Abstract: The description relates to a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle including a wider arm with an articulated member and wiper rod. The articulated member and the wiper rod have a curvature along their length substantially parallel to the windshield surface adjacent a lower edge of the windshield and a rear edge of the hood, resulting in a minimized overall height and providing for a minimized gap between the rear edge of the hood and the windshield surface adjacent the lower edge.

Abstract: A multi-part, detachable and preassembled panel assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle, comprising a first panel having a peripheral edge and adapted to close an opening in the vehicle. A second panel is provided which is adapted to be adjacent the first panel and overlie at least a portion of the vehicle. The first and second panels are detachably coupled to one another by an attachment member molded directly on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the first panel and including a securing flange for detachably receiving a securing post extending from the second panel. The second panel is also secured directly to the portion of the vehicle the panel covers by a fastener distant from a securing flange.

Abstract: A structural brace for a unibody chassis is disclosed for minimizing deflections of upper strut mounting points of a strut suspension. The strut brace includes attachments that efficiently transfers uniaxial, bending and torsional loads into the structural brace, thereby improving the control of the suspension geometry during vehicle cornering maneuvers.

Abstract: A cowl adapted to conceal a windshield wiper assembly to eliminate the drag associated with exposed wiper assemblies. The assembly includes an enclosure having a top access door adapted to being flush with the hood in its lowered position, and a bottom panel adapted to effecting an extension of the windshield in its elevated position. A windshield wiper assembly includes a pivotally mounted wiper arm, with a wiper blade that is seated on the bottom panel for vertical movement therewith. Suitable power and lift apparatus serve to vertically raise and lower the enclosure in association with a plurality of fixed brackets that serve to guide the lift apparatus during its vertical movements.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body has an instrument panel construction that includes a structural instrument panel carrier of plastic material for mounting instrument panel components. The carrier is attached to side pillars located at a juncture of passenger and engine compartments so as to form a cross beam. The instrument panel construction has its external appearance determined by adding facial instrument panel coverings to the instrument panel carrier after the instrument panel components are mounted on the instrument panel carrier. The structural instrument panel carrier may also be integrated with a front of dash (FOD) panel that may be composed of the same material and that provides a second cross beam.

Abstract: A modular assembly for separating a passenger compartment from an engine compartment in an automotive vehicle body comprises three structural cross car members that combine to provide sufficient cross car stiffness between the side pillars so as to eliminate any need for an upper cross car beam at the cowl of the vehicle body. The three structural cross car members include a front of dash panel, an intermediate close out panel and an instrument panel carrier that form two rows of ducts for meeting the needs of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system of the vehicle and the wiring requirements of the instrument panel. The instrument panel carrier is part of a covered instrument panel subassembly that includes a shell and an underlying foam cushion. The foam cushion is foamed in place in a mold that includes a slide and pivot mechanism for manipulating a mold lid and clamp between a closed clamped position and a shaping position where the molded subassembly is accessible for a shaping operation.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body has an integrated cross car structural duct cluster that is a composite that is connected to side pillars located on opposite sides of the vehicle body. The composite acts as a cross beam and provides four ducts that extend across the width of the vehicle body. Three ducts are related to the HVAC system of the vehicle and the fourth is a wiring duct. Five variations are disclosed. In two the composite comprises steel rods embedded in a molded plastic body. In the other three the composite comprises a steel plate that is attached to a molded plastic body.

Abstract: A multi-part, detachable and preassembled panel assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle, comprising a first panel having a peripheral edge and adapted to close an opening in the vehicle. A second panel is provided which is adapted to be adjacent the first panel and overlie at least a portion of the vehicle. The first and second panels are detachably coupled to one another by an attachment member molded directly on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the first panel and including a portion for detachably receiving a securing post extending from the second panel. The second panel is also secured directly to the portion of the vehicle the panel covers by a coupler distant from the attachment member.

Abstract: An improved bearer joint in a vehicle bodywork consisting of extruded light metal bearer members connected together by cast metal joining elements. According to the invention, an end portion of at least one bearer member is received within a concave region of at least one joining element and is connected thereto at two connection points on either side of the coverage region so that the portion of the bearer member between the connection points and overlying the concave region acts as a tension member or steadying strut depending on the direction of the load. In a preferred embodiment, the improved bearer joint is the node connector type joining element located at the middle of the A post where the downwardly and obliquely oriented forward roof post joins the substantially vertically upright forward door post. The invention provides a rigid connection with high expansion and energy absorption capabilities, thereby strengthening an otherwise critical weak point in the vehicle roof structure.

Abstract: A hood apparatus for covering an engine compartment of an automotive vehicle having a windshield, a ventilation opening disposed forward of the windshield and a cross rail member disposed between the ventilation opening and the engine compartment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closure projection secured to the bottom face of the hood member at a predetermined location along the trailing edge of the hood member and disposed generally parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle. The closure projection includes a generally planar web depending vertically from the bottom face of the hood member and having one edge secured thereto. A seal between the closure projection of the hood and a matingly shaped cross rail member of the vehicle body structure prevents engine compartment fumes from entering the passenger compartment ventilation opening. When the hood is opened, the closure projection moves upward and rearward to provide a clear engine service access path.

Abstract: A front end structure of a vehicle body includes a front pillar and a cowl member. The cowl member has a top panel and a side panel including a top wall secured to the top panel. A hinge brace is secured to the top wall of the side panel of the cowl member and the front pillar. A hood hinge is secured to the top panel and the top wall of the side panel of the cowl member, and the hinge brace. The top panel, the top wall of the side panel of the cowl member, and the hinge brace are disposed in an overlapped relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle cowling (10) can comprise a generally planar, relatively rigid thermoplastic body (12) which includes an elongated notch (26) extending along its back edge (22). A seal (14) can be received in the notch and integrally molded to the body to securely bond the seal to the body. The seal comprises a soft material relative to the body and provides an interface between the cowling and a vehicle windshield. A plurality of protector pins (34) extend generally perpendicularly from a bottom surface (18) of the body and lie in longitudinally spaced relationship along the back edge of the body. The bosses also comprise a soft material relative to the body. The body is securely clamped between the bosses and portions of the seal in the notch of the body.

Abstract: A water box is provided for collecting run-off water which flows between a motor vehicle windscreen and an engine bonnet into a body space. A component has a water guide channel which carries away water along the windscreen lower edge, a forward set water box, under which is located a filter element, connecting with at least the central section of the component. The water box has an attachment section to the component with the water guide channel and may be moved in this attachment section from its connected position on the component so that it frees a path for exchanging the filter element.

Abstract: A windshield wiper base unit for a motor vehicle comprises a structure which includes a support means in the form of a support bar carrying at least one bearing through which a windshield wiper drive spindle can pass. The vehicle also has a screen washer fluid bottle connected to screen washing jets associated with the windshield wipers.At least one liquid receptacle, for example the screen washer fluid bottle, is carried on the support means of the windshield washer base unit.

Abstract: A front body structure for vehicles comprises a side sill formed by a first frame and a second frame each having closed cross sections, wherein the first frame is curved upwardly and is further curved inwardly in a transverse direction of a vehicle body so as to form a cowl front portion and the second frame is curved inwardly in the transverse direction of the vehicle body so as to form a dash cross portion, and a front side frame which bifurcates into two bifurcated portions in a vicinity of a front side portion of the vehicle body. The first and second frames are respectively joined to end portions of the bifurcated portions, substantially even therewith. An end portion of a lower bifurcated portion of the front side frame is joined without offset to the dash cross portion. An end portion of an upper bifurcated portion of the front side frame is joined without offset to the cowl front portion. Consequently, load inputted to the front frame can be received by the side sill via the first and second frames.

Abstract: A ventilation air intake structure of a motor vehicle is shown, which comprises two side panels incorporated with both a cowl top panel and a dash upper panel to define an air box which extends along a rear upper edge portion of an engine room of the vehicle. The cowl top panel has a first opening and the dash upper panel has a second opening which is communicated with a passenger cabin of the motor vehicle. A drain chamber is constituted by the hood ridge reinforcing member and one of the side panels. The drain chamber has a downwardly extending narrower passage which is exposed to the open air at a terminal open end thereof. The dash upper panel is formed with a laterally extending channel which has a shallower end portion which passes under the side panel and is exposed at its terminal end to the narrower passage at a position above the terminal open end of the downwardly extending narrower passage.

Abstract: A wiper system for automotive vehicles has a wiper receiving cavity between a windshield and an engine hood. The wiper receiving cavity has an opening through which a wiper goes in and out and which is open and closed by means of a lid member. The usual operation of the wiper system is performed in response to turning ON of a manually operable wiper switch. The wiper system has also another manual switch, operable independently of operation of the wiper switch, for allowing the lid member to be open in response to turning ON thereof. In addition, the wiper system includes means for changing a lower angular position thereof to a higher position.

Abstract: The front structure comprises a cowl top panel located on the engine compartment side connected to a dash upper panel located on the vehicle cabin side to form a closed box in cross section. A portion of the vertical front wall of the cowl top panel is provided for installation of a motor unit of windshield wiper. This portion is located at a position which does not laterally overlap either vehicle strut housing. The horizontal base of the dash upper panel at the installation portion is at the lowest height of the cowl. A drain hole is provided near this lowest position.

Abstract: A cowl grill to window seal assembly of the type wherein the grill includes an edge disposed proximate a windshield, a flexible seal being adapted to snap over and be retained on said edge and which seal includes a protecting lip adapted to flexibly bias against and span the gap between the grill and windshield.

Abstract: Separable wiper lifting park ramps are attached to a vehicle body cowl panel after windshield installation through a cooperating installation track on the cowl panel and track follower on the ramp. A set of ratchet teeth are engaged as the ramp is pushed home toward the windshield surface. When the ramp hits the windshield, it stops, and cannot back out. Therefore, the ramp is always set accurately relative to the windshield, regardless of any variations between the cowl panel and windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle body side member of a closed sectional construction extending in the widthwise direction of a vehicle body is provided between right and left roof pillars of a vehicle body and a first unit which comprises at least a cowl member and a windshield wiper system provided in the cowl member and a second unit which comprises at least an instrument panel and a steering system are mounted in the front of the vehicle body side member and in the rear of the vehicle body side member respectively. By this arrangement, the assembling operation of members and systems attached around a dash panel can be easier and accordingly, the simpler and faster operation can be planned. Also, the endurance efficiency for collision shock can be improved by restricting both units moving to the rear on a head-on collision by the above vehicle body side member.

Abstract: A composite windshield framing structure is provided for a convertible automobile. The framing structure includes a tubular metallic inner frame which is encapsulated by foam material. A layer of reinforcing fabric impregnated with plastic overlies the foam material and also defines an instrument panel ledge with downwardly extending cowling.

Abstract: In a vehicle wiper system of the type having a frame tube fixed to the vehicle body, an improved mounting of a housing to the frame tube includes an inwardly tapered cradle portion on the housing that matches an inwardly tapered mounting portion of the tube, with deformable ribs on the housing cradle that are sheared by the tube when the housing is attached so as to assure solid, intimate contact between the housing and tube.

Abstract: In a front vehicle body structure in which a cowl front panel, which comprises an arcuated glass support portion for supporting a front window glass so that the glass support portion is located behind a dash lower panel at two side portions in the widthwise direction of a vehicle, and is located in front of the dash lower panel at a central portion in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, extends along the widthwise direction of the vehicle in a front portion of the vehicle, the cowl front panel is split into three members including two side split members and one central split member at positions where the glass support portion intersects the dash lower panel, and the two side split portions and one central split member are joined at the intersections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an cowlside joint structure which is suitable for use on a vehicle. In the cowlside joint structure, respective flanges of a cowlside panel, an upper member and a front pillar are formed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and then joined together. The cowlside panel, the upper member and the front pillar are provided in a linear form without providing a cut-away portion. Accordingly, rigidity in the area where various structures are connected to the cowlside panel is improved.

Abstract: A method of mounting a rear deck filler panel on a vehicle is provided. The method includes use of an adjustable support member including a base element and a panel support element which are threadingly connected to each other. The adjustable support member is placed in an upright position in a trough of the vehicle with the base element adhered in place and with the panel support element closely adjacent to a flange structure. The panel support element has a straight edge which impinges against the flange structure to prevent rotation after mounting of the adjustable support member. However, the adjustable support member is then tilted away from the flange structure to permit turning of the panel support element for adjustment of the height of the adjustable support member as necessary to properly position the rear deck filler panel with respect to adjacent vehicle structure.

Abstract: A wiper device of a motor vehicle has a cowl provided adjacent a front edge of a windshield, and a bulkhead in a form of a box laterally extending under the cowl. The space in the bulkhead is divided into a wiper housing at a front side and an air duct at a rear side by a front panel. A wiper linkage is provided in the bulkhead under the cowl, extending through an opening formed in the front panel.

Abstract: A C-shaped panel is mounted on the engine compartment side of the engine bulkhead structure and has upper and lower walls projecting forwardly form the bulkhead structure to overhang the engine. A vertically extending front wall is spaced forwardly of the bulkhead by the upper and lower walls to define therewith a transverse air flow communicating passage. Air inlet openings are provided in the top wall to admit air into the passage. The C-shaped panel overlies an opening through the bulkhead to communicate inlet air to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. A plurality of removable fasteners removably fasten the panel on the bulkhead to permit removal of the C-shaped panel from overhanging the engine to thereby facilitate and enable engine repair and removal. The windshield wiper motor is mounted on the C-shaped panel within the air flow passage so that removal of the C-shaped panel upon release of the removable fasteners also removes the windshield wiper system for repair and replacement.

Abstract: A cowl box is provided in a vehicle body between a rear edge of an engine hood and a windshield. The front hood is mounted on the vehicle body to be swung open and closed about a hinge mounted on the vehicle body on the rear side of the rear edge of the front hood. The cowl cover is opened and closed by a driving mechanism comprising a four-bar link mechanism including first and second links each of which is pivoted at one end thereof on a member mounted on the front hood and at the other end on the lower surface of the cowl cover and which extend substantially in parallel spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a driving motor and a connecting mechanism for transmitting the output power of the driving motor to the four-bar link mechanism.

Abstract: A front body construction of a motor vehicle includes a lower dash panel for separating an engine compartment and a cabin and a cowl portion provided on the lower dash panel such that a lower end of a windshield is supported at an upper portion of the cowl portion. The cowl portion includes an upper dash panel attached to an upper end portion of the lower dash panel so as to form a bottom wall of the cowl portion and a front cowl panel attached to an upper face of the upper dash panel so as to form a front wall of the cowl portion. The front cowl panel has, in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, opposite sides and a central portion such that space for an auxiliary unit is provided not only forwards of the front cowl panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, but also on at least one of the opposite sides of the front cowl panel.

Abstract: A cowl region construction of a motor car, particularly a construction of a joint of a roof pillar of closed sectional construction extending in a vertical direction and a dashboard support member of closed sectional construction extending in a longitudinal direction is disclosed. An opening is formed in the dashboard support member at the region where the dashboard support member and the roof pillar are joined and a cowl panel is arranged at the front side of the dashboard support member and is spot-welded to the roof pillar.

Abstract: An automobile front body structure comprising a dashboard lower panel positioned below a front windshield and extending laterally across an automobile body structure so as to define an engine room and a passenger's compartment on respective sides thereof, a cowl box of generally elongated box-like configuration mounted atop the dashboard lower panel while extending laterally across the automobile body structure, and a generally elongated windshield support beam structure of generally closed hollow cross-section extending laterally across the automobile body structure for supporting the windshield from below. The beam structure is formed in an upper region of the cowl box. An upper portion of the cowl box has a first opening defined therein for communicating the interior of the cowl box to the outside. A bottom portion of the cowl box has a second opening defined therein opening towards the passenger's compartment and communicating with a suction port of an air conditioner.

Abstract: A concealed windshield wiper system is provided with a unique storage arrangement. A wiper pivot and a wiper drive motor mechanism are mounted on a platform of a lift mechanism. Arranged on this platform is a pivot container for storing the wiper pivot. The wiper blade carried by the wiper arm is stored in a wiper blade container formed on another platform of another lift mechanism. These lift mechanisms are operated via a cam and lever mechanism by a single lift drive motor mechanism. This assembly is stored in a cowl box between the rear edge of a hood and the lower end of a windshield of a vehicle. The pivot and wiper blade containers are lifted out of the cowl box to their lift positions according to a predetermined schedule. During operation of the wiper arm, only the pivot container is left in the lift position with the wiper blade lowered to the storage position thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure comprises a cowl member, serving as a transversely extending vehicle structural member, having lateral end portions thereof secured to right and left strut towers at top ends of the strut towers to bridge the strut towers.

Abstract: A cowl box extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body in front of the passenger room between left and right hinge pillars and is defined by a windshield support member on which the windshield of the vehicle is supported and a dashboard upper member which is joined to the lower surface of the windshield support member. The dashboard upper member has a vertical wall portion facing the passenger room. The cowl box having an open cross-section. A reinforcement is provided along the joining line of the dashboard upper member to the windshield support member. The reinforcement is formed of end portions which extend along respective end portions of the joining line of the dashboard upper member to the windshield support member and a main portion which extends along the rest of the joining line of the dashboard upper member to the windshield support member. The end portions are on the passenger room side over the entire length thereof and are fixed to the corresponding hinge pillars.

Abstract: A windshield supporting structure which is to be employed in combination with an open cowl structure having an opening which opens upward includes a windshield supporting portion which is provided at the rear end portion of the opening. The windshield is bonded to the windshield supporting portion. The windshield supporting portion is positioned so that it supports the windshield at an intermediate portion thereof as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and so that the windshield extends forward and downward beyond the windshield supporting portion.

Abstract: A wiper mounting structure for a vehicle having a dash lower panel separating a cabin from an engine compartment, a dash upper panel connected to the upper portion of the dash lower panel and a cowl panel connected with the dash upper panel and supporting the lower end of a front window glass at one end thereof, the other end of the cowl panel being disposed in the vicinity of the rear end of a bonnet, the wiper mounting structure including a wiper secured to the cowl panel and a wiper driving device secured to the dash lower panel, the wiper and the wiper driving device being connected by a link member, and being capable of reducing the air resistance of the vehicle and resulting in a vehicle having good appearance.

Abstract: A cowl box of a vehicle in which a duct passagae through which an air duct of an air conditioner extends in a vertical direction is arranged to support a front windshield in such a fashion that the cowl box and the air duct are superposed as viewed in a transverse direction of a car body. According to this feature, the cowl box can be disposed in an instrument panel without narrowing the width of the cowl box and without enlarging the instrument panel.

Abstract: A unitized cowl and wiper arm assembly includes a blow molded plastic shell structure and two wiper arms of the integral type. At two locations, the shell is reformed so as to create an area of increased stiffness that includes a pair of spaced, overhanging interior flanges. This allows the journal portion of the arms to pass through the shell and be pivoted thereto between the spaced interior flanges. Thereafter, the arm is rigidly and securely supported. The leakproof interior of the shell may also be used for a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: In a front structure for an automotive vehicle, a brace is provided for preventing a hood ledge panel integrally formed with a strut mount housing from leaning toward an engine compartment together with a hood ledge reinforce, etc. The brace extends between each lateral end of an air box and the hood ledge panel and is secured to same. The brace is further secured to a front pillar and formed with a portion adapted for installation of a wiper pivot.

Abstract: A front structure for a modular vehicle body includes a dash lower panel, cowl box and a front pillar. The dash lower panel has at the upper end thereof a first horizontal flange formed with a first recess. The front pillar has at the front side waist portion thereof second and third flanges. The second flange is formed with second and fourth recesses at the front and rear end portion thereof. The third flange is formed with a third recess at a lateral end thereof. A first patch plate extends between the first and second flanges and is disposed in the first and second recesses while a second patch plate extends between the second and third flanges and is disposed in the fourth and third recesses such that the first and second patch plates cooperate with the first, second and third flanges to form a smoothly continuous joining surface with which a side portion of the cowl box is joined by interposing therebetween sealant adhesive.

Abstract: A cover strip to cover over a lower edge of a bonded windscreen oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is located in the air suction region of a blower, is anchored to the windscreen so as to maintain an interval whereby a duct is formed through which a stream of water being discharged along the windscreen can flow into a water catching tank located beneath the engine hood.

Abstract: A power-driven cowl for an automotive vehicle including a cowl panel which is shiftable between a closed and an open position. The cowl panel covers a front windshield wiper and in the open position uncovers the windshield wiper to allow normal operation. An electric motor causes the cowl panel to shift between the closed and open positions. A cowl forcing member forces the cowl member to uncover the windshield wiper in, for example, an emergency need. A releasable locking member holds the cowl forcing member locked to permit normal automatic operation of the power driven cowl. If the cowl driving electric motor becomes inoperative and the cowl panel is closed, the locking member can be operated by the driver to cause the cowl forcing member to open the cowl panel to uncover the windshield wiper and enable operation thereof.

Abstract: A cowl structure for use in an automotive body of the type that a plurality of cowl panels are joined together to define a space with a closed box like cross section. In this cowl structure, a cowl top panel having a recess defined for receiving a window glass of an automobile is bent downwardly in a stepped manner at a widthwise middle portion on the rearward side thereof, while a cowl upper panel is bent upwardly in a like stepped manner at a widthwise middle portion on the forward side thereof in such a manner that the position of joint on the rear end portion of said both panels may be located at a lower level than that of said window glass receiving recess. Also, the cowl top panel and the cowl upper panel located in a confronted relationship with the both side lower ends of the window glass are joined together with a side body panel with three pieces of said panels being overlapped one upon another by way of a two-row spot-welding.

Abstract: A controlling circuit for a motorcar front window wiper accommodating apparatus of a concealed type wherein a wiper is accommodated within an opening portion provided between the front window lower edge and the bonnet rear-end edge, the opening portion is opened and closed by the cowl cover, to a controlling circuit for interlockingly controlling the operation between the cowl cover and the wiper. It is adapted to operatively cooperate the opening and closing operations of the cowl cover with the wiper, to actuate the wiper when the cowl cover reaches the position where it does not interfere with the lifting wiper wiping portion to be lifted in the position before it reaches its fully open position in the opening process of the cowl cover so as to retain the speediness of the wiper actuation to remove the delay feeling for improving the safety.

Abstract: A rail assembly which is especially advantageous for use in constructing the frame and underbody of a motor vehicle comprises an upper channel member, a lower channel member and an intermediate member or web in the form of a corrugated sheet secured between the channel members and whose margins abuttingly engage the peripheral walls of the channels. Each furrow and ridge preferably comprises a planar panel portion. Each planar panel portion is interconnected by a web panel portion which is preferably angled at an acute angle with respect to the transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail. Preferably, each planar panel portion has a trapezoidal shape to maximize resistance to bending moments along the longitudinal axis of the rail. The rail design can also be incorporated into other structural elements in a vehicle, i.e. in a pillar arch or a vehicle body, to provide additional rigidity to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A vehicle body has left and right front pillars, each formed of an inner panel and an outer panel and having a closed cross-section, and a dashboard upper panel extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body between the left and right front pillars. A steering shaft support member which supports a steering shaft and extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle body is connected to the corresponding front pillar at each end thereof by way of a bracket which forms a closed cross-section together with the corresponding front pillar.

Abstract: An open cowl type front structure of a vehicle body includes a dashboard panel which defines a part of the open cowl structure. The dashboard panel is provided with a closed cross-section portion extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body along the open cowl structure. A front frame is mounted on a wheel apron defining a side wall of an engine compartment formed on the front side of the dashboard panel and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body in the engine compartment. A reinforcement connects the closed cross-section portion with the front frame.

Abstract: A concealable wiper apparatus for a vehicle has a wiper assembly disposed in such a manner that the wiper assembly can be accommodated in an accommodating chamber provided inside the body of the vehicle and in the vicinity of a window glass. The wiper assembly is vertically moved between an accommodated position at which it is accommodated in the accommodating chamber and a raised position at which the wiper assembly wipes the window glass. In addition, a wiper arm which supports a wiper blade that wipes the window glass is adapted to be capable of expansion and contraction. Accordingly, when the wiper is not used, the wiper apparatus is accommodated in the accommodating chamber, so that it is possible to minimize the air resistance to the vehicle and reduce the size of the accommodating chamber.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second arms. One end portion of the first arm is rigidly secured to a wiper arm pivoting shaft. One end portion of the second arm is secured to a wiper blade, and the other end portion of the second arm is pivotally supported by the other end portion of the first arm. A stretching mechanism is provided between the first and second arms for bending and stretching the second arm relative to the first arm. An actuator for activating the stretching mechanism is provided on the wiper arm pivoting shaft. Accordingly, when the wiper is not used, the second arm can be bent relative to the first arm, so that an occupant of the vehicle is allowed to have an improved view of the outside from the inside of the vehicle.