JP2011240920A - On-board optical sensor cover and on-board optical sensor apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air, and to appropriately remove deposits adhering to a lens surface while reducing cost and size.
A cleaning liquid supplied from a cleaning liquid tank capable of storing a cleaning liquid is sprayed toward a lens surface 5a of a lens 5 of the camera 3 to clean the lens surface 5a. A cleaning nozzle 9 was provided. While eliminating the need for a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air and reducing costs and downsizing, it is possible to appropriately remove deposits adhering to the lens surface 5a and to operate the camera 3 appropriately. it can.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle optical sensor cover used together with an optical sensor such as a camera or a laser mounted on a vehicle, and an in-vehicle optical sensor device including the in-vehicle optical sensor cover and the optical sensor.

  In recent years, vehicles tend to be equipped with optical sensors such as cameras and lasers, and as a configuration to remove deposits such as water droplets and mud adhering to the lens surface of the optical sensor lens mounted on the vehicle, There is a configuration in which a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air is provided, and compressed air is injected from the compressed air generating unit toward the lens surface of the lens to remove the deposits attached to the lens surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2001-171491 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, there is a problem that the cost is increased and the configuration is increased because it is necessary to provide a compressed air generating unit that injects compressed air.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air, and to reduce the cost and size while reducing the lens surface of the lens or the lens surface. An object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle optical sensor cover and an in-vehicle optical sensor device that can appropriately remove deposits adhering to the glass surface of the cover glass facing the lens.

  According to the vehicle-mounted optical sensor cover according to claim 1, the accommodating portion for accommodating the optical sensor provided outside the vehicle compartment and above the vehicle window, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank capable of storing the cleaning liquid are stored in the housing. If there is a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor accommodated in the part or a cover glass facing the lens, the lens surface or the glass surface is washed by spraying toward the glass surface of the cover glass A cleaning nozzle that performs an operation, and the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle flows to the window surface of the window after cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface above the vehicle window outside the passenger compartment. Provided.

  As a result, the cleaning liquid is compressed by spraying the cleaning liquid toward the glass surface of the cover glass when there is a lens surface of the optical sensor provided above the vehicle window outside the passenger compartment or the cover glass facing the lens. While eliminating the need for a compressed air generating unit that injects air and reducing costs and miniaturization, it is possible to properly remove deposits such as water droplets and mud adhering to the lens surface or glass surface with a cleaning liquid. The sensor can be operated appropriately. In addition, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle flows to the window surface of the window after cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface, so that dust adhering to the window surface can be appropriately removed (washed out) by the cleaning liquid, A user's (driver | operator etc.) visual field can be ensured favorable.

  According to the vehicle-mounted optical sensor device according to claim 2, the vehicle-mounted optical sensor cover according to claim 1 and the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle are controlled, and the window surface of the window Control means for controlling the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper sliding on the upper surface, and the control means includes the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the window surface by the wiper. This is performed in conjunction with the cleaning operation.

  As a result, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle flows to the window surface of the window after cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface, so that dust or the like attached to the window surface can be appropriately removed by the cleaning liquid, Although the cleaning liquid may remain on the window surface, the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface can be appropriately removed (wiped off) by sliding the wiper on the window surface. Can remain on the window surface and obstruct the user's view. Further, when the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface is removed, the cleaning liquid slides on the window surface, so that dust and the like adhering to the window surface can be removed together with the cleaning liquid over a wide range. Interlocking here means that the lens surface or glass surface is cleaned by the cleaning nozzle first and then the window surface is cleaned by the wiper, and the lens surface or glass surface is cleaned by the cleaning nozzle and the window by the wiper. And performing the surface cleaning operation simultaneously.

  According to an in-vehicle optical sensor device according to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the first operation means that can be operated by the user is provided, and the control means is operated by the user operating the first operation means. Accordingly, the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper are performed in conjunction with each other.

  Accordingly, the lens surface or glass surface cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle and the window surface cleaning operation by the wiper are performed in conjunction with each other by the user performing a single operation of operating the first operating means. And operability can be improved. In addition, even a manufacturer that manufactures an in-vehicle optical sensor device does not need to separately provide an operation means for cleaning the lens surface or glass surface by the nozzle and an operation means for cleaning the window surface by the wiper. The height can be suppressed, and the increase in size of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  According to the on-vehicle optical sensor device according to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the control means uses the cleaning nozzle when an operation time in which the user operates the first operation means is less than a predetermined time. When the operation time of the user operating the first operation means is a predetermined time or more without performing the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper while performing the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface The cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle is performed in conjunction with the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper.

  Thus, by adjusting the operation time for the user to operate the first operating means, only the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle is performed, or the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle is performed. It is possible to select whether the window surface cleaning operation by the wiper is performed in conjunction with the wiper. That is, if it is necessary to clean the lens surface or the glass surface but not the window surface, the first operation means may be operated so that the operation time is less than a predetermined time, If both the lens surface or glass surface cleaning and the window surface cleaning are required, the first operation means may be operated so that the operation time is a predetermined time or more, and the operation time is adjusted. Only one of them can be selected, and the operability can be further enhanced.

  According to the in-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 5, in claim 2, the control unit is configured to perform the cleaning after the predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle was started. The window surface cleaning operation by the wiper is started.

  As a result, there is a delay (time difference) from the time when the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle to the flow to the window surface, so the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface can be appropriately removed at an appropriate timing considering the delay. It can be removed (wiped off). In addition, the wiper does not slide on the window surface when the cleaning liquid is not flowing to the window surface, thereby avoiding damage to the rubber material (rubber blade) or the window surface that is in contact with the window surface of the wiper due to the absence of the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the generation of unpleasant noise due to the absence of cleaning liquid can be avoided.

  According to the on-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 6, in any one of claims 2 to 5, the first heating means for heating the lens surface or the glass surface, and / or the cleaning nozzle, and the window Second heating means for heating the surface, and the control means controls the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface or / and the cleaning nozzle by the first heating means, and the first heating means. The heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means is controlled, and the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper are performed in conjunction with each other. Heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface or / and the cleaning nozzle by the heating means and heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means. Dynamic and carried out.

  Thus, by heating the lens surface or glass surface, if ice or snow is attached to the lens surface or glass surface, the ice or snow adhering to the lens surface or glass surface can be melted. In addition, it is possible to prevent ice or snow from adhering to the lens surface or the glass surface or fogging of the lens surface or the glass surface, and to ensure a good field of view of the optical sensor. Further, by heating the cleaning nozzle, it is possible to avoid freezing of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning nozzle, and the cleaning liquid can be appropriately ejected from the cleaning nozzle. Further, in such a situation where the lens surface or the glass surface is heated, it is highly necessary to heat the window surface. Therefore, even if ice or snow adheres to the window surface by heating the window surface. For example, ice and snow adhering to the window surface can be melted, and ice and snow can be prevented from adhering to the window surface and the window surface can be prevented from becoming cloudy. Can be secured. Interlocking here refers to performing the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means after the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means or / and the cleaning nozzle first. After the window surface is heated by the second heating means, the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means, and / or the cleaning nozzle is heated, or the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means. Or / and simultaneously performing the heating operation of the cleaning nozzle and the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means.

  According to the in-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 7, the in-vehicle optical sensor cover according to claim 1, the first heating means for heating the lens surface or the glass surface, and / or the cleaning nozzle, The second heating means for heating the heat ray provided on the window surface, and the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface or / and the cleaning nozzle by the first heating means are controlled, and the first heating means Control means for controlling the heating operation of the window surface by two heating means, the control means heating the lens surface or the glass surface, and / or the cleaning nozzle by the first heating means. And the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means are performed in conjunction with each other.

  Thus, as in the case of the above-described claim 6, by heating the lens surface or the glass surface, if ice or snow is attached to the lens surface or the glass surface, it adheres to the lens surface or the glass surface. The ice and snow can be melted, and the lens surface or glass surface can be prevented from adhering to the lens surface or glass surface, or the lens surface or glass surface can be fogged, ensuring good visibility of the optical sensor. can do. Further, by heating the cleaning nozzle, it is possible to avoid freezing of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning nozzle, and the cleaning liquid can be appropriately ejected from the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, if ice or snow is attached to the window surface by heating the window surface, the ice or snow attached to the window surface can be melted. It is possible to avoid adhesion and clouding of the window surface, and it is possible to ensure a good field of view of the user.

  According to an on-vehicle optical sensor device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the second operation means that can be operated by the user is provided, and the control means operates the second operation means by the user. Accordingly, the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface or / and the cleaning nozzle by the first heating unit and the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating unit are performed in conjunction with each other.

  As a result, when the user performs a single operation of operating the second operating means, the lens surface or glass surface by the first heating means or the heating operation of the cleaning nozzle and the window surface by the second heating means are performed. The heating operation can be performed in conjunction with each other, and the operability can be improved. In addition, even in a manufacturer that manufactures an in-vehicle optical sensor device, a lens surface or a glass surface by a first heating means or / and an operation means for heating a cleaning nozzle and a window surface heating operation by a second heating means. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide an operating means for performing the above operation, so that the cost can be suppressed and the increase in size of the apparatus can be suppressed.

The front view (a) and vertical side view (b) which show the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the aspect by which the camera cover and the camera are isolate | separated The perspective view which shows the aspect mounted in the vehicle Functional block diagram flowchart Functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention Figure equivalent to FIG. 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram 1 equivalent diagram Front view FIG. 20 equivalent diagram 4 equivalent diagram 3 equivalent figure Front view (a) and vertical side view (b) showing a third embodiment of the present invention 2 equivalent diagram 3 equivalent figure 4 equivalent diagram Figure equivalent to FIG. 1 equivalent diagram

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment in which a camera is applied as the optical sensor of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical sensor unit 1 (in-vehicle optical sensor device in the present invention) is detachably attached to the camera cover 2 (in-vehicle optical sensor cover in the present invention). Has been configured. In the camera 3, a lens 5 is provided on the front side (left side in FIG. 1B) of the housing 4, and the camera 3 is viewed from the rear side (right side in FIG. 1B) of the housing 4. A power supply line (not shown) for supplying electric power, a video signal output line (not shown) for outputting a video signal, and the like are drawn out. The lens 5 is a fisheye lens in which a lens surface 5a that enables wide-angle shooting is formed in a curved surface.

  In the camera cover 2, a housing portion 7 for housing the camera 3 is provided inside the housing 6, and an opening 8 is provided on the back side of the housing 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 3 is attached to the camera cover 2 from the outside through the opening 8 and is removed from the camera cover 2 through the opening 8 to the outside. A cleaning nozzle 9 is provided in the camera cover 2 and above the accommodating portion 7. The cleaning nozzle 9 has an “L” shape, its base end 9 a is connected to the tube 10 on the back side of the housing 6, and its tip end 9 b opens downward to function as the injection port 11. To do. In this case, in a state where the camera 3 is normally accommodated in the accommodating portion 7 (a state during normal use shown in FIG. 1), the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 is located directly below the distal end portion 9b of the cleaning nozzle 9. Is supposed to be located.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the optical sensor unit 1 configured in this way is provided outside the vehicle compartment above the rear window 13 (the window in the present invention), for example, in the vehicle body 12. That is, the camera 3 is provided outside the passenger compartment above the rear window 13 in the vehicle body 12, and functions as a back view camera that captures the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle moves backward. In this case, since the camera 3 is provided outside the vehicle compartment, the field of view can be ensured better than the configuration provided in the vehicle compartment. That is, in the configuration in which the camera 3 is provided in the vehicle interior, the rear side of the vehicle is photographed through the rear window 13, so that an adherent is attached to the rear window 13 or the pillar is within the field of view (view angle). If there are stickers, decorations, etc. that are attached to the rear window 13 in the field of view of the image, the objects, pillars, seals, decorations etc. However, in the configuration in which the camera 3 is provided outside the passenger compartment as in the present embodiment, such a situation cannot occur. The camera 3 may be attached to the camera cover 2 first, and then the camera cover 2 to which the camera 3 is attached may be attached above the rear window 13 outside the vehicle compartment. The camera cover 2 may be attached to the camera 3 attached above the rear window 13 and then attached above the rear window 13 outside the passenger compartment.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a peripheral electrical configuration including the optical sensor unit 1 described above. The in-vehicle optical sensor device referred to in the present invention includes the optical sensor unit 1 and the control unit 14 as constituent requirements. The control unit 14 is configured mainly with a microcomputer, and controls a photographing operation by the camera 3 by executing a control program stored in advance, and also controls an operation of the motor 16 provided in the cleaning liquid tank 15. Thus, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is controlled.

  In this case, when the motor 16 is driven, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9 via the tube 10, and the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9 is supplied from the ejection port 11 to the lens of the camera 3 by water pressure. 5 toward the lens surface 5a. The term “injection” as used herein refers to a case where the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the lens surface 5a, a case where an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid is applied to the lens surface 5a so as not to be as fine as a mist, and a certain amount of cleaning liquid lump. As long as it is an injection that exhibits the effects of the present invention, such as when supplying the lens surface 5a at a time, it is used as a concept including all cases. The cleaning liquid tank 15 is provided in a well-known engine room in the vehicle body 12. Since the optical sensor unit 1 is provided above the rear window 13, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the lens surface 5 a flows to the window surface 13 a outside the passenger compartment of the rear window 13.

  When the video signal output from the camera 3 is input, the liquid crystal display device 17 displays the video corresponding to the video signal by decoding the input video signal. The control unit 14 analyzes the video displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17 (for example, by determining whether the luminance of the element is large), and detects whether the video is dirty or cloudy.

  The cleaning switch 18 is a switch that can be operated by the user. When the user operates the cleaning switch 18, an operation detection signal is output to the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 outputs the operation detection signal output from the cleaning switch 18. When input, a drive command signal is output to the motor 16 to drive the motor 16. The drive command signal output from the control unit 14 to the motor 16 is, for example, a level signal, and the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed only during a period when the level signals are on (high level). The cleaning switch 18 may be a mechanically provided switch or a touch switch displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17.

  The in-vehicle LAN interface unit 19 receives a gear position signal indicating the position of the gear in the vehicle, an ACC signal indicating ON / OFF of the ACC (accessory) switch, and an IG signal indicating ON / OFF of the IG (ignition) switch from the various ECUs via the in-vehicle LAN 20. Are inputted, the inputted various signals are outputted to the control unit 14. When various signals output from the in-vehicle LAN interface unit 19 are input, the control unit 14 analyzes the input various signals to detect the position of the gear, the on / off of the ACC switch, and the on / off of the IG switch.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 14 determines whether or not the cleaning switch 18 is operated when the power is on (the activated state of the optical sensor unit 1) (step S1). Here, when the control unit 14 receives the operation detection signal output from the cleaning switch 18 and determines that the cleaning switch 18 has been operated (“YES” in step S1), the control unit 14 outputs a drive command signal to the motor 16. Then, the motor 16 is driven to perform the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 (step S2). That is, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9 and ejected from the ejection port 11 toward the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3. In this case, the control unit 14 turns on the level of the drive command signal output to the motor 16 for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) set in advance, so that the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is set in advance. May be performed only during a predetermined period, or by turning on the level of the drive command signal output to the motor 16 only during a period in which the user operates the cleaning switch 18 (for example, keeps pressing it). The lens surface 5a may be cleaned only while the user is operating the cleaning switch 18. Further, as long as it has a function of measuring the amount of the cleaning liquid, the spraying of the cleaning liquid may be performed as much as a predetermined amount. Then, the control unit 14 repeats the above steps S1 and S2.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 15 that can store the cleaning liquid is applied to the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3. Since the cleaning nozzle 9 for spraying toward and cleaning the lens surface 5a is provided, the conventional compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air is unnecessary, and the lens surface 5a is reduced in cost and size. Adhering substances such as water droplets and mud adhering thereto can be appropriately removed, and the camera 3 can be operated appropriately. Since the camera 3 is detachably provided to the camera cover 2, only the camera 3 can be easily replaced.

  In addition, since the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 9 flows to the window surface 13a of the rear window 13 after cleaning the lens surface 5a, dust or the like (relatively light deposits) adhering to the window surface 13a is appropriately removed by the cleaning liquid. It can be removed (washed away), and the visibility of the user (driver etc.) can be ensured satisfactorily. Further, since the camera 3 is provided outside the passenger compartment, the pillars are present in the field of view (angle of view), and stickers, decorations, and the like attached to the rear window 13 are present in the field of view. The field of view of the camera 3 can be ensured satisfactorily.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part as above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and a different part is demonstrated. In the first embodiment described above, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed when the user operates the cleaning switch 18, that is, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is manually performed. In the second embodiment, the gear position in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position, the IG switch is switched from OFF to ON, and the IG switch is switched from ON to OFF. As an operating condition, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed with any one of the operating conditions being satisfied or the presence of dirt in the image as a trigger, that is, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed. This is an automatic configuration. In the second embodiment, the control unit 31 has a count function.

  In FIG. 7, when the control unit 31 is in a power-on state (the activation state of the optical sensor unit 1), the control unit 31 determines whether any of the above-described operating conditions is satisfied (step S <b> 11), and in the video It is determined whether or not there is dirt (step S12). Here, the control unit 31 establishes any operating condition, that is, the gear position in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position, the IG switch is switched from OFF to ON, and the IG switch is switched from ON to OFF. If it is determined that one of the switching has been made (“YES” in step S11), or if it is determined that there is dirt in the image (“YES” in step S12), the motor 16 is driven and the cleaning nozzle 9 is driven. The lens surface 5a is washed for a predetermined period of time (step S13).

  Next, the control unit 31 increments the count value of the cleaning number counter ("1" is added) (step S14), and determines whether or not the incremented count value of the cleaning number counter is less than a predetermined number (step S15). ) If it is determined that the incremented count value of the cleaning counter is less than the predetermined number of times (“YES” in step S15), the process returns to step S12 described above, and step S12 and subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, when the controller 31 determines that the incremented count value of the cleaning counter is equal to or larger than the predetermined number (“NO” in step S15), the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed a predetermined number of times. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17 (step S16), the count value of the cleaning counter is reset (step S17), and the series of processes is terminated.

  If the control unit 31 determines that there is no dirt in the image (the dirt has been eliminated by performing the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9) ("NO" in step S12), the number of times of cleaning is determined. The count value of the counter is reset (step S18), the process returns to step S11 described above, and step S11 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the gear position in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position, the IG switch is switched from OFF to ON, and the IG switch is switched from ON to OFF. The lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 can be automatically cleaned every time it is detected or that there is dirt in the image. In the above, an error display is performed when the count value of the cleaning number counter becomes a predetermined number or more. However, if the configuration has a function of measuring the cleaning time, the cleaning time becomes the predetermined time. Sometimes an error display may be performed.

The optical sensor is not limited to the camera 3 and may be any device that has a lens and optically measures a physical quantity, and may be another sensor such as a laser.
When the count value of the cleaning number counter is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the liquid crystal display device 17 is not limited to displaying an error, but an error sound may be output from a speaker, or a seat or a handle may be displayed. A configuration in which a vibration generation device or a static electricity generation device is provided to generate vibration or static electricity from a seat or a handle may be used, or these may be used in combination. In other words, any method may be used for notification using visual, auditory, or tactile sensations.

  The configuration in which the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 5 is manually performed and the configuration in which the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 may be water-repellent and the lens surface 5a may be coated with the water-repellent film 41. The lens surface 5a is not limited to being subjected to water repellent treatment, and the lens surface 5a is subjected to hydrophilic treatment, photocatalyst treatment or antifouling treatment, and the lens surface 5a is coated with a hydrophilic film, photocatalyst film or antifouling film. It may be. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that deposits, such as a water droplet and mud, adhere to the lens surface 5a. And even if deposits such as water droplets and mud adhere, the lens surface 5a can be suitably cleaned by performing the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a window cleaning nozzle 53 is provided in the housing 52 of the camera cover 51 in parallel with the cleaning nozzle 9, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is passed through the tube 54 through the window 54. The cleaning liquid supplied to 53 and supplied to the window cleaning nozzle 53 may be jetted from the jet port 55 toward the window surface 13 a of the rear window 13. If comprised in this way, in addition to washing | cleaning the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3, the window surface 13a of the rear window 13 can also be wash | cleaned, and multi-functionalization can be implement | achieved. In addition, the structure provided with the cleaning liquid tank which stores the cleaning liquid supplied to the window cleaning nozzle 53 may be provided separately from the cleaning liquid tank 15 which stores the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9. Further, by changing the injection direction of the injection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9, an operation for injecting the cleaning liquid toward the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 and an operation for injecting the cleaning liquid toward the window surface 13 a of the rear window 13. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the above is selectively performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a receiving tray 63 and a tube 64 are provided in the housing 62 of the camera cover 61, and the spray is ejected from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5a may be received by the receiving tray 63, and the cleaning liquid received by the receiving tray 63 may be drained without flowing to the window surface 13a. On the other hand, a configuration may be adopted in which a hole is provided in the tray, and the cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5a flows to the window surface 13a through the hole.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a configuration in which a collar 73 is provided in the casing 72 of the camera cover 71 may be adopted. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that the deposit | attachment of water drops, mud, etc. (especially raindrop) from the upper side adheres to the lens surface 5a.

  As shown in FIG. 12, even if the projection 83 is provided in a portion of the housing 82 of the camera cover 81 that is close to the lower end of the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 (directly below the lens 5). good. If comprised in this way, even if a water droplet accumulates in the lower end part of the lens surface 5a, a water droplet is made to contact the projection 83 by contacting the water droplet collected in the lower end part of the lens surface 5a below the lens surface 5a. Can be removed by induction.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a projection 93 is provided in a portion of the housing 92 of the camera cover 91 near the lower end of the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3, and the projection 93 extends along the groove 94. The structure provided so that a movement in an up-down direction is possible may be sufficient. With this configuration, the position where water droplets accumulate at the lower end of the lens surface 5a differs depending on the curvature and diameter of the lens 5, but for example, if the diameter of the lens 5 is large, the protrusion 93 is moved downward, If the diameter of the lens 5 is small, the protrusion 93 can be moved upward, such as by moving the protrusion 93 in the vertical direction, so that water droplets can be brought into contact with the protrusion 93 appropriately. It is possible to respond flexibly to the differences. In addition, as a structure which the protrusion 93 can move to the up-down direction along the groove part 94, a male screw part is provided in the protrusion 93, and a female screw part is provided in the groove part 94, for example, a male screw part and a female screw part And the like can be mentioned.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a cover glass 103 made of a transparent member is provided on the front side of the housing 102 of the camera cover 101 so as to face the lens 5 of the camera 3, and is cleaned from the cleaning liquid tank 15 through the tube 10. The cleaning liquid supplied to the nozzle 9 may be ejected from the ejection port 11 toward the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103. In this case, since the entire camera 3 is accommodated in the housing 102, the size of the housing 102 in the front-rear direction (from the front side to the back side) is the housing 6 described in the first and second embodiments. It becomes longer than the dimension. If comprised in this way, after protecting the lens 5 of the camera 3 with the cover glass 103, a washing | cleaning liquid is sprayed appropriately toward the glass surface 103a, and the deposit | attachment adhering to the said glass surface 103a is removed appropriately. Therefore, the camera 3 can be operated properly while avoiding the problem that the camera 3 cannot properly capture the subject.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 may be subjected to water repellent treatment, and the water repellent film 111 may be coated on the glass surface 103a. Also in this case, the glass surface 103a is not limited to being subjected to water repellent treatment, but the glass surface 103a is subjected to hydrophilic treatment, photocatalytic treatment or antifouling treatment, and a hydrophilic film, photocatalytic film or antifouling film is coated on the glass surface 103a. It may be configured. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that deposits, such as a water droplet and mud, adhere to the glass surface 103a. And even if deposits such as water droplets and mud adhere, the glass surface 103a can be suitably cleaned by performing the cleaning operation of the glass surface 103a by the cleaning nozzle 9.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a wiping mechanism 125 including a wiper 123 that wipes the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103 and a motor 124 that moves the wiper 123 in the housing 122 of the camera cover 121 is provided. The glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 may be wiped by the wiping mechanism 125 during or after being sprayed toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9. . With this configuration, it is possible to avoid leaving the cleaning liquid attached to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. If the cover glass 103 is not provided, a wiping mechanism for wiping the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a rotation mechanism 135 including a shield bearing 133 that rotates the cover glass 103 and a motor 134 is provided in the housing 132 of the camera cover 131, and the cleaning liquid covers from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9. The cover glass 103 may be configured to be rotated by the rotation mechanism 135 during or after being sprayed toward the glass surface 103 a of the glass 103. If comprised in this way, the cleaning liquid adhering to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 will be skipped by rotating the cover glass 103, and it will be left with the cleaning liquid adhering to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. It can be avoided. In this case, for example, when the person touches the cover glass 103, the rotation is hindered, and the original cleaning liquid removal capability may not be sufficiently exhibited. To avoid this, the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a certain speed (for example, 1 [speed per hour] km] or more) or the cover glass 103 may be configured to be rotated by the rotation mechanism 135 on the condition that the window is closed.

  That is, normally, a person outside the vehicle can approach the vehicle that is stopped or stopped, and thus may inadvertently touch the cover glass 103, but does not approach the vehicle that is running. The cover glass 103 is not inadvertently touched. Therefore, the cover glass 103 is rotated by the rotation mechanism 135 when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a certain speed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a reduction in cleaning liquid removal capability due to contact with a person outside the vehicle. In addition, when the cover glass 103 is installed at a position where there is a possibility of touching the passenger's hand in the passenger compartment, such as a door mirror, it is preferable to take measures to prevent the passenger from touching. Therefore, if the cover glass 103 is configured to be rotated by the rotation mechanism 135 on the condition that the window is closed, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the passenger touching the rotating cover glass 103. In this case, the window does not necessarily have to be closed. As long as the window is closed to a position where it is impossible for at least the vehicle occupant to protrude from the vehicle window and touch the cover glass 103, there is no problem even if the window is slightly opened. In this case, since outside air can be introduced from the vehicle window, it is convenient when there is such a need. The degree to which the open / close state of the window is to be determined is appropriately designed based on the relationship between the vehicle installation position of the cover glass 103 and how much the vehicle occupant can get out of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a vibration mechanism 145 including a piezoelectric element 143 and an electrode 144 that vibrates the cover glass 103 by generating an ultrasonic wave or a low frequency is provided in the housing 142 of the camera cover 141, and the cleaning liquid May be configured such that the cover glass 103 is vibrated by the vibration mechanism 145 during or after being sprayed from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103. In this case, it is possible to avoid leaving the cleaning liquid attached to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in this case as well.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an air injection mechanism 156 that includes an air nozzle 153 that injects air onto the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103, a tube 154, and an air pump 155 is provided in the housing 152 of the camera cover 151, and the cleaning liquid is Air is jetted from the air jetting mechanism 156 to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 during or after being jetted from the jetting port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. May be. In this case, it is possible to avoid leaving the cleaning liquid attached to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in this case as well.

  The wiping mechanism 125 described in FIG. 16, the rotation mechanism 135 described in FIG. 17, the vibration mechanism 145 described in FIG. 18, and the air injection mechanism 156 described in FIG. 19 are configured to interlock with the activation state of the vehicle wiper, A configuration may be employed in which the wiping mechanism 125, the rotation mechanism 135, the vibration mechanism 145, and the air injection mechanism 156 are activated during the period in which the vehicle wiper is activated. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that a raindrop adheres to the lens surface 5a or the glass surface 103a, and even if a raindrop adheres to the lens surface 5a or the glass surface 103a, the raindrop is removed. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the cleaning nozzle 163 is provided on the side of the camera 3 in the housing 162 of the camera cover 161, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 163 via the tube 10. The cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning nozzle 163 may be jetted from the side toward the lens surface 5 of the lens 5 from the jet port 164. In this case, the cleaning nozzle 163 extends to the entire housing 162 in the same manner as the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 1 extends to the entire housing 6. If comprised in this way, the dimension in the height direction of a vehicle-mounted optical sensor apparatus can be restrained by the part in which the washing nozzle 163 is provided on the side of the camera 3. In other words, the in-vehicle optical sensor device is used by being attached to a vehicle. However, depending on the type of vehicle, the in-vehicle optical sensor device as shown in FIG. There are cases where an optical sensor device is used or an in-vehicle optical sensor device as shown in FIG. 20 is used. In this embodiment, it is advantageous in that the in-vehicle optical sensor devices having different structures that can be arranged at least vertically or horizontally with respect to the vehicle can be used according to the vehicle type.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a camera 172 in which an infrared light 171 for irradiating infrared rays is integrated is housed, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9, and the camera is ejected from the injection port 11. It may be configured to be ejected toward the lens surface of the 172 lens 173 and also toward the infrared light 171. The infrared light 171 is used to assist ambient brightness when an image is captured by the camera 3 such as at night. Therefore, according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the foreign matter adhering to the lens of the infrared light 171 can be suitably removed, and infrared irradiation can be suitably performed. 21 and 22, a visible light may be used instead of the infrared light 171. Even if it is a visible light, the effect similar to the infrared light 171 is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in addition to the optical sensor unit 1 being provided on the vehicle body 12 and above the rear window 13, the optical sensor unit 1 is provided at a lower portion of a side mirror attached to the side of the vehicle. The camera 3 may be configured to capture the rear side of the vehicle. That is, a configuration in which a plurality of cameras are mounted may be used.

  A configuration in which some of the plurality of embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined may be used. For example, the tray 63 described in FIG. 10, the basket 73 described in FIG. 11, and the wiping mechanism 125 described in FIG. 16 are included. The structure etc. provided simultaneously may be sufficient.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part as above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and a different part is demonstrated. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the camera 3 is normally housed in the housing portion 7 in the housing 203 in the camera cover 202 constituting the optical sensor unit 201. In this state, the heater 204 (the first heating referred to in the present invention) covers the entire lateral periphery of the lens 5 of the camera 3 and contacts a part of the cleaning nozzle 9 on the tip 9b side (around the bent portion in this embodiment). Means) and an electric wire (not shown) for supplying a current to the heater 204. The heater 204 is provided, for example, by applying a hot wire in a mesh shape. Heat generated from the heater 204 is transmitted to the lens 5 of the camera 3 and a part of the cleaning nozzle 9 on the tip 9b side.

  Similar to the optical sensor unit 1 described in the first embodiment, the optical sensor unit 201 is provided, for example, in the vehicle body 12 and outside the vehicle compartment above the rear window 13 as shown in FIG. A hot wire 205 (second heating means in the present invention) is attached to the rear window 13, and a wiper 206 that slides on the window surface 13 a of the rear window 13 is provided on the vehicle body 12. Heat generated from the hot wire 205 is transmitted to the rear window 13. The wiper 206 has a rubber material (rubber blade) in contact with the window surface 13a and reciprocates at a predetermined rotation angle with the lower portion of the rear window 13 as a rotation center, so that the rubber material moves on the window surface 13a. It slides to remove (wipe off) adhering substances such as water droplets and dirt adhering to the window surface 13a.

  FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram showing a peripheral electrical configuration including the optical sensor unit 201 described above. The control unit 207 (control means in the present invention) is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and executes a control program stored in advance, so that the photographing operation by the camera 3, the lens surface 5 a by the heater 204 and the cleaning nozzle 9 are performed. The cleaning operation of the lens surface 5 a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is controlled by controlling the operation of the motor 16 provided in the cleaning liquid tank 15. The control unit 207 also controls the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 and the heating operation of the rear window 13 (window surface 13a) by the heat ray 205.

  The cleaning switch 208 (first operating means in the present invention) is a switch that can be operated by the user, like the cleaning switch 18 described in the first embodiment, and is operated when the user operates the cleaning switch 208. When the detection signal is output to the control unit 207, and the operation detection signal output from the cleaning switch 208 is input, the control unit 207 outputs a drive command signal to the motor 16 to drive the motor 16, and the drive command signal is transmitted to the wiper. The drive command signal output from the control unit 207 to the motor 16 is, for example, a level signal, and these level signals are turned on (high level). The cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed only during the period during which the control unit 207 outputs to the wiper 206. The drive command signal is, for example, a level signal, and the window surface 13a is cleaned by the wiper 206 only while the level signal is on (high level), and the cleaning switch 208 is mechanically provided. It may be a switch or a touch switch displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17.

  The heater switch 209 (second operation means in the present invention) is a switch that can be operated by the user. When the user operates the heater switch 209, an operation detection signal is output to the control unit 207. When the operation detection signal output from the heater switch 209 is input, a drive command signal is output to the heater 204 to drive the heater 204, and a drive command signal is output to the heat wire 205 to drive the heat wire 205 (energized to generate heat). ) The drive command signal output from the control unit 207 to the heater 204 is, for example, a level signal, and the heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 is performed only during a period when these level signals are on (high level). The drive command signal output from the control unit 207 to the heat wire 205 is, for example, a level signal, and the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the heat wire 205 is performed only during a period when these level signals are on (high level). The heater switch 209 may also be a mechanically provided switch or a touch switch displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 207 determines whether or not the cleaning switch 208 is operated when the power is on (the optical sensor unit 201 is activated) (step S21) and determines whether or not the heater switch 209 is operated. (Step S22). When the control unit 207 inputs the operation detection signal output from the cleaning switch 208 and determines that the cleaning switch 208 is operated (“YES” in step S21), the control unit 207 outputs a drive command signal to the motor 16. Then, the motor 16 is driven to perform the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 (step S23).

  That is, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 16 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9 and ejected from the ejection port 11 toward the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3. Also in this case, the control unit 207 may perform the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 only for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) set in advance, or the user operates the cleaning switch 18 (for example, presses). It may be done only for a period of time. Further, as long as it has a function of measuring the amount of the cleaning liquid, the spraying of the cleaning liquid may be performed as much as a predetermined amount. By performing the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9, it is possible to remove deposits attached to the lens surface 5a.

  Next, the control unit 207 starts timing by a timer that measures a predetermined time (several seconds) (step S24), and determines whether or not the predetermined time is measured by the timer (whether or not the time is up) (step S25). When the timer determines that the predetermined time has been measured (“YES” in step S25), a drive command signal is output to the wiper 206 to drive the wiper 206, and the wiper 206 performs the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a ( Step S26). In this case, the control unit 207 may perform the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) or a predetermined number of times (for example, several times). As the wiper 206 slides on the window surface 13a, the cleaning liquid flowing to the window surface 13a can be removed (wiped off), and the cleaning liquid slides on the window surface 13a and spreads over a wide range. Also, dust and the like (relatively light deposits) adhering to the window surface 13a can be removed over a wide range together with the cleaning liquid. That is, the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 is to remove the cleaning liquid itself by spreading the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface 13a over a wide range, and to remove dust or the like adhering to the window surface 13a. As well as extensive removal.

  When the control unit 207 receives the operation detection signal output from the heater switch 209 and determines that the heater switch 209 has been operated (“YES” in step S22), the control unit 207 outputs a drive command signal to the heater 204 to output the heater 204. , The heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 is performed (step S27), the drive command signal is output to the heating wire 205 to drive the heating wire 205, and the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the heating wire 205 is performed. This is performed (step S28). That is, the heat generated from the heater 204 is transmitted to the entire side periphery of the lens 5 of the camera 3 and is transmitted to the distal end portion 9 b side of the cleaning nozzle 9, and the heat generated from the heat wire 205 is transmitted to the rear window 13. Is done. In this case, the control unit 207 may perform the heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 and the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the heat wire 205 for a predetermined period, or the user may switch the heater switch. It may be performed only during a period during which 209 is operated (for example, when the button is held down).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, after the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9, the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 is performed. Even if the cleaning liquid that has been cleaned remains on the window surface 13a, the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface 13a can be appropriately removed (wiped off), and the cleaning liquid can be removed on the window surface 13a. It can be avoided that the user's field of view remains, and the user's field of view can be better secured. In addition, since the cleaning liquid slides on the window surface 13a and spreads over a wide range, dust or the like (a relatively light deposit) adhering to the window surface 13a can be removed (washed out) together with the cleaning liquid.

  That is, if the cleaning liquid that has finished cleaning the lens surface 5a remains on the window surface 13a (does not flow), there is a high possibility that an adhering matter that obstructs the flow of the cleaning liquid is attached. Therefore, the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 not only removes the cleaning liquid remaining on the window surface 13a but also removes the deposits that obstruct the flow of the cleaning liquid. Can be removed together with the cleaning liquid, and the user's field of view can be better secured.

  Since the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 is started after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is started, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 9. The cleaning liquid that has flowed to the window surface 13a can be removed at an appropriate timing in consideration of the delay until the flow to the window surface 13a. Further, by preventing the wiper 206 from sliding on the window surface 13a when the cleaning liquid does not flow to the window surface 13a, damage to the wiper 206 and the window surface 13a due to the absence of the cleaning liquid can be avoided. Furthermore, generation of unpleasant noise due to the absence of the cleaning liquid can be avoided.

  Moreover, if the lens surface 5a is heated by the heater 204, if ice or snow is attached to the lens surface 5a, the ice or snow attached to the lens surface 5a can be melted. In addition, it is possible to prevent ice and snow from adhering to the lens surface 5a and clouding of the lens surface 5a, and the field of view of the camera 3 can be ensured satisfactorily. Further, by performing the heating operation of the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid in the cleaning nozzle 9 from freezing. Further, in the situation where the lens surface 5a is heated, it is highly necessary to heat the window surface 13a. Therefore, by performing the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the hot wire 205, ice and snow are attached to the window surface 13a. If so, the ice and snow adhering to the window surface 13a can be melted, and it is possible to avoid the ice and snow adhering to the window surface 13a and the window surface 13a from being clouded. A user's field of view can be secured satisfactorily.

  Note that only the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed based on the operation time of the cleaning switch 208, or both the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 and the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 are performed. It is also possible to select whether to perform in conjunction. Specifically, the cleaning switch 208 is configured as a push-type switch, and if the operation time of the cleaning switch 208 is less than a predetermined time (if it is short-pressed), only the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed. On the other hand, if the operation time of the cleaning switch 208 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (if it is long-pressed), both the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 and the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 are linked. You may make it carry out. That is, for the user, for example, if the window surface 13a is coated with a water-repellent film, it is determined that there is a low possibility that the cleaning liquid that has cleaned the lens surface 5a remains on the window surface 13a. Although it is assumed that only the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a is desired, even in such a case, the user's request to perform only the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a can be met.

  By operating the cleaning switch 208, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 and the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 are linked, that is, the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 is triggered. Since the switch and the switch that triggers the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 are the same, the user's operation is simplified, the user's operability can be improved, and the manufacturer of the optical sensor unit 201 is manufactured. In this case, it is not necessary to separately provide a switch for performing the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 and a switch for performing the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206, so that the cost can be suppressed and the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Can be suppressed.

  A switch that triggers the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 and a switch that triggers the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 may be provided separately. In addition, the trigger for the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a is not limited to such a user operation of the switch, but the gear in the vehicle as described in the second embodiment described above. Even if it is detected that the position has been shifted to the reverse position, the IG switch has been switched from OFF to ON, the IG switch has been switched from ON to OFF, or that there is dirt in the image, etc. good.

  By operating the heater switch 209, the heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 and the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the heat ray 205 are linked, that is, the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 are linked. Since the switch serving as the trigger for the heating operation and the switch serving as the trigger for the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the heat wire 205 are made the same, the user's operation is simplified, the user's operability can be improved, and the optical sensor Even in the manufacturer of the unit 201, it is not necessary to separately provide a switch for heating the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 and a switch for heating the window surface 13a by the hot wire 205, which increases the cost. And can prevent the size of the device from becoming large. Can.

  A switch that triggers the heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 204 and a switch that triggers the heating operation of the window surface 13a by the hot wire 205 may be provided separately. The trigger for the heating operation of the lens surface 5a and the cleaning nozzle 9 and the heating operation of the window surface 13a is not limited to such a user operation of the switch, but by providing a temperature sensor for measuring the air temperature, It may be that the temperature measured by the sensor has dropped to a predetermined temperature or lower, or that a snowfall sensor has been detected by providing a snowfall sensor.

  A heater for heating the lens 5 and a heater for heating the cleaning nozzle 9 may be provided separately. Further, only one of a heater for heating the lens 5 and a heater for heating the cleaning nozzle 9 may be used. Further, the heater for heating the cleaning nozzle 9 may be configured to heat the entire cleaning nozzle 9.

  As shown in FIG. 29, a cover glass 213 made of a transparent member is provided on the front side of the housing 212 of the camera cover 211 so as to face the lens 5 of the camera 3, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the ejection port 11 to the cover glass 213. Even in the configuration in which the liquid is sprayed toward the glass surface 213a, the heater 214 and an electric wire that supplies current to the heater 214 so as to cover the entire side periphery of the cover glass 213 and to be in contact with a part of the tip 9b side of the cleaning nozzle 9 (Not shown) or the like may be provided. In this case, when determining that the heater switch 209 has been operated, the control unit 207 performs a heating operation of the glass surface 213a and the cleaning nozzle 9 by the heater 214, and performs a heating operation of the window surface 13a by the hot wire 205.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the in-vehicle optical sensor device has been described including the control unit and the optical sensor unit as constituent elements. However, the control unit may be configured as a part of the camera cover.
The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the optical sensor is provided above the rear window, and the configuration in which the optical sensor is provided above a window in another direction (for example, a side window) may be employed. That is, the relationship between the cleaning operation of the lens surface 5a by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in the third embodiment and the cleaning operation of the window surface 13a by the wiper 206 is such that the cleaning liquid that has been cleaned by the optical sensor flows to the window surface. The present invention can be applied to any configuration as long as the wiper slides on the window surface.

  In the drawings, 1 is an optical sensor unit (in-vehicle optical sensor device), 2 is a camera cover (in-vehicle optical sensor cover), 3 is a camera (optical sensor), 5 is a lens, 5a is a lens surface, 7 is a housing portion, 9 is A cleaning nozzle, 13 is a rear window (window), 13a is a window surface, 15 is a cleaning liquid tank, 103 is a cover glass, 103a is a glass surface, 201 is an optical sensor unit (in-vehicle optical sensor device), 202 is a camera cover (in-vehicle optical) (Sensor cover), 204 is a heater (first heating means), 205 is a hot wire (second heating means), 206 is a wiper, 207 is a control unit (control means), and 208 is a cleaning switch (first operation means). , 209 is a heater switch (second operating means), 213 is a heater (first heating means), 213 is a cover glass, and 213a is glass It is.

Claims (8)

An accommodating part for accommodating an optical sensor provided above the window of the vehicle outside the vehicle compartment;
When there is a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor stored in the storage unit or a cover glass facing the lens, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank capable of storing the cleaning liquid is directed toward the glass surface of the cover glass. A cleaning nozzle that performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface by spraying
An in-vehicle optical sensor characterized in that the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle is provided outside the passenger compartment above the vehicle window and flows to the window surface of the window after cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface. cover. An in-vehicle optical sensor cover according to claim 1;
Control means for controlling the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle, and for controlling the cleaning operation of the window surface by a wiper sliding on the window surface of the window,
The in-vehicle optical sensor device characterized in that the control means performs the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle in conjunction with the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper. In the in-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 2,
Comprising a first operation means operable by a user;
In response to the user operating the first operating means, the control means interlocks the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper. An on-vehicle optical sensor device characterized in that it is performed. In the in-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 3,
The control means performs the cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the window by the wiper when the operation time of the user operating the first operation means is less than a predetermined time. When the operation time of the user operating the first operating means is a predetermined time or more without performing the surface cleaning operation, the lens surface or the glass surface is cleaned by the cleaning nozzle and the wiper is used. An in-vehicle optical sensor device characterized by performing a window surface cleaning operation in conjunction with each other. The in-vehicle optical sensor device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The in-vehicle optical sensor, wherein the control means starts the window surface cleaning operation by the wiper after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning nozzle started the lens surface or glass surface cleaning operation. apparatus. The in-vehicle optical sensor device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
First heating means for heating the lens surface or the glass surface, or / and the cleaning nozzle;
Second heating means for heating the window surface,
The control unit controls the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating unit, and / or the cleaning nozzle, and controls the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating unit. The cleaning operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the cleaning nozzle and the cleaning operation of the window surface by the wiper are performed in conjunction with each other, and the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means, or / And a heating operation of the cleaning nozzle and a heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means in conjunction with each other. An in-vehicle optical sensor cover according to claim 1;
First heating means for heating the lens surface or the glass surface, or / and the cleaning nozzle;
A second heating means for heating the window surface; and controlling the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means, and / or the cleaning nozzle, and the window by the second heating means. Control means for controlling the heating operation of the surface,
The control means interlocks the heating operation of the lens surface or the glass surface by the first heating means or / and the cleaning operation of the cleaning nozzle and the heating operation of the window surface by the second heating means. An in-vehicle optical sensor device characterized by the above. In the on-vehicle optical sensor device according to claim 6 or 7,
A second operation means operable by the user;
In response to the user operating the second operation means, the control means is configured to heat the lens surface or the glass surface or / and the cleaning nozzle by the first heating means and the second operation means. An in-vehicle optical sensor device, wherein the heating operation of the window surface by the heating means is performed in conjunction with each other.

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