Vehicle cleaning device, manufacturing method and assembly method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle cleaning device, a manufacturing method thereof and an assembly method thereof. A vehicle cleaning device comprises: a cylinder body, to which a cleaning fluid is supplied; a piston (12), which is slidably inserted into the cylinder body; a nozzle unit, which is mounted at the front end of the piston (12) and is configured to spray the cleaning fluid toward an object to be cleaned; and a cap, which closes the gap between the cylinder body and the piston (12) in an opening of the cylinder body through which the piston (12) protrudes. The cap comprises a tubular portion located in the cylinder body, the tubular portion defining a moving end of the piston (12). A communicating hole (34) is provided between a communicating groove (32c) provided in the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body, and the gap between the cylinder body and the piston (12) is connected to the outside of the cylinder body through the communicating hole (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle cleaning device, a manufacturing method and an assembling method thereof. Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle washing device which washes an object to be washed, such as a lamp, by projecting a nozzle unit to the outside through an opening formed in a vehicle body or a bumper and spraying a fluid from the nozzle unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] When a plurality of types of vehicle washing devices having piston stroke lengths different from each other are produced using the technology described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-218705, cylinders and pistons having different lengths need to be prepared for the respective types of vehicle washing devices. This increases costs.

[0004] Since the accommodation space inside the vehicle body or behind the bumper is limited, it is desirable to reduce the overall length of the vehicle washing device in the direction of nozzle movement.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique that enables relatively low-cost production of multiple types of vehicle washing devices having different stroke lengths from one another.

[0006] The invention reduces the overall length of the vehicle washing device.

[0007] The vehicle washing device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a cylinder body, to which a washing fluid is supplied; a piston slidably inserted into the cylinder body; a nozzle unit, which is mounted at the front end of the piston protruding from the cylinder body, and is configured to spray the washing fluid toward the object to be washed; and a cap, which closes the gap between the cylinder body and the piston in an opening of the cylinder body through which the piston protrudes. The cap includes a tubular portion located inside the cylinder body. The tubular portion defines a moving end of the piston in a direction in which the front end of the piston moves away from the cylinder body. A connecting groove is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion. A connecting hole is provided between the connecting groove and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body, and the gap between the cylinder body and the piston is connected to the outside of the cylinder body through the connecting hole.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle washing device. The vehicle washing device includes: a cylinder body, to which a washing fluid is supplied; a piston slidably inserted into the cylinder body; a nozzle unit, the nozzle unit being mounted at the front end of the piston protruding from the cylinder body, the nozzle unit being configured to spray the washing fluid toward an object to be washed; and a cap, the cap closing a gap between the cylinder body and the piston in an opening of the cylinder body through which the piston protrudes, the cap including a tubular portion located inside the cylinder body, the tubular portion defining a moving end of the piston in a direction in which the front end of the piston moves away from the cylinder body. The manufacturing method includes: a forming step of forming a component of the vehicle washing device; and an assembling step of assembling the vehicle washing device using the component. The forming step includes a cap forming step of forming the cap, in which the length of the tubular portion in the moving direction of the piston is determined based on a design value of the stroke length of the piston.

[0009] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements and methods, devices, systems, etc. obtained by interchanging the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0010] According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables relatively low-cost production of a plurality of types of vehicle washing devices having stroke lengths that are different from each other.

[0011] The vehicle washing device according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises: a cylinder to which a washing fluid is supplied, the cylinder comprising a cylinder tube and a coupling portion coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube, the coupling portion being in communication with the cylinder tube via an inflow port provided in the outer periphery, and the coupling portion being coupled to a washing fluid storage tank provided in a vehicle body via a tube; a piston comprising a piston tube opened at both ends, the piston tube being slidably inserted into the cylinder tube; and a nozzle unit mounted at a front end of the piston tube protruding from the cylinder tube in an extension direction, the nozzle unit being configured to spray the washing fluid supplied through the interior of the piston tube toward an object to be washed. The coupling portion is coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube at a position on the opposite side to the nozzle unit. When the piston is in a retracted position and the coupling portion is viewed in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction, the flow passage for washing fluid in the piston tube and the coupling portion overlap each other.

[0012] A vehicle washing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: a cylinder to which a washing fluid is supplied, the cylinder including a cylinder tube and a coupling portion coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube, the coupling portion communicating with the cylinder tube via an inflow port provided in the outer periphery, and the coupling portion coupled to a washing fluid storage tank provided in a vehicle body via a tube; a piston including a piston tube opened at both ends, the piston being slidably inserted into the cylinder tube; a nozzle unit mounted at a front end of the piston tube protruding from the cylinder tube in an extending direction, the nozzle unit being configured to spray the washing fluid supplied through the interior of the piston tube toward an object to be washed; and a spring accommodated in the piston tube and urging the piston toward a side opposite to the nozzle unit. The coupling portion is coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube at a position on the opposite side to the nozzle unit. The cylinder tube has an opening at an end on the opposite side to the nozzle unit, the spring is inserted through the opening during assembly of the vehicle washing device, and the opening is closed with a cap. An end portion of the spring on the opposite side to the nozzle unit is located at a position farther from the nozzle unit than the inlet port.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly method of a vehicle washing device. The vehicle washing device includes: a cylinder body, to which a washing fluid is supplied, the cylinder body including a cylinder tube and a coupling portion coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube, the coupling portion being connected to the cylinder tube via an inflow port provided in the outer periphery, and the coupling portion being coupled to a washing fluid storage tank provided in a vehicle body via a tube; a piston, the piston including a piston tube opened at both ends, the piston tube being slidably inserted into the cylinder tube; and a nozzle unit, the nozzle unit being mounted at a front end of the piston tube protruding from the cylinder tube in an extension direction, the nozzle unit being configured to spray the washing fluid supplied through the interior of the piston tube toward an object to be washed, the coupling portion being coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube at a position on the opposite side to the nozzle unit. The assembly method includes the following steps: inserting a spring into the piston tube in the cylinder tube through an opening provided at the end of the cylinder tube on the opposite side to the nozzle unit, fixing a portion of the spring on the side where the nozzle unit is located to the piston tube, and fixing a portion of the spring on the opposite side to the nozzle unit to the cylinder tube so that the end of the spring on the side facing the nozzle unit is located at a position farther away from the nozzle unit than the inlet; and closing the opening with a cover cap.

[0014] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements and methods, devices, systems, etc. obtained by interchanging the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0015] According to the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, the overall length of the vehicle washing device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle washing device according to a first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 is a side view of a vehicle washing device according to a first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the hood;

[0020] Figure 4 is a manufacturing process diagram showing the manufacturing process of the vehicle washing device of the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 is a side view of a vehicle washing device according to a modified example;

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle washing device according to a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle washing device according to a second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle washing device according to a second embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 9 Parts (a) to (d) show Figure 6 A view of the assembly process of the vehicle washing device;

[0026] Fig. 10A It is used to illustrate Figure 6 A view of the effect of a vehicle washing device;

[0027] Fig. 10B It is used to illustrate Figure 6 A view of the effect of a vehicle washing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be described below based on embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments do not limit the present invention and are examples. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components and processes shown in the accompanying drawings will be represented by the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be appropriately omitted.

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 is a view showing a vehicle washing device 1 according to a first embodiment. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle washing device 1, Figure 2 is a side view of the vehicle cleaning device 1. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the cylinder body 10 and the cap 16 are shown in cross section. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the cap 16 is shown in FIG.

[0030] The vehicle washing device 1 includes: a cylinder 10; a piston 12, which is slidably inserted into the cylinder 10; a nozzle unit 14, which is installed at the front end of the piston 12 and sprays a washing fluid (e.g., washing liquid) toward an object to be washed; and a cap 16, which closes a gap between the cylinder 10 and the piston 12 in an opening of the cylinder 10 through which the piston 12 protrudes.

[0031] The vehicle washing device 1 is accommodated inside the vehicle body or behind the bumper. When washing is performed, the nozzle unit 14 protrudes from the vehicle body or the bumper to the outside, and the fluid is ejected from the nozzle unit 14 to wash the object to be washed. The object to be washed may be, for example, a housing cover containing at least one of a lighting unit (lamp unit), a camera, and a sensor (e.g., LiDAR), or may be, for example, a vehicle body, a vehicle window, or a rearview mirror.

[0032] In the following description, the extending direction of the cylinder 10 and the piston 12 will be referred to as the axial direction; the direction passing through the central axis of the cylinder 10 and the piston 12 and perpendicular to these central axes will be referred to as the radial direction; and the side in the axial direction where the nozzle unit 14 is provided relative to the piston 12 will be referred to as the front side. The axial direction corresponds to the direction in which the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 move. However, these indications do not limit the use posture of the vehicle washing device 1, and the vehicle washing device 1 can be used in any posture.

[0033] The cylinder 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A pipe (not shown) is connected to the rear end of the cylinder 10 via a connecting portion 18. The pipe is connected to a cleaning fluid storage tank (not shown) provided in the vehicle body. Cleaning fluid delivered from the cleaning fluid storage tank flows into the cylinder 10.

[0034] The piston 12 includes a cylindrical tubular portion 20 and a flange 22 that protrudes radially outward from the tubular portion 20 at a position close to the rear end of the tubular portion 20. Inside the tubular portion 20, a spring 24, such as a helical tension spring (i.e., a tension coil spring), is provided, the front end of the spring 24 being fixed to the tubular portion 20 and the rear end of the spring 24 being fixed to the cylinder body 10. Therefore, the piston 12 is urged toward the rear side relative to the cylinder body 10 by the spring 24.

[0035] When the vehicle cleaning device 1 is not cleaning, the piston 12 is held at the rear moving end (i.e., at the rear end) by the urging force of the spring 24. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position of the piston 12 in this state is also referred to as the retracted position. Similarly, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the front end of the tubular portion 20 protrudes toward the front side through the opening at the front end of the cylinder body 10, that is, the front end of the tubular portion 20 is located outside the cylinder body 10. The cleaning fluid flowing into the cylinder body 10 flows into the tubular portion 20.

[0036] An annular sealing body 26 is mounted on the rear side of the flange 22. The sealing body 26 is made of an elastically deformable material such as a rubber material. The sealing body 26 is nested around the tubular portion 20. The outer diameter of the sealing body 26 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder 10, and the outer periphery of the sealing body 26 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 10a of the cylinder 10. Therefore, when the cleaning fluid is supplied to the cylinder 10, the cleaning fluid is prevented from flowing into the radial gap 28 between the tubular portion 20 and the piston 12 at a position in front of the sealing body 26.

[0037] The cap 16 includes an annular portion 30 and a tubular portion 32 extending toward the rear side from the annular portion 30. The annular portion 30 is nested around the tubular portion 20 of the piston 12. The outer diameter of the annular portion 30 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder 10. The cap 16 is installed so that the annular portion 30 contacts the front end of the cylinder 10 to close the gap between the cylinder 10 and the piston 12 in the opening of the cylinder 10.

[0038] The tubular portion 32 of the cap 16 is located inside the cylinder 10 to surround the tubular portion 20 of the piston 12. The tubular portion 32 of the cap 16 is nested around the tubular portion 20 of the piston 12. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16 is equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder 10.

[0039] As will be described in detail later, when the vehicle washing device 1 performs washing, the piston 12 moves toward the front side until the flange 22 contacts the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16. Therefore, the axial distance S between the front end 22a of the flange 22 and the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 when the piston 12 is in the retracted position is the stroke length of the piston 12. Therefore, the length L of the tubular portion 32 in the axial direction is determined based on the design value of the stroke length of the piston 12 to be achieved. Specifically, in order to increase the stroke length, the length L of the tubular portion 32 in the axial direction is reduced, and in order to reduce the stroke length, the length L of the tubular portion 32 in the axial direction is increased. Therefore, it is possible to produce vehicle washing devices with different stroke lengths of the piston 12 while using common components other than the cap.

[0040] An air hole 10b providing communication between the inside and outside of the cylinder 10 is formed at the front end of the cylinder 10. In this embodiment, the opening 10c of the air hole 10b in the inner peripheral surface 10a of the cylinder 10 is completely located radially outside the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16.

[0041] In the example shown, the air hole 10b is a cutout hole, but it can be a through hole instead. The air hole 10b is formed so that the opening area of ​​the opening 10d on the outside, that is, in the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 10, is smaller than the opening area of ​​the opening 10c on the inside, that is, in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 10. Therefore, the opening 10d of the air hole 10b on the outside is formed to be relatively small. In the example shown in which the air hole 10b is a cutout hole, the cutout portion is shallower (that is, shorter in the axial direction) on the outside of the cylinder body 10 than on the inside of the cylinder body 10. Therefore, while allowing air to flow in and out through the air hole 10b, dust, moisture, etc. are prevented from entering through the air hole 10b.

[0042] At least one communication groove 32c is formed in the outer peripheral surface 32b of the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16. The communication groove 32c is a recess extending from the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 to the radial inner side of the air hole 10b. When a plurality of communication grooves 32c are formed, these grooves should be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Although the structure of the communication groove 32c is not particularly limited, the communication groove 32c in the present embodiment is formed to extend linearly in the axial direction. The cross-sectional shape of the communication groove 32c may be U-shaped, V-shaped or other shapes. In a state where the cap 16 is mounted on the cylinder body 10, the communication hole 34 extending in the axial direction from the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 is formed by the communication groove 32c and the inner peripheral surface 10a of the cylinder body 10. The communication hole 34 allows the gap 28 to communicate with the air hole 10b, and thus communicates with the outside of the cylinder body 10. Therefore, air can flow into and out of the gap 28, which enables the piston 12 to move.

[0043] A dust cover (sealing member) 36 is mounted on the front side of the cap 16. The dust cover 36 is made of an elastically deformable material such as a rubber material. The dust cover 36 is annular, and its inner peripheral surface 36a is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piston 12. Therefore, dust, moisture, etc. are prevented from entering the cylinder body 10, and the cleaning fluid is prevented from leaking from the cylinder body 10.

[0044] The nozzle unit 14 includes a valve housing 38, two nozzle holders 40 and two nozzles 42. The valve housing 38 is connected to the front end of the piston 12. A valve (not shown) is provided inside the valve housing 38. The valve is urged toward the rear side by a spring (not shown), such as a helical compression spring (i.e., a compression disc spring). When the cleaning fluid that has flowed into the piston 12 is supplied to the valve housing 38, the valve is opened due to the pressure of the cleaning fluid, and the cleaning fluid flows into the nozzle holder 40.

[0045] The nozzle holder 40 is rotatably supported on the sides (right and left sides) of the valve housing 38. The nozzles 42 are supported by the nozzle holder 40. In each nozzle 42, a jet port 42a is formed, through which the cleaning fluid is jetted.

[0046] A cover (not shown) is mounted on the front side of the nozzle unit 14. The cover closes the opening in the vehicle body or the bumper when the vehicle washing device 1 is not performing washing (ie, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position).

[0047] The basic configuration of the vehicle washing device 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the action of the device will be described.

[0048] When the cleaning fluid is supplied from the cleaning fluid storage tank to the cylinder 10 via the connecting pipe, the flange 22 of the piston 12 receives the pressure of the cleaning fluid, and the piston 12 moves to the front side from the retracted position, while stretching the spring 24. At the same time, as the piston 12 (particularly the flange 22) moves toward the front side, the air in the gap 28 between the cylinder 10 and the piston 12 flows to the outside of the cylinder 10 through the air hole 10b. The nozzle unit 14 moves toward the front side together with the piston 12 and protrudes to the outside through the opening in the vehicle body or the bumper. When the piston 12 has moved to the front moving end, specifically when the flange 22 of the piston 12 contacts the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16, the movement of the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 toward the front side stops. When the movement of the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 toward the front side stops, as the cleaning fluid is further supplied, the pressure of the cleaning fluid increases. When the pressure of the cleaning fluid acting on the valve exceeds the urging force of the spring in the valve housing 38, the valve opens to allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the nozzle holder 40 and be sprayed toward the object to be cleaned through the nozzle opening 42a of the nozzle 42.

[0049] When the supply of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid storage tank stops, the pressure of the cleaning fluid acting on the valve decreases and the valve closes, thereby stopping the spraying of the cleaning fluid through the nozzle 42. When the pressure of the cleaning fluid further decreases, the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 move to the rear side under the urging force of the spring 24, and the piston 12 returns to the retracted position. At the same time, as the piston 12 (particularly the flange 22) moves to the rear side, air flows from the outside of the cylinder 10 into the gap 28 through the air hole 10b.

[0050] Next, a method of manufacturing the vehicle washing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] Figure 4 1 is a manufacturing process diagram showing a manufacturing process of the vehicle washing device 1. The manufacturing process of the vehicle washing device 1 includes a forming step S102 and an assembling step S106.

[0052] In the forming step S102, components constituting the vehicle washing device 1 are formed. The forming step S102 includes a cap forming step S104 of forming the cap 16. In the cap forming step S104, the cap 16 is formed, wherein the length L of the tubular portion 32 in the axial direction is determined based on the design value of the stroke length S of the piston 12.

[0053] For example, when manufacturing N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) types of vehicle washing devices 1 having different stroke lengths of pistons 12, N types of caps 16 having different stroke lengths S are formed in the cap forming step S104. Components other than the caps are formed as components common to the N types of vehicle washing devices. These components can be formed using a known processing technique.

[0054] In the assembling step S106 , the vehicle washing device 1 is assembled using the components including the cap 16 .

[0055] Figure 4 The manufacturing process diagram is only an example, and other processes can be added.

[0056] According to this embodiment, it is possible to produce vehicle washing devices 1 having different stroke lengths of pistons 12, while components other than the cap are common components (i.e., common components other than the cap are used). In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to produce vehicle washing devices 1 having different stroke lengths of pistons 12 at relatively low cost.

[0057] The present invention has been described above based on this embodiment. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment is an example, and various modifications can be thought of from this example in terms of the combination of constituent elements and processes, and such modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

[0058] Modification 1

[0059] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the air hole 10b providing communication between the communication hole 34 and the outside of the cylinder body 10 is formed in the cylinder body 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the air hole may be formed in the annular portion 30 of the cap 16. For example, the air hole may be formed in the annular portion 30 to extend from the communication groove 32c.

[0060] Modification 2

[0061] Figure 5 is a side view of a vehicle washing device 1 according to a modified example. Figure 5 Corresponds to Figure 2In this modification, the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16 is formed to be relatively short in the axial direction. At least a portion of the opening 10c of the air hole 10b is located behind the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 of the cap 16 and faces the gap 28. In this case, the tubular portion 32 may not have the communicating groove 32c.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiment using specific words, the embodiment merely illustrates one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. Various modifications may be made to the embodiment and various changes may be made to the configuration in the embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Figures 6 to 8 2 is a view showing a vehicle washing device 1 according to a second embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle washing device 1 . Figure 7 and Figure 8 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional views and perspective sectional views of the vehicle washing device 1 taken along a vertical section including the central axis of the cylinder tube 100 .

[0064] The vehicle washing device 1 includes: a cylinder 8; a piston 12 slidably inserted into the cylinder 8; and a nozzle unit 14, which is installed at the front end 12a of the piston 12 (ie, the front end of the piston tube 200) and sprays a washing fluid (eg, washing liquid) F toward an object to be washed.

[0065] The vehicle washing device 1 is accommodated inside the vehicle body or behind the bumper. When washing is performed, the nozzle unit 14 protrudes from the vehicle body or the bumper to the outside and the washing fluid F is sprayed from the nozzle unit 14 to wash the object to be washed. The object to be washed may be, for example, a housing cover containing at least one of a lighting unit (lamp unit), a camera and a sensor (e.g., LiDAR), or may be, for example, a vehicle body, a vehicle window or a rearview mirror.

[0066] In the following description, the direction in which the cylinder tube 100 of the cylinder 8 and the piston tube 200 of the piston 12 extend (i.e., the extension direction) will be referred to as the axial direction A; the direction passing through the central axis of the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200 and perpendicular to these central axes (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the axial direction A and therefore orthogonal to the extension direction of the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200) will be referred to as the radial direction B; and in the axial direction A, the side and the opposite side where the nozzle unit 14 is provided relative to the piston tube 200 (i.e., the side opposite to the nozzle unit) will be referred to as the front side and the rear side, respectively. The axial direction A corresponds to the direction in which the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 move. These indications do not limit the posture of using the vehicle washing device 1, and the vehicle washing device 1 can be used in any posture.

[0067] The cylinder 8 includes a cylinder tube 100 formed in a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical coupling portion 18 coupled to the outer periphery of the cylinder tube 100 at a position close to the rear end thereof and extending vertically upward (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction A) from the outer periphery, and a spring support 19 provided inside the cylinder tube 100 at a position on the rear end. In the example shown, the coupling portion 18 is joined to the rear end of the outer periphery of the cylinder tube 100.

[0068] The cylinder tube 100 is open at both ends in the axial direction A. An inlet 10g that opens to the interior of the connecting portion 18 is formed in the outer periphery of the cylinder tube 100. The inlet 10g provides communication between the interior of the cylinder tube 100 and the interior of the connecting portion 18. The opening area S2 of the inlet 10g is smaller than the flow passage area S1 of the flow passage 18a inside the connecting portion 18. The flow passage area S1 refers to the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction, which is the extension direction of the connecting portion 18. The inlet opens to the interior of the connecting portion 18 at a position close to the rear side. The cylinder tube 100 has a facing portion 10h facing the front side in the width direction of the flow passage 18a extending in the up-down direction.

[0069] A pipe (not shown) is connected to the connecting portion 18. The pipe is connected to a cleaning fluid storage tank (not shown) provided in the vehicle body. The cleaning fluid F sent out from the cleaning fluid storage tank passes through the pipe and the connecting portion 18, and flows into the cylinder tube 100 through the inlet 10g. In this embodiment, as described above, the connecting portion 18 extends from the outer periphery of the cylinder tube 100 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction A. Therefore, compared with the case where the connecting portion extends from the rear end of the cylinder tube toward the rear side in the axial direction as in the vehicle cleaning device in the prior art, the total length of the vehicle cleaning device 1 in the axial direction A can be reduced without reducing the stroke length of the piston 12.

[0070] The spring support 19 includes a spring support portion 19a protruding radially inward from the rear end portion of the cylinder tube 100 and a spring fitting portion 19b extending from the radial inner side of the spring support portion 19a toward the rear side in the axial direction. The spring support portion 19a is semicircular arc-shaped when viewed in the axial direction A. The spring fitting portion 19b is substantially semi-cylindrical.

[0071] The piston 12 includes a cylindrical piston tube 200, an annular flange 22 protruding radially outward from the piston tube 200 at a position on the rear end of the piston tube 200, and a spring hook 23 protruding toward the inside of the piston tube 200 at a position on the front end of the piston tube 200. The piston tube 200 is slidably inserted into the cylinder tube 100. The piston tube 200 is open at both ends in the axial direction A. The piston tube 200 is an angular cylindrical body with a polygonal (hexagonal in this embodiment) cross section, but may also be a cylindrical body with a circular cross section.

[0072] The spring 24 is accommodated in the piston tube 200. The spring 24 is a helical extension spring (i.e., an extension coil spring). The spring 24 includes a main body 24a wound to a constant diameter, a snap-fit ​​portion 24b formed in a hook shape on the front end of the main body 24a, and an annular engagement portion 24c formed on the rear end of the main body 24a and wound to a larger diameter than the main body 24a.

[0073] The spring 24 is inserted into the piston tube 200 from the rear side through the opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100. The snap portion 24b is engaged with the spring hook 23 by being hung on the spring hook 23 of the piston 12. The annular engagement portion 24c is fitted around the spring fitting portion 19b of the spring support 19 of the cylinder 8 and rests on the spring support portion 19a. Therefore, the front end portion of the spring 24 is fixed to the piston 12, and the rear end portion of the spring 24 is fixed to the cylinder 8. Therefore, the piston 12 is urged by the spring 24 to the rear in the axial direction relative to the cylinder 8, that is, the piston 12 is urged by the spring 24 in the direction in which the piston 12 is retracted in the cylinder tube 100.

[0074] The opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100 is closed by the first cap 15. The first cap 15 includes a disc portion 15a and an annular protrusion 15b protruding from the front surface of the disc portion 15a toward the front in the axial direction. The annular protrusion 15b surrounds the spring fitting portion 19b and the annular engaging portion 24c. The first cap 15 restricts the movement of the annular engaging portion 24c toward the rear and prevents the annular engaging portion 24c from being separated from the spring support 19.

[0075] When the vehicle cleaning device 1 is not performing cleaning, the piston 12 is held at the rear moving end ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position of the piston 12 in this state is also referred to as the retracted position. Similarly, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the front end of the piston tube 200 protrudes forward in the axial direction through the opening 10f at the front end of the cylinder tube 100, that is, it is located outside the cylinder tube 100. The cleaning fluid F that has flowed into the cylinder tube 100 flows into the piston tube 200.

[0076] An annular sealing member 260 is installed on the rear side of the flange 22. The sealing member 260 is made of an elastically deformable material such as a rubber material. The sealing member 260 is fitted around the piston tube 200 and moves with the piston tube 200. The outer diameter of the sealing member 260 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder tube 100, and the outer periphery of the sealing member 260 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 10a of the cylinder tube 100. Therefore, when the cleaning fluid F is supplied to the cylinder tube 100, the cleaning fluid F is prevented from flowing into the gap G1 in the radial direction B between the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200 at a position in front of the sealing member 260.

[0077] A gap G2 between the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200 in the opening 10f at the front end of the cylinder tube 100 is closed by the second cap 160. The second cap 160 includes Figure 2 and Figure 5 The cap 16, the annular portion 30 and the tubular portion 32 extending axially rearward from the annular portion 30 in the first embodiment shown (see also Figure 2 and Figure 5 ). The second cap 160 in the second embodiment corresponds to the cap 16 in the first embodiment. The annular portion 30 is fitted around the piston tube 200. The outer diameter of the annular portion 30 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder tube 100. The second cap 160 is installed so that the annular portion 30 contacts the front end of the cylinder tube 100 to close the gap G2 between the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200 in the opening of the cylinder tube 100.

[0078] The tubular portion 32 of the second cap 160 is located inside the cylinder tube 100 so as to surround the piston tube 200. The tubular portion 32 of the second cap 160 is fitted around the piston tube 200. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 32 of the second cap 160 is equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder tube 100. When the vehicle washing device 1 performs washing, the piston 12 moves toward the front in the axial direction until the flange 22 contacts the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 of the second cap 160.

[0079] An air hole 10b is formed at the front end of the cylinder tube 100 to allow the gap G1 between the cylinder tube 100 and the piston tube 200 to communicate with the outside of the cylinder tube 100. The air hole 10b is formed at the front end of the cylinder tube 100. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the holes are cutouts, but they may also be through holes. By providing the air holes 10b, air can flow into and out of the gap G1, which enables the piston 12 to move.

[0080] The sealing member 36 is mounted on the front side of the second cap 160. The sealing member 36 is made of an elastically deformable material such as a rubber material. Figure 2 and Figure 5 Like the sealing member (dust cover) 36 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing member 36 in the second embodiment is also formed in an annular shape, and its inner peripheral surface 36a is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piston tube 200 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 and Figure 5 ). Therefore, the gap between the second cap 160 and the piston tube 200 is sealed, thereby preventing dust, moisture, etc. from entering the cylinder tube 100 and preventing the cleaning fluid F from leaking from the cylinder tube 100.

[0081] When the piston 12 is in the retracted position and the coupling 18 is viewed in the radial direction B, the rear end 20b of the piston tube 200 overlaps with the flow path 18a of the cleaning fluid F inside the coupling 18. In the example shown, the rear end 20b of the piston tube 200 also overlaps with the inlet 10g. Therefore, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the rear end 20b of the piston tube 200 is located on the inner side of the flow path 18a in the radial direction B, and further, in the example shown, is located on the inner side of the inlet 10g in the radial direction B. In this case, the length of the portion of the piston tube 200 protruding from the cylinder tube 100 in the axial direction A is reduced when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, so the total length of the vehicle cleaning device 1 in the axial direction A when the piston 12 is in the retracted position can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position and the coupling portion 18 is viewed in the radial direction B, the sealing member 260 overlaps with the opposing portion 10h and, accordingly, with the flow passage 18a. In other words, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the sealing member 260 is located on the inner side of the opposing portion 10h in the radial direction B and, accordingly, on the inner side of the flow passage 18a. In this case, the flange 22 can be arranged to be located at a relatively rearward position when the piston 12 is in the retracted position. Therefore, the distance S in the axial direction A between the front end 22a of the flange 22 and the rear end 32a of the tubular portion 32 when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, that is, the stroke length of the piston 12, can be increased (see also FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 and Figure 5 ). If the counter-surface portion 10h extends further toward the rear in the axial direction, the position of the sealing member 260 can be located further back in the axial direction. However, when the counter-surface portion 10h extends further toward the rear in the axial direction, the opening area S2 of the inlet 10g is correspondingly reduced. Therefore, the opening area S2 of the inlet 10g and the axial length of the counter-surface portion 10h should be determined so that the desired inflow flow rate can be achieved.

[0083] When the coupling 18 is viewed in the radial direction B, the annular engagement portion 24c of the spring 24 overlaps the flow passage 18a of the coupling 18. In other words, the annular engagement portion 24c is located on the inner side of the flow passage 18a in the radial direction B. In the illustrated example, the rear end 24d of the annular engagement portion 24c is located behind the inflow port 10g in the axial direction. The annular protrusion 15b of the first cap 15 surrounding the spring fitting portion 19b and the annular engagement portion 24c is located on the inner side of the flow passage 18a of the coupling 18 in the radial direction B. The front end 15c of the annular protrusion 15b is located on the inner side of the inflow port 10g in the radial direction B. In these cases, the annular engagement portion 24c of the spring 24 inserted through the opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100 is fixed to the cylinder tube 100 at a position closer to the rear end of the cylinder tube 100, so the annular engagement portion 24c can be fixed relatively easily.

[0084] The nozzle unit 14 includes a valve 37 for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid from the piston tube 200 to the nozzle unit 14, two nozzle holders 40 and two nozzles 42. The valve 37 includes a valve housing 38 and a valve element 39. The valve housing 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rear end of the valve housing 38 is pressed into and fitted into the front end of the piston tube 200. Specifically, the outer periphery 38f of the rear end of the valve housing 38 is fitted into the inner periphery 20a of the front end of the piston tube 200 so that the rear end 38e of the valve housing 38 is located in the piston tube 200. In the example shown, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the rear end 38e of the valve housing 38 reaches the radial inner side of the cylinder tube 100. Therefore, when viewed in the radial direction B, the rear end of the valve housing 38 overlaps with the second cap 160 and the sealing member 36.

[0085] A valve chamber 38a and a valve hole 38b are formed in the valve housing 38. The diameter of the valve hole 38b is smaller than the diameter of the valve chamber 38a, and is arranged in the rear of the valve chamber 38a in the axial direction so as to be continuous with the valve chamber 38a. The rear end of the inner wall of the valve chamber 38a is tapered, and the rear end of the tapered surface 38g constitutes a valve seat 38c on which the valve element 39 rests. In the present embodiment, the valve seat 38c is located radially inside the front end of the piston tube 200 (that is, the valve seat 38c is located radially inside the front end of the piston tube 200). In addition, in the illustrated example, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the valve seat 38c is located radially inside the sealing member 36. The valve seat 38c may be located in the axial direction at a position further back than the position of the valve seat 38c in the illustrated example, and when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the valve seat 38c may be located radially inside the second cap 160 and may be located radially inside the cylinder tube 100.

[0086] The valve housing 38 includes a restraining portion 38d protruding inward at the rear end of the valve housing 38. The restraining portion 38d may contact the snap portion 24b of the spring 24 from the front side, or may be provided with a small gap left between the snap portion 24b and the restraining portion 38d as shown in the figure. In the present embodiment, the restraining portion 38d faces the spring hook 23 in the axial direction A, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The restraining portion 38d restrains the movement of the snap portion 24b toward the front in the axial direction, thereby reducing the possibility that the snap portion 24b and the spring hook 23 are separated from each other, that is, the snap portion 24b may fall off the spring hook 23.

[0087] The valve element 39 is made of, for example, an elastically deformable rubber material. The valve element 39 includes a valve body 39a and a protrusion 39b. The valve body 39a is arranged in the valve chamber 38a and its rear end is spherical. The protrusion 39b protrudes from the valve body 39a toward the rear in the axial direction and moves into the valve hole 38b. The valve element 39 is urged toward the rear in the axial direction by a spring (not shown), such as a helical compression spring (i.e., a compression disc spring). Under the urging force of the spring, the valve body 39a rests on the valve seat 38c. Therefore, the valve 37 is closed. As a result, the valve chamber 38a and the nozzle holder 40 are cut off from the valve hole 38b and the piston tube 200 (the communication between them is blocked).

[0088] When the cleaning fluid F that has flowed into the piston tube 200 is supplied to the valve hole 38b and the pressure of the cleaning fluid F acting on the valve element 39 exceeds the urging force of the spring that urges the valve element 39, the valve element 39 overcomes the urging force of the spring and moves away from the valve seat 38c. Therefore, the valve 37 is opened. As a result, the valve chamber 38a and the nozzle holder 40 are communicated with the valve hole 38b and the piston tube 200, so the cleaning fluid F flows into the nozzle holder 40.

[0089] The nozzle holders 40 are rotatably supported on the sides (right and left sides) of the valve housing 38. The nozzle holders 40 respectively support the nozzles 42. The cleaning fluid F having flowed into the nozzle holders 40 is ejected through the ejection ports 42a of the nozzles 42.

[0090] A cover (not shown) is mounted on the front side of the nozzle unit 14. The cover closes the opening in the vehicle body or the bumper when the vehicle washing device 1 is not performing washing (ie, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position).

[0091] The basic configuration of the vehicle washing device 1 according to the second embodiment has been described above. Next, the action of the device will be described.

[0092] When the cleaning fluid F is supplied to the cylinder tube 100 from the cleaning fluid storage tank via the coupling portion 18, the cleaning fluid F flows into the piston tube 200 and the flange 22 is subjected to the pressure F of the cleaning fluid, so that the piston 12 moves forward in the axial direction from the retracted position while the spring 24 is stretched. The nozzle unit 14 moves forward in the axial direction together with the piston 12 and protrudes outward to the outside through the opening in the vehicle body or the bumper. When the piston 12 has moved to the front moving end in the axial direction, specifically, when the flange 22 of the piston 12 contacts the second cap 160, the movement of the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 forward in the axial direction stops. When the movement of the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 forward in the axial direction stops, the pressure of the cleaning fluid F in the piston tube 200 rises as the cleaning fluid F is further supplied. Then, the valve 37 is opened to allow the cleaning fluid F to flow into the nozzle holder 40, and the cleaning fluid F is sprayed toward the object to be cleaned through the injection port 42a of the nozzle 42.

[0093] When the supply of the washer fluid F from the washer fluid storage tank stops, the pressure of the washer fluid F acting on the valve element 39 decreases, the valve 37 closes, the washer fluid F stops flowing into the nozzle holder 40, and the injection of the washer fluid F from the nozzle 42 stops. When the pressure of the washer fluid F further decreases, the piston 12 and the nozzle unit 14 move rearward in the axial direction under the urging force of the spring 24, and the piston 12 returns to the retracted position.

[0094] Next, a method of assembling the vehicle washing device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0095] Fig. 9 Parts (a) to (d) in FIG. 1 are views showing the assembly process of the vehicle washing device 1. Fig. 9 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the piston 12 is inserted into the cylinder tube 100 through the opening 10 f at the front end of the cylinder tube 100 .

[0096] like Fig. 9 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the spring 24 is inserted into the piston tube 200 inside the cylinder tube 100 through the opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100. The buckle portion 24b of the spring 24 is connected to the spring hook 23 ( Fig. 9 ), and the annular engagement portion 24c engages with the spring support 19 ( Fig. 9 Therefore, the spring 24 is inserted into the piston tube 200, and the front end of the spring 24 is fixed to the piston 12, and the rear end of the spring 24 is fixed to the cylinder 8.

[0097] like Fig. 9As shown in part (c), the first cap 15 is installed at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100 to close the opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100. The second cap 160 and the sealing member 36 are installed at the front end of the cylinder tube 100 to close the opening 10f at the front end of the cylinder tube 100.

[0098] like Fig. 9 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1 , the nozzle unit 14 is mounted on the front end of the piston 12 . Specifically, the rear end of the valve housing 38 of the nozzle unit 14 is press-fitted into the inner circumference of the piston tube 200 .

[0099] Next, effects produced by this embodiment will be described.

[0100] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 1 is a view for describing the effect of the vehicle washing device 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle washing device 101 according to a comparative example.

[0101] In the vehicle washing device 101 according to the comparative example, the inner periphery of the rear end portion of the valve housing 138 of the valve 137 is fitted to the outer side of the front end portion of the piston tube 200. In this case, the boundary 140 between the piston tube 200 and the valve housing 138 is exposed in the outer periphery of the piston tube 200. The piston tube 200 is configured so that the sealing member 36 does not cross the boundary.

[0102] In contrast, in the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the valve housing 38 is fitted on the inner periphery of the front end portion of the piston tube 200. Therefore, unlike the boundary in the comparative example, the boundary between the piston tube 200 and the valve housing 38 is not exposed in the outer periphery of the piston tube 200. Therefore, the piston tube 200 can be retracted into the cylinder tube 100 until the sealing member 36 is located near the front end of the piston tube 200. This means that the total length of the vehicle washing device 1 in the axial direction A when the piston 12 is in the retracted position can be reduced while keeping the stroke length of the piston 12 equal to that of the comparative example.

[0103] In the vehicle washing device 101 according to the comparative example, the valve seat 138c is located outside the piston tube 200 (that is, the valve seat 138c is located in the axial direction front of the piston tube 200). In this case, the length of the portion of the nozzle unit 14 protruding in the axial direction front from the piston tube 200 is longer, and accordingly, the total length of the vehicle washing device 1 in the axial direction A is longer when the piston 12 is in the retracted position.

[0104] In contrast, in the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, the valve seat 38c is located in the piston tube 200. When the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the valve seat 38c can be located radially inside the sealing member 36 or behind the sealing member in the axial direction. Therefore, the valve seat 38c can be located radially inside the sealing member 36, the second cap 160 or the cylinder tube 100. In these cases, the length of the portion of the nozzle unit 14 protruding toward the front from the piston tube 200 is reduced compared with the comparative example. Therefore, the total length of the vehicle washing device 1 in the axial direction A when the piston 12 is in the retracted position can be reduced while keeping the stroke length of the piston 12 equal to the stroke length of the comparative example.

[0105] In the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the rear end 20b of the piston tube 200 is located radially inside the flow passage 18a of the coupling portion 18 in the radial direction B. The rear end 20b of the piston tube 200 may be located inside the inflow port 10g in the radial direction B. In these cases, the length of the portion of the piston tube 200 that protrudes from the cylinder tube 100 in the axial direction A is reduced when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, and thus the total length of the vehicle washing device 1 in the axial direction A when the piston 12 is in the retracted position may be reduced.

[0106] In the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the sealing member 260 is located inside the flow passage 18a of the coupling portion 18 in the radial direction B. In this case, when the piston 12 is in the retracted position, the flange 22 can be arranged to be located at a relatively rearward position, which can increase the stroke length of the piston 12.

[0107] In the vehicle washing device 1 according to this embodiment, when the coupling portion 18 is viewed in the radial direction B, the annular engaging portion 24c of the spring 24 is located on the inner side of the flow passage 18a in the radial direction B. The rear end 24d of the annular engaging portion 24c may be located behind the inflow port 10g in the axial direction. In these cases, the annular engaging portion 24c of the spring 24 inserted through the opening 10e at the rear end of the cylinder tube 100 is fixed to the cylinder tube 100 at a position closer to the rear end of the cylinder tube 100, so the annular engaging portion 24c can be fixed relatively easily.

[0108] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiment. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiment is an example, and various modifications can be conceived in terms of combinations of constituent elements and processes based on this example, and such modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle cleaning device, characterized in that include: a cylinder to which a cleaning fluid is supplied; a piston (12) slidably inserted into the cylinder; a nozzle unit, the nozzle unit being mounted at a front end of the piston (12) protruding from the cylinder body, the nozzle unit being configured to spray a cleaning fluid toward an object to be cleaned; and A cover cap, which closes the gap between the cylinder body and the piston (12) in the opening of the cylinder body through which the piston (12) protrudes, wherein: The cap includes a tubular portion located within the cylinder; The tubular portion defines a moving end of the piston (12) in a direction in which the front end of the piston (12) moves away from the cylinder body; A connecting groove (32c) is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion; A communication hole (34) is provided between the communication groove (32c) and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body, and the gap between the cylinder body and the piston (12) is communicated with the outside of the cylinder body through the communication hole (34). An air hole (10b) communicating with the communicating hole (34) is provided in the cylinder body. An opening of the air hole (10b) in the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body is smaller than an opening of the air hole (10b) in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body.

2. A method for manufacturing the vehicle cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: a step of forming components of the vehicle cleaning device; and The assembly step of assembling the vehicle washing device using the component, wherein The forming step includes a cap forming step of forming the cap, in which the length of the tubular portion in the moving direction of the piston (12) is determined based on a design value of the stroke length of the piston (12), and the opening of the air hole (10b) in the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body is made smaller than the opening of the air hole (10b) in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body.

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