Patent Abstract:
A washer nozzle includes: a first nozzle body ( 40 ) provided with a fitting recess (FC) having a bottom portion ( 41   a ) and a side wall ( 41   b ); a second nozzle body ( 50 ) having a close close-contact wall ( 51 ) in close contact with the side wall ( 41   b ) and fitted in the fitting recess (FC); channels (MS, SS) provided between the bottom portion ( 41   a ) and a contact plane ( 52 ) and allowing washer liquid to flow therethrough; and a sealing portion provided between the edge portion ( 44 ) of the first nozzle body ( 40 ) and the spherical surface ( 53 ) of the second nozzle body ( 50 ) and sealing between the first nozzle body ( 40 ) and the second nozzle body ( 50 ). In this manner, the nozzle bodies ( 40, 50 ) can be fitted to each other in a concave-convex fitting while the side wall ( 41   b ) and the close-contact wall ( 51 ) are in a close contact with each other, that is, the side wall ( 41   b ) and the close-contact wall ( 51 ) can be fitted to each other in a concave-convex fitting with an insertion margin provided therebetween, and as a result, the joint strength between the nozzle bodies ( 40, 50 ) can be increased to improve the sealing properties. Therefore, a variation in the spread range of the washer liquid can be reduced.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is entitled to the benefit of and incorporates by reference subject matter disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2012/063187 filed on May 23, 2012 and Japanese Patent Application No. JP2011-135013 filed on Jun. 17, 2011. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a washer nozzle provided with a nozzle that jets a washer fluid toward a surface to be washed and with a nozzle holding member that holds the nozzle, and a manufacturing method of the washer nozzle. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0003]    Conventionally, a vehicle, such as an automobile, is equipped with a washer device that removes dirt, such as dust, from the surface of a windshield (surface to be washed). The washer device has a pump that is actuated by operating a wiper switch disposed in a vehicle compartment, etc. The pump operates to jet a washer solution (washer fluid) out of a washer tank toward the surface to be washed through a hose and a washer nozzle. As the washer fluid is jet out, a wiper blade is reciprocated to make a wiping action. Hence dirt sticking to the surface to be washed is removed. 
         [0004]    The washer nozzle has a nozzle that jets the washer fluid, and a so-called spread-type nozzle capable of spreading the washer fluid across a wide area of the surface to be washed is known as such a nozzle. This spread-type nozzle makes it possible to efficiently wash the surface to be washed using a small amount of the washer fluid. For example, techniques described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-067887 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-227209 are known as techniques related to such a spread-type nozzle. 
         [0005]    A nozzle (jet-direction-variable spread nozzle) described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-067887 includes a lower oscillating nozzle having therein a supply port, an inner channel, a feedback channel, and a jet port, and a tabular upper lid nozzle closing the lower oscillating nozzle. The upper lid nozzle is superposed on the lower oscillating nozzle to close its channels, and both nozzles are joined together by a joining means, such as welding. 
         [0006]    A nozzle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-227209 includes a first split body and a second split body which have therein liquid inlet portions, liquid jet portions, and self-vibrating channels and are formed into the same shape (hemisphere). Both split bodies are abutted against each other on their sides where the channels, etc. are formed, and a molten resin is supplied to a slot formed on the periphery of abutting surfaces to join both split bodies together. 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to the nozzles described in the above-explained Patent Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-067887 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-227209, the planes of two members making up the nozzle (lower oscillating nozzle and upper oscillating nozzle/first split body and second split body) are abutted against each other and then both members are joined together by the joining means, such as welding. When the pressure of a washer fluid flowing through the nozzle is high, therefore, a gap may be formed between both members because both members, which are welded together on their planes in contact with each other, have joining strength that is not sufficient enough. When a gap is formed between the two members and it reduces their sealing performance, giving accurate self-vibration to the washer fluid becomes impossible. This poses such a problem that the spreading area of the washer fluid becomes irregular. 
         [0008]    The object of the present invention is to provide a washer nozzle that enhances the sealing performance of two members making up a nozzle, thereby suppresses the irregularity of a spreading range and to provide a manufacturing method of the washer nozzle. 
         [0009]    A washer nozzle of the present invention has a nozzle that jets a washer fluid toward a surface to be washed and a nozzle holding member that holds the nozzle, the washer nozzle comprising: a first nozzle body forming the nozzle and including a fitting recess having a bottom portion and a side wall; a second nozzle body forming the nozzle and having an opposed wall facing the side wall, the second nozzle body being fitted in the fitting recess; a channel formed between the bottom portion of the first nozzle body and one of two ends of the second nozzle body across the opposed wall, the channel allowing the washer fluid to flow therethrough; and a sealing portion formed between an opening-side of the fitting recess of the first nozzle body and the other one of the two ends of the second body across the opposed wall, the sealing portion sealing a gap between the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body. 
         [0010]    In the washer nozzle according to the present invention, the sealing portion is continuously formed along a periphery of the nozzle. 
         [0011]    A manufacturing method of a washer nozzle of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a washer nozzle including a nozzle that jets a washer fluid toward a surface to be washed and a nozzle holding member that holds the nozzle, the manufacturing method including: a fitting step of preparing a first nozzle body including a fitting recess having a bottom portion and a side wall and a second nozzle body having an opposed wall facing the side wall and fitting the second nozzle body in the fitting recess to form a channel allowing the washer fluid to flow therethrough between the bottom portion of the first nozzle body and one of two ends of the second nozzle body across the opposed wall; a sealing step of supplying a sealing member to a gap between an opening-side of the fitting recess of the first nozzle body and the other one of the two ends of the second body across the opposed wall to form a sealing portion between the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body; and a mounting step of fitting the nozzle completed by the sealing process in a mounting recess formed in the nozzle holding member. 
         [0012]    In the manufacturing method of the washer nozzle according to the present invention, the sealing portion is continuously formed along a periphery of the nozzle. 
         [0013]    According to the present invention, the washer nozzle includes a first nozzle body including a fitting recess having a bottom portion and a side wall; a second nozzle body having an opposed wall facing the side wall, the second nozzle body being fitted in the fitting recess; a channel formed between the bottom portion of the first nozzle body and one of two ends of the second nozzle body across the opposed wall, the channel allowing the washer fluid to flow therethrough; and a sealing portion formed between an opening-side of the fitting recess of the first nozzle body and the other one of the two ends of the second body across the opposed wall, the sealing portion sealing a gap between the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body. In this configuration, the nozzle bodies can be fitted together by concave-convex (male-female) fitting such that the side wall and the opposed wall are closely attached (contacted) with an insertion margin. This enhances the joining strength of both nozzle bodies and suppresses the deformation of both nozzle bodies caused by the pressure of the washer fluid. Hence the sealing performance is improved and the irregularity of the spreading range of the washer fluid is suppressed. The channels formed inside the nozzle and the sealing portion sealing the nozzle bodies together are separated from each other via the side wall (opposed wall). As a result, the deformation of the nozzle bodies occurring near the channels is hardly transmitted to the sealing portion, so that the sealing performance is maintained for a long period. 
         [0014]    According to the present invention, the sealing portion is formed continuously along the periphery of the nozzle. For example, the sealing portion can be formed into an annual shape. As a result, for example, the strength of the sealing portion is enhanced, as compared to a case of a nozzle having two sealing portions separated from each other, and therefore the sealing performance is further improved. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing part of a vehicle equipped with a washer nozzle according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are enlarged perspective views of a single nozzle; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are explanatory diagrams for explaining a sealing process of sealing the nozzle; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of a second nozzle body according to a second embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of a washer nozzle according to a third embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a single nozzle of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIG. 10  seen from below; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIG. 10  seen from above; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are explanatory diagrams for explaining a bonding process of bonding the nozzle of  FIG. 10 ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a partition member of a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing part of a vehicle equipped with a washer nozzle according to the present invention,  FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 2 ,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are enlarged perspective views of a single nozzle, and  FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10 , such as automobile, has a front glass (surface to be washed)  11 , i.e., wind shield, provided on the front side of the vehicle  10 . A DR-side (driver&#39;s seat side) wiper member  12  and an AS-side (assistant driver&#39;s seat side) wiper member  13  are swingably provided on the front glass  11 . 
         [0032]    The DR-side wiper member  12  has a DR-side wiper blade  12   a  and a DR-side wiper arm  12   b.  The DR-side wiper blade  12   a  is rotatably attached to the front end of the DR-side wiper arm  12   b.  The AS-side wiper member  13  has an AS-side wiper blade  13   a  and an AS-side wiper arm  13   b.  The AS-side wiper blade  13   a  is rotatably attached to the front end of the AS-side wiper arm  13   b.    
         [0033]    On the base end of each of the wiper arms  12   b  and  13   b,  a link mechanism (not illustrated) is disposed, which converts the rotary motion of a wiper motor (not illustrated) into a swinging motion. When the wiper motor is driven to rotate, the wiper blades  12   a  and  13   a  reciprocate to make wiping actions in wiping areas  11   a  and  11   b  on the front glass  11 , respectively. 
         [0034]    A hood  10   a  is disposed on the front side of the vehicle  10 . On a part of the hood  10   a  close to the front glass  11 , a pair of washer nozzles  14  is attached. One end of a hose (not illustrated) is connected to each of the washer nozzles  14 , while the other end of the hose is connected to a washer tank (not illustrated) via a pump (not illustrated). Each washer nozzle  14  is a so-called spread-type washer nozzle. By switching on a wiper switch (not illustrated), the washer nozzle  14  is caused to jet a washer solution (washer fluid) toward relatively wide jet areas  15   a  and  15   b  on the front glass  11 . 
         [0035]    Each washer nozzle  14  has the same configuration, and, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , is provided with a nozzle holding member  20  and a nozzle  30  that are molded out of a resin material, such as plastic, into given shapes. 
         [0036]    The nozzle holding member  20  has a head  21  and a leg  22 , which are fixed together into an integral structure. The head  21  has a mounting recess  21   a  which is open toward the front glass  11  when the washer nozzle  14  is fixed to the hood  10   a  (see  FIG. 1 ) and in which the nozzle  30  is fitted. The interior of the mounting recess  21  a is formed into a spherical shape so that the spherical nozzle  30  is rotatably held in the recess  21   a.    
         [0037]    The leg  22  is formed into a cylindrical shape, and a flow channel  22   a  through which the washer solution flows is formed inside the leg  22 . One end of the flow channel  22   a  (upper side in  FIG. 3 ) is connected to the mounting recess  21   a  of the head  21 . The washer solution flowing through the flow channel  22   a  is lead to the nozzle  30  mounted to the mounting recess  21   a.    
         [0038]    On the other end of the leg  22  (lower side in  FIG. 3 ), a tapered shoulder  22   b,  to which one end of a hose is connected, is formed integrally. The tapered shoulder  22   b  prevents the hose from slipping off. On a part of the head  21  closer to the leg  22 , a pair of engaging claws  21   b  are formed integrally. The engaging claws  21   b  are elastically deformed and are inserted through mounting holes (not illustrated) on the hood  10   a  to fix the nozzle holding member  20  (washer nozzle  14 ) to the hood  10   a.    
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  5 , the nozzle  30  has a first nozzle body  40  and a second nozzle body  50  between which a sealing portion  60  (shaded portion in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) is formed by curing a molten resin MR (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ). Each of the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  and the sealing portion  60  is molded out of a resin material, such as plastic, into a given shape. 
         [0040]    The nozzle  30  is formed into a spherical shape by joining the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together by the sealing portion  60 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the nozzle  30  formed into a spherical shape is pushed with a predetermined pressure toward the mounting recess  21   a  and is fitted therein. The nozzle  30  fitted in the mounting recess  21   a  can be rotated therein. Through this rotation, the tilt angle of the nozzle  30  against the nozzle holing member  20  is adjusted, that is, the jet position of the nozzle  30  for jetting the washer solution onto the front glass  11  (see  FIG. 1 ) is adjusted. 
         [0041]    The first nozzle body  40  has a spherical main body  41  having a radius of curvature determined to be identical with the radius of curvature of the mounting recess  21   a,  an inlet-side projection  42  projecting from the spherical main body  41 , and a jet-side projection  43  projecting opposite to the inlet-side projection  42  from the spherical main body  41 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the spherical main body  41  has a bottom portion  41   a,  around which a side wall  41   b  (hatched line portion in  FIG. 5 ) is formed to encircle the bottom portion  41   a.  The bottom portion  41   a  and the side wall  41   b  jointly form a fitting recess FC in which the second nozzle body  50  is fitted. On the bottom portion  41   a,  a pair of channel-forming projections  41   c  are formed integrally, which extend from the inlet-side projection  42  toward the jet-side projection  43 . The channel-forming projections  41   c  form a main channel (passage) MS indicated by a continuous line arrow in  FIG. 5  and a pair of subchannels (passages) SS indicated by broken lines in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0043]    The inlet-side projection  42  is located inside the head  21  forming the nozzle holding member  20 , that is, located on the upstream side of the channels MS and SS (see  FIG. 3 ). The inlet-side projection  42  is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and has an inlet port  42   a  located radially inside the inlet-side projection  42 . The inlet port  42   a  has an opening area on its entrance side determined to be larger than an opening area on its exit side, so that a flow of the washer solution is squeezed at the exit side of the inlet port  42   a.  In other words, the inlet port  42   a  increases the flow velocity of the washer solution heading toward each of the channels MS and SS. 
         [0044]    The jet-side projection  43  is located outside the head  21  making up the nozzle holding member  20 , that is, located on the downstream side of the channels MS and SS (see  FIG. 3 ), and is directed toward the front glass  11 . The jet-side projection  43  is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and has a jet port  43   a  located radially inside the jet-side projection  43 . The jet-side projection  43  has an opening area on its entrance side determined to be smaller than an opening area on its exit side (not illustrated in detail), so that a flow of the washer solution is squeezed at the entrance side of the jet port  43   a.  In other words, the jet port  43   a  increases the flow velocity of the washer solution jetted toward the front glass  11 . 
         [0045]    The second nozzle body  50  is formed into a shape that can be fitted in the fitting recess FC of the first nozzle body  40 . On the periphery of the second nozzle body  50 , a close-contact wall  51  (hatched line portion in  FIG. 5 ) is formed as an opposed wall. When the second nozzle body  50  is fitted in the fitting recess FC, the close-contact wall  51  comes into contact with the side wall  41   b  forming the fitting recess FC. By contacting the close-contact wall  51  and the side wall  41   b  closely together, the interior and exterior of the nozzle  30  are hermetically sealed. This prevents the washer solution flowing through the channels MS and SS from leaking out of the nozzle  30 . 
         [0046]    One end of the second nozzle body  50  opposite to the other end of the same across the close-contact wall  51 , i.e., the back face (far side in  FIG. 5 ) of the second nozzle body  50  of  FIG. 5  is formed as an abutting plane  52 . This abutting plane  52  sticks closely to the front side (this side in  FIG. 5 ) of the channel-forming projections  41   c  without creating any gap when the second nozzle  50  is fitted in the fitting recess FC. In this manner, the channels MS and SS are located between the bottom portion  41   a  of the first nozzle body  40  and the abutting plane  52  of the second nozzle body  50 . 
         [0047]    The other end of the second nozzle body  50  opposite to the one end across the close-contact wall  51 , i.e., the front face (this side in  FIG. 5 ) of the second nozzle body  50  of  FIG. 5  is formed as a spherical surface  53 . Hence, when the second nozzle  50  is fitted in the fitting recess FC, the second nozzle body  50  and the first nozzle body  40  are joined together to form a sphere. 
         [0048]    On the spherical surface  53  of the second nozzle body  50 , a pair of jig-mounting recesses  53   a  is formed. The front end of a gripping jig (not illustrated) of an automatic assembling apparatus, etc., is engage with the jig-mounting recesses  53   a.  That is, as the second nozzle body  50  is being gripped by the gripping jig, while the second nozzle body  50  is being transferred to the first nozzle body  40 , the second nozzle body  50  is fitted in the fitting recess FC. 
         [0049]    As indicated by the shaded portion of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the sealing portion  60  is formed between an edge portion  44  formed on the opening side (upper side in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) of the fitting recess FC of the first nozzle body  40  and the other end of the second nozzle body  50  opposite to the one end across the close-contact wall  51 , i.e., the spherical surface  53 . The sealing portion  60  has a bonding function of bonding the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together and a sealing function of sealing the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together. The sealing portion  60  is formed into a predetermined shape as the molten resin MR (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) led in between the edge portion  44  and the spherical surface  53  is cured. 
         [0050]    The sealing portion  60  has an annular main body  61  and a padding portion  62 . The annular main body  61  is closer to the second nozzle body  50  with respect to the inlet port  42   a,  the channels MS and SS, and the jet port  43   a  and is formed continuously along the periphery of the nozzle  30  into a substantially annular shape. The padding portion  62  is integrally provided with the annular main body  61  on the jet-side projection  43  side, and has a section of a substantially circular arc shape so that the padding portion  62  covers a gate plane portion  43   b  formed on the jet-side projection  43 . 
         [0051]    A gate (molten resin supply port) formed on a die (not illustrated) that is use when the sealing portion  60  is molded (when the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  are bonded) faces the gate plane portion  43   b.  This causes the supplied molten resin MR from the gate to flow along the gate plain surface  43   b  and into a gap between the edge portion  44  and the spherical surface  53 . 
         [0052]    Next, the self-vibration action of the nozzle  30 , i.e., washer-solution spreading action by the channels MS and SS will be described. 
         [0053]    The washer solution flowing through the inlet port  42   a  into the nozzle  30  is split into a flow of the solution heading for the main channel MS indicated by a solid line arrow in  FIG. 5  and flows of the solution heading for the subchannels SS indicated by broken line arrows in  FIG. 5 . The split flows of the solution in the subchannels SS make a turn at the jet port  43   a  to travel back to the inlet port  42   a  and rejoin the flow of the solution in the main channel MS. In this manner, the flows of the solution in the subchannels SS are joined to the flow of the solution in the main channel MS, as feedback flows. This causes the washer solution jetted out of the jet port  43   a  to vibrate. As a result, the washer solution jetted out of the jet port  43   a  toward the front glass  11  spreads across a wide area. 
         [0054]    Next, a manufacturing method of the washer nozzle  14  formed in the above manner will be described in detail, referring to the drawings. 
         [0055]      FIG. 6A and 6B  are explanatory diagrams for explaining a sealing process of sealing the nozzle. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  (components) are molded first. In the process of molding the nozzle bodies  40  and  50 , given dies (not illustrated) corresponding respectively to the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  are used and a molten resin is injected into the dies to mold the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  of given shapes (injection molding). 
         [0057]    Subsequently, the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  molded by the component molding process are prepared, and the second nozzle body  50  is fitted into the fitting recess FC of the first nozzle body  40 . At this time, the side wall  41   b  of the first nozzle body  40  is closely attached to the close-contact wall  51  of the second nozzle body  50  while the abutting plane  52  of the second nozzle body  50  is closely attached to the front end side of the channel-forming projections  41   c  of the first nozzle body  40 . In this manner, the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  are fitted together, making the channels MS and SS between the bottom portion  41   a  and the abutting plane  52 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . This fitting process is performed by engaging the gripping jig of the automatic assembling apparatus, etc., with the jig-mounting recesses  53   a  and controlling the gripping jig to move the second nozzle body  50 . 
         [0058]    Following the above-described fitting process, as shown in  FIG. 6A , a continuous, substantially annular slot G is formed along the periphery of the nozzle  30  between the nozzle body  40  and the nozzle body  50  (edge portion  44  and spherical surface  53 ). 
         [0059]    Subsequently, the hot molten resin (sealing member) MR is supplied by a predetermined pressure from the gate of the die (not illustrated) into the substantially annular slot G formed by the fitting process, as indicated by a heavy line arrow. This causes the molten resin MR proceeding along the gate plane portion  43   b  to reach every part of the slot G, thus melting the part of nozzle bodies  40  and  50  in contact with the molten resin MR. As a result, the peripheries of the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  in contact with the molten resin MR are systematically joined together via the molten resin MR. Hence the sealing portion  60  (annular main body  61  and padding portion  62 ) is formed between the nozzle body  40  and the nozzle body  50 . The nozzle body  40  and the nozzle body  50  are thus firmly bonded to each other, which gives the completed form of the nozzle  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
         [0060]    Here, as shown in  FIG. 6B , as a result of fitting the first and second nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together by non-level joining, an insertion margin IS is formed between the side wall  41   b  and the close-contact wall  51 . Because of this insertion margin IS, a first sealed portion JS 1  where the first nozzle body  40  and the sealing portion  60  are in contact with each other and a second sealed portion JS 2  where the second nozzle body  50  and the sealing portion  60  are in contact with each other are separated from the channels MS and SS. In addition, as a result of fitting the first and second nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together by non-level joining, the second nozzle body  50  is provided as a thick-walled body with high rigidity so that it is hardly deformed. 
         [0061]    Subsequently, the nozzle  30  completed by the sealing process is prepared and the nozzle holding member  20  assembled by a separate process is also prepared. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the nozzle  30  is pushed with a predetermined pressure to fit (mount) it in the mounting recess  21   a  of the nozzle holding member  20 . The nozzle  30  is fitted in such that the jet port  43   a  is directed to the opening of the mounting recess  21   a.  At the same time, the position of the nozzle  30  relative to the nozzle holding member  20  is adjusted so that the first nozzle body  40  is located on the lower side (closer to the leg  22 ) in  FIG. 3 . In this manner, the washer nozzle  14  is completed. However, the position of the nozzle  30  may be adjusted so that the second nozzle body  50  is located on the lower side in  FIG. 3 . What is required is to set the jet port  43   a  in a horizontally elongated open state along the horizontal direction of the front glass  11 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0062]    As described above, according to the first embodiment, the nozzle includes the first nozzle body  40  provided with the fitting recess FC having the bottom portion  41   a  and the side wall  41   b,  the second nozzle body  50  that has the close-contact wall  51  in a close contact with the side wall  41   b  and that is fitted in the fitting recess FC, the channels MS and SS that are formed between the bottom portion  41   a  of the first nozzle body  40  and the abutting plane  52  on the one end of the second nozzle body  50  opposite to the other end across the close-contact wall  51  and that allows the washer fluid to flow through the channels MS and SS; and the sealing portion  60  that is formed between the edge portion  44  on the opening-side of the fitting recess FC of the first nozzle body  40  and the spherical surface  53  on the other end of the second nozzle body  50  opposite to the one end across the close-contact wall  51  and that seals a gap between the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50 . 
         [0063]    In this manner, the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  are fitted together by non-level joining, by attaching the side wall  41   b  and close-contact wall  51  closely together with the insertion margin IS formed therebetween. This thus enhances the bonding strength of both nozzle bodies, thereby suppressing the deformation of both nozzle bodies caused by the pressure of the washer solution. Hence the sealing performance is improved and the irregularity of the spreading area of the washer solution is suppressed. Because the channels MS and SS formed in the nozzle  30  are separated from the sealing portion  60  sealing the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  together, via the side wall  41   b  (contact wall  51 ), making it harder to transmit the deformation of the nozzle bodies  40  and  50  near the channels MS and SS to the sealing portion  60 . As a result, the sealing performance is maintained for a long period. 
         [0064]    Further, according to the first embodiment, the sealing portion  60  is formed as the continuous, substantially annular sealing portion extending along the periphery of the nozzle  30 . As a result, for example, the strength of the sealing portion is enhanced, compared to a case of a nozzle having two sealing portions separated from each other, and therefore the sealing performance is further improved. 
         [0065]    A second embodiment of the present invention will then be described in detail, referring to the drawings. The components same as the components described in the first embodiment in terms of function are denoted by the same reference numerals and are omitted in further description. 
         [0066]      FIG. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of a second nozzle body according to the second embodiment. 
         [0067]    The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the channel-forming projections  41   c  formed integrally on the first nozzle body  40  (see  FIG. 5 ) are omitted and that, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , channel-forming projections  71  identical in shape with the channel-forming projections  41   c  are formed integrally on a plane portion  72  on one end of a second nozzle body  70  opposite to the other end of the same across the close-contact wall  51 . The channel-forming projections  71  extend into the first nozzle body  40 , thereby allowing their front ends to stick closely to the bottom portion  41   a  of the first nozzle body  40  without creating any gap. 
         [0068]    In this manner, the channels MS and SS (see  FIG. 5 ) are formed between the bottom portion  41   a  of the first nozzle body  40  and the plane portion  72  of the second nozzle body  70 . In other words, by integrating the first nozzle body  40  from which the channel-forming projections  41   c  are omitted and the second nozzle body  70 , a nozzle (not illustrated) identical in shape with the nozzle  30  of the first embodiment is formed. 
         [0069]    The nozzle of the second embodiment configured in the above manner achieves the same effect as achieved by the nozzle of the first embodiment. 
         [0070]    The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments and it is needless to say that various modifications of can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, according to the first and second embodiments, the molten resin MR is supplied to the substantially annular slot G (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) between the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  ( 70 ) to bond both nozzle bodies together. The present invention, however, is not limited to this configuration. The periphery of the slot G between the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  ( 70 ) may be bonded by other bonding means, such as an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, and hot-melt welding. 
         [0071]    According to the first and second embodiments, the opposed wall is described as the close-contact wall  51  closely attached to the side wall  41   b.  The present invention, however, is not limited to this configuration. The opposed wall may be formed as a wall with a partial gap created between the wall and the side wall  41   b.  In this case, work of fitting the second nozzle body in the first nozzle body can be made easier. Because the molten resin MR making up the sealing portion  60  (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) flows into the gap formed between the first nozzle body and the second nozzle body, the sealing performance is not impaired in this case. 
         [0072]    According to the first and second embodiments, the front end side of the channel-forming projections  41   c  ( 71 ) is closely attached to the abutting plane  52  (bottom portion  41   a ) to form the channels MS and SS. The present invention, however, is not limited to this configuration. A plate member softer than the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  ( 70 ) may be interposed between the front end side of the channel-forming projections  41   c  ( 71 ) and the abutting plane  52  (bottom portion  41   a ). This improves the sealing performance. In this case, the channel-forming projections  41   c  of the first nozzle body  40  or the channel-forming projections  71  of the second nozzle body  70  may be omitted and channel-forming projections may be formed integrally on the plate member. This facilitates molding of the first nozzle body  40  and the second nozzle body  50  ( 70 ). 
         [0073]    According to the first and second embodiments, the washer nozzle  14  is used in a device that washes the front glass  11  of the vehicle  10 . The washer nozzle  14  of the present invention, however, is not limited to this usage. The washer nozzle  14  may be applied to devices that wash the rear glass of the vehicle  10 , windshields of airplanes, railroad cars, etc. 
         [0074]    Next, a third embodiment will then be described in detail with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of a washer nozzle according to a third embodiment,  FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the washer nozzle of  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a single nozzle of  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIG. 10  seen from below, and  FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of  FIG. 10  seen from above. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a washer nozzle  140  of the third embodiment includes a nozzle holding member  200  and a nozzle  300  each of which is molded out of a resin material, such as plastic, into a given shape. 
         [0076]    The nozzle holding member  200  has a head  210  and a leg  220 , which are fixed together into an integral structure. The head  210  has a mounting recess  210   a  which is open toward the front glass  11  when the washer nozzle  140  is fixed to the hood  10   a  (see  FIG. 1 ) and in which the nozzle  300  is mounted. The interior of the mounting recess  210   a  is formed into a spherical shape so that the spherical nozzle  300  is held rotatably in the recess  210   a.    
         [0077]    The leg  220  is formed into a cylindrical shape, and a flow channel  220   a  through which the washer solution flows is formed inside the leg  220 . One end of the flow channel  220   a  (upper side in  FIG. 9 ) is connected to the mounting recess  210   a  of the head  210 . The washer solution flowing through the flow channel  220   a  is lead to the nozzle  300  fitted in the mounting recess  210   a.    
         [0078]    On the other end of the leg  220  (lower side in  FIG. 9 ), a tapered shoulder  220   b,  to which one end of a hose is connected, is formed integrally. The tapered shoulder  220   b  prevents the hose from slipping off. On a part of the head  210  closer to the leg  220 , a pair of engaging claws  210   b  are formed integrally. The engaging claws  210   b  are elastically deformed and are inserted through mounting holes (not illustrated) on the hood  10   a  to fix the nozzle holding member  200  (washer nozzle  140 ) to the hood  10   a.    
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 10 to 12 , the nozzle  300  has a first nozzle body  310  and a second nozzle body  320  each of which is formed into the same hemispherical shape. A plate-like partition member  330  is disposed between the first nozzle body  310  and the second nozzle body  320 . The nozzle  300  is formed into a spherical shape by abutting the first nozzle body  310  and second nozzle body  320  against each other via the partition member  330  and fitting both nozzle bodies together. Each of the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and the partition member  330  is molded out of a resin material, such as plastic, into a given shape. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the spherical nozzle  300  is pushed with predetermined pressure toward the mounting recess  210   a  and is fitted therein. The nozzle  300  fitted in the mounting recess  210   a  can be rotated therein. Through this rotation, the tilt angle of the nozzle  300  against the nozzle holing member  200  is adjusted, that is, the jet position of the nozzle  300  for jetting the washer solution onto the front glass  11  (see  FIG. 1 ) is adjusted. 
         [0081]    Inside the nozzle  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a first channel  400  and a second channel  500 , each allowing the washer solution to flow therethrough, are formed on both sides across the partition member  300 . The first channel  400  is formed on the first nozzle body  310  side with respect to the partition member  330 , while the second channel  500  is formed on the second nozzle body  320  side with respect to the partition member  330 . 
         [0082]    The first channel  400  is composed of a first inlet portion  410  and a first self-vibrating channel  420 . A first jet port  430  that jets the washer solution is connected to the first self-vibrating channel  420  of the first channel  400 . The first channel  400  and the first jet port  430  are located between the first nozzle body  310  and the partition member  330 . The second channel  500  is composed of a second inlet portion  510  and a second self-vibrating channel  520 . A second jet port  530  that jets the washer solution is connected to the second self-vibrating channel  520  of the second channel  500 . The second channel  500  and the second jet port  530  are located between the second nozzle body  320  and the partition member  330 . 
         [0083]    The first jet port  430  is directed toward the upper side of the front glass  11 , while the second jet port  530  is directed toward the lower side of the front glass  11 . As a result, the washer solution jetted out of the first jet port  430  reaches the upper side of the front glass  11 , while the washer solution jetted out of the second jet port  530  reaches the lower side of the front glass  11 . 
         [0084]    Each of the inlet portions  410  and  510  has an opening area on its exit side determined to be smaller than an opening area on its entrance side, so that a flow of the washer solution is squeezed at the exit side of each of the inlet portions  410  and  510 . In other words, each of the inlet portions  410  and  510  increases the flow velocity of the washer solution heading toward each of the self-vibrating channels  420  and  520 . 
         [0085]    Each of the jet ports  430  and  530  has an opening area on its entrance side determined to be smaller than an opening area on its exit side, so that a flow of the washer solution is squeezed at the entrance side of each of the jet ports  430  and  530 . In other words, each of the jet ports  430  and  530  increases the flow velocity of the washer solution jetted toward the front glass  11 . 
         [0086]    The self-vibrating channel  420  has a main channel  440  extending substantially straight between the inlet portion  410  and the jet port  430  and a pair of subchannels  450  facing each other across the main channel  440 . Similarly, the self-vibrating channel  520  has a main channel  540  extending substantially straight between the inlet portion  510  and the jet port  530  and a pair of subchannels  550  facing each other across the main channel  540 . The main channels  440  and  540  and the pairs of subchannels  450  and  550  are partitioned by pairs of walls  460  and  560 , respectively. The walls  460  and  560  serve as channel-forming projections that form channels inside the nozzle  300 . 
         [0087]    The washer solution flowing through each of the inlet portions  410  and  510  into each of the self-vibrating channels  420  and  520  is split into a mainstream MS 1  indicated by a continuous line arrow in  FIGS. 11 and 12  and substreams SS 1  indicated by broken line arrows in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The split substreams SS 1  travel back to the exit side of each of the inlet portions  410  and  510  (entrance side of each of the self-vibrating channels  420  and  520 ) and rejoin the mainstream MS 1 . Through this process, vibration (self-vibration) is given to the main stream MS 1 . 
         [0088]    In this manner, the substreams SS 1  are joined to the mainstream MS 1 , as feedback flows. This causes the washer solution jetted out of each of the jet portions  430  and  530  to vibrate. As a result, the washer solution jetted out of each of the jet portions  430  and  530  toward the front glass  11  spreads across a wide area. The mainstream MS 1  on the first nozzle body  310  side and the mainstream MS 1  on the second nozzle body  320  side are separated from each other via the partition member  330 , and therefore do not affect each other. For example, one mainstream MS 1  does not act on the other mainstream MS 1  to attenuate it. From each of the jet ports  430  and  530 , therefore, the washer solution is jetted out in a powerful manner. This manner widens the spreading area of the washer solution in the vertical direction of the front glass  11 . 
         [0089]    Next, a manufacturing method of the washer nozzle  140  formed in the above-described manner will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are explanatory diagrams for explaining a bonding process of bonding the nozzle of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first nozzle body  310 , the second nozzle body  320 , and the partition member  330  (components) are molded first. In the process of molding the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and the partition member  330 , given dies (not illustrated) corresponding respectively to the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and the partition member  330  are used and a molten resin is injected into the dies to mold the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and the partition member  330  of given shapes (injection molding). Because the first and second nozzle bodies  310  and  320  are of the same shape, they can be molded using the same die. 
         [0092]    Subsequently, the first nozzle body  310 , second nozzle body  320 , and partition member  330  molded by the component molding process are prepared. The channel  400  side of the nozzle body  310  and the channel  500  side of the nozzle body  320  are then set facing each other, and the partition member  330  is interposed between the nozzle body  310  and the nozzle body  320 . Subsequently, the nozzle body  310  and the nozzle body  320  are moved closer to each other to hold the partition member  330  between them. As a result, the first channel  400  and the first jet port  430  are formed between the first nozzle body  310  and the partition member  330  and the second channel  500  and the second jet port  530  are formed between the second nozzle body  320  and the partition member  330 . As a result of this abutting process, as shown in  FIG. 13A , a slot G 1  is formed between the nozzle body  310  and the nozzle body  320  and around the outer periphery of the partition member  330  such that the slot G 1  extends along the periphery of the nozzle  300 . 
         [0093]    Subsequently, the hot molten resin MR 1  is supplied by a predetermined pressure from a pair of molten resin supply nozzles facing each other (not illustrated) into the slot G 1  formed by the abutting process, as indicated by arrows. As a result, as indicated by arrows in  FIG. 13B , the molten resin MR 1  flows deeper into the slot G 1  to reach every part thereof, thus melting the part of nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and partition member  330  in contact with the molten resin MR 1 . As a result, the peripheries of the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and partition member  330  in contact with the molten resin MR 1  are systematically joined together via the molten resin MR 1 . The nozzle bodies  310  and  320  and the partition member  330  are thus firmly bonded to each other, which gives the completed form of the nozzle  300 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0094]    Subsequently, the nozzle  300  completed by the bonding process is prepared and the nozzle holding member  200  assembled by a separate process is also prepared. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the nozzle  300  is pushed with a predetermined pressure to fit (mount) it in the mounting recess  210   a  of the nozzle holding member  200 . The nozzle  300  is fitted in such that the jet ports  430  and  530  are directed to the opening of the mounting recess  210   a.  At the same time, the first nozzle body  310  is located on the upper side (opposite to the leg  220  side) and the second nozzle body  320  is located on the lower side (close to the leg  220  side), as shown in  FIG. 8 . In this manner, the washer nozzle  140  is completed. 
         [0095]    As described above in detail, according to the third embodiment, the nozzle  300  is composed of the first nozzle body  310  and the second nozzle body  320 . The partition member  330  is disposed between the first nozzle body  310  and the second nozzle body  320 . The first channel  400  allowing the washer solution to flow therethrough and the first jet port  430  that jets the washer solution are formed between the first nozzle body  310  and the partition member  330 , while the second channel  500  allowing the washer solution to flow therethrough and the second jet port  530  that jets the washer solution are formed between the second nozzle body  320  and the partition member  330 . 
         [0096]    In this manner, a flow of the washer solution is split into a split flow of the solution flowing through the first channel  400  and a split flow of the solution flowing through the second channel  500  with respect to the partition member  330  so that the washer solution can be jetted out of the first jet port  430  and the second jet port  530  corresponding to the channels  400  and  500 , respectively. For example, by directing the first jet port  430  toward the vertical upper side of the front glass  11  and the second jet port  530  toward the vertical lower side of the front glass  11 , the spreading area of the washer solution is widened further in the vertical direction of the front glass  11 . Hence the washer nozzle  140  can be applied to a large front glass. 
         [0097]    According to the third embodiment, the pairs of walls  460  and  560  forming the channels  400  and  500  are formed integrally inside the nozzle bodies  310  and  320 , respectively. By abutting the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  against the partition member  330 , therefore, the channels  400  and  500  are formed inside the nozzle bodies  310  and  320 , respectively. This saves trouble of preparing and assembling separate members for forming the channels  400  and  500 , thereby improves the workability of assembling of the washer nozzle  140 . 
         [0098]    Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The components same as the components described in the third embodiment in terms of function are denoted by the same reference numerals and further descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
         [0099]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a partition member of a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. 
         [0100]    The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the pairs of walls  460  and  560  of the nozzle bodies  310  and  320  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) are omitted and that, as shown in  FIG. 14 , pairs of walls  610  and  620  identical in shape with the pairs of walls  460  and  560  are formed integrally on a partition member  600  such that the pair of walls  610  on the upper surface of the partition member  600  faces the pair of walls  620  on the lower surface of the partition member  600 . The pair of walls  610  extend into the first nozzle body  310  to form the first channel  400  (see  FIG. 11 ), while the pair of walls  620  extend into the second nozzle body  320  to form the second channel  500  (see  FIG. 12 ). In other words, by joining together the nozzle bodies  310  and  320 , from which the pairs of walls  460  and  560  are omitted, and the partition member  600 , a nozzle (not illustrated) identical in shape with the nozzle  300  of the third embodiment is formed. 
         [0101]    The nozzle of the fourth embodiment configured in the above-described manner achieves the same effect as achieved by the nozzle of the third embodiment. 
         [0102]    According to the third and fourth embodiments, the first nozzle body  310 , the second nozzle body  320 , and the partition member  330  ( 600 ) are bonded together by supplying the molten resin MR 1  to the slot G 1  (see  FIG. 13 ). The bonding method is not limited to this. The first nozzle body  310 , the second nozzle body  320 , and the partition member  330  ( 600 ) may be bonded together by other bonding methods, such as bonding using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, and hot-melt welding. 
         [0103]    According to the third and fourth embodiments, the pairs of walls  460  and  560  are formed in the nozzle bodies  310  and  320 , respectively (third embodiment), and the pairs of walls  610  and  620  are formed on both surfaces of the partition member  600  (fourth embodiment), respectively. The method of forming the walls is not limited to this. One pair of walls may be formed on one nozzle body while the other pair of walls may be formed on one surface of the partition member, and such nozzle body and partition member may be assembled and bonded together. 
         [0104]    According to the third and fourth embodiments, the washer nozzle  140  is applied to a device that washes the front glass  11  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the vehicle  10 . The washer nozzle  140 , however, is not limited to this application. The washer nozzle  140  may be applied to devices that wash the rear glass of the vehicle  10 , windshields of airplanes, railroad cars, etc. 
         [0105]    The washer nozzle jets the washer solution (washer fluid) through the operation of a pump making up a washer device and washes dirt, such as dust, away from the surface of a windshield (surface to be washed). 
         [0106]    While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8