JP2006084353A - Device for detecting material attached to glass face - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for detecting a material attached to a glass face, which can be arranged inside a window and whose structure can be made compact. <P>SOLUTION: The device 1 for detecting the material attached to the glass face, is equipped with a first light emitting section 4 which emits light having a prescribed wavelength from the inside to the outside of a windshield G; a reflector 3 which reflects the light being emitted from the first light emitting section 4 to the outside of the windshield G, so as to project the light onto its exterior surface at an angle of total refection; a light receiving section 5 which has a reflection surface for reflecting light L2 being a portion of the light reflected by the reflector 3, being reflected by the material U attached to the exterior surface of the windshield G and passing through the windshield G from its outside to inside, and which drives the reflection surface such that it rotates to sequentially change the light passing through the windshield G and being reflected by the reflection surface in a prescribed region of the windshield G, thereby directing the light to a receiving element; and a housing section 6 which contains the first light emitting section 4 and the light receiving section 5, integrally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a glass surface deposit detection apparatus.

Conventionally, what was described in patent document 1, for example as a glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus is known. The apparatus includes a first light source (10) for illuminating deposits (such as raindrops) on the outer surface of the window glass with a first light beam transmitted through the window glass (12) and transmitted to the inside thereof; It includes a photodetector (14) placed inside the window glass, a mask device (26) placed in front of the photodetector, and the like. This mask device effectively prevents the light beam from the first light source from being directly transmitted to the photodetector, and detects the light beam from the first light source refracted by the deposit on the outer surface of the window glass. It is for allowing to be transmitted to the vessel. Therefore, in the photodetector, the output signal increases due to an increase in the amount of deposits on the outer surface of the window glass, thereby determining the degree (amount) of deposits.
JP-A-7-181131 (page 8, FIG. 1-5)

  By the way, in the above-mentioned apparatus, the photodetector and the mask apparatus arranged inside the window glass are dispersed and fixed in the longitudinal direction by welding or the like on the long metal support plate (54). It has an unstructured structure that is larger in size than the direction.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a glass surface adhering matter detection device capable of having a compact structure inside a window glass.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a first light emitting part that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass to the outside, and the outside of the window glass from the first light emitting part. A reflector that reflects the light emitted to the outer surface of the window glass at an angle to totally reflect the light, and a light that is reflected from the reflector and adheres to the outer surface of the window glass A first reflection surface that reflects light transmitted from the outside to the inside by being reflected from the outside, and rotating the first reflection surface to move the window glass within a predetermined region of the window glass. A first light receiving unit that sequentially changes the light that is transmitted and reflected by the first reflecting surface and directs the light toward the first light receiving element, and a storage unit that integrally stores the first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit. The summary is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the glass surface adhering matter detection device according to the first aspect, a predetermined wavelength is projected from the inside of the window glass so that the light is projected onto the inner surface of the window glass at an angle of total reflection. A second light-emitting part that emits light having a second reflection surface that reflects light emitted from the second light-emitting part and reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass; 2 Rotating and driving the reflecting surface to sequentially change the light reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass and reflected by the second reflecting surface within a predetermined region of the window glass and directing it toward the second light receiving element. The second light receiving part is provided, and the storage part integrally stores the second light emitting part and the second light receiving part.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a first light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass to the outside, and the light emitted from the first light emitting unit to the outside of the window glass is totally reflected. A reflector that reflects so as to project light on the outer surface of the window glass at an angle to be reflected, and a timing different from that of the first light emitting unit so that light is projected onto the inner surface of the window glass at an angle that totally reflects. A second light-emitting portion that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass, and the light reflected from the reflector that is reflected from the outer surface of the window glass and reflected from the outside to the inside of the window glass. Or a reflection surface that selectively reflects light emitted from the second light emitting unit and reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass. Rotating drive and passing through the window glass within a predetermined area of the window glass The light reflected by the reflecting surface is sequentially changed and directed toward the light receiving element, or the reflecting surface is driven to rotate and is reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass within a predetermined area of the window glass. The gist of the invention is that it includes a light receiving unit that sequentially changes light reflected by the surface and directs the light toward the light receiving element, and a storage unit that integrally stores the first and second light emitting units and the light receiving unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the glass surface adhering matter detection device according to the third aspect of the invention, the light receiving unit is configured to rotatably support the rotating unit having the reflecting surface and the rotating unit. The pedestal portion is provided with a magnetic field generating portion for generating a constant magnetic field, and the rotating portion is provided with a coil portion.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the glass surface adhering matter detection device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the reflector and the storage portion are arranged to face each other with the window glass interposed therebetween. The gist is that they are respectively attached to the outer surface and the inner surface of the window glass.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a light emitting unit that projects on the inner surface of the window glass at an angle radiating from the inner surface of the window glass to the outside through the outer surface, and light from the light emitting unit, A light receiving portion that directs light reflected by the attached matter on the outer surface of the window glass and bent at the inner surface to the light receiving element, and a storage portion that integrally stores the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are disposed inside the window glass. The gist is to prepare for.

(Function)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the first light emitting portion to the outside of the window glass is reflected by the reflector and is projected at an angle that totally reflects on the outer surface of the window glass. Lighted. At this time, if there is no deposit (such as raindrops) on the outer surface of the window glass, the light projected on the outer surface of the window glass is totally reflected, so that no light reaches the first light receiving unit. On the other hand, when there is a deposit on the outer surface of the window glass, part of the light reflected by the reflector is reflected by the deposit and passes through the window glass from the outside to the inside. The first light receiving unit sequentially changes the light that is transmitted through the window glass and reflected by the first reflection surface in a predetermined region of the window glass by rotating the first reflection surface. Toward the first light receiving element. Therefore, in the first light receiving element, the amount of light corresponding to the degree (amount) corresponding to the position of the deposit on the outer surface of the window glass is detected. In addition, the first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit are integrally stored in the storage unit, thereby realizing a compact structure inside the window glass. And the fall of the visual field in the said window glass is suppressed.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the light emitted from the inner side of the said window glass by the said 2nd light emission part is light-projected by the angle which totally reflects on the inner surface of this window glass. At this time, if there is no deposit on the inner surface of the window glass (for example, moisture corresponding to the clouded state of the window glass), the light projected on the inner surface of the window glass is totally reflected. 2 There is no light reaching the light receiving part. On the other hand, if there is a deposit on the inner surface of the window glass, part of the light emitted from the second light emitting part is reflected by the deposit. Then, the second light receiving unit is driven to rotate the second reflecting surface, so that it is reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass within the predetermined region of the window glass and reflected by the second reflecting surface. The light to be changed is sequentially changed and directed to the second light receiving element. Accordingly, in the second light receiving element, the amount of light corresponding to the degree (amount) corresponding to the position of the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass is detected. In addition, the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit are housed integrally by the housing unit, thereby realizing a compact structure inside the window glass.

  According to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the first and second light emitting units and the light receiving unit are integrally stored in the storage unit, thereby realizing a compact structure inside the window glass. Is done. In particular, a single light receiving element can be used to detect the amount of light corresponding to the position (amount) corresponding to each position of the outer surface deposit and the inner surface deposit on the window glass. Since the number of points is reduced, the size is further reduced.

  According to invention of Claim 5, the said reflector and the said accommodating part are each attached to the outer surface and inner surface of this window glass so that it may be opposingly arranged on both sides of the said window glass. Therefore, the reflector and the storage portion are arranged in one place on the window glass. For example, the reflector and the storage portion are arranged separately on the outside and inside of the window glass. , A decrease in visibility in the window glass is suppressed.

  According to invention of Claim 6, the said light emission part and the light-receiving part can implement | achieve a compact structure inside a window glass by being accommodated integrally by the said accommodating part. Moreover, all the structures can be arranged inside the window glass and can be configured with a simple structure.

  As described above in detail, the invention according to claims 1 to 6 can provide a glass surface adhering matter detection device capable of having a compact structure inside the window glass.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus 1 is arrange | positioned in the upper center of the windshield G as a window glass mounted in vehicles, such as a motor vehicle, and it is a vehicle on both sides of the windshield G. A detection device main body 2 disposed on the indoor side and a reflector 3 disposed on the outside of the vehicle compartment with the windshield G interposed therebetween are provided. The glass surface adhering matter detection device 1 is for detecting adhering matters (raindrops, bird droppings, mud, dead insects, etc.) on the outer surface of the windshield G.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the detection device main body 2 is attached to the first light emitting unit 4, the light receiving unit 5, and the inner surface of the upper center of the windshield G so that the first light emitting unit 4 and the light receiving unit 2 are received. And a storage portion 6 that integrally stores the portion 5. That is, a storage hole 6a that opens to the inner surface side of the windshield G is formed in the storage unit 6, and the first light emitting unit 4 is stored in the storage hole 6a. The first light-emitting unit 4 has a first light-emitting source 4a that emits light having a predetermined wavelength (for example, a wavelength in an infrared region of 0.75 μm to 25 μm) when energized, and a housing hole 6a that is more than the first light-emitting source 4a. And a lens 4b that is disposed on the opening side and transmits light emitted from the first light emission source 4a. A storage recess 6b is formed at the lower end of the storage unit 6, and the light receiving unit 5 is stored in the storage recess 6b. This light-receiving part 5 detects the light which permeate | transmits the windshield G from the vehicle interior outer side to the vehicle interior side in the aspect mentioned later.

  The reflector 3 is attached to the outer surface of the upper center of the windshield G so as to be opposed to the storage section 6 (detector main body 2) with the windshield G in between. The reflector 3 includes a reflection surface 7 that reflects light emitted from the first light emitting unit 4 from the vehicle interior side to the vehicle interior outside of the windshield G, and a space that separates the reflection surface 7 from the outside air. And a covering portion 8 for preventing the reflecting surface 7 from being stained. The reflecting surface 7 is reflected at the same angle at which the light emitted from the first light emitting portion 4 reflected thereby is totally reflected when the outer surface of the windshield G is clean and free of deposits. It is set so that light is projected radially (see FIG. 2) on the outer surface of the windshield G. That is, in the state where the outer surface of the windshield G is clean and free of deposits, as shown in FIG. 1, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 7 (radially projected on the outer surface of the windshield G). The light (L1) is totally reflected on the outer surface of the windshield G, so that it does not pass from the vehicle exterior side of the windshield G to the vehicle interior side. However, if there is a deposit U (see FIG. 8) such as raindrops or bird droppings on the outer surface of the windshield G, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 7 because the surface of the deposit U has a cubic surface. A part of L1 is reflected (diffusely reflected) on the surface of the deposit U, and passes through the windshield G from the outside of the passenger compartment to the inside of the passenger compartment.

  Here, the detailed structure of the light receiving unit 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the thin plate driving device 5a provided in the light receiving unit 5 of the present embodiment. The thin plate driving device 5a has a mirror-like reflecting surface 10 that reflects light transmitted through the windshield G from the outside of the passenger compartment to the inside of the passenger compartment. The light transmitted through the windshield G and reflected by the reflecting surface 10 in a predetermined region (fan-shaped region S in FIG. 2) of the windshield G is sequentially changed and directed to the light receiving element 5b (see FIG. 6) of the light receiving unit 5.

More specifically, the thin plate driving device 5a includes a pedestal portion 11, a permanent magnet 12 as a magnetic field generating portion, a thin plate member 13, and a plurality of coil portions 14 to 17 (see FIG. 5).
In the center of the upper surface (upper surface in FIG. 3) of the pedestal portion 11, a rectangular mounting portion 11a is formed by being recessed as viewed from above. In addition, a rectangular recess 11b is formed at the center of the upper surface (upper surface in FIG. 3) of the mounting portion 11a when viewed from above, and a rectangular magnet when viewed from above at the center of the bottom (upper surface) of the recess 11b. A housing recess 11c is formed. The permanent magnet 12 is housed and held in the magnet housing recess 11c. The permanent magnet 12 is polarized in the vertical direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 3, for example, N pole upward and S pole downward), and generates a constant magnetic field.

  The thin plate member 13 is made of a silicon substrate, and a fixed portion 21, a connection support portion 22 and a rotating portion 23 are integrally formed as shown in the plan view and the bottom view in FIGS. In the present embodiment, a metal (for example, nickel) is vapor-deposited in a circular shape on the surface (the surface in FIG. 4 and the upper surface in FIG. 3) of the rotating portion 23, and the portion constitutes the reflection surface 10 described above. is doing.

  In detail, the fixing | fixed part 21 is formed in the square frame shape which can be mounted in the mounting part 11a upper surface in the said base part 11, and is mounted and fixed to the mounting part 11a. The rotating part 23 is formed in a quadrangle (square), is formed continuously with the fixed part 21 via the connection support part 22, and is orthogonal to the fixed part 21 at the connection support part 22. The shafts A and B (see FIG. 5) are supported so as to be rotatable. In the present embodiment, one of the two axes A and B (axis A) is the same as one of the diagonal lines in the square of the rotating portion 23 (the one extending diagonally lower right in FIG. 5). , B (axis B) is set to be the same as the other of the diagonal lines in the square of the rotating portion 23 (the one extending diagonally to the upper right in FIG. 5). Four connection support portions 22 are provided so as to be line symmetric with respect to the two axes A and B. In this embodiment, the centers of the square sides of the fixed portion 21 and the rotation portion 23 are connected to each other. It is formed to do. Each connection support portion 22 includes a first connection portion 22a extending parallel to one axis A and perpendicular to the other axis B, and perpendicular to one axis A and the other axis B. The second connecting portion 22b extending in parallel is connected to the second connecting portion 22b.

  In addition, the rotation part 23 is arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the recessed part 11b of the mounting part 11a, and since it has a clearance gap between the upper and lower sides, it can be rotated. Further, the rotating portion 23 is disposed to face the permanent magnet 12. And the rotation part 23 is provided with the some coil parts 14-17 (refer FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of coil portions 14 to 17 are provided in the same pattern, specifically, the same number of turns and the same size. Further, the plurality of coil portions 14 to 17 of the present embodiment are wound in the same direction (in FIG. 5, clockwise from the outside toward the center). Among the plurality of coil portions 14 to 17, a pair of coil portions 14 and 15 for rotating the rotation portion 23 around one axis A is provided along the other axis B, and the other axis B is the center. The other coil parts 16 and 17 which rotate the rotation part 23 are provided along one axis A as a pair. And one pair of coil parts 14 and 15 and the other pair of coil parts 16 and 17 are arranged so that the centers of these coil parts 14 to 17 correspond to square apexes (in other words, the rotating part 23 are arranged in such a way that each square fits into a quadrant divided into four.

  And one pair of coil parts 14 and 15 are mutually connected by the connection part 31 in the center side edge part which is the one end. In addition, the other pair of coil portions 16 and 17 are connected to each other by a connection portion 32 at the center side end portion which is one end thereof. These connection parts 31 and 32 are arrange | positioned on the said 2 axis | shafts A and B so that it may become the shortest distance, respectively. Needless to say, the connection portions 31 and 32 are insulated at points where they intersect with each other and insulation other than the end portions on the center side of the coil portions 14 to 17.

  In addition, the outer end portions, which are the other ends, of the coil portions 14 to 17 are connected to terminals 34 to 37 provided on the fixed portion 21 via wirings 33 provided on the connection support portions 22. The terminals 34 to 37 are connected to an external control unit (not shown).

  The control unit supplies the current to the coil units 14 to 17 (terminals 34 to 37), so that the reflection surface 10 (the rotation unit 23) that reflects the light L2 that has passed through the windshield G as illustrated in FIG. Rotating (rotating drive), the light L2 reflected on the light is sequentially changed and directed toward the light receiving element 5b of the light receiving unit 5. That is, when the center line of the light L2 transmitted through the windshield G and the light L3 reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and traveling toward the light receiving element 5b coincides with the normal NL of the reflecting surface 10, the light L2 at this time is The amount of light received Q is detected by the light receiving element 5b. The control unit sequentially changes the light L2 in which the center line formed by the light L3 reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and traveling toward the light receiving element 5b coincides with the normal NL of the reflecting surface 10 into an arc shape in the fan-shaped region S. . For example, the control unit rotates (rotates and drives) the reflecting surface 10 (the rotation unit 23), and moves the normal line NL corresponding to the fan-shaped region S to one side in the circumferential direction in FIG. Then, the operation of moving in an arc shape to the other side in the circumferential direction by shifting one step in the radial direction is repeated (scanning). As a result, the light L2 transmitted through the windshield G in the fan-shaped region S is sequentially detected as the amount of received light Q in the light receiving element 5b.

  Based on the received light amount Q, the control unit determines (detects) whether or not there is a deposit U such as raindrops or bird droppings on the outer surface of the windshield G. That is, in this embodiment, if the front glass G is in a clean state and there is no deposit U on the outer surface thereof, there is no light L2 that passes through the windshield G from the outside of the passenger compartment to the inside of the passenger compartment, and a fan-like shape. Even if the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10 corresponding to the region S is sequentially changed to an arc shape, a zero-level received light quantity Q is detected over the entire surface. On the other hand, when there is a deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G, as shown in FIG. 8, there may be light L2 that passes through the windshield G from the outside of the vehicle compartment to the inside of the vehicle interior. Corresponding to S, the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10 is sequentially changed into an arc shape, so that a certain level of received light quantity Q corresponding to the position of the deposit U is detected. As shown in FIG. 9, the portion where the received light quantity Q is detected is observed in the fan-shaped region S as a part of the outline of the deposit U on the light L1 projection side.

  When the control unit determines that there is a predetermined amount of deposit U, the control unit outputs a control signal to drive a vehicle wiper device (not shown) to perform the wiping operation of the windshield G. .

  Here, operation | movement of the glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated collectively. The light emitted from the first light emitting unit 4 to the outside of the windshield G by energization is reflected by the reflector 3 (reflecting surface 7) and is projected at an angle that totally reflects on the outer surface of the windshield G. . At this time, if there is no deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G, the light L1 projected on the outer surface of the windshield G is totally reflected, so there is no light reaching the light receiving unit 5 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, when the deposit U is present on the outer surface of the windshield G, a part of the light (L1) reflected by the reflector 3 is reflected (diffusely reflected) on the surface of the deposit U, so that the vehicle interior from the outside of the vehicle compartment The windshield G is transmitted inward. Then, the light receiving unit 5 rotationally drives the reflection surface 10 to sequentially change the light L2 that is transmitted through the windshield G and reflected by the reflection surface 10 in the fan-shaped region S of the windshield G, thereby receiving the light receiving element 5b. Turn to. Therefore, in the light receiving element 5b, the received light amount Q of a level corresponding to the degree (amount) corresponding to the position of the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G is detected.

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In this embodiment, the 1st light emission part 4 and the light-receiving part 5 are integrally accommodated by the said accommodating part 6, and can implement | achieve a compact structure in the vehicle interior side of the windshield G. FIG. . And the fall of the visual field in the windshield G can be suppressed.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the reflector 3 and the storage unit 6 (detector main body 2) are respectively attached to the outer surface and the inner surface of the windshield G so as to face each other with the windshield G interposed therebetween. Yes. Accordingly, the reflector 3 and the storage unit 6 are arranged together in one place on the windshield G. For example, the reflector 3 and the storage unit 6 are scattered on the outside of the vehicle interior and the vehicle interior side of the windshield G. Compared with the case where it arrange | positions etc., the fall of the visual field in the windshield G can be suppressed.

  (3) In the present embodiment, when the windshield G is in a clean state and there is no deposit U on the outer surface, a zero-level received light quantity Q is detected over the entire surface of the fan-shaped region S, and the deposit U exists. Only in the case, the received light quantity Q of a level corresponding to the degree (amount) is detected. Therefore, the control unit can basically determine the presence of the deposit U by a very simple method based on only determination of the level of the received light quantity Q.

  (4) In the present embodiment, since the deposit U is detected based on the light L2 that is reflected (diffusely reflected) on the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G, various attachments that may cause irregular reflection Kimono (raindrops, bird droppings, mud, insect dead bodies, etc.) can be detected. Further, since irregular reflection by the deposit U is utilized, it is possible to detect the deposit U even if the mounting accuracy of the glass surface deposit detector 1 (detector main body 2, reflector 3) is not strict. .

(5) In this embodiment, for example, since it is not necessary to arrange a light source outside the passenger compartment of the windshield G of the conventional form (Patent Document 1), the structure required for measures against waterproofing is simplified.
(6) In this embodiment, the vehicle wiper device is automatically driven by the detection of the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G, and the wiping operation of the windshield G is started, so that drivability can be improved. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in which the deposits on the inner surface of the windshield G (for example, moisture, etc., corresponding to the fogged state of the windshield G due to cooling of moisture in the air in the passenger compartment) The detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the detection device body 2 of the glass surface deposit detection device 40 of the present embodiment includes a second light emitting unit 41 in addition to the first light emitting unit 4 and the light receiving unit 5, and the storage The unit 6 accommodates it integrally. That is, a storage hole 6c that opens along the inner surface of the windshield G is formed in the storage part 6, and the second light emitting part 41 is stored in the storage hole 6c. The second light-emitting portion 41 has a second light-emitting source 41a that emits light having a predetermined wavelength (for example, a wavelength in an infrared region of 0.75 μm to 25 μm) when energized. And a lens 41b that is disposed on the opening side and transmits light emitted from the second light emission source 41a.

  The second light source 41a is energized at a timing different from that of the first light source 4a. That is, the first and second light emission sources 4a and 41a are energized so that the light emission times do not overlap each other. This prevents the deposits on the outer and inner surfaces of the windshield G from being mixed with the light emitted from the first and second light-emitting sources 4a and 41a and being unable to identify these deposits. It is to do.

  The second light emitting unit 41 emits light from the vehicle interior side of the windshield G so as to project radially on the inner surface of the windshield G at an angle of total reflection. That is, in a state where the inner surface of the windshield G is clean and free of deposits, as shown in FIG. 10, light emitted from the second light emitting unit 41 (radially projected onto the inner surface of the windshield G). The light L11 does not reach the light receiving unit 5 by being totally reflected by the windshield G. However, as shown in FIG. 11, when there is an adhering substance U1 such as moisture on the inner surface of the windshield G, the light emitted from the second light-emitting portion 41 because the surface of the adhering substance U1 has a cubic curved surface. Part of L11 is reflected (diffusely reflected) on the surface of the deposit U1 and travels toward the light receiving unit 5 side.

  The thin plate driving device 5a of the light receiving unit 5 rotationally drives the reflecting surface 10 according to the first embodiment, so that the windshield G within the fan-shaped region S (see FIG. 2) of the windshield G is obtained. The light reflected by the deposit U1 on the inner surface and reflected by the reflecting surface 10 is sequentially changed and directed toward the light receiving element 5b of the light receiving unit 5 (see FIG. 6). More specifically, the control unit (not shown) supplies current to the coil units 14 to 17 (terminals 34 to 37), so that the light L12 reflected by the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G as shown in FIG. The reflection surface 10 (rotation unit 23) that reflects the light is rotated (rotation driven), and the light L12 reflected on the reflection surface 10 is sequentially changed and directed to the light receiving element 5b of the light receiving unit 5. That is, the center line of the light L12 reflected by the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G and the light L13 (see FIG. 6) reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and traveling toward the light receiving element 5b is the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10. , The light L12 at this time is detected as the amount of received light Q in the light receiving element 5b. The control unit sequentially changes the light L12 in which the center line formed by the light L13 reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and traveling toward the light receiving element 5b coincides with the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10 into an arc shape in the fan-shaped region S. . Thereby, the light L12 reflected by the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G in the fan-shaped region S is sequentially detected as the received light quantity Q in the light receiving element 5b.

  Based on the received light amount Q, the control unit determines (detects) whether or not an adhering substance U1 such as moisture exists on the inner surface of the windshield G. That is, in the present embodiment, when the windshield G is in a clean state and there is no deposit U1 on the inner surface, there is no light L12 directed toward the light receiving unit 5, and the reflecting surface 10 corresponds to the fan-shaped region S. Even if the normal line NL is sequentially changed to an arc shape, a zero-level received light quantity Q is detected over the entire surface. On the other hand, when there is a deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G, there can be light L12 directed toward the light receiving unit 5 as shown in FIG. By sequentially changing the normal line NL into an arc shape, a certain level of received light quantity Q is detected corresponding to the position of the deposit U1.

  When the control unit determines that a predetermined amount of deposit U1 exists, the control unit outputs a control signal to drive a differential (defroster) device (not shown) to deposit U1 (moisture on the inner surface of the windshield G). ) Heating operation is performed.

  Here, operation | movement of the glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus 40 of this embodiment is demonstrated collectively. The light emitted from the vehicle interior side of the windshield G by the second light emitting unit 41 by energization is projected at an angle that totally reflects on the inner surface of the windshield G. At this time, if there is no deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G, the light projected on the inner surface of the windshield G is totally reflected, so that no light reaches the light receiving unit 5. On the other hand, when the deposit U1 is present on the inner surface of the windshield G, part of the light emitted from the second light emitting unit 41 is reflected by the deposit U1. And the said light-receiving part 5 is reflected by the deposit | attachment U1 of the inner surface of the windshield G in the fan-shaped area | region S of the said windshield G, and reflects on the reflective face 10 by rotationally driving the said reflective surface 10. The light is sequentially changed and directed to the light receiving element 5b. Accordingly, the light receiving element 5b detects a received light amount Q corresponding to the degree (amount) corresponding to the position of the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G.

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (2) to (6) in the first embodiment.
(1) In this embodiment, the 1st and 2nd light emission parts 4 and 41 and the light-receiving part 5 are accommodated integrally by the said accommodating part 6, and a compact structure is carried out in the vehicle interior side of the windshield G. Can be realized. And the fall of the visual field in the windshield G can be suppressed. In particular, the single light receiving element 5b can detect the amount of received light Q corresponding to the degree (amount) corresponding to each position of the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G and the deposit U1 on the inner surface. By doing so, it is possible to further reduce the size by reducing the number of parts.

  (2) In the present embodiment, when the windshield G is in a clean state and there is no deposit U1 on its inner surface, a zero-level received light quantity Q is detected over the entire surface of the fan-shaped region S, and there is the deposit U1. Only in the case, the received light quantity Q of a level corresponding to the degree (amount) is detected. Therefore, the control unit can basically determine the presence of the deposit U1 by an extremely simple method based on only determination of the level of the amount of received light Q.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the differential device is automatically driven by detecting the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G, and the heating operation of the deposit U1 (moisture) is started, so that drivability is improved. be able to.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, a light emitting unit that projects light on the outer surface of the windshield G in a different manner from the first light emitting unit 4 and the reflector 3 of the first embodiment is provided. Therefore, detailed description of similar parts is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the glass surface adhering matter detection device 50 of the present embodiment, the reflector 3 is omitted. And the detection apparatus main body 2 of the said glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus 50 is equipped with the light emission part 51 instead of the said 1st light emission part 4, and is accommodated by the said accommodating part 6 integrally. That is, a storage hole 6 d that opens along the inner surface of the windshield G is formed in the storage part 6, and the light emitting part 51 is stored in the storage hole 6 d. The light emitting unit 51 is disposed on the opening side of the housing hole 6d with respect to the light emitting source 51a that emits light of a predetermined wavelength (for example, a wavelength in an infrared region of 0.75 μm to 25 μm) when energized. And a lens 51b that transmits light emitted from the light emission source 51a.

  The light emitting unit 51 emits light from the vehicle interior side of the windshield G so as to project light at an angle radiating from the inner surface of the windshield G to the outside through the outer surface. That is, in a state where the outer surface of the windshield G is clean and free of deposits, light L21 emitted from the light emitting unit 51 (light projected on the inner surface of the windshield G) is incident on the light receiving unit 5. It is set not to reach.

  However, as shown in FIG. 12, if there is an adhering substance U on the outer surface of the windshield G, a part of the light L21 emitted from the light emitting unit 51 is reflected on the surface of the adhering substance U and is reflected on the inner surface. It bends (refracts) and travels toward the light receiving unit 5 side. In this embodiment, since there is no reflector that totally reflects on the outer surface of the windshield G, it does not become a reliable fan-shaped light projecting area, but becomes spot direct light projecting. When the deposit U is present on the entire outer surface of the glass G (for example, during heavy rain), it is effective in detecting the deposit U by detecting some reflections.

  The thin plate driving device 5a of the light receiving unit 5 rotationally drives the reflecting surface 10 according to the first embodiment, so that the windshield G within the fan-shaped region S (see FIG. 2) of the windshield G is obtained. The light reflected by the deposit U on the outer surface of the light, bent at the inner surface and reflected by the reflecting surface 10 is sequentially changed and directed toward the light receiving element 5b of the light receiving unit 5 (see FIG. 6). More specifically, the control unit (not shown) supplies current to the coil units 14 to 17 (terminals 34 to 37) and is reflected by the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G as shown in FIG. The reflection surface 10 (the rotation unit 23) that reflects the light L22 bent by the rotation is rotated (rotation driven), and the light L22 reflected by the reflection surface 10 is sequentially changed and directed to the light receiving element 5b of the light receiving unit 5. That is, the center line of the light L22 reflected by the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G and bent at the inner surface and the light L23 (see FIG. 6) reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and directed to the light receiving element 5b is the same reflecting surface. When coincident with the normal line NL of 10, the light L22 at this time is detected as the received light quantity Q in the light receiving element 5b. The control unit sequentially changes the light L22 in the fan-shaped region S in which the center line formed by the light L23 reflected by the reflecting surface 10 and traveling toward the light receiving element 5b coincides with the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10. Thereby, the light L22 reflected by the deposit U on the outer surface of the windshield G in the fan-shaped region S and bent at the inner surface is sequentially detected as the received light amount Q in the light receiving element 5b.

The control unit determines (detects) whether or not the deposit U is present on the outer surface of the windshield G based on the received light amount Q.
When the control unit determines that there is a predetermined amount of deposit U, the control unit outputs a control signal to drive a vehicle wiper device (not shown) to perform the wiping operation of the windshield G. .

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (5) to (6) in the first embodiment.
(1) In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 5 are integrally stored in the storage unit 6, thereby realizing a compact structure on the vehicle interior side of the windshield G. And the fall of the visual field in the windshield G can be suppressed. In addition, all the structures can be arranged on the vehicle interior side of the windshield G and can be configured with a simple structure.

  (2) In this embodiment, since the reflector 3 attached to the outer surface of the windshield G can be omitted, it is possible to avoid the arrangement of functional parts on the outside of the passenger compartment and to improve the design.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
-In the said 2nd Embodiment, although the one light-receiving part 5 was shared, the deposits U and U1 of the outer surface and inner surface of the windshield G were detected, but the outer surface and inner surface of the windshield G were detected. The deposits U and U1 may be detected by individual light receiving parts (first light receiving part and second light receiving part). In this case, each light receiving part may have the same structure as that of the light receiving part 5 except that the light receiving parts are shifted from each other in the storage part 6 and are integrally stored. Alternatively, each of the light receiving units has a reflecting surface having different areas (first reflecting surface, second reflecting surface) or a light receiving element having different sensitivity (the first light receiving element, the first light receiving element, the first light receiving element, and the first light receiving element). 2 light receiving elements).

  In the second embodiment, the sequential movement of the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10 when the light receiving element 5b detects the light L12 reflected by the deposit U1 on the inner surface of the windshield G is limited to an arc shape. For example, the fan-shaped region S may be divided into a plurality of blocks, and the normal NL may be sequentially moved corresponding to each block.

  In the first and second embodiments, the sequential movement of the normal line NL of the reflecting surface 10 when the light L2 transmitted through the windshield G is detected by the light receiving element 5b is not limited to an arc shape. For example, the fan-shaped region S may be divided into a plurality of blocks, and the normal line NL may be sequentially moved corresponding to each block.

In each of the above embodiments, the permanent magnet 12 as the magnetic field generation unit may be changed to a fixed coil unit that is provided in the pedestal unit 11 and generates a magnetic field, for example.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration of the thin plate driving device 5a (thin plate member 13) that rotationally drives the reflecting surface 10 (the rotating portion 23) is an example, and other configurations may be employed.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention may be applied to a rear glass of a vehicle as a window glass.
Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects.

(A) a second light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass so that the light is projected onto the inner surface of the window glass at an angle of total reflection;
A second reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the second light emitting unit and reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass, and driving the second reflecting surface to rotate the second reflecting surface; A second light receiving section for sequentially changing the light reflected by the second reflection surface within a predetermined region of the window glass and directing the light toward the second light receiving element;
A glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus comprising: a storage unit that integrally stores the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit.

Sectional drawing which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The top view of a windshield. Sectional drawing which shows a thin plate drive device. The top view of a thin-plate member. The bottom view of a thin-plate member. Sectional drawing which shows a thin-plate drive device and its operation | movement. The top view which shows the normal line of the reflective surface which moves a windshield and a windshield sequentially. Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement when there exists a deposit | attachment on the outer surface of a windshield. The top view which shows the outline of the deposit | attachment of the outer surface of a windshield and the detected windshield. Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement when there exists a deposit | attachment on the inner surface of a windshield. Sectional drawing which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention and its operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

  U, U1 ... deposit, 1, 40, 50 ... glass surface deposit detection device, 3 ... reflector, 4 ... first light emitting unit, 5 ... light receiving unit, 5b ... light receiving element, 6 ... storage unit, 10 ... reflection Surface 11 pedestal part 12 Permanent magnet as magnetic field generating part 14 to 17 Coil part 23 Rotating part 41 Second light emitting part 51 Light emitting part

Claims (6)

A first light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside to the outside of the window glass;
A reflector that reflects the light emitted from the first light-emitting portion to the outside of the window glass so as to project the light onto the outer surface of the window glass at an angle for total reflection;
A first reflecting surface that reflects light reflected from the reflector and reflected from the outer surface of the window glass and transmitted through the window glass from the outside to the inside; A first light receiving unit that rotationally drives the reflecting surface to transmit light through the window glass within a predetermined region of the window glass and reflect the light reflected by the first reflecting surface toward the first light receiving element;
A glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus comprising: a storage unit that integrally stores the first light emitting unit and the first light receiving unit. In the glass surface deposit | attachment detection apparatus of Claim 1,
A second light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass so that the light is projected onto the inner surface of the window glass at a totally reflecting angle;
A second reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the second light emitting unit and reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass, and driving the second reflecting surface to rotate the second reflecting surface; A second light receiving unit that sequentially changes the light reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass and reflected by the second reflecting surface within a predetermined region of the window glass and directs the light toward the second light receiving element;
The glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus, wherein the storage unit integrally stores the second light emitting unit and the second light receiving unit. A first light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside to the outside of the window glass;
A reflector that reflects the light emitted from the first light-emitting portion to the outside of the window glass so as to project the light onto the outer surface of the window glass at an angle for total reflection;
A second light emitting unit that emits light having a predetermined wavelength from the inside of the window glass at a timing different from that of the first light emitting unit, so that the light is projected onto the inner surface of the window glass at a totally reflecting angle;
Light reflected from the reflector and reflected from the outer surface of the window glass and transmitted from the outside to the inside of the window glass, or light emitted from the second light emitting unit A reflection surface that selectively reflects light reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass, and the reflection surface is rotated to transmit the window glass within a predetermined area of the window glass. Then, the light reflected by the reflecting surface is sequentially changed and directed toward the light receiving element, or the reflecting surface is driven to rotate and reflected by the deposit on the inner surface of the window glass within a predetermined area of the window glass. A light receiving unit that sequentially changes the light reflected by the reflecting surface and directs the light toward the light receiving element;
A glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus comprising: the first and second light emitting units and a storage unit that integrally stores the light receiving unit. In the glass surface deposit | attachment detection apparatus of Claim 3,
The light receiving unit is
A rotating part having the reflecting surface; and a pedestal part for rotatably supporting the rotating part. The pedestal part is provided with a magnetic field generating part for generating a constant magnetic field. A glass surface adhering matter detection device, wherein a coil portion is provided in a moving portion. In the glass surface deposit | attachment detection apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4,
The glass surface adhering matter detection device, wherein the reflector and the storage portion are respectively attached to an outer surface and an inner surface of the window glass so as to face each other with the window glass interposed therebetween. A light emitting unit that projects light on the inner surface of the window glass at an angle that radiates outside from the inner surface of the window glass through the outer surface;
A light receiving unit that directs light from the light emitting unit, which is reflected by the deposit on the outer surface of the window glass and bent at the inner surface, to the light receiving element;
A glass surface adhering matter detection apparatus, comprising: a housing portion that integrally accommodates the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion inside the window glass.

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