JP2007033153A - Raindrop and dew condensation detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a raindrop and dew condensation detector which precisely detects both of a raindrop and dew condensation while miniaturized. <P>SOLUTION: The raindrop and dew condensation detector 100 for detecting the raindrop 3a and dew condensation 2a adhering to a windshield 1 is equipped with: a light emitting means 110; the reflecting means 120 provided to a part of a compartment surface 2; a first collimation means 130 fixed to the region, which is different from the reflecting means installing region of the compartment surface 2, at its one end and converting a part of the luminous flux from the light emitting means 110 to parallel light; a second collimation means 140 separated from the windshield 1 to be arranged with respect to the light emitting means 110 and converting a part of the luminous flux from the light emitting means 110 to parallel light to irradiate the compartment surface 2 including at least the installing region of the reflecting means 120; a first light detecting means 150 for detecting the reflected light of a outer compartment surface 3 of the luminous flux incident on the windshield 1 through the first collimation means 130; and a second light detecting means 160 for detecting the reflected light of the luminous flux applied to the reflecting means 120 through the second collimation means 140. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a raindrop / condensation detection device that detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of a transparent plate-like body and condensation occurring on the inner surface.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, a raindrop / condensation detection device that detects both raindrops adhering to the outer surface of a transparent plate-like body and dew condensation occurring on the inner surface is known.

This raindrop / condensation detection device is fixed to a part of the inner surface of the wind glass, which is a transparent plate, and is supported by one end of the light guide plate and a light guide plate made of a translucent material with a central main portion in the form of a strip A combined light emitting element for condensation and raindrops, a light receiving element for raindrop detection and dew light supported on the other end of the light guide plate, and a window glass and a light guide plate for branching light from the combined light emitting element A half mirror that is a semi-reflective member provided on the mirror and a mirror provided between the window glass and the light guide plate in order to reflect the branched light.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-255792

  However, in the said structure, since the light output from the combined light emitting element diverges, the light intensity becomes weak on the inner surface or the outer surface of the window glass. Therefore, even if light is scattered due to raindrops or condensation, the change in the amount of light (amount of light reduction) is small.

  In addition, it is conceivable to increase the optical path length (for example, reflecting the light multiple times in the window glass and the light guide plate) in order to increase the change in the amount of light, but it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a raindrop / condensation detection device that can accurately detect both raindrops and condensation and can be miniaturized.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claims 1 to 8 relates to a raindrop / condensation detection device for detecting raindrops adhering to the outer surface of a transparent plate-like body and condensation occurring on the inner surface. First, as described in claim 1, a light emitting means for emitting light toward the transparent plate-like body, a reflecting means provided on a part of the surface on the side where the light emitting means of the transparent plate-like body is disposed, and a reflecting means The first collimating means whose one end is fixed to a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with a part of the light flux from the light-emitting means, and the transparent plate-like body A second light source is disposed between the transparent plate and the light emitting means so as to be spaced apart, and irradiates a part of the light beam from the light emitting means as parallel light onto the surface of the transparent plate including at least the installation area of the reflecting means. The collimating means is disposed on the same side as the light emitting means with respect to the transparent plate-like body, and receives the reflected light on the surface of the transparent plate-like body, which is incident on the transparent plate-like body through the first collimating means. The first light receiving means and the transparent plate on the same side as the light emitting means Is location, characterized in that it comprises a second light receiving means for receiving the reflected light of the second light beam irradiated onto the reflecting means through the collimating means.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light emitting means is introduced into the transparent plate as parallel light by the first collimating means, and the reflected light on the surface thereof is received by the first light receiving means. Accordingly, the light intensity at the surface of the transparent plate-like body where the parallel light is reflected is increased, so that raindrops or condensation can be detected with high accuracy. Further, the light emitted from the same light emitting means is irradiated to the reflecting means as parallel light by the second collimating means, and the reflected light is received by the second light receiving means. Therefore, since the light intensity on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with the reflecting means is increased, condensation or raindrops can be detected with high accuracy. That is, according to the present invention, both raindrops and condensation can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the present invention, since the light intensity on both surfaces of the transparent plate-like body can be increased, the optical path length can be shortened. That is, the raindrop / condensation detection device can be miniaturized. Since the light emitting means is also used, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  The light emitting means may be disposed on the outer surface side of the transparent plate-shaped body, or may be disposed on the inner surface side of the transparent plate-shaped body as described in claim 2. When arranged on the inner surface side, raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the transparent plate-like body are detected by a combination of the first collimating means and the first light receiving means, and the second collimating means, the reflecting means, and the second collimating means are detected. Condensation that occurs on the inner surface (surface of the reflecting means) of the transparent plate-like body is detected by the combination of the light receiving means. In addition, since it is not exposed to a raindrop, the direction arrange | positioned at the inner surface side is preferable on durability. Further, it is preferable in appearance, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  As a 1st collimating means and a 2nd collimating means, what contains a collimating lens, respectively, as described in claim 3, for example, can be applied.

  Preferably, the parallel light by the first collimating means and the parallel light by the second collimating means are parallel to each other. In this case, a part of the light flux from the light emitting means is converted into parallel light by the second collimating means and irradiated to the reflecting means, and a part of the light flux from the light emitting means is converted to parallel light by the first collimating means, The structure which introduces into a transparent plate-like body via the site | part in which the reflection means is not provided can be implement | achieved smaller.

  As described in claim 5, when the first collimating means and the second collimating means are integrally formed using the same material, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each collimating means can be improved.

  The one end of the transparent plate surface provided with the reflection means is fixed to a portion different from the reflection means installation portion, and the reflected light on the surface of the transparent plate body is received by the first light receiving means. The first converging means for converging with respect to the transparent plate-like body is provided between the transparent plate-like body and the second light-receiving means so as to separate the reflected light from the reflecting means to the second light-receiving means. It is preferable to provide the 2nd convergence means to converge with respect to it.

  Thus, since each reflected light is converged by the corresponding convergence means, the sensitivity of the light receiving means can be improved. That is, both raindrops and condensation can be detected with higher accuracy. Moreover, since the light receiving means can be made smaller, the apparatus can be further miniaturized. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not have at least one convergence means.

  Note that, as the first converging unit and the second converging unit, those including a converging lens can be applied as described in claim 7. Further, as described in claim 8, when the first converging means and the second converging means are integrally formed using the same material, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each converging means can be improved.

  Next, invention of Claim 9-14 is related with the raindrop / condensation detection apparatus of a structure different from the invention of Claims 1-8. First, as described in claim 9, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means for emitting light toward the transparent plate-like body, and the surface of the transparent plate-like body on the side where the second light emitting means is arranged. One end is fixed to a part of the reflecting means provided in a part and a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the transparent plate provided with the reflecting means, and at least a part of the light beam from the first light emitting means is parallel. The first collimating means for guiding the light to the transparent plate-like body and the transparent plate-like body are spaced apart from each other and disposed between the transparent plate-like body and the second light-emitting means, and the light flux from the second light-emitting means. The second collimating means for irradiating the surface of the transparent plate-shaped body including at least the installation area of the reflecting means with at least a part of the parallel light, and the reflecting means setting site on the surface of the transparent plate-shaped body provided with the reflecting means One end is fixed to a different part, transparent through the first collimating means The first converging means for converging the reflected light of the light beam incident on the solid body on the surface of the transparent plate-like body and the transparent plate-like body are provided apart from each other, and the reflecting means is provided via the second collimating means. The second converging means for converging the reflected light of the light beam irradiated on the light receiving means, the light receiving means for receiving the converging light by the first converging means and the converging light by the second converging means, so that the lighting periods of each other do not overlap. In addition, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are controlled to be turned on and off, and the light receiving means signal is changed to a raindrop detection signal or a dew condensation detection signal according to the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means being turned on and off. And a control means.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the light emitted from the first light emitting means is introduced into the transparent plate-like body as parallel light by the first collimating means, and the reflected light on the surface thereof is received by the light receiving means. Accordingly, the light intensity at the surface of the transparent plate-like body where the parallel light is reflected is increased, so that raindrops or condensation can be detected with high accuracy. Further, the light emitted from the second light emitting means is irradiated to the reflecting means as parallel light by the second collimating means, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving means. Therefore, since the light intensity on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with the reflecting means is increased, condensation or raindrops can be detected with high accuracy. That is, according to the present invention, both raindrops and condensation can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the present invention, since the light intensity on both surfaces of the transparent plate-like body can be increased, the optical path length can be shortened. That is, the raindrop / condensation detection device can be miniaturized. Since the light receiving means is also used, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  Preferably, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are both arranged on the inner surface side of the transparent plate-like body. In this case, since it is not exposed to raindrops, it is preferable in terms of durability. Further, it is preferable in appearance, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. When arranged on the inner surface side, raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the transparent plate-like body are detected by a combination of the first light emitting means and the first collimating means, the second light emitting means, the second collimating means, and Condensation generated on the inner surface of the transparent plate-like body (reflecting means surface) is detected by a combination of reflecting means. In addition, it is good also as a structure which has arrange | positioned at least one light emission means on the outer surface.

  For example, as described in claim 11, the first collimating means and the second collimating means each include a collimating lens, and the first converging means and the second converging means each include a converging lens. Can be adopted.

  Since the operational effects of the inventions according to claims 12, 13, and 14 are the same as the operational effects of the inventions according to claims 4, 5, and 8, respectively, description thereof is omitted.

  As described in claim 15, the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is suitable for a windshield of a moving body formed by bonding two glasses as a transparent plate-like body. In addition, as a mobile body, it can apply to a vehicle (a motor vehicle, a train, etc.), an aircraft, a ship, etc., for example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a raindrop / condensation detection device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a raindrop / condensation detection device 100 according to the present embodiment is installed at a predetermined position on a vehicle inner surface 2 of a windshield 1 (front glass) of a vehicle (automobile) that is a transparent plate-like body. . The windshield 1 is generally formed by bonding polyvinyl butyral (PVB) having a thickness of about 1 mm between two glasses having a thickness of about 1.5 to 3 mm. . The installation location of the raindrop / condensation detection device 100 is not particularly limited, but a position that does not hinder the sight of the occupant (especially the driver) is preferable. As such a place, for example, there is a periphery of a mounting base of a room mirror.

  The raindrop / condensation detection apparatus 100 includes a light emitting means 110, a reflecting means 120, a first collimating means 130, a second collimating means 140, a first light receiving means 150, and a second light receiving means 160 as a basic configuration. ing.

  The light emitting means 110 can be applied as long as it emits light, and includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescence (EL) element, and a light emission driving circuit (not shown) for the element. In the present embodiment, an infrared light emitting diode is employed, and is mounted on the circuit board 10 on the vehicle inner surface 2 side of the windshield 1. In addition, when a light emission instruction signal from a control unit (not shown) configured on the circuit board 10 is input to the light emission drive circuit configuring the light emitting unit 110, infrared light is output toward the windshield 1. ing.

  As the reflecting means 120, any means can be applied as long as it is provided on a part of the surface of the windshield 1 on the side where the light emitting means 110 is disposed and can reflect the light output from the light emitting means 110. In the present embodiment, a mirror (reflective film) formed on the inner surface 2 of the windshield 1 by, for example, aluminum vapor deposition is applied. The reflecting means 120 is formed corresponding to the region of the vehicle inner surface 2 of the windshield 1 to which the parallel light from the second collimating means 140 is irradiated.

  The first collimating means 130 has one end fixed to a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the windshield 1 where the reflecting means 120 is provided, and a part of the light beam from the light emitting means 110 is made parallel light. Applicable if possible. In the present embodiment, the first collimating unit 130 is integrated with the first collimating lens unit 131 and the first collimating lens unit 131 which converts a part of the light beam diverging from the light emitting unit 110 into parallel light, and the parallel light The light guide part 132 guides the light into the windshield 1 without being reflected by the vehicle inner surface 2 of the windshield 1.

  The first collimating means 130 is made of a material having substantially the same refractive index as that of the glass constituting the windshield 1, such as a resin such as polycarbonate, polyester, or acrylic, or glass. Therefore, when the light beam is transmitted from the first collimating means 130 to the windshield 1, the light beam is not easily scattered. Further, since the parallel light is configured to enter the windshield 1 with an incident angle of, for example, about 45 degrees, the optical loss is small.

  The second collimating means 140 is disposed between the windshield 1 and the light emitting means 110 so as to be separated from the windshield 1, and a part of the light beam diverging from the light emitting means 110 is converted into parallel light, at least of the reflecting means 120. The present invention can be applied as long as it irradiates the surface of the windshield 1 including the installation area.

  The second collimating unit 140 in the present embodiment is configured by a second collimating lens unit 141 that uses a part of the light beam diverging from the light emitting unit 110 as parallel light. And both are comprised so that the parallel light by the 1st collimating means 130 and the parallel light by the 2nd collimating means 140 may become mutually parallel. In this case, a part of the light beam diverging from the light emitting unit 110 is converted into parallel light by the second collimating unit 140 and irradiated to the reflecting unit 120, and a part of the light beam diverging from the light emitting unit 110 (preferably the second light beam). The configuration in which the remaining collimating means 140) is converted into parallel light by the first collimating means 130 and introduced into the windshield 1 through a portion where the reflecting means 120 is not provided is smaller (for example, the light emitting means 110 and each light receiving unit). The distance between the means 150 and 160 can be shortened).

  Further, the second collimating means 140 is integrally formed using the same material as the first collimating means 130. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each collimating means 130 and 140 can be improved.

  The first light receiving means 150 is disposed on the same side as the light emitting means 110 with respect to the windshield 1 (the vehicle inner surface 2 side in FIG. 1), and is incident on the windshield 1 through the first collimating means 130. The present invention is applicable as long as it receives the reflected light from the surface of the windshield 1 (the vehicle outer surface 3 in FIG. 1).

  The second light receiving means 160 is arranged on the same side as the light emitting means 110 with respect to the windshield 1 and receives the reflected light of the parallel light irradiated to the reflecting means 120 via the second collimating means 140. Applicable if possible. In the present embodiment, the first light receiving means 150 and the second light receiving means 160 are composed of a photodiode and an output amplifier circuit (not shown) that amplifies the output from the photodiode.

  In the raindrop / condensation detection device 100 configured as described above, the light emitting means 110, the first collimator means 130, and the first light receiving means 150 are attached to the outer surface 3 of the vehicle based on the amount of infrared light received by the first light receiving means 150. A rain sensor for detecting the raindrop 3a and / or its attached amount (rainfall amount) is configured. Then, based on the detection signal (detected raindrops and / or raindrop amount) of the first light receiving means 150, wiper driving is automatically controlled by a control unit (not shown).

  Further, the light emitting means 110, the second collimator means 140, the reflecting means 120, and the second light receiving means 160 adhere to the vehicle inner surface 2 (the reflecting means 120) based on the amount of infrared light received by the second light receiving means 160. The dew condensation sensor 2a that detects the dew condensation 2a and / or the dew condensation amount is configured. Then, based on the detection signal (detected dew condensation and / or dew amount) of the second light receiving means 160, the defroster drive is automatically controlled by a control unit (not shown).

  As described above, according to the raindrop / condensation detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the first collimating unit 130 converts the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit 110 into parallel light. Therefore, since the light intensity at the vehicle outer surface 3 where the parallel light is reflected is increased, the raindrop 3a can be detected with high accuracy by receiving the reflected light at the vehicle outer surface 3 by the first light receiving means 150.

  Further, the light beam emitted from the same light emitting means 110 is irradiated to the reflecting means 120 by the second collimating means 140 as parallel light. Accordingly, since the light intensity at the vehicle inner surface 2 of the windshield 1 provided with the reflecting means 120 is increased, the condensed light 2a can be accurately detected by receiving the reflected light with the second light receiving means 160. it can. That is, according to this apparatus 100, both the raindrop 3a and the dew condensation 2a can be detected with high accuracy.

  Moreover, since the light intensity on both surfaces 2 and 3 of the windshield 1 can be increased, the optical path length can be shortened. That is, the raindrop / condensation detection device 100 can be reduced in size. In addition, since the light emitting means 110 of the rain sensor and the anti-fogging sensor is shared, the apparatus 100 can be further downsized.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the raindrop / condensation detection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has one end fixed to a portion different from the reflection means installation site on the surface of the windshield 1 provided with the reflection means 120, and the windshield The first converging means 170 for converging the reflected light on the first surface (vehicle outer surface 3) with respect to the first light receiving means 150, and the windshield 1 and the second light receiving means 160 apart from the windshield 1. And a second converging unit 180 for converging the light reflected by the reflecting unit 120 with respect to the second light receiving unit 160.

  Therefore, since each reflected light is converged by the corresponding convergence means 170, 180, the sensitivity of each light receiving means 150, 160 can be improved. That is, both raindrops and condensation can be detected with higher accuracy. Moreover, since each light receiving means 150 and 160 can be made small, the apparatus 100 can be further miniaturized.

  Specifically, the first converging unit 170 is integrated into the first converging lens unit 171 and the first converging lens unit 171 for converging the reflected light from the vehicle outer surface 3 with respect to the first light receiving unit 150. The light guide unit 172 guides the reflected light from the windshield 1 to the first focusing lens unit 171.

  The first converging means 170 is made of a material having substantially the same refractive index as that of the glass constituting the windshield 1, such as a resin such as polycarbonate, polyester, or acrylic, or glass. Therefore, when the light beam (reflected light) is transmitted from the windshield 1 to the first converging means 170, the light beam is not easily scattered. Further, since the reflected light is configured to enter the light guide unit 172 with an incident angle of about 45 degrees, for example, optical loss is small.

  The second converging unit 180 includes a second converging lens unit 181 that converges the reflected light reflected by the reflecting unit 120 with respect to the second light receiving unit 160. The second converging means 180 is integrally formed using the same material as the first converging means 170. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each convergence means 170 and 180 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the collimating means 130 and 140 and the converging means 170 and 180 are integrally formed using the same material as a part of the upper case 20. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce the number of parts and the number of mounting steps. Further, the positioning accuracy of the converging means 170 and 180 can be further improved. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes a lower case that forms a pair with the upper case 20. Reference numeral 190 denotes an adhesive for fixing the raindrop / condensation detection device 100 to the windshield 1. As the adhesive 190, a material (for example, silicon gel) having substantially the same refractive index as that of the windshield 1, the first collimating unit 130, and the first converging unit 170 can be applied. In the present embodiment, the first collimator unit 130 is disposed between the light guide unit 132 and the windshield 1, and the first converging unit 170 is disposed between the light guide unit 172 and the windshield 1. ing. More specifically, it is arranged on the vehicle inner surface 2 so as to sandwich the reflecting means 120 with no gap. Therefore, optical loss can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the constituent elements 110 to 180 are arranged on the vehicle inner surface 2 side of the windshield 1 is shown. However, the arrangement configuration is not limited to the above example. For example, you may arrange | position each component 110-180 on the vehicle outer surface side. In this case, the light emitting means 110, the first collimator means 130, and the first light receiving means 150 adhere to the condensation 2 a and / or its attachment on the vehicle inner surface 2 based on the amount of infrared light received by the first light receiving means 150. An anti-fogging sensor for detecting the amount is configured. Further, the light emitting means 110, the second collimator means 140, the reflecting means 120, and the second light receiving means 160 adhere to the vehicle outer surface 3 (the reflecting means 120) based on the amount of infrared light received by the second light receiving means 160. A rain sensor for detecting the raindrop 3a and / or the amount of adhesion thereof is configured.

  However, as shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable in terms of durability that each of the components 110 to 180 is disposed on the vehicle inner surface 2 side of the windshield 1 because it is not exposed to the raindrops 3a. Further, the appearance is also preferable, and the apparatus 100 can be downsized.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the example in which the 1st collimating means 130, the 2nd collimating means 140, the 1st converging means 170, and the 2nd converging means 180 were integrated with the upper case 20 was shown. However, the upper case 20 may be provided as a separate component. The collimating means 130 and 140 and the converging means 170 and 180 may be separate parts. Furthermore, each element 130, 140, 170, 180 may be configured as a separate part.

  Further, the light emission drive circuit constituting the light emitting means 110, the output amplifier circuit constituting the light receiving means 150, 160, and the control unit are configured separately from the apparatus 100 (electrically connected to the apparatus 100 outside the apparatus 100). A connected configuration).

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described based on FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the raindrop / condensation detection device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the raindrop / condensation detection device according to the present embodiment.

  Since the raindrop / condensation detection device in the second embodiment is often in common with that in the first embodiment, the detailed description of the common parts will be omitted, and different parts will be described mainly.

  The raindrop / condensation detection device according to the first embodiment is configured to include one light emitting unit 110 and two light receiving units 150 and 160. On the other hand, the raindrop / condensation detection device according to this embodiment includes two light emitting means and one light receiving means.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first light emitting means 210, the second light emitting means 220, the reflecting means 230, the first collimating means 240, the second collimating means 250, The converging unit 260, the second converging unit 270, the light receiving unit 280, and the control unit 290 are basic components.

  As the first light emitting means 210 and the second light emitting means 220, as long as the light emitting means 110 shown in the first embodiment emits light, any light emitting diode (LED), electro, for example can be applied. It comprises a luminescence (EL) element and a light emission drive circuit (not shown) for the element. In the present embodiment, an infrared light emitting diode is employed, and is mounted on the circuit board 10 on the vehicle inner surface 2 side of the windshield 1. In addition, when a light emission instruction signal from a control unit (not shown) configured on the circuit board 10 is input to each of the light emission drive circuits constituting the first light emission means 210 and the second light emission means, infrared rays are emitted. It is comprised so that it may output toward the windshield 1.

  The reflecting means 230 is applicable as long as it is provided on a part of the surface of the windshield 1 on the side where the second light emitting means 220 is disposed and can reflect the light output from the second light emitting means 220. Is possible. In the present embodiment, a mirror (reflective film) formed on the inner surface 2 of the windshield 1 by, for example, aluminum vapor deposition is applied. The reflecting means 230 is formed corresponding to the region of the inner surface 2 of the windshield 1 to which the parallel light from the second collimating means 250 is irradiated.

  One end of the first collimating means 240 is fixed to a portion different from the reflecting means installation portion on the surface of the windshield 1 where the reflecting means 230 is provided, and at least a part of the light flux from the first light emitting means 210 is converted into parallel light. Can be applied. In the present embodiment, the first collimating unit 240 is integrated with the first collimating lens unit 241 and the first collimating lens unit 241 in which at least a part of the light beam diverging from the first light emitting unit 210 is parallel light. The light guide unit 242 guides the parallel light into the windshield 1 without reflecting it with the vehicle inner surface 2 of the windshield 1.

  The first collimating means 240 is made of a material having substantially the same refractive index as that of the glass constituting the windshield 1, such as a resin such as polycarbonate, polyester, or acrylic, or glass. Therefore, when the light beam is transmitted from the first collimating means 240 to the windshield 1, the light beam is not easily scattered. Further, since the parallel light is configured to enter the windshield 1 with an incident angle of, for example, about 45 degrees, the optical loss is small.

  The second collimating means 250 is disposed between the windshield 1 and the second light emitting means 220 so as to be separated from the windshield 1, and at least a part of the light beam diverging from the second light emitting means 220 is parallel light. As long as it irradiates the surface of the windshield 1 including at least the installation area of the reflection means 230, it can be applied.

  The second collimating unit 250 in the present embodiment is configured by a second collimating lens unit 251 that uses at least a part of the light beam diverging from the second light emitting unit 220 as parallel light. And both are comprised so that the parallel light by the 1st collimating means 240 and the parallel light by the 2nd collimating means 250 may become mutually parallel. In this case, the apparatus 100 can be made smaller (for example, the distance between each light emitting means 210 and 220 and the light receiving means 280 is shortened).

  Also in this embodiment, the second collimating means 250 is integrally formed using the same material as the first collimating means 240. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each collimating means 240 and 250 can be improved.

  The first converging means 260 has one end fixed to a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the windshield 1 where the reflecting means 230 is provided, and receives reflected light on the surface of the windshield 1 (vehicle outer surface 3). Anything that converges to 280 can be applied. In the present embodiment, the first focusing lens portion 261 that converges the reflected light from the vehicle outer surface 3 with respect to the light receiving means 280 and the first focusing lens portion 261 are integrated, and the reflected light from the windshield 1 is reflected. The light guide unit 262 leads to the first focusing lens unit 2611.

  In addition, the 1st convergence means 260 is comprised using the material which has substantially the same refractive index as the glass which comprises the windshield 1, such as resin, such as polycarbonate, polyester, an acryl, and glass, for example. Therefore, when the light beam (reflected light) is transmitted from the windshield 1 to the first converging means 260, the light beam is not easily scattered. Further, since the reflected light is configured to enter the light guide unit 262 with an incident angle of, for example, about 45 degrees, optical loss is small.

  The second converging means 270 is applied if it is provided between the windshield 1 and the light receiving means 280 so as to be separated from the windshield 1 and converges the light reflected by the reflecting means 230 with respect to the light receiving means 280. Is possible. In the present embodiment, the second focusing lens unit 271 that converges the reflected light reflected by the reflecting unit 230 with respect to the light receiving unit 280 is configured. The second converging unit 270 is integrally formed using the same material as the first converging unit 260. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of mounting steps can be reduced. Moreover, the positioning accuracy of each convergence means 260 and 270 can be improved.

  The light receiving means 280 is disposed on the same side as the light emitting means 210 and 220 (in FIG. 1, the vehicle inner surface 2 side) with respect to the windshield 1 and is incident on the windshield 1 through the first collimating means 240. The reflected light of the reflected light beam on the surface of the windshield 1 (the vehicle outer surface 3 in FIG. 1) is received, and the reflected light of the parallel light irradiated to the reflecting means 230 via the second collimating means 250 is received. It is possible to apply if it is. In the present embodiment, it is composed of a photodiode and an output amplifier circuit (not shown) that amplifies its output.

  The control means 290 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and a central processing unit 291 (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for executing various processes, and outputs of the light receiving means 280 according to the light emission patterns of the light emitting means 210 and 220, are output as rain sensors. An output switching circuit (switch) 292 that switches between output and anti-fogging sensor output, an internal memory (not shown), and the like. In the present embodiment, the control means 290 is configured on the circuit board 10.

  The CPU 291 outputs a light emission instruction signal to the light emission drive circuits of the light emitting units 210 and 220, and outputs an output switching signal synchronized with the light emission instruction signal to the output switching circuit 292. Thereby, the output switching circuit 292 switches the output of the light receiving means 280 between the rain sensor output and the anti-fogging sensor output in accordance with the timing when each of the light emitting means 210 and 220 is turned on and off, and outputs it to the CPU 291. The CPU 291 that has received the signal from the output switching circuit 292 executes various processes and outputs a sensor signal to the body ECU 400.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 300 denotes an adhesive for fixing the raindrop / condensation detection device 200 to the windshield 1. The adhesive 300 has the same configuration and effect as the adhesive 190 shown in the first embodiment.

  Next, on / off control of the light emitting means 210 and 220 by the control means 290 and output switching of the light receiving means 280 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a characteristic part in the raindrop / condensation detection device 200. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining light emission timing and output switching.

  This control is performed, for example, when an auto wiper SW (not shown) for automatically controlling the wiper and an auto air conditioner SW (not shown) for automatically controlling the defroster are turned on with the ignition SW (not shown) turned on. Starts at, and ends when turned off.

  When the auto wiper SW and the auto air conditioner SW are turned on with the ignition SW turned on, the CPU 291 constituting the control means 290 has a predetermined light emission pattern for the light emission drive circuits constituting the light emission means 210 and 220. A light emission instruction signal is output so as to turn on and off. At the same time, the CPU 291 also outputs an output switching signal corresponding to the issuing instruction signal to the output switching circuit 292 constituting the control means 290 in synchronization with the issuing instruction signal.

  Upon receiving the light emission instruction signal, the light emission drive circuit of the light emitting means 210, 220 drives each element in accordance with the light emission instruction signal. Accordingly, for example, the output waveforms of the first light emitting means 210 and the second light emitting means 220 show a predetermined light emission pattern as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, lighting is repeatedly turned on and off at a constant cycle, and the light emission of each of the light emitting units 210 and 220 is controlled so that the lighting periods do not overlap each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the light receiving means 280 detects the signal output from the photodiode 280a by light reception by a detection circuit (not shown), amplifies the output by the output amplifier circuit 280b, and then switches the output. Output to the circuit 292. Here, the output switching circuit 292 uses the detection signal from the light receiving means 280 as a rain sensor output or an anti-fogging sensor output according to the output switching signal from the CPU 291 (synchronized with the light emission pattern of each light emitting means 210, 220). It outputs to CPU291.

  Reflected light reflected by the vehicle outer surface 3 of the windshield 1 and reflected light reflected by the vehicle inner surface 2 (reflecting means 230) of the windshield 1 are incident on the light receiving means 280. However, as described above, the first light emitting means 210 and the second light emitting means 220 are repeatedly turned on and off at a constant cycle, and the light emission is controlled so that the lighting periods do not overlap each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the output of the light receiving means 280 also changes in accordance with the light emission (output) patterns of the light emitting means 210 and 220. Further, the reflected light of the light beam from the second light emitting means 220 having a short optical path length has a higher light receiving intensity.

  The output switching circuit 292 outputs the output of the light receiving means 280 to the CPU 291 as a rain sensor output or an antifogging sensor output according to the light emission pattern of each light emitting means 210, 220. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the signal output from the output switching circuit 292 to the CPU 291 becomes a rain sensor output while the first light emitting means 210 emits light, and the second light emitting means 220 emits light. The anti-fogging sensor output is output while it is on.

  Then, the CPU 291 compares the rain sensor output or the anti-fogging sensor output with a threshold for driving the wiper or a threshold for driving the defroster (for example, stored in the internal memory), and outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the determination result to the wiper. It outputs to body ECU400 provided with a drive device, an air conditioner, etc.

  As described above, also in the raindrop / condensation detection apparatus 200 according to this embodiment, the light beams emitted from the light emitting units 210 and 220 are converted into parallel light by the corresponding collimating units 240 and 250. Therefore, since the light intensity on the vehicle interior surfaces 2 and 3 of the windshield 1 is increased, both the raindrop 3a and the dew condensation 2a can be detected with high accuracy.

  Moreover, since the light intensity on both surfaces 2 and 3 of the windshield 1 can be increased, the optical path length can be shortened. That is, the raindrop / condensation detection device 200 can be downsized. In addition, since the light sensor 280 of the rain sensor and the anti-fogging sensor is used, the apparatus 200 can be further downsized.

  Furthermore, since each reflected light is converged by the corresponding converging means 260 and 270, the sensitivity of the light receiving means 280 can be improved. That is, both the raindrop 3a and the dew condensation 2a can be detected with higher accuracy. Further, since the light receiving means 280 can be made smaller, the apparatus 200 can be further downsized.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications.

In this embodiment, the example which arrange | positions the raindrop / condensation detection apparatus 100,200 in the windshield 1 of the motor vehicle was shown. However, the transparent plate-like body is not limited to the windshield 1 (so-called laminated glass) having the above configuration in which two pieces of glass are bonded with PVC or the like. In addition to glass, the constituent material may be a resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or a combination of glass and resin. Further, the number of stacked layers is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The moving body is not limited to an automobile. In addition, the present invention can be applied to vehicles other than automobiles (such as trains and forklifts), aircraft, ships, and the like. Moreover, it may not be a mobile body.

It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the raindrop / condensation detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the raindrop and dew condensation detection apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the control structure of a raindrop / condensation detection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the characteristic part in a raindrop / condensation detection apparatus. It is a timing chart for demonstrating light emission timing and output switching.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Windshield (transparent plate)
2 ... car inner surface 2a ... condensation 3 ... car outer surface 3a ... raindrop 20 ... upper case 30 ... lower case 100, 200 ... raindrop / condensation detection device 110 ... light emission Means 210 ... first light emitting means 220 ... second light emitting means 120, 230 ... reflecting means 130, 240 ... first collimating means 140, 250 ... second collimating means 150 ... first light receiving means 160 ... second light receiving means 280 ... light receiving means 170, 260 ... first converging means 180,270 ... second converging means 280 ... light receiving Means 290 ... control means

Claims (15)

A raindrop / condensation detection device that detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of a transparent plate-like body and condensation occurring on the inner surface,
A light emitting means for emitting light toward the transparent plate,
Reflecting means provided on a part of the surface of the transparent plate-like body on which the light emitting means is disposed;
A first collimating means having one end fixed to a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with the reflecting means, and a part of a light beam from the light emitting means as parallel light;
The transparent plate-like body is spaced apart from the transparent plate-like body and the light emitting means, and includes a part of the light flux from the light emitting means as parallel light, including at least the installation area of the reflecting means. A second collimating means for irradiating the surface of the transparent plate,
Reflected light on the surface of the transparent plate, which is arranged on the same side as the light emitting means with respect to the transparent plate, and is incident on the transparent plate through the first collimating means. First light receiving means for receiving light;
A second light receiving means disposed on the same side as the light emitting means with respect to the transparent plate-like body and receiving reflected light of a light beam irradiated on the reflecting means via the second collimating means; A raindrop / condensation detector.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting means is disposed on an inner surface side of the transparent plate-like body.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first collimating unit and the second collimating unit includes a collimating lens.   4. The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 1, wherein the parallel light by the first collimator and the parallel light by the second collimator are parallel to each other.   The raindrop / condensation detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first collimating means and the second collimating means are integrally formed using the same material. One end is fixed to a part different from the reflecting part installation part on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with the reflecting means, and the reflected light on the surface of the transparent plate-like body is converged with respect to the first light receiving unit. First convergence means;
A second space is provided between the transparent plate-like body and the second light-receiving means so as to be separated from the transparent plate-like body, and the reflected light from the reflecting means is converged with respect to the second light-receiving means. The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a convergence unit.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first converging unit and the second converging unit includes a converging lens.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first converging unit and the second converging unit are integrally formed using the same material. A raindrop / condensation detection device that detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of a transparent plate-like body and condensation occurring on the inner surface,
A first light emitting means and a second light emitting means for emitting light toward the transparent plate,
Reflecting means provided on a part of the surface of the transparent plate-like body on which the second light emitting means is disposed;
One end of the transparent plate surface provided with the reflection means is fixed to a portion different from the reflection means installation portion, and at least a part of the light flux from the first light emitting means is used as parallel light, the transparent plate-like body. First collimating means leading to
The transparent plate-like body is disposed between the transparent plate-like body and the second light emitting means so as to be separated from the transparent plate-like body, and at least a part of the light flux from the second light emitting means is converted into parallel light and at least the reflection is performed. Second collimating means for irradiating the surface of the transparent plate-shaped body including the installation area of the means;
One end is fixed to a part different from the reflecting means installation part on the surface of the transparent plate-like body provided with the reflecting means, and the luminous flux incident on the transparent plate-like body through the first collimating means, First converging means for converging the reflected light on the surface of the transparent plate,
A second converging unit that is provided apart from the transparent plate-like body and converges the reflected light of the light beam applied to the reflecting unit via the second collimating unit;
A light receiving means for receiving convergent light from the first converging means and convergent light from the second converging means;
While controlling the turning on and off of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means so that the lighting periods of each other do not overlap, according to the turning on and off of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means, A raindrop / condensation detection apparatus comprising: control means for using a signal of the light receiving means as a raindrop detection signal or a condensation detection signal.   The raindrop / condensation detecting device according to claim 9, wherein the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are arranged on an inner surface side of the transparent plate-like body. Each of the first collimating means and the second collimating means includes a collimating lens,
11. The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 9, wherein each of the first converging unit and the second converging unit includes a converging lens.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the parallel light by the first collimating means and the parallel light by the second collimating means are parallel to each other.   The raindrop / condensation detecting device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first collimating means and the second collimating means are integrally formed using the same material.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first converging unit and the second converging unit are integrally formed using the same material.   The raindrop / condensation detection device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent plate-like body is a windshield of a moving body formed by bonding two sheets of glass.

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