 to E6 are each provided with insertion openings S1 to S6 opened in the protruding direction of the pair of side wall portions 171b. Then, a total of six engaging portions G1 to G6 provided in 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 has become. That is, the engaged portions E1 to E6 have a 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 inside the first cover body 171. At that time, the engaged portions E1 to E6 may be in the way. .. Therefore, the protruding 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. Further, tapered surfaces TP are provided on the opening side (lower side in FIG. 6) of the first cover body 171 in the engaged portions E1 to E6, respectively. As a result, the work of inserting the arm piece 150 and the washer tube TB into the inside of the first cover body 171 can be easily performed.

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

Further, a total of six holding protrusions H1 to H6 are integrally provided inside the first cover body 171 and on the portion of the pair of side wall portions 171b. Of these holding protrusions H1 to H6, the holding protrusions H1 to H3 (three) are provided in a portion of one side wall portion 171b near the base end (a portion close to the top wall portion 171a), and the first cover body. They are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of 171. On the other hand, the other holding protrusions H4 to H6 (the other three) are provided on the other side wall portion 171b near the base end, and are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 at predetermined intervals. Has been done. Then, the holding protrusion H1 and the holding protrusion H4 face each other, the holding protrusion H2 and the holding protrusion H5 face each other, and the holding protrusion H3 and the holding protrusion H6 face each other in the width direction of the first cover body 171. There is.

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

The two holding protrusions H1 and H4 of the holding protrusions H1 to H6 are each formed to have the same shape, but are formed to have a slightly different shape from the other four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, and H6. ing. The pair of holding protrusions H1 and H4 are projected at a predetermined height in the lateral direction of the top wall portion 171a, and are arranged near the base end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171. As a result, the longitudinal base end portion of the first cover body 171 is surely prevented from rattling with respect to the arm piece 150.

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

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, regarding the pair of holding protrusions H2 and H5, when the first cover body 171 is viewed from the protruding direction (vertical direction of FIG. 7) of the pair of side wall portions 171b, They are arranged at positions that overlap with the pair of engaged portions E1 and E4, respectively. Further, the pair of holding protrusions 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 protruding direction of the pair of side wall portions 171b. .. In addition, in FIG. 7, only the holding projections H2 and H3 provided on one side wall portion 171b and the engaged portions E1 to E3 are shown.

As a result, as shown in [Invention] of FIG. 8A, 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 large. It can be a short distance. Therefore, it is possible to save labor for manufacturing the first cover body 171 without inviting an increase in 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, H6 and the four engaged portions E1, E3, E4, E6 are viewed from the protruding direction of the pair of side wall portions 171b with the first cover body 171. Occasionally, when they are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, they are shown in [Comparative Example] of FIG. 8 (b). That is, the relative movement distance L2 between the first slide mold D1 and the second slide mold D2 becomes a longer distance than the relative movement distance L1 (L2> L1). Therefore, in the [Comparative Example] of FIG. 8 (b), the miniaturization of the first cover body 171 and the labor saving of the manufacturing energy for manufacturing the first cover body 171 are achieved in the [Invention] of FIG. 8 (a). ], It becomes more difficult.

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

In order to attach the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150, as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 4B, the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 are spread apart from each other. There is a need. In this case, since the tip end side of the pair of side wall portions 171b, that is, the side on which the engaged portions E1 to E6 are arranged is separated from the top wall portion 171a, it is relatively easy without damaging the first cover body 171. Can be spread out. Therefore, the arm piece 150 can be easily arranged inside the first cover body 171 and in the portion of the top wall portion 171a, that is, in the deepest portion (specified position) of the first cover body 171.

Further, a total of six holding protrusions H1 to H6 are provided with arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 for guiding the mounting of the first cover body 171 on the arm piece 150, respectively. However, the arcuate surfaces C1 and C4 of the pair of holding protrusions H1 and H4 are shown in FIG. 4 (b). Further, the arcuate surfaces C2, C3, C5 and C6 of the other four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5 and H6 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As a result, when the first cover body 171 is attached to the arm piece 150, the arm piece 150 can easily get over the respective holding protrusions H1 to H6. As described above, the respective arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 play a role of improving the assembling property of the first cover body 171 to the arm piece 150.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a state where the cover member 170 is assembled on the portion of the four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, H6 where the arcuate surfaces C2, C3, C5, C6 are provided. , P2, P3, P5, P6 are provided, respectively, to avoid the hooking claw N of the second cover body 172. This prevents the hook claws N from interfering with the four holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, and H6, and improves the assembleability of the cover member 170. In addition, in FIG. 7, only the recessed portions P2 and P3 are shown.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first convex portion 171c and the second convex portion are on the longitudinal tip portion (left side in FIG. 4A and right side in FIG. 4B) of the first cover body 171. 171d is integrally provided. The first convex portion 171c and the second convex portion 171d are respectively projected in the same direction, and specifically, they are projected toward the distal end side (see FIG. 15) of the arm piece 150 in the longitudinal direction.

The first convex portion 171c is arranged at a substantially 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 closer to 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. .. As shown in FIG. 4A, a meat stealing portion 171e recessed in the longitudinal direction of the first cover body 171 is formed in the vicinity of the second convex portion 171d. As a result, the wall thickness in the vicinity of the second convex portion 171d is reduced to improve the molding accuracy of the second convex portion 171d.

Then, the first convex portion 171c is adapted to enter the first concave portion 162a (see FIG. 9B) provided in the nozzle body 161 of the washer nozzle 160. Further, the second convex portion 171d is adapted to enter the third concave portion 163c (see FIG. 9B) provided in the nozzle body 161 of the washer nozzle 160. 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 securely connected without a step. Here, since the first cover body 171 and the nozzle body 161 are securely connected to each other by uneven engagement, even if there is a change over time due to long-term use, rattling between the two is 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, the washer nozzle 160 is positioned at a regular position with respect to the arm piece 150, and the cover member 170 is positioned at a regular position with respect to the washer nozzle 160. The cylindrical protrusion 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).

Further, the washer nozzle 160 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 by the fixing screw S (see FIG. 3), and the cover member 170 is securely connected to the washer nozzle 160. Therefore, the cover member 170 is also formed by this. Is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150 without rattling.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second cover body 172 is formed into a plate shape that extends straight 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 and is excellent in design and lightweight.

As shown in FIG. 3, the length dimension of the second cover body 172 is set to be substantially half the length dimension of the first cover body 171. As a result, the washer tube TB is prevented from being loosened and exposed to the outside of the cover member 170, and the weight of the entire cover member 170 is suppressed from increasing.

The second cover body 172 includes a flat plate main body portion 172a formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the flat plate main body portion 172a is arranged to face the top wall portion 171a of the first cover body 171. Nothing is formed on the front surface 172b (see FIG. 3) of the flat plate main body 172a, and a total of six engaging portions G1 to G6 are integrally provided on the back surface 172c of the flat plate main body 172a. There is. Further, a total of four projecting wall portions K1 to K4 are integrally provided on the back surface 172c of the flat plate main body portion 172a. The engaging portions G1 to G6 and the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are both projected from the back surface portion 172c toward the top wall portion 171a (see FIG. 7) in a state where the cover member 170 is assembled.

Further, of the total of six engaging portions G1 to G6, the engaging portions G1 to G3 (three) are provided on one of the long side portions 172d and equal to 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 on the other portion closer to the long side portion 172d, and are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. ing. Then, the engaging portion G1 and the engaging portion G4 face each other in the width direction of the second cover body 172, 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 each formed to have the same shape. Specifically, the engaging portions G1 to G6 each include two (pair) hooking claws N, and these hooking claws N turn their backs to each other in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. Are arranged. That is, the protruding directions of the two hooking claws N are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of 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 has become. In this way, the two hooking claws N are hooked on each of the engaged portions E1 to E6.

Further, the two hooking claws N can be elastically deformed 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 predetermined intervals. 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 (when assembling the cover member 170), the insertion openings S1 to S6 of the engaged portions E1 to E6 are provided. (See FIG. 4B), it can be inserted and passed.

In this way, 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 a function to do. That is, the second cover body 172 is attached to the pair of side wall portions 171b forming the first cover body 171. Since the first cover body 171 and the second cover body 172 are fixed to each other at six positions, the second cover body 172 can be fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling, and the first cover body 172 can be fixed to the first cover body 171 without rattling. It is possible to suppress twisting and distortion of the opening side portion of the 1-cover body 171 (the portion to which the second cover body 172 is mounted). This also ensures that the cover member 170 is prevented from rattling with respect to the arm piece 150.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the flat plate main body portion 172a of the second cover body 172 is completely fitted inside the first cover body 171 so as to fit into the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171. I'm in. As a result, the twist 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 protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are each formed to have the same shape. Specifically, the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are each formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and are provided along the pair of long side portions 172d. The protruding wall portions K1 and K2 (two) of the total of four protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are provided corresponding to one of the long side portions 172d, and the protruding wall portions K1 engage with the engaging portion G1. It is arranged between the joint portion G2 and 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. The protruding wall portion K4 is arranged between the engaging portion G5 and the engaging portion G6. 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 in the width direction of the second cover body 172.

These projecting wall portions K1 to K4 are housed inside the first cover body 171 as shown in FIG. 7 in a state where the cover member 170 is assembled. The protruding wall portions K1 to K4 enter the inside of 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 protruding wall portions K1 to K4 each extend parallel to the pair of side wall portions 171b.

As a result, the positioning of the second cover body 172 with respect to the first cover body 171 is ensured, and the assembly work of the cover member 170, that is, the engagement work between the engaged portions E1 to E6 and the engaging portions G1 to G6 is performed. It can be done easily. Further, the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 are formed to be thicker than the other portions of the second cover body 172. Therefore, twisting and distortion of the cover member 170 can be suppressed more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the engaging portions G1 to G6 which are flexible and elastically deformable. Therefore, it is surely prevented that the second cover body 172 comes off from the first cover body 171.

As shown in FIG. 9, the washer nozzle 160 includes a nozzle body 161. The nozzle body 161 is formed into 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 to each other so as to be substantially at right angles to each other, and the base end portions of the second wall portion 163 are the first wall portion 162 and the first wall portion 162. 3 It is connected to the wall portion 164.

An arm piece mounting groove 165 on 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). As a result, 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 (right side in FIG. 9B) of the nozzle body 161, a first convex portion provided on the first cover body 171 is provided. A first recess 162a is provided to allow 171c (see FIG. 4) to enter and engage. The first recess 162a is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150. Then, the first convex portion 171c of the first cover body 171 is mounted (engaged) on the first concave portion 162a without rattling.

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

Further, a flat plate portion 163a formed in a substantially flat plate shape is integrally provided on the second wall portion 163, and a screw is provided on the U-shaped hook 151 side (left side in FIG. 9A) of the flat plate portion 163a. Hole 163b is provided. The screw hole 163b penetrates the flat plate portion 163a in the plate thickness direction, and the fixing screw S (see FIGS. 3 and 11) is inserted into the screw hole 163b. That is, the flat plate portion 163a is fixed to the arm piece 150 by the fixing screw S, and the screw hole 163b of the flat plate portion 163a and the second recess 162b of the first wall portion 162 are mutually fixed. They are arranged facing each other. The 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, whereby the first wall portion 162 and the first wall portion 162 and the third wall portion 163 are recessed. An inner wall IW is formed between the three wall portions 164. The lid portion 166a of the closing member 166 has entered the inside of the inner wall IW through a predetermined gap. Here, a third recess 163c formed in 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 163c. 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) the third concave portion 163c without rattling with substantially no 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 recess 162a and the third recess 163c are recessed toward the tip end side (left side in FIG. 12) of the arm piece 150 in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, an upstream opening (opening) 163d is provided on the cover member 170 side (one side in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150) of the second wall portion 163. The upstream opening 163d is sealed 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 163d in a liquid-tight state, thereby preventing the washer liquid W from leaking to the outside of the nozzle body 161. 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 surrounds the lid portion 166a. Is arranged.

Further, the joint portion 166b is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and extends in a direction orthogonal to the lid portion 166a. The longitudinal tip of the washer tube TB is connected to the longitudinal tip of the joint portion 166b (on the right side in FIG. 9A) (see FIG. 12). The tip of the joint portion 166b in the longitudinal direction is integrally provided with an annular retaining convex portion 166c that functions as a retaining portion for the washer tube TB.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

FIG. 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. 12 is the washer nozzle and the first The figures explaining the assembling procedure with one cover body are shown respectively.

First, the arm head 130 (see FIG. 2), the arm shank 140, and the arm piece 150 are assembled and connected to each other. At this time, the washer tube TB is arranged 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, the first cover body 171 and the second cover body 172 manufactured through different manufacturing steps are prepared. After that, as shown by the arrow M1, the first cover body 171 faces the arm piece 150 from the thickness direction (upper direction in the drawing). Next, the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 are pushed apart so as to be separated from each other (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 4B). Then, in this state, the top wall portion 171a of the first cover body 171 is pressed with a predetermined pressure in the direction of the arrow M1, and the first cover body 171 is attached to the arm piece 150. At this time, the longitudinal base end side (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 portion of the tapered surface TP of the engaged portions E1 to E6 (see FIG. 4B). Further, since the holding protrusions H1 to H6 are provided with arcuate surfaces C1 to C6 (see FIGS. 4B and 6), the arm piece 150 can easily get over the holding protrusions H1 to H6. it can. Therefore, by pressing the top wall portion 171a with a predetermined pressure in the direction of the arrow M1 while pushing the pair of side wall portions 171b apart from each other, the arm piece 150 is pressed against 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, in a regular position.

Subsequently, as shown by the arrow M2, the second cover body 172 is brought to face the first cover body 171 attached to the arm piece 150. Specifically, the second cover body 172 is directed from the thickness direction of the arm piece 150 (lower direction in the drawing). At this time, the protruding wall portions K1 to K4 of the second cover body 172 are inserted into the pair of side wall portions 171b of the first cover body 171 (see FIG. 6), and the second cover body 172 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 main body portion 172a of the second cover body 172 is pressed with a predetermined pressure in the direction of the arrow M2, and the second cover body 172 is attached to the first cover body 171. 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. .. As a result, 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. To do.

[Second step]
Next, the washer nozzle 160 assembled through another assembly step is prepared. Then, as shown by the arrow M3 in FIG. 11, the washer nozzle 160 is made to face 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 at the portion near the U-shaped hook 151 along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150. As a result, the arm piece 150 is housed 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]
Next, as shown by arrows M4 in FIGS. 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 cover member 170 (first cover). Bring it close to the body 171). Then, as shown by the broken line arrow (1) in FIG. 12, the longitudinal end portion of the joint portion 166b of the washer nozzle 160 is inserted into the longitudinal end portion 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 prevented from coming off by the retaining protrusion 166c.

After that, as shown by the arrow M4, the washer nozzle 160 temporarily attached to the arm piece 150 is further slid in the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150 to connect the washer nozzle 160 and the cover member 170. More specifically, the cylindrical protrusion 152 provided on the arm piece 150 and the first convex portion 171c provided on the first cover body 171 are nozzles in that order as shown by the broken line arrow (2). It is attached to the first recess 162a provided in the body 161. At the same time, as shown by the broken line arrow (3), 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 a result, the washer nozzle 160 is positioned at the regular position of the arm piece 150 by the cylindrical protrusion 152, and the first cover body 171 (cover member 170) is engaged with the washer nozzle 160 in an uneven manner so that the arm piece 150 is regular. The third step is completed after being positioned at the position of.

[4th step]
After that, the fixing screw S is prepared as shown in FIG. 11, and the washer nozzle 160 is screwed to the arm piece 150 as shown by the arrow M5. Here, a female screw portion 153 penetrating in the thickness direction of the arm piece 150 is provided near the cylindrical protrusion 152 of the arm piece 150 and on the U-shaped hook 151 side along the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150. The fixing screw S is screwed to the female screw portion 153.

Here, in order to screw the washer nozzle 160 to the arm piece 150, first, the fixing screw S is inserted into the screw hole 163b of the nozzle body 161. Then, by screwing the fixing screw S to the female screw portion 153, the washer nozzle 160 is firmly fixed to the arm piece 150. At this time, since the cylindrical protrusion 152 of the arm piece 150 is positioned behind the first recess 162a (see FIG. 12) of the nozzle body 161, the screw hole 163b of the nozzle body 161 and the female screw portion 153 of the arm piece 150 Are in a state where their positions are aligned with each other. Therefore, the screwing work of the fixing screw S can be easily performed (improvement of assembling property).

In this way, the assembly work of the DR side wiper arm 120 is completed, and the fourth step is completed.

Next, the AS side wiper arm 220 (modification example) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same symbols are given to the parts having the same functions as the DR side wiper arm 120 described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the washer nozzle portion of the AS side wiper arm (modified example) as 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 the difference in layout 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 on the longitudinal direction proximal end side (left side in the drawing) of the first cover body 171 constituting the cover member 170 of the AS side wiper arm 220. Further, a second washer nozzle 230 is provided in the vicinity of the bent portion CV and in the portion on the front windshield 11 side. Specifically, the second washer nozzle 230 is incorporated in the middle of the washer tube TB arranged along the AS side wiper arm 220.

The second washer nozzle 230 includes a nozzle case 231 formed in a substantially box shape. The nozzle case 231 is fixed to the arm piece 150, and is 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. .. As a result, 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, as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 13, the washer fluid W can be injected on the front windshield 11 and in the vicinity of the bent portion CV. Inside the nozzle case 231 is a main flow path (not shown) to which the washer tube TB is connected at both ends, and a pair that branches from the main flow path and extends toward the sixth and seventh injection holes IF and IG. Branch flow path (not shown) is provided.

In the range shown in FIG. 13, the washer nozzle 160 and the second cover body 172 use the same ones as the DR side wiper arm 120. That is, the parts are standardized on the DR side and the AS side. In this way, 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, since the DR side wiper arm 120 is composed of the arm head 130, the arm shank 140, and the arm piece 150, the arm shank 140 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the DR side wiper arm 120 is formed. The proportion can be reduced. That is, since the arm piece 150 is provided, the arm shank 140 can be shortened. As a result, the entire DR side wiper arm 120 can be made smaller and lighter, and the wiping property can be improved. Further, since the cover member 170 is attached to the portion of the arm piece 150, the washer tube TB arranged in the 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 project from the top wall portion 171a in the lateral direction and are paired. Engaged portions E1 to E6 having insertion openings S1 to S6 opened in the protruding direction of the side wall portion 171b are provided, and the second cover body 172 protrudes toward the top wall portion 171a and has insertion openings S1 to S6. The engaging portions G1 to G6 having hooking claws N that are inserted into and hooked on the engaged portions E1 to E6 are provided.

As a result, the design of the cover member 170 can be improved and the weight can be reduced. Further, the weight-reduced second cover body 172 can be firmly fixed to the weight-reduced first cover body 171 without rattling. Therefore, the noise generated by the DR-side wiper arm 120 can be reduced, and the noise can be sufficiently applied to a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like.

Further, according to the present embodiment, two hook claws N are provided for one engaged portion E1 to E6, and the two hook claws N are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body 172. The two hooking claws N are arranged side by side and are hooked on the 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, and the second cover body 172 is prevented from falling off from the first cover body 171 for a long period of time. be able to.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the pair of side wall portions 171b protrudes in the lateral direction of the top wall portion 171a and the first cover body 171 is viewed from the protruding direction of the pair of side wall portions 171b, Holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, and H6 arranged at positions overlapping the engaged portions E1, E3, E4, and E6 are provided, and are directed toward the top wall portion 171a of these holding protrusions H2, H3, H5, and H6. The arm piece 150 is supported on the support surfaces F2, F3, F5, and F6.

As a result, the arm piece 150 is sandwiched by the top wall portion 171a and the respective support surfaces F2, F3, F5, F6 from 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 protrudes toward the top wall portion 171a, extends parallel to the pair of side wall portions 171b, and enters the inside of the pair of side wall portions 171b. Wall portions K1 to K4 are provided.

As a result, the second cover body 172 can be reliably positioned with respect to the first cover body 171, and the cover member 170 is assembled, that is, the engaged portions E1 to E6 and the engaged portions G1 to G6 are engaged with each other. It becomes possible to carry out the work easily. In addition, it is possible to more reliably suppress twisting and distortion of the cover member 170, and by extension, it is possible to suppress an unreasonable load from being applied to the flexible and elastically deformable engaging portions G1 to G6. it can. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the second cover body 172 from coming off from the first cover body 171.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above embodiment, the DR side wiper arm 120 is used for a vehicle 10 such as an automobile, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be used for an aircraft, a railroad vehicle, a construction machine, or 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 Meat stealing part 134 Tube guide 135 Shank fixing part 135a Hooking 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 protrusion 153 Female screw part 160 Washer nozzle 161 Nozzle body 162 1st wall part 162a 1st concave part 162b 2nd concave part 163 2nd wall part 163a Flat plate part 163b Screw hole 163c 3rd concave part 163d Upstream side opening 164 3rd wall part 164a 1st downstream side opening 164b 2nd downstream side opening 164c 3rd downstream side opening 165 Armpiece mounting groove 166 Closing member 166a Lid part 166b Joint part 166c Retaining convex part 170 Cover member 171 1st Cover body 171a Top wall part 171b Side wall part 171c First convex part 171d Second convex part 171e Meat stealing part 172 Second cover body 172a Flat plate main body 172b Front surface 172c Back surface 172d Long side 200 AS side wiper member 210 AS side wiper blade (Wiper blade)
220 AS side wiper arm (wiper arm)
230 2nd washer nozzle 231 Nozzle case BJ ball joint C1 to C6 Arc surface CV bending part D1 1st slide mold D2 2nd slide mold E1 to E6 Engagement part F1 to F6 Support surface FK Hook member G1 to G6 Joint H1 to H6 Holding protrusion IA 1st injection hole IB 2nd injection hole IC 3rd injection hole ID 4th injection hole IE 5th injection hole IF 6th injection hole IG 7th injection hole IW inner wall K1 to K4 protruding wall LRP downward reversal position N hook claw NZ1 1st nozzle body NZ2 2nd nozzle body NZ3 3rd nozzle body P2 ~ P6 Recessed part PN Support pin RB Reinforcing rib S Fixing screw S1 ~ S6 Insertion opening SF Spring hook SP Pull spring T1 ~ T6 Hook surface TB Washer tube TP Tapered surface URP Top reversal position W Washer liquid

Claims (5)

A wiper arm that swings the wiper blade that wipes the wiping surface.
An arm head whose base end is attached to the swing shaft,
An arm shank whose base end is attached to the tip of the arm head,
An arm piece whose base end is attached to the tip of the arm shank,
With the washer tube arranged along the arm head, the arm shank and the arm piece,
A washer nozzle attached to the tip of the washer tube and
A cover member that covers 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 top wall portion and a pair of side wall portions protruding from both sides of the top wall portion in the lateral direction,
A second cover body mounted on the pair of side wall portions and arranged to face the top wall portion.
A wiper arm characterized by being equipped with. The first cover body and the second cover body are made of resin and
The pair of side wall portions are provided with an engaged portion having an insertion opening protruding in the lateral direction of the top wall portion and opening in the projecting direction of the pair of side wall portions.
The second cover body is provided with an engaging portion having a hooking claw that protrudes toward the top wall portion and is inserted into the insertion opening and hooked on the engaged portion. The wiper arm according to claim 1. Two hook claws are provided for one engaged portion,
The two hook claws are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second cover body.
The wiper arm according to claim 2, wherein the two hooking claws are hooked on a hooking surface of the engaged portion facing the top wall portion. The pair of side wall portions are arranged at positions that project in the lateral direction of the top wall portion and overlap the engaged portions when the first cover body is viewed from the projecting direction of the pair of side wall portions. Is provided with a holding protrusion
The wiper arm according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the arm piece is supported on a support surface of the holding protrusion facing the top wall portion. The second cover body is characterized by being provided with a protruding wall portion that protrudes toward the top wall portion, extends parallel to the pair of side wall portions, and enters the inside of the pair of side wall portions. The wiper arm according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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