Wiper device

Base end sides of washer tubes 44, 45 are arranged in an axial direction of a swinging shaft PS at one end portion of an arm head 40, and they are drawn out from a head side pipe housing portion 41a so as to curve toward a side opposite to a shaft fixing portion 42 side. Each of the washer tubes 44, 45 is wound around the shaft fixing portion 42 during swinging of the arm head 40 without applying any load to the swinging shaft PS. No tension acts on each of the washer tubes 44, 45, and each of the washer tubes 44, 45 is not rubbed against the shaft fixing portion 42. Therefore, deterioration of the washer tubes 44, 45 can be suppressed. When the washer tubes 44, 45 are wound around the shaft fixing portion 42, a periphery of the shaft fixing portion 42 is suppressed from swelling outward in a radial direction thereof. This makes it possible to prevent the arm head 40 around the swinging shaft PS from increasing in size.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/059200, filed on Mar. 23, 2016, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-085083, filed on Apr. 17, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-085084, filed on Apr. 17, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a wiper device provided with a wiper blade for wiping a surface to be wiped.

BACKGROUND ART

A wiper device for ensuring a field of view of a driver and the like is provided with in a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiper device includes a wiper arm caused to swing by an electric motor, and a wiper blade fitted to the wiper arm. By turning on a wiper switch in a vehicle interior, the wiper arm is caused to swing, whereby a blade rubber reciprocates on a surface to be wiped so as to wipe off rainwater or the like attached onto the surface to be wiped.

Now, in a case where an adhesive substance such as dust is attached onto the surface to be wiped, the wiper blade is reciprocated while spraying a cleaning fluid on the surface to be wiped. This makes it possible to wet the adhesive substance such as dust and cleanly wipe the surface to be wiped without damaging the surface to be wiped. The cleaning fluid is usually sprayed onto the surface to be wiped from a nozzle unit installed in a hood or the like of the vehicle. In this case, there are defects including a case where the field of view of the driver is blocked because a sprayed position of the cleaning fluid is in front of eyes of the driver, a case where the sprayed position of the cleaning fluid is largely displaced due to a travelling wind or the like because a distance between the nozzle unit and the surface to be wiped is too long, and a case where a replenishing frequency of the cleaning fluid to a tank is increased because a relatively large amount of the cleaning fluid is used.

Thus, in order to solve such defects, a wiper device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-030373 has been developed, for example. The wiper device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-030373 includes: an arm support (arm head) fixed to a swinging shaft (output shaft); an arm shank rotatably coupled to the arm support; a washer nozzle (nozzle unit) provided at a tip end side of the arm shank; and a flexible hose (pipe) provided between a portion of the washer nozzle and a portion of the swinging shaft. Further, a swinging shaft side of the flexible hose is disposed around the swinging shaft so as not to come into contact with the swinging shaft and not to protrude from the arm support.

A cleaning fluid supplied to the flexible hose is sprayed from the washer nozzle and immediately reaches a surface to be wiped that is near the washer nozzle. Thus, a distance between the washer nozzle and the surface to be wiped is shortened, whereby it is possible to prevent a sprayed position of the cleaning fluid from being largely displaced due to a travelling wind or the like, and to wet the vicinity of a blade rubber. Therefore, it is possible to wipe the surface to be wiped using a small amount of the cleaning fluid.

Further, in order to solve the problems as described above, a wiper device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,370 has been developed, for example. The wiper device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,370 includes: an attachment piece fixed to a wiper shaft; a joint piece rotatably fitted to the attachment piece; a wiper rod crimped and fixed to the joint piece; a washer nozzle fixed to the wiper rod; and a flexible hose housed inside the joint piece.

A cleaning fluid that has been supplied from the wiper shaft to the flexible hose is sprayed from the washer nozzle and reaches a surface to be wiped. Thus, a distance between the washer nozzle and the surface to be wiped is shortened, whereby it is possible to prevent a sprayed position of the cleaning fluid from being largely displaced due to a travelling wind or the like, and to wet the vicinity of a blade rubber. Therefore, it is possible to wipe the surface to be wiped using a small amount of the cleaning fluid.

SUMMARY

However, in the wiper device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-030373, a swinging shaft side of the pipe approaches the swinging shaft and goes away from the swinging shaft during a swinging motion of the arm head. In particular, when the pipe approaches the swinging shaft, tension acts on the pipe. This may cause problems such as early deterioration of the pipe and an increased load on an electric motor.

Further, in a case where the cleaning fluid is sprayed individually in each of wiping directions of a wiping operation toward a forward side and a wiping operation toward a backward side of the wiper device, it is possible to wipe the surface to be wiped using an even smaller amount of the cleaning fluid. In this case, a pipe is required for each of the forward side and the backward side. However, in a case where a pair of pipes for the forward side and the backward side is provided in the wiper device according to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-030373, problems may occur, such as a problem that the load on the electric motor further becomes larger and a problem that a fixing portion with respect to the swinging shaft of the arm head is increased in size.

Further, according to the wiper device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,370, a wiper shaft side of the flexible hose (pipe) is held by the attachment piece (arm head), and a washer nozzle side of the flexible hose is held by a crimped portion of the joint piece (arm shank) and the wiper rod.

Thus, a length dimension of a portion of the pipe, which is not held by anything, is substantially equal to a length dimension of the arm shank. Therefore, a case where the flexible hose becomes slack and protrudes from the arm shank may occur. In particular, in the summer season when an ambient temperature is high or the like, an amount of slack of the pipe may increase, and in some cases, a defect that the pipe is rubbed against the surface to be wiped occurs.

In order to prevent the slack of the pipe, it can be thought that a certain degree of tension is applied to the pipe. However, in this case, another problem as follows may arise. Namely, it becomes difficult to place the pipe along a side wall of the arm shank, and the pipe may come into contact with a pressure spring (spring) housed inside the arm shank, whereby a problem that the pipe is early deteriorated may occur.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wiper device capable of suppressing a fixing portion of an arm head with respect to a swinging shaft from increasing in size while suppressing tension from acting on a forward side pipe and a backward side pipe.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a wiper device capable of surely preventing a pipe from protruding from an arm shank and preventing the pipe from deteriorating early.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiper device provided with a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface to be wiped, the wiper device including: an arm head provided with a shaft fixing portion to be fixed to a swinging shaft, the shaft fixing portion being provided at one end portion of the arm head; an arm shank having one end portion and the other end portion, the one end portion being fitted to the other end portion of the arm head, the other end portion being fitted to the wiper blade; a nozzle unit provided on the arm shank or the wiper blade, the nozzle unit being configured to spray a cleaning fluid toward the surface to be wiped; a head side pipe housing portion provided in the arm head along a longitudinal direction thereof, the head side pipe housing portion being opened toward the surface to be wiped; and a forward side pipe and a backward side pipe housed in the head side pipe housing portion, a tip end side of each of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe being connected to the nozzle unit, wherein base end sides of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are arranged in an axial direction of the swinging shaft at one end portion of the arm head, and the base end sides are drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion so as to curve toward a side opposite to a side of the shaft fixing portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a holding hole is provided at one end portion of the arm head, the holding hole being configured to hold the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe so as to be arranged side by side in the axial direction of the swinging shaft.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a guide wall is provided at one end portion of the arm head, the guide wall being configured to place the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe along an outer periphery of the shaft fixing portion during swinging of the shaft fixing portion in one direction.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, each of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe includes an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe, and a connecting member is provided in the head side pipe housing portion, the connecting member being configured to connect the upstream pipe to the corresponding downstream pipe.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a shank side pipe housing portion is provided in the arm shank so as to extend along a longitudinal direction of the arm shank and be opened toward a side of the surface to be wiped, the shank side pipe housing portion being configured to house the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe therein.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, one end portion of the arm shank is provided rotatably via a rotary shaft with respect to the other end portion of the arm head, the rotary shaft extending in a direction intersecting the swinging shaft; and the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are arranged in a wiping direction of the wiper blade in a portion of the rotary shaft.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wiper device provided with a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface to be wiped, the wiper device including: an arm head, one end portion of the arm head being fitted to a swinging shaft; an arm shank having one end portion and the other end portion, the one end portion being fitted to the other end portion of the arm head, the other end portion being fitted to the wiper blade; a nozzle unit provided on the arm shank or the wiper blade, the nozzle unit being configured to spray a cleaning fluid toward the surface to be wiped; a shank side pipe housing portion provided in the arm shank along a longitudinal direction thereof, the shank side pipe housing portion being opened toward the surface to be wiped; a pipe housed in the shank side pipe housing portion, the pipe being configured to feed the cleaning fluid to the nozzle unit; and a spring housed in the shank side pipe housing portion, the spring being configured to generate elastic force to press the wiper blade toward the surface to be wiped, wherein a first pipe holding portion and a second pipe holding portion are respectively provided at both end sides of the spring in the arm shank, each of the first and second pipe holding portions being configured to hold the pipe side by side with respect to the spring.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the first pipe holding portion and the second pipe holding portion hold the pipe in a non-contact state with the spring.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a head side pipe housing portion configured to house the pipe is provided in the arm head so as to extend along a longitudinal direction of the arm head, the head side pipe housing portion being opened toward the surface to be wiped.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a pin fitting wall is provided at the other end portion of the arm head, a pin for supporting one end portion of the spring being fitted to the pin fitting wall; the first pipe holding portion provided at the one end portion of the spring is constituted of a projecting piece, the projecting piece projecting from a side wall of the arm shank in a wiping direction of the wiper blade, and the pipe is held by the pin fitting wall and the projecting piece.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a dimension of a gap formed between the projecting piece and the pin fitting wall is larger than a diameter dimension of the pipe when the arm shank is rotated relative to the arm head in a direction opposite to a direction of locking back.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the first pipe holding portion provided at a side of the one end portion of the spring is constituted of a first extending portion and a second extending portion, the first extending portion extending from a side wall of the arm shank in a wiping direction of the wiper blade, the second extending portion extending from the first extending portion toward a side opposite to a side of the surface to be wiped.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the second pipe holding portion provided on a side of the other end portion of the spring is constituted of a supporting piece and a holding piece, the supporting piece extending from a side wall of the arm shank in a wiping direction of the wiper blade, the holding piece being fitted to the supporting piece.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a third pipe holding portion configured to hold the pipe is provided in the arm shank between the second pipe holding portion provided at the other end portion side of the spring and the other end portion of the arm shank.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, base end sides of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are arranged in an axial direction of the swinging shaft at one end portion of the arm head, and the base end sides are drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion so as to curve toward a side opposite to a side of the shaft fixing portion. Thus, during swinging of the arm head, the base end side of each of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe is wound around a periphery of the shaft fixing portion without applying any load to the swinging shaft. At this time, no tension acts on each of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe, and both the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are not rubbed against the shaft fixing portion. For this reason, deterioration of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe is suppressed.

Further, since the base end sides of the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are arranged in the axial direction of the swinging shaft, it is possible to suppress the periphery of the shaft fixing portion from swelling outward in a radial direction thereof when the forward side pipe and the backward side pipe are wound around the periphery of the shaft fixing portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a fixing portion of the arm head with respect to the swinging shaft from increasing in size.

According to the present invention, since the first pipe holding portion and the second pipe holding portion, which are configured to hold the pipe side by side with respect to the spring, are respectively provided at both end sides of the spring in the arm shank, it is possible to shorten a length dimension between the first pipe holding portion and the second pipe holding portion to the degree of a length dimension of the spring. This makes it to prevent a defect that the pipe protrudes from the arm shank and is rubbed against the surface to be wiped from occurring. Further, since application of tension to the pipe can be avoided, it is possible to prevent the pipe from coming into contact with the spring, and this makes it possible to surely prevent early deterioration of the pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a wiper device according to the present invention.FIG. 2is an enlarged perspective view of a periphery of a nozzle unit when viewed from a front side thereof.FIG. 3is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the nozzle unit when viewed from a back side thereof.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 1.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6is a perspective view of a wiper arm when viewed from a back side thereof.

As shown inFIG. 1, a wiper device10includes a wiper blade20and a wiper arm30. The wiper blade20is rotatably fitted to the wiper arm30on a tip end side thereof, and is in sliding contact with a windshield (surface to be wiped)11on a front side of a vehicle such as an automobile. A base end side of the wiper arm30is fitted to a swinging shaft PS on the front side of the vehicle. By turning on a wiper switch (not shown in the drawings) in a vehicle interior to rotate a wiper motor (not shown in the drawings), the swinging shaft PS is caused to swing. Thus, the wiper device10performs a reciprocating wiping operation toward a forward side and a backward side within a predetermined wiping range AR formed on the windshield11as indicated with arrows in the drawing.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, the wiper blade20includes a blade rubber21, a holder member22, and a coupling portion23. The blade rubber21is in contact with the windshield11. The holder member22holds the blade rubber21. The coupling portion23is provided at a middle portion of the holder member22in a longitudinal direction thereof. In this regard, a pair of end caps CP is fitted to both end portions of the holder member22in the longitudinal direction thereof. This prevents the blade rubber21, which is held by the holder member22, from coming off.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the blade rubber21includes a main body portion21a, a lip portion21b, and a neck portion21c. The main body portion21ais held by the holder member22. The lip portion21bis caused to be in contact with the windshield11. The neck portion21ccouples the main body portion21ato the lip portion21b. In this regard, the blade rubber21is formed into a long shape by extrusion molding of an elastic material such as rubber, and a cross-sectional shape thereof is a uniform shape across an entire region in the longitudinal direction thereof.

A thickness dimension of the neck portion21cin an operation direction of the blade rubber21(a horizontal direction in the drawing) is set to a thickness dimension smaller than any of thickness dimensions of the main body portion21aand the lip portion21b, whereby the neck portion21cis elastically deformed easily. Thus, when the wiper blade20moves toward the forward side and the backward side on the windshield11, the lip portion21bis allowed to incline so that a tip end portion of the lip portion21bcan smoothly follow the wiper blade20in a moving direction thereof. Therefore, it is possible to surely wipe off an adhesive substance such as dust and rainwater (not shown in the drawings) attached onto the windshield11.

As shown inFIG. 4, the holder member22includes a holder main body22aand a fin portion22b. The holder main body22aand the fin portion22bare integrally formed by two-color molding of different materials having different hardness from each other, and are formed into a long shape in the same manner as the blade rubber21.

The holder main body22ais formed of a resin material such as plastic having flexibility in order to be capable of following a curved surface shape (not shown in the drawings) of the windshield11while securing sufficient strength to hold the main body portion21aof the blade rubber21. On the other hand, the fin portion22bis formed of an elastic material such as rubber having hardness lower than hardness of the holder main body22a. When a travelling wind hits the fin portion22b, downforce is generated by the wiper blade20, whereby wiping performance of the blade rubber21is well maintained.

A pair of vertebrae22cis provided inside the holder main body22aat a predetermined interval. Each of the vertebrae22cis formed of a steel plate having a spring property, and is arranged in a mirror-image symmetrical manner so as to sandwich the main body portion21aof the blade rubber21from both of the forward side and the backward side. Each of the vertebrae22cis curved with a curvature larger than a curvature of the windshield11in a natural state where no external force is applied thereto, and causes the holder member22and the blade rubber21to be elastically deformed in accordance with the curvature of the windshield11. This causes the entire region of the lip portion21bin the longitudinal direction to be stuck onto the windshield11.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 5, the coupling portion23is provided at a middle portion of the holder member22in the longitudinal direction thereof. The coupling portion23includes a coupling main body23a, a base plate23b, and a cover member23c. The coupling main body23ais formed so that a cross section thereof has a substantially U shape by pressing or the like of a steel plate, and is crimped and fixed to each of the vertebrae22cby means of a fixed leg portion (not shown in the drawings) that is integrally provided thereto.

A columnar pin23dmade of a steel material is crimped and fixed to the coupling main body23a, and a hook fixing member23eformed of a resin material such as plastic is rotatably fitted to the columnar pin23d. Here, an arm piece60(seeFIG. 2), which is fixed to the tip end side of the wiper arm30, is coupled to the hook fixing member23eby one touch operation. In this regard, the columnar pin23dand the hook fixing member23ealso constitute the coupling portion23.

The base plate23bis formed into a plate shape by a resin material such as plastic. The base plate23bis fitted to each of the vertebrae22cby means of a fixed leg portion23fthat is integrally provided thereto. Here, the coupling main body23ais disposed on a fin portion22bside (front side) of the holder member22, and the base plate23bis disposed on a holder main body22aside (back side) of the holder member22.

The cover member23cis formed into a substantially box shape by a resin material such as plastic. The cover member23cis fitted to the outside of the coupling main body23aby means of a plurality of engaging claws (not shown in the drawings) that is integrally provided thereto. The cover member23ccovers and hides a side portion and the like of the coupling main body23a, and this makes it possible to improve appearance of the wiper blade20.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6, the wiper arm30includes an arm head40, an arm shank50, and the arm piece60.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of a periphery of a shaft fixing portion of the arm head when viewed from a front side thereof.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C ofFIG. 7.FIG. 9is a perspective view of the periphery of the shaft fixing portion of the arm head when viewed from the back side thereof.FIG. 10(a)is a view when viewed in a direction of an arrow D inFIG. 9, andFIG. 10(b)is a view illustrating a modified example of a holding hole, which corresponds toFIG. 10(a).FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b)are explanatory drawings for explaining a state of each of pipes wound around the shaft fixing portion.

As shown inFIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the arm head40is formed into a bar shape by cast-molding and the like of an aluminum material. The arm head40includes a head main body41, a shaft fixing portion42, and a shank fitting portion43. The head main body41is curved into a substantially J shape. The shaft fixing portion42is provided at one end portion (a right side in the drawing) of the head main body41and fixed to the swinging shaft PS. The shank fitting portion43is provided at the other end portion (a left side in the drawing) of the head main body41, and one end portion of the arm shank50is fitted to the shank fitting portion43.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, a head side pipe housing portion41aopened toward a windshield11side is provided at the windshield11side (near side in the drawing) of the head main body41. The head side pipe housing portion41ais provided across an entire region in a longitudinal direction of the arm head40so as to match a shape of the arm head40. Thus, a cross-sectional shape of the arm head40in the short direction thereof is formed into a substantially U shape.

A forward side washer tube (forward side pipe)44and a backward side washer tube (backward side pipe)45are housed inside the head side pipe housing portion41a. Here, in order to readily understand an arrangement structure of each of the washer tubes44,45, each of the washer tubes44,45is indicated with half-tone dot meshing in the drawing.

As shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIGS. 1, 7, and 9, a forward side washer fluid (cleaning fluid) W1and a backward side washer fluid (cleaning fluid) W2are respectively supplied from a washer pump (not shown in the drawings) to the washer tubes44,45. Here, a vehicle body side connecting member CJ fixed to a vehicle body BD (seeFIG. 1) is connected to a base end side of each of the washer tubes44,45. The washer pump is connected to a side of the vehicle body side connecting member CJ opposite to each of the washer tubes44,45through a pair of washer tubes (not shown in the drawings).

The washer tubes44,45respectively feed the washer fluids W1and W2to a nozzle unit70(will be described later). As shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, the forward side washer tube44is constituted of a vehicle side tube (upstream pipe)44aand a nozzle side tube (downstream pipe)44b. Further, the backward side washer tube45is constituted of a vehicle side tube (upstream pipe)45aand a nozzle side tube (downstream pipe)45b.

The vehicle side tube44aand the vehicle side tube45aare respectively connected to the nozzle side tube44band the nozzle side tube45bwith a wiper side connecting member (connecting member)46that is fixed to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion41a.

As shown inFIG. 8, flow channels46aand46b, through which the washer fluids W1and W2respectively flow, are formed inside the wiper side connecting member46. Further, a first engaging claw46cand a second engaging claw46dare integrally provided on the wiper side connecting member46so as to face each other across the pair of flow channels46aand46b. The first engaging claw46chaving a large projection height is caused to engage with an engaging recessed portion41cprovided on a side wall41bthat is provided at the backward side (a right side in the drawing) of the head main body41. The second engaging claw46dhaving a small projection height is caused to engage with an engaging recessed portion41eprovided on a side wall41dthat is provided at the forward side (a left side in the drawing) of the head main body41.

Here, in order to fix the wiper side connecting member46to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion41a, the wiper side connecting member46is first tilted with respect to the head side pipe housing portion41aso as to face each other, and the first engaging claw46cis caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion41cunder such a condition. Subsequently, the wiper side connecting member46is brought into a condition parallel to the head side pipe housing portion41a, and the second engaging claw46dis caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion41e. Thus, the wiper side connecting member46is fixed to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion41awithout any wobbling.

By fixing the wiper side connecting member46to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion41ain this manner, it is possible to prevent each of the washer tubes44,45from slacking in a portion of the arm head40. Further, by respectively dividing the washer tubes44,45into the vehicle side tubes44a,45aand the nozzle side tubes44b,45bwith the wiper side connecting member46as a boundary, it is possible to easily assemble the vehicle side tubes44a,45aand the nozzle side tubes44b,45bto the arm head40and the arm shank50, respectively. Moreover, for example, even in a case where tension acts on each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45b, it is possible to prevent the tension from acting on each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the base end side of each of the washer tubes44,45that are housed in the head side pipe housing portion41a, that is, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais drawn out together from a position avoiding the shaft fixing portion42to the outside of the arm head40. Specifically, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion41ato the outside under a condition that the vehicle side tubes44a,45aare arranged in an axial direction of the swinging shaft PS.

As shown inFIG. 10(a), a holding hole42aformed into a substantially vertically-long rectangular shape is provided at a part of a periphery of the shaft fixing portion42of the arm head40and on the backward side of the arm head40. The holding hole42ais formed by cutting out a part of the side wall41bthat is positioned at the backward side (a left side in the drawing) of the head main body41. A bridging portion42bthat forms the holding hole42ais provided at the windshield11side (a lower side in the drawing) of the holding hole42a. Each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais inserted through the holding hole42a. The holding hole42aholds each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ain a state where the vehicle side tubes44a,45aare arranged side by side in the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS (seeFIGS. 7 and 9).

Here, as shown inFIG. 10(a), a width dimension of the holding hole42ais larger than a diameter dimension of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a. Thus, a clearance S is formed between the holding hole42aand each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aunder a condition where each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais brought near a shaft fixing portion42side. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ainto the holding hole42aat the time of assembling of the wiper device10.

However, as shown inFIG. 10(b), it is also possible to provide an opening portion42din the bridging portion42b, and it is possible to dispose each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ain the holding hole42avia the opening portion42d. In this case, in order to prevent the vehicle side tubes44a,45afrom coming off from the holding hole42awhile facilitating arrangement of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ain the holding hole42a, a width dimension t of the opening portion42dis slightly smaller than a diameter dimension d of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a(t<d). Further, a tapered surface TS for facilitating arrangement of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ato the holding hole42ais provided in the opening portion42d.

By holding each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aby the holding hole42ain this manner in a state where the vehicle side tubes44a,45aare arranged side by side in the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS, it is possible to surely prevent the arrangement of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45afrom being displaced. Further, it is also possible to suppress the periphery of the shaft fixing portion42of the arm head40from becoming wide and increasing in size. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 11, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais wound around the periphery of the shaft fixing portion42with the same radius of curvature during swinging of the arm head40. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a load applied onto the swinging shaft PS, that is, a load on an electric motor.

As shown inFIG. 7, a guide wall42cthat protrudes outward in a radial direction of the shaft fixing portion42is integrally provided at a side opposite to the windshield11side along the axial direction of the shaft fixing portion42(an upper side in the drawing). The guide wall42cextends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS, and protrudes to a side of the arm head40opposite to an arm shank50side (a right side in the drawing). Thus, when each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais inserted into the holding hole42aat the time of assembling of the wiper device10, the guide wall42cmay be used as a guide. This makes it possible to easily assemble the wiper device10.

As shown inFIG. 11, the guide wall42cguides each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aso as to be wound orderly around the periphery of the shaft fixing portion42when the arm head40is caused to swing in one direction. Namely, the guide wall42chas a function to place each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aalong an outer periphery of the shaft fixing portion42. This makes it possible to surely prevent the arrangement of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45afrom being displaced in the middle of winding the vehicle side tubes44a,45aaround the shaft fixing portion42.

Each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion41ato the outside through the holding hole42a, and a portion of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45athat is drawn out to the outside is curved toward a side opposite to the shaft fixing portion42side as shown inFIGS. 7, 9, 11. Namely, as shown inFIG. 11(a), each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais not in a condition of being wound around the shaft fixing portion42in a condition where the wiper device10is stopped. Further, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 11, the shaft fixing portion42is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, and a radius of curvature R1of a curved portion of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais set to be substantially the same value as a radius R2of the shaft fixing portion42(R1≈R2). Accordingly, when each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the substantially-cylindrical shaft fixing portion42and is wound therearound, a central axis of the curved portion of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aand a central axis of the shaft fixing portion42are coaxial. Therefore, when each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais wound around the shaft fixing portion42or is separated from the shaft fixing portion42, it is possible to prevent it from being largely deformed exceeding the radius of curvature R1and the radius R2.

Here, a winding operation of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aby the shaft fixing portion42will be described with reference toFIG. 11.

When the wiper motor is caused to rotate by turning on the wiper switch, the swinging shaft PS is caused to swing. Then, the wiper device10starts a wiping operation toward the forward side from a stopped state shown inFIG. 11(a). Specifically, the arm head40swings toward the forward side centering on the swinging shaft PS. Thus, the wiper device10changes from the condition shown inFIG. 11(a)to a condition shown inFIG. 11(b).

At this time, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais moved as shown with an arrow M indicated by a broken line inFIG. 11(b), and is gradually wound up by the shaft fixing portion42in association with swinging of the shaft fixing portion42. At that time, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais curved toward a side opposite to the shaft fixing portion42side, and the radius of curvature R1of the curved portion is substantially the same value as the radius R2of the shaft fixing portion42. For this reason, no excessive load (high tension) is applied to each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a. More specifically, after each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45aextends toward a side of the arm head40opposite to the arm shank50side, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais curved toward a side opposite to the shaft fixing portion42side. Then, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45afurther extends in a direction to approach the shaft fixing portion42. Namely, a vehicle body side connecting member CJ (seeFIG. 1) side of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45ais away from the shaft fixing portion42, and makes a U-turn to return to the shaft fixing portion42.

Therefore, it is possible to suppress each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a, which may be deformed in each time during an operation of the wiper device10, from being early deteriorated. In addition, since a load on the wiper motor can also be reduced, a smooth operation of the wiper device10can be achieved.

Contrary to the case described above, in a case where the wiper device10performs the wiping operation toward the backward side, each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a, which has been wound around the shaft fixing portion42, is gradually separated from the shaft fixing portion42, and each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45abecomes a state shown inFIG. 11(a). In this case, no excessive load is applied to each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a, and the load on the wiper motor is reduced as well.

As shown inFIG. 6, a support pin (rotary shaft)43athat rotatably supports one end portion of the arm shank50is provided in the shank fitting portion43. The support pin43ais formed of a cylindrical steel material, and extends in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the swinging shaft PS. Thus, the arm shank50is rotatably coupled to the arm head40without any wobbling, and is capable of being easily locked back.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, a pair of pin fitting walls43b,43care provided in the shank fitting portion43, and a hook pin43dto which a hook FK is hooked is provided between the pin fitting walls43b,43c. The hook pin43dis provided so as to extend in the same direction as that of the support pin43a. The hook pin43dis formed of a cylindrical steel material as well as the support pin43a.

Here, the pin fitting wall43cof the pair of pin fitting walls43b,43cis disposed at a substantially central portion along a short direction of the arm head40. Thus, a spring SP to which the hook FK is hooked is disposed near one side (a lower side in the drawing) along a short direction of the arm shank50. In this manner, the hook pin43dsupports an end portion of the spring SP via the hook FK.

An arm shank50side of each of the washer tubes44,45housed in the head side pipe housing portion41a, that is, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis drawn out together from a position avoiding the pin fitting wall43cto the outside of the arm head40. Specifically, in a portion where the support pin43aexists, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bhoused in the head side pipe housing portion41ais drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion41ato the outside in a state where they are arranged in the axial direction of the support pin43a, that is, in a wiping direction of the wiper blade20(seeFIG. 1).

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, this makes it possible to dispose each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bnear the other side (an upper side in the drawing) of the arm shank50along the short direction thereof. Further, when the arm shank50is locked back relative to the arm head40, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis deformed at the same radius of curvature. For this reason, it is possible to apply substantially the same load to both of the nozzle side tubes44b,45b. This makes it possible to suppress a defect such as early deterioration of either of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bfrom occurring.

As shown inFIG. 6, the arm shank50is formed into a long bar shape that is substantially straight so that a cross section thereof is formed into a substantially U shape by pressing and the like of a steel plate. One end portion of the arm shank50(a right side in the drawing) is rotatably fitted to the shank fitting portion43of the arm head40, and the wiper blade20(seeFIG. 1) is fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank50(a left side in the drawing) via the arm piece60. Here, in the present embodiment, the wiper blade20is directly fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank50via the arm piece60. However, the present invention also includes an embodiment in which the wiper blade20is directly fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank50. Namely, the embodiment in which a wiper blade fixing portion, which is formed into the similar shape to that of the arm piece60, is integrally provided to the other end portion of the arm shank50is also included.

Further, the nozzle unit70that is configured to spray each of the washer fluids W1and W2(seeFIG. 3) toward the windshield11is fitted onto a side of the other end portion of the arm shank50in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, on the tip end side of the wiper arm30.

The arm shank50includes a bottom wall51and a pair of side walls52a,52b. The pair of side walls52a,52bis erected at substantially a right angle relative to the bottom wall51. A portion surrounded by the bottom wall51and the pair of side walls52a,52bconstitutes a shank side pipe housing portion53. Each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis housed in the shank side pipe housing portion53, and the shank side pipe housing portion53is continued to the head side pipe housing portion41aprovided in the arm head40. Namely, the shank side pipe housing portion53is provided along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank50, and is opened toward the windshield11.

Further, the spring SP is housed in the shank side pipe housing portion53so as to be parallel to each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45b. The spring SP is configured to generate elastic force to press the wiper blade20toward the windshield11.

As shown inFIG. 6, a projecting piece52cis provided at a side of the one end portion of the arm shank50in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, at the base end side of the wiper arm30. The projecting piece52cis integrally provided on the side wall52b, which is placed at the backward side of the arm shank50, when the arm shank50is pressed. This causes the projecting piece52cto protrude from the side wall52bin the wiping direction toward the forward side of the wiper blade20(seeFIG. 1).

The projecting piece52cfaces the hook FK from the short direction of the arm shank50, and the projecting piece52cis provided at a position corresponding to one end side of the spring SP in the arm shank50, that is, in the vicinity of the one end side of the spring SP. Together with the pin fitting wall43c, the projecting piece52cholds each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bby bringing them near the other side of the arm shank (an upper left side in the drawing) in the short direction thereof in a state where the nozzle side tubes44b,45bare gathered.

In this manner, together with the pin fitting wall43c, the projecting piece52cholds each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bin parallel to the spring SP at one end side of the spring SP. Further, in this port, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis disposed apart from a side portion of the spring SP so as to become a non-contact state with the spring SP. Therefore, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45band the spring SP are not rubbed against each other.

As shown inFIG. 6, a supporting piece52dand a first holder54fitted to the supporting piece52dare provided at a substantially central portion of the arm shank50in the longitudinal direction thereof. The supporting piece52dis integrally provided with the side wall52awhen the arm shank50is pressed. The supporting piece52dprotrudes from the side wall52ain the wiping direction toward the backward side of the wiper blade20(seeFIG. 1). The other end side of the spring SP is hooked to the supporting piece52d.

In this manner, the one end side of the spring SP is hooked to the hook pin43dof the arm head40via the hook FK, and the other end side of the spring SP is hooked to the supporting piece52dof the arm shank50. Thus, elastic force of the spring SP acts so as to press the wiper blade20toward the windshield11(seeFIG. 1).

The first holder54, which is fitted to the supporting piece52d, is formed into a predetermined shape by a resin material such as plastic. A projecting piece54athat protrudes toward the side wall52band a projecting piece54bthat protrudes toward the bottom wall51are provided in the first holder54. Each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis disposed at a side wall52bside by bringing them near a bottom wall51side by means of the projecting pieces54aand54b.

The supporting piece52dand the first holder54are provided at a position corresponding to the other end side of the spring SP in the arm shank50, that is, in the vicinity of the other end side of the spring SP. Namely, the supporting piece52dand the first holder54hold each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bin parallel to the spring SP at the other end side of the spring SP. Further, in this portion, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis disposed apart from the side portion of the spring SP so as to be in a non-contact state with the spring SP. Therefore, each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45band the spring SP are not rubbed against each other.

Here, a distance between a position where the projecting piece52cand the pin fitting wall43care disposed and a position where the supporting piece52dand the first holder54are disposed is substantially the same as a length dimension of the spring SP. Further, the length dimension of the spring SP is substantially one third of a length dimension of the arm shank50. This makes it possible to dispose each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bin parallel to the spring SP in a non-contact state apart from the spring SP, and to prevent each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bfrom becoming slack and protruding from the shank side pipe housing portion53to the outside.

A supporting piece52e(not shown in the drawings in detail) and a second holder55fitted to the supporting piece52eare provided between the first holder54and the nozzle unit70along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank50. The supporting piece52eand the second holder55are arranged in a substantially middle portion between the first holder54and the nozzle unit70along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank50.

In the similar manner to that of the supporting piece52d, the supporting piece52eis integrally provided with the side wall52awhen the arm shank50is pressed, and the supporting piece52eprotrudes from the side wall52ain the wiping direction toward the backward side of the wiper blade20(seeFIG. 1). On the other hand, the second holder55, which is fitted to the supporting piece52e, is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by a resin material such as plastic. The second holder55includes a support surface55athat is caused to face toward the bottom wall51. Each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis pressed toward the bottom wall51by means of the support surface55aof the second holder55.

Thus, a length dimension between the second holder55and the first holder54and a length dimension between the second holder55and the nozzle unit70are substantially the same dimension as the length dimension of the spring SP. In the same manner as that between the projecting piece52cand the first holder54, it is possible to prevent each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45bfrom becoming slack and protruding from the shank side pipe housing portion53to the outside.

As shown inFIG. 6, the arm piece60fixed to a tip end side of the arm shank50is formed into a predetermined shape by pressing and the like of a steel material. A tip end side of the arm piece60is formed into a substantially U shape. A tip end portion of the arm piece60is to be coupled to the hook fixing member23e(seeFIG. 5) by one touch operation. Further, a base end side of the arm piece60is fixed to the inside of a tip end portion of the arm shank50by means of a pair of rivets R (seeFIG. 2). By riveting the arm shank50made of a steel plate and the arm piece60made of a steel material together in this manner, the arm shank50and the arm piece60are firmly fixed without any wobbling.

The nozzle unit70is fixed to the arm piece60by means of a fixing screw SC (seeFIG. 6). Here, the fixing screw SC is configured to be screwed from a lower side of the drawing to a screw hole HL shown inFIG. 2, that is, from a wiper blade20side. A part of the arm piece60including the screw hole HL and the nozzle unit70is covered with the tip end side of the arm shank50. This makes it possible to clarify and improve appearance of a periphery of the nozzle unit70of the wiper device10.

By fixing the nozzle unit70to the arm piece60, which is to be fitted to the hook fixing member23e, in this manner, the nozzle unit70is disposed so as to approach the hook fixing member23e. Further, the nozzle unit70is firmly fixed to the arm piece60near the hook fixing member23eby means of the fixing screw SC. For that reason, a positional displacement of the nozzle unit70relative to the wiper blade20can be suppressed to the minimum.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the nozzle unit70is formed of a resin material such as plastic by injection molding so that a cross-sectional shape thereof in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arm shank50(short direction) becomes substantially a U shape. The nozzle unit70includes a forward side block71and a backward side block72.

A forward side first wall portion71a, which is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided at the base end side of the forward side block71. The other end side of the nozzle side tube44bis connected to the forward side first wall portion71aside of the forward side block71. On the other hand, a forward side arm portion71bhaving a shape gradually tapered toward the tip end side thereof is integrally provided at a tip end side of the forward side block71. A forward side second wall portion71c, which is caused to face the tip end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided in the forward side arm portion71b.

Further, a forward side facing surface71dthat faces the windshield11is formed between the forward side first wall portion71aand the forward side second wall portion71cof the forward side block71. A forward side nozzle cap71eis provided at a portion near the forward side second wall portion71cof the forward side facing surface71d.

A forward side first spraying nozzle A1is provided on the forward side second wall portion71c. The forward side first spraying nozzle A1is caused to face toward a tip end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it possible to wet the forward side of the windshield11(seeFIG. 1) at the tip end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the forward side thereof.

Here, the forward side first spraying nozzle A1adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1. Specifically, by stabbing a wire or the like in the nozzle and rotating the nozzle, it is possible to adjust the sprayed position of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1. This makes it possible to optimize the sprayed position of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1so as to correspond to specifications, such as a difference in length, of the wiper blade20fitted to the wiper arm30.

A forward side second spraying nozzle B1and a forward side third spraying nozzle C1are provided on the forward side nozzle cap71e. Each of the forward side second spraying nozzle B1and the forward side third spraying nozzle C1is a nozzle having a fixed sprayed position for the forward side washer fluid W1. The forward side washer fluid W1that has been sprayed from the forward side second spraying nozzle B1and the forward side third spraying nozzle C1wets the vicinity of a central portion of the blade rubber21in a longitudinal direction thereof and on the forward side thereof.

A forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1is provided on the forward side first wall portion71a. The forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it possible to wet the forward side of the windshield11(seeFIG. 1) at the base end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the forward side thereof.

Here, in the similar manner to that in the forward side first spraying nozzle A1, the forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1also adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the sprayed position of the forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1in accordance with specifications of the wiper blade20.

A backward side first wall portion72athat is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof is provided at the base end side of the backward side block72. The other end side of the nozzle side tube45bis connected to a backward side first wall portion72aside of the backward side block72. On the other hand, a backward side arm portion72bhaving a shape gradually tapered toward a tip end side thereof is integrally provided at the tip end side of the backward side block72. A backward side second wall portion72c, which is caused to face the tip end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided on the backward side arm portion72b. Here, a length dimension of the backward side arm portion72bis shorter than a length dimension of the forward side arm portion71b.

Further, a backward side facing surface72dthat faces the windshield11is formed between the backward side first wall portion72aand the backward side second wall portion72cof the backward side block72. A backward side nozzle cap72eis provided at a portion near the backward side first wall portion72aof the backward side facing surface72d.

A backward side first spraying nozzle E1is provided on the backward side second wall portion72c. The backward side first spraying nozzle E1is caused to face toward a tip end side in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade20. This makes it possible to wet the backward side of the windshield11(seeFIG. 1) at the tip end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the backward side thereof.

Here, the backward side first spraying nozzle E1adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. Specifically, it is possible to adjust the sprayed position thereof in the similar manner to that of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1as described above. This makes it possible to optimize the sprayed position of the backward side first spraying nozzle E1so as to correspond to specifications, such as a difference in length, of the wiper blade20fitted to the wiper arm30.

A backward side second spraying nozzle F1is provided on the backward side nozzle cap72e. The backward side second spraying nozzle F1is a nozzle having a fixed sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. The backward side washer fluid W2that has been sprayed from the backward side second spraying nozzle F1wets the vicinity of a central portion of the blade rubber21in the longitudinal direction thereof and on the backward side thereof.

A backward side third spraying nozzle G1is provided on the backward side first wall portion72a. The backward side third spraying nozzle G1is caused to face toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade20. This makes it possible to wet the backward side of the windshield11(seeFIG. 1) at the base end side of the wiper blade20in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the backward side thereof.

Here, in the similar manner to that in the backward side first spraying nozzle E1, the backward side third spraying nozzle G1also adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the sprayed position of the backward side third spraying nozzle G1in accordance with specifications of the wiper blade20.

In this regard, in the present embodiment, the sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1from each of the forward side spraying nozzles A1to D1onto the windshield11and the sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2from each of the backward side spraying nozzles E1to G1onto the windshield11are adjusted in accordance with the following criteria.

Here, in a case where the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2is near the blade rubber21, each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed does not block a field of view of a driver, but each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed is wiped off immediately after being sprayed. For that reason, the dust and the like attached onto the windshield11are not melted and may be left unwiped (deterioration of washing performance).

On the contrary, in a case where the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2is far from the blade rubber21, it is possible to allow the dust and the like attached onto the windshield11to be surely melted and cleanly wiped off without leaving any unwiped dust. However, each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed may block the field of view of the driver (blocking of the field of view).

For that reason, in a case where a peripheral velocity of the blade rubber21is referred to as [v], a melting time of an adhesive substance is referred to as [t], and a distance from the blade rubber21to the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2, that is, a spraying distance is referred to as [L], the spraying distance [L] is adjusted so as to satisfy a formula [L=v×t]. This makes it possible to achieve contrary phenomena of improvement of the washing performance against the adhesive substance and suppression of blocking of the field of view with a good balance. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the spraying distance [L] is set to a spraying distance of about 15 mm.

However, with respect to the peripheral velocity [v] of the blade rubber21, a peripheral velocity [v1] at the tip end side (outer peripheral side) of the blade rubber21is different from a peripheral velocity [v2] at the base end side (inner peripheral side) of the blade rubber21(v1>v2). For this reason, an average value of the peripheral velocity [v1] and the peripheral velocity [v2] is used. Further, the peripheral velocity [v] is usually set to a moving speed of the blade rubber21during a [Low] operation of the wiper switch, which is frequently used.

Next, a flow of the forward side washer fluid W1and the backward side washer fluid W2will be described with reference to the drawings.

By operating a washer switch (not shown in the drawings), the washer pump (not shown in the drawings) is driven. As shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 1, the washer fluids W1and W2are supplied to the forward side washer tube44and the backward side washer tube45, respectively. Then, as shown inFIG. 3, the washer fluids W1and W2enter into the forward side block71and the backward side block72, respectively. Thus, as shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 3, the washer fluids W1and W2are sprayed from each of the forward side spraying nozzles A1to D1and each of the backward side spraying nozzles E1to G1, respectively.

Here, a driving direction of the washer pump is switched in accordance with switching of a moving direction of the blade rubber21. More specifically, the forward side washer fluid W1is supplied only to the forward side block71during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the forward side thereof. On the other hand, the backward side washer fluid W2is supplied only to the backward side block72during the wiping operation of the wiper blade20toward the backward side thereof.

As described above in detail, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the base end sides of the forward side washer tube44and the backward side washer tube45are arranged in the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS at one end portion of the arm head40. The base end sides of the forward side washer tube44and the backward side washer tube45are drawn out from the head side pipe housing portion41aso as to curve toward a side opposite to the shaft fixing portion42side. This causes the base end side of each of the washer tubes44,45to be wound around a periphery of the shaft fixing portion42during swinging of the arm head40without applying any load to the swinging shaft PS. At this time, no tension acts on each of the washer tubes44,45, and each of the washer tubes44,45and the shaft fixing portion42are not rubbed against each other. For this reason, deterioration of each of the washer tubes44,45is suppressed.

Further, the base end sides of the washer tubes44,45are arranged in the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS. For this reason, when the washer tubes44,45are wound around the periphery of the shaft fixing portion42, it is possible to suppress the periphery of the shaft fixing portion42from swelling outward in a radial direction thereof. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a fixing portion of the arm head40to the swinging shaft PS from increasing in size.

Moreover, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the holding hole42aconfigured to hold the washer tubes44,45so as to be arranged side by side in the axial direction of the swinging shaft PS is provided at the one end portion of the arm head40. For this reason, it is possible to surely prevent the arrangement of each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45afrom being displaced during swinging and the like of the swinging shaft PS.

Further, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the guide wall42cconfigured to place each of the washer tubes44,45along the outer periphery of the shaft fixing portion42during swinging of the shaft fixing portion42in one direction is provided at the one end portion of the arm head40. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the arrangement of each of the washer tubes44,45from being displaced in the middle of winding each of the washer tubes44,45around the shaft fixing portion42.

Further, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the washer tubes44,45include the vehicle side tubes44a,45aand the nozzle side tubes44b,45b, respectively, and the wiper side connecting member46that respectively connects the vehicle side tubes44a,45aand the nozzle side tubes44b,45bis provided in the head side pipe housing portion41a.

This makes it possible to prevent each of the washer tubes44,45from becoming slack in the portion of the arm head40. Further, it is also possible to easily assemble each of the washer tubes44,45to the arm head40and the arm shank50. Moreover, for example, even in a case where tension acts on each of the nozzle side tubes44b,45b, it is possible to avoid the tension from acting on each of the vehicle side tubes44a,45a.

Moreover, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the shank side pipe housing portion53configured to house each of the washer tubes44,45is provided in the arm shank50so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank50and be opened toward the windshield11side. This makes it possible to avoid each of the washer tubes44,45from being exposed to the outside of the wiper arm30, and to improve appearance of the wiper device10.

Further, according to the wiper device10of the present embodiment, the one end portion of the arm shank50is rotatably provided via the support pin43aextending in a direction intersecting the swinging shaft PS with respect to the other end portion of the arm head40, and the washer tubes44,45are arranged in the wiping direction of the wiper blade20in the portion of the support pin43a. This makes it possible to apply substantially the same load to both of the washer tubes44,45when the arm shank50is locked back relative to the arm head40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a defect such as early deterioration of either of the washer tubes44,45from occurring.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the first embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12is a perspective view illustrating a wiper side connecting member according to the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 12, in the second embodiment, only a structure of a wiper side connecting member (connecting member)80is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, a first elastic claw81and a second elastic claw82are integrally provided in the wiper side connecting member80so as to face to each other interposing a pair of flow channels (not shown in the drawings) provided inside of the wiper side connecting member80. The first elastic claw81and the second elastic claw82are configured to be elastically deformable in a direction to approach each other by applying force in this direction. The first elastic claw81is caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion41cprovided in the side wall41bof the head main body41, and the second elastic claw82is caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion41eprovided in the side wall41dof the head main body41.

According to the second embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those in the first embodiment described above. In addition, in the second embodiment, the first elastic claw81and the second elastic claw82are configured to be elastically deformable in the direction to approach each other. For this reason, as shown with arrows M1each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 12, it is possible to simultaneously cause the first elastic claw81and the second elastic claw82to engage with the engaging recessed portion41cand the engaging recessed portion41e, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to fit the wiper side connecting member80to the head side pipe housing portion41awhile maintaining a parallel state. This makes it possible to improve assemble workability of the wiper device10.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the first embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 13is a perspective view illustrating a wiper side connecting member according to the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 13, in the third embodiment, only a structure for fixing a wiper side connecting member (connecting member)90to the arm head40is different from the first embodiment. Specifically, a cylindrical projection91projecting toward an opening side (an upper side in the drawing) of the head side pipe housing portion41ais provided in the head side pipe housing portion41aof the arm head40. Further, a pair of cutout portions92(only one is illustrated in the drawing), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm head40, is provided on the tip end side of the cylindrical projection91thereof.

On the other hand, a guide recessed portion93into which the cylindrical projection91is inserted by sliding is formed between a pair of flow channels (not shown in the drawings) provided inside the wiper side connecting member90. The guide recessed portion93extends in a direction in which the pair of flow channels extends, and a cross-sectional shape thereof is substantially the same as a shape of the cylindrical projection91when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the arm head40. Namely, a pair of guide rail portions94that is respectively to be inserted into the cutout portions92provided in the cylindrical projection91is provided inside the guide recessed portion93. Thus, as shown with an arrow M2indicated by a broken line in the drawing, by putting the cylindrical projection91into the guide recessed portion93, the wiper side connecting member90is fixed to the arm head40without any wobbling.

According to the third embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those in the first embodiment described above. In addition, in the third embodiment, since it is possible to simplify a shape of an arm head40side in particular, it is possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of the arm head40.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the first embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 14is a perspective view illustrating a wiper side connecting member according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 14, in the fourth embodiment, only a structure for fixing a wiper side connecting member (connecting member)100to the arm head40is different from the first embodiment. Specifically, a positioning projection101that projects toward an opening side (an upper side in the drawing) of the head side pipe housing portion41ais provided in the head side pipe housing portion41aof the arm head40. Further, four through holes102(only three are illustrated in the drawing), which penetrate the head main body41are provided in a periphery of the positioning projection101. The through holes102are provided at equal intervals (90 degrees intervals) along a peripheral direction of the positioning projection101.

A pair of engaging claws103(only one is illustrated in the drawing) is provided at a head side pipe housing portion41aside of the wiper side connecting member100. The engaging claws103are arranged so as to face each other from the short direction of the arm head40centering on the positioning projection101. The engaging claws103respectively penetrate through the through holes102so as to be exposed to the outside of a side of the head main body41opposite to the head side pipe housing portion41aside.

Further, a pair of engaging recessed portions104(only one is illustrated in the drawing) is provided in the wiper side connecting member100. The engaging recessed portions104are arranged so as to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the arm head40centering on the positioning projection101. Engaging claws106of a stopper member105are configured to engage with the engaging recessed portions104, respectively.

The stopper member105formed into a substantially disk shape is fitted to the head main body41from the outside on a side of the head main body41opposite to the head side pipe housing portion41aside. The pair of engaging claws106is provided at an arm head40side of the stopper member105. The engaging claws106are arranged so as to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the arm head40by centering on the positioning projection101. Each of the engaging claws106penetrates through the through holes102and is exposed to a side of the head side pipe housing portion41aof the head main body41.

Further, a pair of engaging recessed portions107is provided on the stopper member105. The engaging recessed portions107are arranged so as to face each other from the short direction of the arm head40centering on the positioning projection101. The engaging claws103of the wiper side connecting member100is configured to engage with the engaging recessed portions107, respectively.

As shown with an arrow M3indicated by a broken line in the drawing, the engaging claws103of the wiper side connecting member100are respectively inserted through the through holes102while positioning the wiper side connecting member100to the positioning projection101. Subsequently, as shown with an arrow M4indicated by a broken line, the engaging claws106of the stopper member105are inserted through the through holes102, respectively. Then, by pressing the wiper side connecting member100and the stopper member105so as to approach them each other, the engaging claws106are respectively caused to engage with the engaging recessed portions104, and the engaging claws103are respectively caused to engage with the engaging recessed portions107. Thus, the wiper side connecting member100is fixed to the head side pipe housing portion41a.

In the third embodiment formed as described above, it is possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those in the first embodiment described above.

The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that the present invention may be modified into various forms without departing from the substance thereof. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where the nozzle unit70is provided on the arm shank50has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a nozzle unit may be provided along a longitudinal direction of a wiper blade.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the wiper device10that wipes the windshield11on the front side of the vehicle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to a wiper device that wipes a windshield on a rear side of the vehicle. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to a vehicle such as an automobile, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to a wiper device of a railway vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, and the like.

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

FIG. 15is a perspective view illustrating a wiper device according to the fifth embodiment.FIG. 16is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a periphery of a nozzle unit when viewed from a front side thereof.FIG. 17is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the periphery of the nozzle unit when viewed from a back side thereof.FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 15.FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 16.FIG. 20is a perspective view illustrating a wiper arm when viewed from a back side thereof.

As shown inFIG. 15, a wiper device210includes a wiper blade220and a wiper arm230. The wiper blade220is rotatably fitted to the wiper arm230on a tip end side thereof, and is in sliding contact with a windshield (surface to be wiped)211on a front side of a vehicle such as an automobile. A base end side of the wiper arm230is fitted to a swinging shaft PS on the front side of the vehicle. By turning on a wiper switch (not shown in the drawings) in a vehicle interior to rotate a wiper motor (not shown in the drawings), the swinging shaft PS is caused to swing. Thus, the wiper device210performs a reciprocating wiping operation toward a forward side and a backward side within a predetermined wiping range AR formed on the windshield211as indicated with arrows in the drawing.

As shown inFIGS. 15 to 19, the wiper blade220includes a blade rubber221, a holder member222, and a coupling portion223. The blade rubber221is in contact with the windshield211. The holder member222holds the blade rubber221. The coupling portion223is provided at a middle portion of the holder member222in a longitudinal direction thereof. In this regard, a pair of end caps CP is fitted to both end portions of the holder member222in the longitudinal direction thereof. This prevents the blade rubber221, which is held by the holder member222, from coming off.

As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the blade rubber221includes a main body portion221a, a lip portion221b, and a neck portion221c. The main body portion221ais held by the holder member222. The lip portion221bis caused to be in contact with the windshield211. The neck portion221ccouples the main body portion221ato the lip portion221b. In this regard, the blade rubber221is formed into a long shape by extrusion molding of an elastic material such as rubber, and a cross-sectional shape thereof is a uniform shape across an entire region in the longitudinal direction thereof.

A thickness dimension of the neck portion221cin an operation direction of the blade rubber221(a horizontal direction in the drawing) is set to a thickness dimension smaller than any of thickness dimensions of the main body portion221aand the lip portion221b, whereby the neck portion221cis elastically deformed easily. Thus, when the wiper blade220moves toward the forward side and the backward side on the windshield211, the lip portion221bis allowed to incline so that a tip end portion of the lip portion221bcan smoothly follow the wiper blade220in a moving direction thereof. Therefore, it is possible to surely wipe off an adhesive substance such as dust and rainwater (not shown in the drawings) attached onto the windshield211.

As shown inFIG. 18, the holder member222includes a holder main body222aand a fin portion222b. The holder main body222aand the fin portion222bare integrally formed by two-color molding of different materials having different hardness from each other, and are formed into a long shape in the same manner as the blade rubber221.

The holder main body222ais formed of a resin material such as plastic having flexibility so as to be capable of following a curved shape (not shown in the drawings) of the windshield211while securing sufficient strength to hold the main body portion221aof the blade rubber221. On the other hand, the fin portion222bis formed of an elastic material such as rubber having hardness lower than hardness of the holder main body222a. When a traveling wind hits the fin portion222b, downforce is generated by the wiper blade220, whereby wiping performance of the blade rubber221is well maintained.

A pair of vertebrae222cis provided inside the holder main body222aat a predetermined interval. Each of the vertebrae222cis formed of a steel plate having a spring property, and is arranged in a mirror-image symmetrical manner so as to sandwich the main body portion221aof the blade rubber221from both of the forward side and the backward side. Each of the vertebrae222cis curved with a curvature larger than a curvature of the windshield211in a natural state where no external force is applied thereto, and causes the holder member222and the blade rubber221to be elastically deformed in accordance with the curvature of the windshield211. This causes the entire region of the lip portion221bin the longitudinal direction to be stuck onto the windshield211.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 19, the coupling portion223is provided at a middle portion of the holder member222in the longitudinal direction thereof. The coupling portion223includes a coupling main body223a, a base plate223b, and a cover member223c. The coupling main body223ais formed so that a cross section thereof has a substantially U shape by pressing or the like of a steel plate, and is crimped and fixed to each of the vertebrae222cby means of a fixed leg portion (not shown in the drawings) that is integrally provided thereto.

A columnar pin223dmade of a steel material is crimped and fixed to the coupling main body223a, and a hook fixing member223eformed of a resin material such as plastic is rotatably fitted to the columnar pin223d. Here, an arm piece260(seeFIG. 16), which is fixed to the tip end side of the wiper arm230, is coupled to the hook fixing member223eby one touch operation. In this regard, the columnar pin223dand the hook fixing member223ealso constitute the coupling portion223.

The base plate223bis formed into a plate shape by a resin material such as plastic. The base plate223bis fitted to each of the vertebrae222cby means of a fixed leg portion223fthat is integrally provided thereto. Here, the coupling main body223ais disposed on a fin portion222bside (front side) of the holder member222, and the base plate223bis disposed on a holder main body222aside (back side) of the holder member222.

The cover member223cis formed into a substantially box shape by a resin material such as plastic. The cover member223cis fitted to the outside of the coupling main body223aby means of a plurality of engaging claws (not shown in the drawings) that is integrally provided thereto. The cover member223ccovers and hides a side portion and the like of the coupling main body223a, and this makes it possible to improve appearance of the wiper blade220.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 20, the wiper arm230includes an arm head240, an arm shank250, and the arm piece260.

The arm head240is formed into a bar shape curved into a substantially J shape by cast-molding and the like of an aluminum material. A shaft fixing portion241fitted to the swinging shaft PS is provided at one end portion of the arm head240(a right side in the drawing). On the other hand, a shank fitting portion242to which one end portion of the arm shank250is rotatably fitted is provided at the other end portion of the arm head240(a left side in the drawing).

As shown inFIG. 20, a support pin242athat rotatably supports the one end portion of the arm shank250is provided in the shank fitting portion242. The support pin242ais formed of a cylindrical steel material, and extends in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the swinging shaft PS. Thus, the arm shank250is rotatably fitted to the arm head240without any wobbling, and is capable of being easily locked back.

Further, a pair of pin fitting walls242b,242cis provided in the shank fitting portion242, and a hook pin242dto which the hook FK is hooked is provided between the pin fitting walls242b,242c. The hook pin242dconstitutes a pin of the present invention. The hook pin242dextends in the same direction as that of the support pin242a, and is formed of a cylindrical steel material in the same manner as that of the support pin242a.

Here, the pin fitting wall242cof the pair of pin fitting walls242b,242cis disposed at a substantially central portion along a short direction of the arm head240. Thus, a spring SP to which the hook FK is hooked is disposed near one side (a lower side in the drawing) along a short direction of the arm shank250. In this manner, the hook pin242dsupports an end portion of the spring SP via the hook FK.

A head side pipe housing portion243opened toward a windshield211side is provided at the windshield211side (near side in the drawing) of the arm head240. The head side pipe housing portion243is provided across an entire region in a longitudinal direction of the arm head240so as to match a shape of the arm head240. Namely, a cross-sectional shape of the arm head240in the short direction thereof is formed into a substantially U shape.

A forward side washer tube (pipe)244and a backward side washer tube (pipe)245are housed in the head side pipe housing portion243. Here, in order to readily understand an arrangement structure of each of the washer tubes244,245, each of the washer tubes244,245is indicated with half-tone dot meshing in the drawing.

As shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 15, a forward side washer fluid (cleaning fluid) W1and a backward side washer fluid (cleaning fluid) W2are respectively supplied from a washer pump (not shown in the drawings) to the washer tubes244,245. Here, the washer tubes244,245respectively feed the washer fluids W1and W2to a nozzle unit270(will be described later). As shown inFIG. 20, the forward side washer tube244is constituted of a vehicle side tube244aand a nozzle side tube244b. Further, the backward side washer tube245is constituted of a vehicle side tube245aand a nozzle side tube245b.

The vehicle side tube244aand the vehicle side tube245aare respectively coupled to the nozzle side tube244band the nozzle side tube245bwith a joint member246that is fixed to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion243. By fixing the joint member246to the inside of the head side pipe housing portion243in this manner, it is possible to prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from slacking in a portion of the arm head240. Further, by respectively dividing the washer tubes244,245into the vehicle side tubes244a,245aand the nozzle side tubes244b,245bwith the joint member246as a boundary, it is possible to easily assemble the vehicle side tubes244a,245aand the nozzle side tubes244b,245bto the arm head240and the arm shank250, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 20, a swinging shaft PS side of each of the washer tubes244,245that are housed in the head side pipe housing portion243is drawn out together from a position avoiding the shaft fixing portion241to the outside of the arm head240. Specifically, the swinging shaft PS side of each of the washer tubes244,245is drawn out to the outside of the arm head240under a condition that the washer tubes244,245are arranged in an extending direction (axial direction) of the swinging shaft PS.

Thus, it is possible to suppress a periphery of the shaft fixing portion241of the arm head240from becoming wide and increasing in size. Further, during swinging of the arm head240, each of the washer tubes244,245is elastically deformed along the periphery of the shaft fixing portion241with the same radius of curvature. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a load applied onto the swinging shaft PS on a driving side (wiper motor).

On the other hand, each of the washer tubes244,245on an arm shank250side thereof that is housed in the head side pipe housing portion243is drawn out together from a position avoiding the pin fitting wall242cto the outside of the arm head240. Specifically, the arm shank250side of each of the washer tubes244,245that are housed in the head side pipe housing portion243is drawn out to the outside of the arm head240under a state where they are arranged in an extending direction (axial direction) of the hook pin242d.

As shown inFIG. 20, this makes it possible to dispose each of the washer tubes244,245near the other side (an upper side in the drawing) of the arm shank250in the short direction thereof. Further, when the arm shank250is locked back relative to the arm head240, each of the washer tubes244,245is elastically deformed at the same radius of curvature. For this reason, it is possible to apply substantially the same load to both of the washer tubes244,245. This makes it possible to suppress a defect such as early deterioration of either of the washer tubes244,245from occurring.

As shown inFIG. 20, the arm shank250is formed into a long bar shape that is substantially straight so that a cross section thereof is formed into a substantially U shape by pressing and the like of a steel plate. One end portion of the arm shank250(a right side in the drawing) is rotatably fitted to the shank fitting portion242of the arm head240, and the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15) is fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank250(a left side in the drawing) via the arm piece260. Here, in the present embodiment, the wiper blade220is directly fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank250via the arm piece260. However, the present invention also includes an embodiment in which the wiper blade220is directly fitted to the other end portion of the arm shank250. Namely, the embodiment in which a wiper blade fixing portion, which is formed into the similar shape to that of the arm piece260, is integrally provided to the other end portion of the arm shank250is also included.

Further, the nozzle unit270that is configured to spray each of the washer fluids W1and W2(seeFIG. 17) toward the windshield211is fitted onto a side of the other end portion of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, onto the tip end side of the wiper arm230a.

The arm shank250includes a bottom wall251and a pair of side walls252a,252b. The pair of side walls252a,252bis erected at substantially a right angle relative to the bottom wall251. A portion surrounded by the bottom wall251and the pair of side walls252a,252bconstitutes a shank side pipe housing portion253. Each of the washer tubes244,245is housed in the shank side pipe housing portion253, and the shank side pipe housing portion253is continued to the head side pipe housing portion243provided in the arm head240. Namely, the shank side pipe housing portion253is provided along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250, and is opened toward the windshield211.

Further, the spring SP is housed in the shank housing portion253so as to be parallel to each of the washer tubes244,245. The spring SP is configured to generate elastic force to press the wiper blade220toward the windshield211.

FIG. 21is an enlarged view of a circle C indicated by a broken line inFIG. 20.FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b)are cross-sectional views taken along the line D-D ofFIG. 21.

As shown inFIGS. 21, 22(a) and22(b), a projecting piece252cas a first pipe holding portion is provided at a side of the one end portion of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, at the base end side of the wiper arm230. The projecting piece252cis integrally provided on the side wall252b, which is placed at the backward side of the arm shank250. Specifically, the projecting piece252cprotrudes toward the side wall252athat is placed at the forward side of the arm shank250, and extends in parallel to the bottom wall251. Namely, the projecting piece252cprotrudes from the side wall252bin the wiping direction toward the forward side of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15) and is also extended in parallel to the windshield211. In this regard, the projecting piece252cis integrally provided on the side wall252bwhen the arm shank250is pressed.

Further, as shown inFIG. 21, an amount of protrusion of the projecting piece252cfrom the side wall252bis an amount of protrusion by which it is possible to form a gap S with a dimension La between a tip end portion of the projecting piece252cand the pin fitting wall242cprovided in the arm head240. Here, the dimension La of the gap S is variable. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 21, the dimension La of the gap S is smaller than a diameter dimension r (seeFIG. 22(b)) of each of the washer tubes244,245(La<r) in a state where the wiper blade220is inclined toward the windshield211. This makes it possible to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from protruding or coming off from the shank side pipe housing portion253during the operation of the wiper device210.

In contrast, in a case where the arm shank250is rotated in a direction of an arrow R1indicated by a broken line inFIG. 21with respect to the arm head240, that is, in a case where the arm shank250is rotated in a direction opposite to a direction to lock back the arm head240, the wiper device210becomes a state shown inFIG. 22(b). Specifically, a dimension Lb of the gap S is slightly larger than the diameter dimension r of each of the washer tubes244,245(Lb>r). This makes it possible to easily assemble each of the washer tubes244,245to both of the head side pipe housing portion243and the shank side pipe housing portion253in a state before mounting the wiper device210on the vehicle, that is, in a state where the wiper device210is in a single body state.

As shown inFIG. 21, the projecting piece252cfaces the hook FK from the short direction of the arm shank250. In this manner, the projecting piece252cis provided at a position corresponding to one end side of the spring SP in the arm shank250, that is, in the vicinity of the one end side of the spring SP. As shown inFIG. 22, together with the pin fitting wall242c, the projecting piece252cholds each of the washer tubes244,245by bringing them near the other side of the arm shank250(an upper left side in the drawing) in the short direction thereof in a state where the washer tubes244,245are gathered.

In this manner, together with the pin fitting wall242c, the projecting piece252chas a function to hold each of the washer tubes244,245side by side with respect to the spring SP at one end side of the spring SP. Here, each of the washer tubes244,245is disposed apart from a side portion of the spring SP without being in contact with the spring SP. Therefore, each of the washer tubes244,245and the spring SP are not rubbed against each other. In this manner, together with the pin fitting wall242c, the projecting piece252cholds each of the washer tubes244,245in a non-contact state with the spring SP.

FIG. 23is an enlarged view of a circle E indicated by a broken line inFIG. 20.FIG. 24is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F ofFIG. 23.FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b)are perspective views illustrating a first holder.FIG. 26is a view illustrating a fitting procedure of the first holder to an arm shank.

As shown inFIGS. 23 and 24, a supporting piece252dand a first holder254fitted to the supporting piece252dare provided at a substantially central portion of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof. The supporting piece252dand the first holder254are disposed at the other end side along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250with respect to a position where the projecting piece252cis disposed, and constitute a second pipe holding portion of the present invention. Further, the first holder254constitutes a holding piece according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 26, the supporting piece252dis integrally provided on the side wall252aat the forward side of the arm shank250. Specifically, the supporting piece252dprotrudes toward the side wall252bat the backward side of the arm shank250. Namely, the supporting piece252dprotrudes from the side wall252ain the wiping direction toward the backward side of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15). Further, the supporting piece252dis formed into a substantially L shape, and a tip end portion of the supporting piece252dalso extends to the tip end side of the wiper arm230. In this regard, the supporting piece252dis integrally provided on the side wall252awhen the arm shank250is pressed.

A hook hole252eto which the other end side of the spring SP is hooked is provided at the tip end portion of the supporting piece252d. The hook hole252eis a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250so that the other end side of the spring SP can be easily hooked. In this manner, the one end side of the spring SP is hooked to the hook pin242d(seeFIG. 21) of the arm head240via the hook FK, and the other end side of the spring SP is hooked to the hook hole252eof the arm shank250. Thus, elastic force of the spring SP acts so as to press the wiper blade220toward the windshield211(seeFIG. 15).

Further, a fitting main body252fto which the first holder254is to be fitted is provided at a tip end side of the supporting piece252dand at a nozzle unit270side (a left side in the drawing) opposite to a spring SP side. An engaging recessed portion252gis provided at a side of the fitting main body252fopposite to a hook hole252eside. One of a pair of positioning projected portions254dprovided in the first holder254is configured to engage with the engaging recessed portion252g. In this regard, the other of the positioning projected portions254dprovided in the first holder254is configured to engage with an arc-shaped portion of the hook hole252e. This makes it possible to surely fit the first holder254to the supporting piece252dwithout any wobbling.

As shown inFIG. 25, the first holder254is formed into a predetermined shape by a resin material such as plastic, and includes a main body portion254afitted to the fitting main body252f. Further, an insertion hole254binto which the fitting main body252fis inserted is provided on the main body portion254a. A pressing projection254c(seeFIG. 25(b)) is provided inside the insertion hole254b. The pressing projection254cis to be pressed toward the fitting main body252fin a state where the first holder254is fitted to the fitting main body252f. This makes it possible to prevent wobbling of the first holder254.

Further, the positioning projected portion254dformed into a substantially cylindrical shape is provided at one opening side portion and the other opening side portion of the insertion hole254bon the main body portion254a. As shown inFIG. 24, a projection height of the positioning projected portion254dis substantially the same as a projection height of the pressing projection254c. Specifically, the projection height of each of the positioning projected portion254dand the pressing projection254cis 2.0 mm, for example, so as not to obstruct insertion of the fitting main body252finto the insertion hole254b. One of the positioning projected portions254dis caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion252gand the other of the positioning projected portions254dis caused to engage with the arc-shaped portion of the hook hole252ein a state where the first holder254is fitted to the fitting main body252f.

As shown inFIG. 23, a first tube holding portion254ethat holds the backward side washer tube245is provided at the side wall252bside of the main body portion254a(backward side) in a state where the first holder254is fitted to the fitting main body252f. Further, a second tube holding portion254fthat holds the forward side washer tube244is provided at a bottom wall251side of the main body portion254a.

As shown inFIGS. 24 and 25, the first tube holding portion254eincludes a support surface254hof a projecting piece254gand a side surface254k. The projecting piece254gprotrudes toward the side wall252bfrom the main body portion254a. The side surface254kis caused to face the side wall252bof the main body portion254a. An inclined wall252hinclined about 45 degrees is provided between the bottom wall251and the side wall252bof the arm shank250. The backward side washer tube245is held among the inclined wall252h, the support surface254h, and the side surface254k. Since the backward side washer tube245is supported at three points in this manner, wobbling thereof can be effectively suppressed.

The second tube holding portion254fincludes a support surface254nof each of a pair of projecting pieces254mand a bottom surface254p. Each of the projecting pieces254mprotrudes toward the bottom wall251from the main body portion254a. The bottom surface254pis caused to face the bottom wall251of the main body portion254a. The forward side washer tube244is held among the inclined wall252h, the support surfaces254n, and the bottom surface254p. Since the forward side washer tube244is also supported at three points in this manner, it is possible to effectively suppress wobbling thereof.

As shown inFIG. 23, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254are provided at a position corresponding to the other end side of the spring SP in the arm shank250, that is, in the vicinity of the other end side of the spring SP. As shown inFIG. 23, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254hold each of the washer tubes244,245by bringing them near the other side of the arm shank250(an upper side in the drawing) in the short direction thereof in a state where the washer tubes244,245are gathered.

In this manner, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254have a function to hold each of the washer tubes244,245side by side with respect to the spring SP at the other end side of the spring SP. Here, each of the washer tubes244,245is disposed apart from the side portion of the spring SP without being in contact with the spring SP. Therefore, each of the washer tubes244,245and the spring SP are not rubbed against each other. In this manner, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254hold each of the washer tubes244,245in a non-contact state with the spring SP.

In order to fit the first holder254to the fitting main body252f, as shown with an arrow M1indicated by a broken line inFIG. 26, the first holder254is first caused to face the fitting main body252ffrom the tip end side of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof. Then, the first holder254is slightly inclined with respect to the fitting main body252f, and an engaging recessed portion252gside of the fitting main body252fis inserted between the positioning projected portions254dand the pressing projection254c(seeFIG. 25(b)). Then, an insertion operation of the fitting main body252fto the engaging recessed portion252gside is continued so as to cause the first holder254to be in parallel to the fitting main body252f. Thus, the pair of positioning projected portions254dis caused to engage with the arc-shaped portion of the hook hole252eand the engaging recessed portion252g, respectively, whereby fitting of the first holder254to the fitting main body252fis completed.

Here, as shown inFIG. 20, a separation distance L1between a position where the projecting piece252cand the pin fitting wall242care disposed and a position where the supporting piece252dand the first holder254are disposed is substantially the same as a length dimension of the spring SP. Moreover, the separation distance L1is substantially one third of a length dimension of the arm shank250. This makes it possible to arrange the washer tubes244,245side by side with respective to the spring SP in a non-contact state where each of the washer tubes244,245is apart from the spring SP, and to shorten the separation distance L1to the degree of the length dimension of the spring SP. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from becoming slack and protruding from the shank side pipe housing portion253to the outside.

FIG. 27is an enlarged view of a circle G indicated by a broken line inFIG. 20.FIG. 28is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H ofFIG. 27.FIGS. 29(a) and 29(b)are perspective views of a second holder.FIG. 30is a view illustrating a fitting procedure of the second holder to the arm shank.

As shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, a supporting piece252kand a second holder255fitted to the supporting piece252kare provided between the first holder254and the nozzle unit270along the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250. The supporting piece252kand the second holder255are provided between the supporting piece252dand the first holder254, which are placed at a side of the other end portion of the spring SP, and the other end portion of the arm shank250, and constitute a third pipe holding portion of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 30, the supporting piece252kis integrally provided on the side wall252athat is placed at the forward side of the arm shank250. Specifically, the supporting piece252kprotrudes toward the side wall252bthat is placed at the backward side of the arm shank250. Namely, the supporting piece252kprotrudes from the side wall252ain the wiping direction toward the backward side of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15). In this regard, the supporting piece252kis integrally provided on the side wall252awhen the arm shank250is pressed.

A fitting hole252mpenetrating through the supporting piece252kin a thickness direction thereof is provided at a substantially central portion of the supporting piece252k. An engagement projection255e(seeFIG. 29(b)) of the second holder255is inserted and is fitted to the fitting hole252m. Here, a diameter dimension of the fitting hole252mis slightly larger than a diameter dimension of the engagement projection255e. This makes it possible to easily and surely fit the supporting piece252kto the second holder255, and to suppress wobbling of the second holder255with respect to the supporting piece252k.

As shown inFIG. 29, the second holder255is formed into a substantially rectangular shape by a resin material such as plastic, and is fitted to the supporting piece252k. The second holder255includes a main body portion255a, and a claw portion255bformed into a substantially arc shape is integrally provided at a tip end side of the main body portion255ain the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, thick portions255dare provided at both sides of the main body portion255ain a short direction thereof, respectively. Each of the thick portions255dis formed to be thicker than the main body portion255a, and has a slide groove255con the inside thereof. A side portion252n(seeFIG. 30) of the supporting piece252kis to be inserted into the slide groove255c. Namely, the thin claw portion255bis provided at a tip end side of the second holder255, and the pair of thick portions255deach of which is thicker than the claw portion255bis provided at a base end side of the second holder255. Thus, the second holder255has a stepped shape along the longitudinal direction thereof.

Further, the engagement projection255eformed into a substantially cylindrical shape is provided at a thick portions255dside of the main body portion255a. The engagement projection255eis fitted to the fitting hole252mof the supporting piece252kin a state where the second holder255is fitted to the supporting piece252k. Here, a projection height of the engagement projection255eis set to a projection height smaller than a thickness of the supporting piece252k(for example, 1.5 mm). This makes it possible to prevent the engagement projection255efrom obstructing fitting of the second holder255to the supporting piece252k.

Further, a pair of through holes255feach of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the second holder255is provided in the main body portion255a. Thus, rigidity around the engagement projection255eof the main body portion255ais reduced. This makes it possible to easily perform fitting of the second holder255to the supporting piece252k.

As shown inFIG. 28, the claw portion255bpresses the backward side washer tube245toward the inclined wall252hof the arm shank250in a state where the second holder255is fitted to the supporting piece252k. In contrast, the pair of thick portions255dpresses the forward side washer tube244toward the bottom wall251of the arm shank250.

By forming the second holder255into the stepped shape in this manner, the backward side washer tube245and the forward side washer tube244are pressed toward the inclined wall252hand the bottom wall251, respectively. This makes it possible to effectively suppress each of the washer tubes244,245from wobbling inside the arm shank250, and to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from becoming slack and protruding from the shank side pipe housing portion253to the outside.

In order to fit the second holder255to the supporting piece252k, as shown with an arrow M2indicated by a broken line inFIG. 30, the claw portion255bof the second holder255is first caused to face the supporting piece252kfrom a side wall252aside along the short direction of the arm shank250. Then, the side portions252nof the supporting piece252kare inserted to the slide grooves255cof the thick portions255d(seeFIG. 29(b)), respectively. Then, by further inserting the second holder255into the supporting piece252k, the engagement projection255eof the second holder255(seeFIG. 29(b)) enters the fitting hole252mof the supporting piece252k. Thus, fitting of the second holder255to the supporting piece252kis completed.

Here, as shown inFIG. 20, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250, the second holder255is disposed at a substantially central position between a position where the first holder254is disposed and a position where the nozzle unit270is disposed. Specifically, a separation distance L2between the second holder255and the first holder254is substantially the same as a separation distance L3between the second holder255and the nozzle unit270(L2≈L3).

Further, the separation distance L1between the projecting piece252cand the first holder254, the separation distance L2between the second holder255and the first holder254, and the separation distance L3between the second holder255and the nozzle unit270are substantially equal to each other (L1≈L2≈L3). Thus, in the same manner as that between the projecting piece252cand the first holder254, it is possible to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from become slack and protruding from the shank side pipe housing portion253to the outside even between the second holder255and the first holder254and between the second holder255and the nozzle unit270.

As shown inFIG. 20, the arm piece260fixed to a tip end side of the arm shank250is formed into a predetermined shape by pressing and the like of a steel material. A tip end side of the arm piece260is formed into a substantially U shape. A tip end portion of the arm piece260is to be coupled to the hook fixing member223e(seeFIG. 19) by one touch operation. Further, a base end side of the arm piece260is fixed to the inside of a tip end portion of the arm shank250by means of a pair of rivets R (seeFIG. 16). By riveting the arm shank250made of a steel plate and the arm piece260made of a steel material together in this manner, the arm shank250and the arm piece260are firmly fixed without any wobbling.

The nozzle unit270is fixed to the arm piece260by means of a fixing screw SC (seeFIG. 20). Here, the fixing screw SC is configured to be screwed from a lower side of the drawing to a screw hole HL shown inFIG. 16, that is, from a wiper blade20side. A part of the arm piece260including the screw hole HL and the nozzle unit270is covered with the tip end side of the arm shank250. This makes it possible to clarify and improve appearance of a periphery of the nozzle unit270of the wiper device210.

By fixing the nozzle unit270to the arm piece260, which is to be fitted to the hook fixing member223e, in this manner, the nozzle unit270is disposed so as to approach the hook fixing member223e. Further, the nozzle unit270is firmly fixed to the arm piece260near the hook fixing member223eby means of the fixing screw SC. For that reason, a positional displacement of the nozzle unit270relative to the wiper blade220can be suppressed to the minimum.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the nozzle unit270is formed of a resin material such as plastic by injection molding so that a cross-sectional shape thereof in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250(short direction) becomes substantially a U shape. The nozzle unit270includes a forward side block271and a backward side block272.

A forward side first wall portion271a, which is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided at the base end side of the forward side block271. The other end side of the forward side washer tube244is connected to the forward side first wall portion271aside of the forward side block271. On the other hand, a forward side arm portion271bhaving a shape gradually tapered toward the tip end side thereof is integrally provided at a tip end side of the forward side block271. A forward side second wall portion271c, which is caused to face the tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided in the forward side arm portion271b.

Further, a forward side facing surface271dthat faces the windshield211is formed between the forward side first wall portion271aand the forward side second wall portion271cof the forward side block271. A forward side nozzle cap271eis provided at a portion near the forward side second wall portion271cof the forward side facing surface271d.

A forward side first spraying nozzle A1is provided on the forward side second wall portion271c. The forward side first spraying nozzle A1is caused to face toward a tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it possible to wet the forward side of the windshield211(seeFIG. 15) at the tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the forward side thereof.

Here, the forward side first spraying nozzle A1adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1. Specifically, by stabbing a wire or the like in the nozzle and rotating the nozzle, it is possible to adjust the sprayed position of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1. This makes it possible to optimize the sprayed position of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1so as to correspond to specifications, such as a difference in length, of the wiper blade220fitted to the wiper arm230.

A forward side second spraying nozzle B1and a forward side third spraying nozzle C1are provided on the forward side nozzle cap271e. Each of the forward side second spraying nozzle B1and the forward side third spraying nozzle C1is a nozzle having a fixed sprayed position for the forward side washer fluid W1. The forward side washer fluid W1that has been sprayed from the forward side second spraying nozzle B1and the forward side third spraying nozzle C1wets the vicinity of a central portion of the blade rubber221in a longitudinal direction thereof and on the forward side thereof.

A forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1is provided on the forward side first wall portion271a. The forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it possible to wet the forward side of the windshield211(seeFIG. 15) at the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the forward side thereof.

Here, in the similar manner to that in the forward side first spraying nozzle A1, the forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1also adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the sprayed position of the forward side fourth spraying nozzle D1in accordance with specifications of the wiper blade220.

A backward side first wall portion272a, which is caused to face the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided at the base end side of the backward side block272. The other end side of the backward side washer tube245is connected to a backward side first wall portion272aside of the backward side block272. On the other hand, a backward side arm portion272bhaving a shape gradually tapered toward a tip end side thereof is integrally provided at the tip end side of the backward side block272. A backward side second wall portion272c, which is caused to face the tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof, is provided on the backward side arm portion272b. Here, a length dimension of the backward side arm portion272bis shorter than a length dimension of the forward side arm portion271b.

Further, a backward side facing surface272dthat faces the windshield211is formed between the backward side first wall portion272aand the backward side second wall portion272cof the backward side block272. A backward side nozzle cap272eis provided at a portion near the backward side first wall portion272aof the backward side facing surface272d.

A backward side first spraying nozzle E1is provided on the backward side second wall portion272c. The backward side first spraying nozzle E1is caused to face toward a tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it possible to wet the backward side of the windshield211(seeFIG. 15) at the tip end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the backward side thereof.

Here, the backward side first spraying nozzle E1adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. Specifically, it is possible to adjust the sprayed position thereof in the similar manner to that of the forward side first spraying nozzle A1as described above. This makes it possible to optimize the sprayed position of the backward side first spraying nozzle E1so as to correspond to specifications, such as a difference in length, of the wiper blade220fitted to the wiper arm230.

A backward side second spraying nozzle F1is provided on the backward side nozzle cap272e. The backward side second spraying nozzle F1is a nozzle having a fixed sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. The backward side washer fluid W2that has been sprayed from the backward side second spraying nozzle F1wets the vicinity of a central portion of the blade rubber221in the longitudinal direction thereof and on the backward side thereof.

A backward side third spraying nozzle G1is provided on the backward side first wall portion272a. The backward side third spraying nozzle G1is caused to face toward the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof. This makes it is possible to wet the backward side of the windshield211(seeFIG. 15) at the base end side of the wiper blade220in the longitudinal direction thereof during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the backward side thereof.

Here, in the similar manner to that in the backward side first spraying nozzle E1, the backward side third spraying nozzle G1also adopts an eyeball type nozzle capable of varying a sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the sprayed position of the backward side third spraying nozzle G1in accordance with specifications of the wiper blade220.

In this regard, in the present embodiment, the sprayed position of the forward side washer fluid W1from each of the forward side spraying nozzles A1to D1onto the windshield211and the sprayed position of the backward side washer fluid W2from each of the backward side spraying nozzles E1to G1onto the windshield211are adjusted in accordance with the following criteria.

Here, in a case where the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2is near the blade rubber221, each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed does not block a field of view of a driver, but each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed is wiped off immediately after being sprayed. For that reason, the dust and the like attached onto the windshield211are not melted and may be left unwiped (deterioration of washing performance).

On the contrary, in a case where the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2is far from the blade rubber21, it is possible to allow the dust and the like attached onto the windshield211to be surely melted and cleanly wiped off without leaving any unwiped dust. However, each of the washer fluids W1and W2that has been sprayed may block the field of view of the driver (blocking of the field of view).

For that reason, in a case where a peripheral velocity of the blade rubber221is referred to as [v], a melting time of an adhesive substance is referred to as [t], and a distance from the blade rubber221to the sprayed position of each of the washer fluids W1and W2, that is, a spraying distance is referred to as [L], the spraying distance [L] is adjusted so as to satisfy a formula [L=v×t]. This makes it possible to achieve contrary phenomena of improvement of the washing performance against the adhesive substance and suppression of blocking of the field of view with a good balance. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the spraying distance [L] is set to a spraying distance of about 15 mm.

However, with respect to the peripheral velocity [v] of the blade rubber221, a peripheral velocity [v1] at the tip end side (outer peripheral side) of the blade rubber221is different from a peripheral velocity [v2] at the base end side (inner peripheral side) of the blade rubber221(v1>v2). For this reason, an average value of the peripheral velocity [v1] and the peripheral velocity [v2] is used. Further, the peripheral velocity [v] is usually set to a moving speed of the blade rubber221during a [Low] operation of the wiper switch, which is frequently used.

Next, a flow of the forward side washer fluid W1and the backward side washer fluid W2will be described with reference to the drawings.

By operating a washer switch (not shown in the drawings), the washer pump (not shown in the drawings) is driven. As shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 15, the washer fluids W1and W2are supplied to the forward side washer tube244and the backward side washer tube245, respectively. Then, as shown inFIG. 17, the washer fluids W1and W2enter into the forward side block271and the backward side block272, respectively. Thus, as shown with arrows each indicated by a broken line inFIG. 17, the washer fluids W1and W2are sprayed from each of the forward side spraying nozzles A1to D1and each of the backward side spraying nozzles E1to G1, respectively.

Here, a driving direction of the washer pump is switched in accordance with switching of a moving direction of the blade rubber221. More specifically, the forward side washer fluid W1is supplied only to the forward side block271during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the forward side thereof. On the other hand, the backward side washer fluid W2is supplied only to the backward side block272during the wiping operation of the wiper blade220toward the backward side thereof.

As described above in detail, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the arm shank250is configured to include the projecting piece252c, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254so as to hold the washer tubes244,245side by side with respect to the spring SP at both end sides of the spring SP. For this reason, it is possible to shorten the length dimension L1between the projecting piece252cand the supporting piece252dand the first holder254to the degree of the length dimension of the spring SP. This makes it possible to prevent a defect such as protrusion of each of the washer tubes244,245from the arm shank250and rubbing of them against the windshield211from occurring. Further, since application of tension to each of the washer tubes244,245can be avoided, it is possible to prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from being in contact with the spring SP, and to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from being early deteriorated.

Further, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the projecting piece252c, the supporting piece252dand the first holder254hold each of the washer tubes244,245in a non-contact state with the spring SP. For this reason, it is possible to surely protect each of the washer tubes244,245from irregular wear due to rubbing and the like, and this makes it possible to extend life of the wiper device210.

Moreover, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the head side pipe housing portion243configured to house each of the washer tubes244,245is provided in the arm head240so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the arm head240and be opened toward the windshield211side. This makes it possible to prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from being exposed to the outside continuously from the arm shank250side even to a portion of the arm head240side. Therefore, it is possible to improve appearance of the wiper device210.

Further, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the pin fitting wall242cto which the hook pin242dfor supporting the one end portion of the spring SP is fitted is provided at the other end portion of the arm head24; and the projecting piece252cthat protrudes from the side wall252bof the arm shank250in the wiping direction of the wiper blade220is provided at the one end portion side of the spring SP, whereby each of the washer tubes244,245is held by the pin fitting wall242cand the projecting piece252c. This makes it possible to easily dispose each of the washer tubes244,245between the pin fitting wall242cand the projecting piece252cby rotating the arm shank250relative to the arm head240. Therefore, assemble workability of the wiper device210can be improved.

Moreover, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the supporting piece252dthat extends from the side wall252aof the arm shank250in the wiping direction of the wiper blade220and the first holder254fitted to the supporting piece252dare provided at the other end portion side of the spring SP. Thus, by fitting the first holder254to the supporting piece252dafter each of the washer tubes244,245is housed in the shank side pipe housing portion253, it is possible to surely prevent each of the washer tubes244,245from becoming slack from the shank side pipe housing portion253. Therefore, the assemble workability of the wiper device210can be improved.

Further, according to the wiper device210of the present embodiment, the supporting piece252kand the second holder255, which hold each of the washer tubes244,245between the supporting piece252dand the first holder254that are placed at the other end portion side of the spring SP and the other end portion of the arm shank250, is provided in the arm shank250. This makes it possible to surely prevent the slack of each of the washer tubes244,245even in a portion where the spring SP is not disposed in the shank side pipe housing portion253. Further, since the second holder255is fitted to the supporting piece252kafter each of the washer tubes244,245is housed in the shank side pipe housing portion253, the assemble workability of the wiper device210can be improved.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the fifth embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIGS. 31(a) and 31(b)are views according to the sixth embodiment, which correspond toFIG. 21. Further,FIG. 31(a)is a view illustrating a state before a forward side washer tube244and a backward side washer tube245are assembled.

As shown inFIG. 31(a), in the sixth embodiment, a structure of a first pipe holding portion is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, as shown inFIG. 21, the first pipe holding portion is formed by a projecting piece252cprovided to a side wall252bof an arm shank250, and a forward side washer tube244and a backward side washer tube245are held by a projecting piece252cand a pin fitting wall242cprovided in an arm head240.

In contrast, the first pipe holding portion according to the sixth embodiment is constituted of a tube enclosing portion280, whose cross-section is a substantially U shape, provided at one end portion of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, at the base end side of the wiper arm230. The tube enclosing portion280is constituted of a first extending portion281that extends from the side wall252aof the arm shank250in the wiping direction of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15), and a second extending portion282that extends from the first extending portion281to a side opposite to the windshield211side. In this regard, the tube enclosing portion280is integrally provided on the side wall252awhen the arm shank250is pressed.

The second extending portion282is rotatably connected to one end portion of the arm head240by means of the support pin242a. Here, a jig insertion hole283is provided at a portion of the side wall252athat faces the second extending portion282from an axial direction of the support pin242a. A support jig (not shown in the drawings) for supporting an end portion of the support pin242ais to be inserted into the jig insertion hole283at the time of assembling of the wiper device210. As shown inFIG. 31(b), after the assembling of the wiper device210, the jig insertion hole283is closed by means of a rubber cap RC. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of the wiper device210. In this regard, each of the washer tubes244,245is inserted into the inside of the tube enclosing portion280from the longitudinal direction of the arm shank250at the time of the assembling of the wiper device210.

According to the wiper device210of the sixth embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those of the wiper device210according to the fifth embodiment described above.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the fifth embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 32is a perspective view illustrating a first holder according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 32, in the seventh embodiment, a structure of a second pipe holding portion is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, as shown inFIG. 23, the second pipe holding portion is constituted of the supporting piece252dprovided on the side wall252aof the arm shank250, and the first holder254fitted to the supporting piece252d.

In contrast, the second pipe holding portion according to the seventh embodiment is constituted of a pair of supporting pieces290,291and a first holder (holding piece)292. The pair of supporting pieces290,291is provided in the vicinity of the other end side of the spring SP, and the pair of supporting pieces290,291is provided to the side walls252a,252bof the arm shank250, respectively. The first holder (holding piece)292is to be supported by the supporting pieces290,291. The pair of supporting pieces290,291respectively protrudes from the side walls252a,252bin a direction to face each other, and extends in the wiping direction of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15). In this regard, the pair of supporting pieces290,291is integrally provided on the side walls252a,252b, respectively, when the arm shank250is pressed.

The first holder292is formed of a resin material such as plastic into a substantially flat plate shape and is provided with a main body portion292athat is inserted into the shank side pipe housing portion253of the arm shank250. Then, in a state where the first holder292is supported by each of the supporting pieces290,291, on a side of the bottom wall251and on a side of the side wall252aof the main body portion292a, there is provided a tube insertion recessed portion292binto which each of the washer tubes244,245is inserted. Further, on a side of the main body portion292aopposite to the side of the bottom wall251, there is provided a pair of engaging recessed portions292cand292dwith which a tip end portion of each of the supporting pieces290,291is caused to engage.

In order to fit the first holder292to each of the supporting pieces290,291, the first holder292is caused to face each of the supporting pieces290,291from a direction of an arrow M3indicated by a broken line in the drawing, and the one engaging recessed portion292cis first caused to engage with the one supporting piece290. Subsequently, the other engaging recessed portion292dis caused to engage with the other supporting piece291such that the first holder292puts in the arm shank250. Thus, fitting of the first holder292to each of the supporting pieces290,291is completed. In this regard, contrary to the above, the supporting piece291may first be caused to engage with the engaging recessed portion292d.

According to the wiper device210of the seventh embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those of the wiper device210according to the fifth embodiment described above.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the seventh embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIGS. 33(a) and 33(b)are perspective views illustrating a first holder according to the eighth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 33, in the eighth embodiment, a structure of a first holder (holding piece)2100is different from that of the seventh embodiment. The first holder2100according to the eighth embodiment includes a main body portion2101that is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by a resin material such as plastic. A pair of supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101bis provided at both end sides of the main body portion2101in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pair of supporting pieces290,291is inserted into the pair of supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101b, respectively.

In a state where the first holder2100is supported by each of the supporting pieces290,291, the supporting piece fitting groove2101acorresponding to the supporting piece290is opened toward a tip end side of the arm shank250(a left side in the drawing), and the supporting piece fitting groove2101bcorresponding to the supporting piece291is opened toward a base end side of the arm shank250(a right side in the drawing).

A retaining projection T (only one is illustrated) is provided inside each of the supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101b. The retaining projection T is pressed toward each of the supporting pieces290,291in a state where the supporting pieces290,291are respectively inserted into the supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101b. This makes it possible to prevent the first holder2100from coming off from the supporting pieces290,291.

In the state where the first holder2100is supported by each of the supporting pieces290,291, a projecting piece2101cis integrally provided on a bottom wall251side of the main body portion2101. Each of the washer tubes244,245is held together by means of a support surface2101dof the projecting piece2101cand a bottom surface2101eof the main body portion2101.

In order to fit the first holder2100to each of the supporting pieces290,291, first, as shown inFIG. 33(b), the first holder2100is disposed between the supporting pieces290,291in a state where the first holder2100is inclined relative to each of the supporting pieces290,291. Subsequently, the first holder2100is rotated in a direction of an arrow R2indicated by a broken line (a clockwise direction) in the drawing between the supporting pieces290,291. This causes the supporting pieces290,291to be inserted into the supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101b, respectively. Thus, fitting of the first holder2100to each of the supporting pieces290,291is completed. Here, the retaining projection T provided in each of the supporting piece fitting grooves2101a,2101bis pressed by each of the supporting pieces290,291. For this reason, the first holder2100does not come off from each of the supporting pieces290,291due to vibration and the like.

According to the wiper device210of the eighth embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those of the wiper device210according to the fifth embodiment described above.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this regard, portions each having the similar function to that of the fifth embodiment described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 34is a perspective view illustrating a first holder according to the ninth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 34, in the ninth embodiment, a structure of a second pipe holding portion is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG.23, the second pipe holding portion is constituted of the supporting piece252dprovided on the side wall252aof the arm shank250, and the first holder254fitted to the supporting piece252d.

In contrast, the second pipe holding portion according to the ninth embodiment is constituted of a supporting piece2110and a first holder (holding piece)2120. The supporting piece2110is provided in the vicinity of the other end side of the spring SP and on the side wall252bof the arm shank250. The first holder2120is supported by the supporting piece2110. The supporting piece2110protrudes from the side wall252btoward the side wall252a, and extends in the wiping direction of the wiper blade220(seeFIG. 15). In this regard, the supporting piece2110is integrally provided with the side wall252bwhen the arm shank250is pressed.

A hook hole252eprovided in the supporting piece2110is provided by bringing it near the base end portion side of the arm shank250in the longitudinal direction thereof (a right side in the drawing), and a portion where nothing is formed is provided at a side of the supporting piece2110opposite to the hook hole252e. The first holder2120is to be fitted to the portion where nothing is formed.

The first holder2120is formed into a substantially L shape by a resin material such as plastic, and includes a main body portion2121that is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In a state where the first holder2120is supported by the supporting piece2110, a supporting piece fitting groove2121ais provided at a side wall252bside of the main body portion2121. The supporting piece2110is to be inserted into the supporting piece fitting groove2121a. The supporting piece2110is fitted to the supporting piece fitting groove2121aby press-fitting. Thus, the first holder2120fitted to the supporting piece2110does not come off due to vibration and the like generated during an operation of the wiper device210.

Further, in a state where the first holder2120is supported by the supporting piece2110, a protrusion2121bthat protrudes toward the bottom wall251is integrally provided at the side wall252bside of the main body portion2121. Each of the washer tubes244,245is held together by a support surface2121cof the protrusion2121band a bottom surface2121dof the main body portion2121.

In order to fit the first holder2120to the supporting piece2110, the first holder2120is caused to face the supporting piece2110from a direction of an arrow M4indicated by a broken line in the drawing, and the supporting piece2110is pressed and fitted into the supporting piece fitting groove2121a. Thus, the supporting piece2110is fixed inside the supporting piece fitting groove2121a, whereby fitting of the supporting piece2110to the first holder2120is completed.

According to the wiper device210of the ninth embodiment formed as described above, it is also possible to achieve the similar functions and effects to those of the wiper device210according to the fifth embodiment described above.

The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that the present invention may be modified into various forms without departing from the substance thereof. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where the nozzle unit270is provided on the arm shank250has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a nozzle unit may be provided along a longitudinal direction of a wiper blade.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the wiper device210that wipes the windshield211on the front side of the vehicle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to a wiper device that wipes a windshield on a rear side of the vehicle. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to a vehicle such as an automobile, and it is also possible to apply the present invention to a wiper device of a railway vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, and the like.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The wiper device is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, and is used to ensure good field of view by wiping off an adhesive substance such as rainwater attached onto a surface to be wiped.