JP3939691B2 - Wiper pivot mounting structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle body structure around a portion to which a wiper pivot of a vehicle wiper device is attached.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many types of vehicle wiper devices are configured to absorb external force (impact load) acting on a wiper pivot and minimize damage to a collision object. This is configured such that when an external force of a predetermined position or more is applied to the wiper pivot attached to the vehicle body, the wiper pivot drops to the inside of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-139256

However, even with the wiper device as described above, on the vehicle body layout of the vehicle, sufficient space is not secured in front of the wiper pivot drop direction, and it may be difficult to secure the wiper pivot drop stroke. Even in such a case, a structure that allows the wiper pivot to fall off is desired.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a wiper pivot mounting portion structure that allows the wiper pivot to drop even when it is difficult to ensure the wiper pivot drop stroke.

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a wiper pivot that can be dropped to the inside of a vehicle along an axis (e.g., an axis G of the embodiment) that is inclined to be positioned forward as it is positioned upward. Yes e.g. a wiper pivot 22) of the embodiment, a substantially horizontal flat portion falling forward of said wiper pivot and (eg vehicle body member forming a flat portion 13) of example (e.g. example dash upper panel 12 of) A slit forming portion (for example, the slit forming portion 115 of the embodiment) having a slit (for example, the slit 114 of the embodiment) that is long in the vehicle width direction is provided at a portion that intersects the axis in the flat portion, and the wiper When the lower end of the pivot reaches the flat portion, the lower end of the wiper pivot expands the slit forming portion starting from the slit. By immersion into the vehicle side, characterized in that to allow detachment of the wiper pivot.

According to this configuration, when the wiper pivot falls to the inside of the vehicle due to the impact load applied to the wiper pivot on the vehicle body layout, even if the wiper pivot reaches the vehicle body member positioned in the forward direction of the wiper pivot removal, The displacement allowance provided on the vehicle body member allows the wiper pivot to drop out (displace) toward the inside of the vehicle, and the displacement allowance also absorbs part of the impact energy applied to the wiper pivot.
Further, if the displacement allowance portion is a slit forming portion, the displacement allowance portion has a simple configuration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the impact absorbing performance even when the dropout stroke of the wiper pivot is not sufficiently secured in the vehicle body layout.
Moreover, the number of parts and the weight of the vehicle body can be reduced by adopting a simple configuration such as the slit forming portion.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, descriptions of directions such as front, rear, left and right are the same as the directions in the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 such as an automobile according to this embodiment includes a hood 3 that covers an engine room located at the front of the vehicle body 2 from above, and a hood 3 from the vicinity of the rear edge toward the roof 4. And a front window glass 5 rising up. Front fenders 6 and 6 are disposed on both sides of the hood 3, and front doors 7 and 7 (only the left side is shown) are disposed behind them. Both ends of the front portion of the roof 4 are supported by left and right front pillars 8, 8, and the lower ends of both front pillars 8, 8 are connected by a cowl top 10 extending in the vehicle width direction along the lower edge of the front window glass 5. Is done.

  The wiper pivot 22 for the wiper arm 25 on the assistant side (passenger seat side, that is, the left side of the vehicle) and the driver side (driver's side, that is, the right side of the vehicle) are located on the cowl top 10 near the center and the right end. A wiper pivot 22 for the wiper arm 25 is provided. Each of the wiper pivots 22 and 22 has an impact absorbing structure that absorbs an external force such as an impact load when it acts and minimizes damage to the collision object.

Here, the following explanation will be made with respect to the part where the wiper pivot 22 for the wiper arm 25 on the assistant side is attached. However, the part where the wiper pivot 22 for the wiper arm 25 on the driver side is attached has the same configuration. Description is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the cowl top 10 includes a steel plate windshield panel (vehicle body member) 11 that is convex upward, and a steel plate dash upper panel that is convex downward. 12 and these are appropriately joined to form an integral box structure. The cross-sectional shape of the cowl top 10 takes into account the rigidity of the vehicle body skeleton and the layout relationship with auxiliary equipment such as the window washer device 18 disposed below the cowl top 10 (in the engine room R). It is determined. The space F inside the cowl top 10 becomes rainwater or the like, and is used as an intake path for an air conditioner in the vehicle interior.

  A lower edge portion of the front window glass 5 is joined to the upper portion of the cowl top 10 via an adhesive and a sealing material, and the lower edge portion of the front window glass 5 and the hood 3 are extended from the upper portion to the front portion. A resin cowl top garnish 16 that closes the gap with the rear edge is attached. A weather strip 17 that is in close contact with the rear edge of the hood 3 is attached to the front flange portion 16a of the cowl top garnish 16 to prevent rainwater or the like from entering the engine room R.

  A wiper pivot 22 is supported on the upper portion of the cowl top 10 and in front of the lower edge of the front window glass 5. The wiper pivot 22 includes a pivot shaft 23 and a pivot holder 24 through which the pivot shaft 23 is inserted. An arbitrary part of the pivot holder 24 is coupled to the cowl top 10, whereby the wiper pivot 22 is held by the cowl top 10. The wiper pivot 22 is arranged such that its axis line (axis line of the pivot shaft 23) G is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the front window glass 5 that is lowered forward. That is, the axis G of the wiper pivot 22 is inclined so as to be positioned forward as it is positioned upward.

  The upper end portion of the pivot shaft 23 is exposed to the vehicle outer side from the insertion hole of the cowl top garnish 16, and the base end portion of the wiper arm 25 is coupled to the upper end portion. Further, the lower end portion of the pivot shaft 23 is connected to the distal end portion of the link mechanism 26 disposed in the cowl top 10. The base end portion of the link mechanism 26 is connected to a wiper motor (not shown), and the wiper arm 25 is operated via the link mechanism 26 and the pivot shaft 23 by driving the wiper motor.

  When an external force of a predetermined value or more such as an impact load is applied, the wiper pivot 22 falls off from the cowl top 10 along the axis G and enters the vehicle inside (herein, the cowl top 10 inside), thereby causing a collision. It is designed to absorb energy. Specifically, when an external force to the inside of the vehicle that exceeds the holding force of the cowl top 10 is applied to the wiper pivot 22, the coupling between the cowl top 10 and the pivot holder 24 is released, and the wiper pivot 22 is moved approximately along the axis. The impact energy is absorbed while falling off the top 10 and immersing inside the vehicle.

Here, a substantially horizontal flat portion 13 is formed at the bottom of the dash upper panel 12, and the flat portion 13 is located below the wiper pivot 22.
Further, with reference to FIG. 3 as well, a portion that intersects the axis G of the wiper pivot 22 of the flat portion 13, that is, a portion that is located forward of the wiper pivot 22 in the drop-off direction, for example, in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above A long oval long hole 14 is formed, and a cap (displacement allowing portion) 15 made of a resin material that can be elastically deformed relatively flexibly, such as polypropylene, is fitted into the long hole 14. .

  The cap 15 is a flat member having an elliptical outer peripheral shape along the periphery of the long hole 14, and when the cap 15 is attached to the long hole 14, the amount of protrusion from the upper surface of the flat portion 13 of the cap 15 is suppressed. And the upper surface of the cap 15 and the upper surface of the flat part 13 are provided so that it may become substantially parallel. Here, the flat portion 13 is formed in the dash upper panel 12 constituting the lower portion of the cowl top 10 because of the layout with the auxiliary equipment (window washer device 18 and the like) in the engine room R and the cowl top 10. This is because the inner space portion F is used as a bag for rainwater or the like. As a result, in the direction of the axis G between the upper surface of the flat portion 13 (here, the upper surface of the cap 15) and the lower end of the wiper pivot 22 Is set to be narrower than the dropping stroke for absorbing the impact of the wiper pivot 22.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when an external force (impact load) to the inside of the vehicle is applied to the wiper pivot 22, the wiper pivot 22 is dropped along its axis G and the impact energy is absorbed while being immersed. At that time, since the gap between the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 and the flat portion 13 of the dash upper panel 12 positioned below (frontward in the drop-off direction) is narrower than the drop-off stroke of the wiper pivot 22, The lower end portion of the pivot 22 may reach the flat portion 13. At this time, a long hole 14 is formed in front of the wiper pivot 22 in the drop-off direction of the flat part 13 and an elastically deformable cap 15 is attached to the long hole 14, so that the lower end of the wiper pivot 22 is flexible. It will be taken in and will be further immersed in the inside of the car.
For this reason, the load does not rise suddenly during the dropping stroke of the wiper pivot 22, and the wiper pivot 22 is smoothly dropped and immersed in the vehicle interior to absorb impact energy and the cap 15 is elastically deformed. Also, a part of the impact energy acting on the wiper pivot 22 is absorbed.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the distance between the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 and the flat portion 13 of the dash upper panel 12 positioned in front of the drop-off direction is narrower than the drop-off stroke of the wiper pivot 22 in the vehicle body layout. Even when the dropping stroke of the pivot 22 cannot be secured sufficiently, the impact absorbing performance of the wiper pivot 22 can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the impact energy of the wiper pivot 22 when the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 in the shock absorbing stage reaches the cap 15a as in the cap (displacement allowing portion, dropout member) 15a shown in FIG. The cap 15a may be configured to fall out of the long hole 14 by the above. Thereby, it is possible to reliably allow the wiper pivot 22 to fall off. Then, the wiper pivot 22 is smoothly dropped and immersed in the vehicle interior to absorb the impact energy, and a part of the impact energy acting on the wiper pivot 22 is also absorbed by the cap 15a being dropped off. The performance can be improved.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the following description will be mainly made on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as FIG. 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flat portion 13 of the dash upper panel 12 of the cowl top 10 has a portion that intersects the axis G of the wiper pivot 22 (a portion located in front of the wiper pivot 22 in the dropping direction). For example, a slit forming portion 115 having a slit 114 that is long in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above is provided. The slit 114 is coated with a sealing material 119 from the inside of the cowl top 10 in order to prevent water leakage and rust from the cowl top 10. The distance H ′ in the axis G direction between the upper surface of the slit forming portion 115 (here, the upper surface of the flat portion 13) and the lower end of the wiper pivot 22 is set to be narrower than the dropping stroke of the wiper pivot 22.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the impact energy applied to the inside of the vehicle applied to the wiper pivot 22 is absorbed by the wiper pivot 22 dropping off and immersing along the axis G, the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 extends to the flat portion 13. At this time, since the slit forming portion 115 is provided in front of the wiper pivot 22 in the dropping direction of the flat portion 13, the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 expands the slit forming portion 115 starting from the slit 114. (Deformation) and further immersion inside the vehicle.
For this reason, the wiper pivot 22 is smoothly dropped and immersed in the vehicle interior to absorb the impact energy, and a part of the impact energy acting on the wiper pivot 22 is also absorbed by the deformation of the slit forming portion 115.

  According to the second embodiment, even when the dropout stroke of the wiper pivot 22 is not sufficiently secured due to the vehicle body layout, the flat portion 13 of the dash upper panel 12 positioned forward of the wiper pivot 22 in the dropout direction is used. By providing a displacement-allowing portion having a simple configuration called the slit forming portion 115, it is possible to improve the impact absorbing performance of the wiper pivot 22.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment also has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the following description will be mainly made on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as FIG. 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the flat portion 13 of the dash upper panel 12 of the cowl top 10 has a portion intersecting with the axis G of the wiper pivot 22 (a portion located in front of the wiper pivot 22 in the drop-off direction). For example, a bead forming portion (displacement allowing portion, expandable portion) 215 having a bead 214 that has a semicircular cylindrical shape that protrudes downward and extends in the vehicle width direction as viewed from above is provided. . The bead forming portion 215 extends easily in the direction perpendicular to the flat portion 13 by the unevenness of the bead 214. An interval H ″ in the axis G direction between the upper surface of the bead forming portion 215 (here, the upper surface of the flat portion 13) and the lower end of the wiper pivot 22 is set to be narrower than the dropping stroke of the wiper pivot 22.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the impact energy applied to the inside of the vehicle applied to the wiper pivot 22 is absorbed by the wiper pivot 22 dropping off and immersing along the axis G, the lower end portion of the wiper pivot 22 extends to the flat portion 13. At this time, the lower end of the wiper pivot 22 presses the bead forming portion 215 provided in front of the wiper pivot 22 in the drop direction of the flat portion 13, so that the bead forming portion 215 is stretched and the flat portion. Accordingly, the wiper pivot 22 is further immersed inside the vehicle.
For this reason, the wiper pivot 22 is smoothly dropped and immersed in the vehicle interior to absorb the impact energy, and part of the impact energy acting on the wiper pivot 22 is also absorbed by the bead forming portion 215 extending.

  According to the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the flatness of the dash upper panel 12 positioned forward of the wiper pivot 22 in the drop-off direction can be achieved even when the drop-off stroke of the wiper pivot 22 is not sufficiently secured. By providing the portion 13 with a displacement permitting portion having a simple configuration, that is, the extendable portion 215, the impact absorbing performance of the wiper pivot 22 can be improved.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, even if a pedestal forming part (displacement allowing part, extendable part) 215a having a pedestal 214a that is convex upward is provided around the pedestal 214a. Since it extends easily in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flat portion 13 by the level difference, the wiper pivot 22 can be smoothly dropped and immersed. Further, the unevenness with respect to the flat portion 13 may be either upward or downward, but the protrusion direction and the amount of protrusion are determined by taking into account the distance between the upper surface of the bead forming portion 215 or the pedestal forming portion 215a and the lower end of the wiper pivot 22, etc. In this case, the impact absorbing performance can be further improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the caps 15 and 15a in the first embodiment may be plastically deformed or damaged by being pressed by the wiper pivot 22, and may be flat. It may be joined to the portion 13 by adhesion or welding.
Further, if the slit 114 in the second embodiment is C-shaped, X-shaped or the like, the wiper pivot 22 can be easily penetrated, and can be smoothly dropped and immersed. At this time, if a weak portion is formed by forming a bead or the like at an arbitrary location, it becomes possible to adjust the ease of deformation of the slit forming portion 115 and to specify the deformation location, etc. Further improvement can be achieved. Here, the fragile portion may be a hole, a slit, or the like, and similarly may have a plate thickness difference or a strength difference.
Furthermore, in each embodiment, the displacement allowance portion may be configured not to directly contact the wiper pivot 22 but to allow the wiper pivot 22 to drop and immerse through another member or the like. The configuration of each embodiment is an example, and it goes without saying that the shape and material of each member can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of an automobile in an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. It is the top view seen from the arrow B direction of FIG. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows the effect | action of a 1st Example. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 4 which shows the modification of a 1st Example. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 in 2nd Example of this invention. It is the top view seen from the arrow C direction of FIG. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 6 which shows the effect | action of a 2nd Example. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 in 3rd Example of this invention. It is the top view seen from the arrow D direction of FIG. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 9 which shows the effect | action of a 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a 3rd Example, (a) is a top view equivalent to FIG. 10, (b) is sectional drawing which follows the EE line | wire of (a).

Explanation of symbols

22 Wiper pivot 12 Dash upper panel (body parts)
15 Cap (displaceable part)
15a Cap (Displacement allowance part, drop-off member)
115 Slit formation part (Displacement allowance part)
215 Bead forming part (displaceable part, extendable part)
215a pedestal forming part (displaceable part, extendable part)

Claims (1)

A wiper pivot that can be dropped inside the vehicle along an axis that is inclined so as to be positioned forward as it is positioned above ;
A vehicle body member that forms a substantially horizontal flat portion in front of the wiper pivot in the drop-off direction ,
In the portion that intersects the axis in the flat portion, a slit forming portion having a long slit in the vehicle width direction is provided,
When the lower end portion of the wiper pivot reaches the flat portion, the lower end portion of the wiper pivot enters the inside of the vehicle while expanding the slit forming portion starting from the slit, thereby removing the wiper pivot. Wiper pivot attachment structure characterized by allowing.

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