JP2011240913A - On-board optical sensor cover and on-board sensor apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly remove a sticking object sticking to a lens surface while reducing cost and size by dispensing with a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air.SOLUTION: A camera cover 2 capable of attaching and detaching a camera 3 is provided with a washer nozzle 9 for washing the lens surface 5a of a lens 5 of the camera 3 by injecting a washer fluid supplied from a washer fluid tank capable of storing the washer fluid toward the lens surface 5a. The compressed air generating unit for injecting the compressed air is eliminated, and while reducing the cost and the size, the sticking object sticking to the lens surface 5a can be properly removed, and the camera 3 can be properly operated.

Description

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

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

JP 2001-171491 A

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

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

  According to the vehicle-mounted optical sensor cover according to claim 1, the optical sensor in which the accommodating part that accommodates the optical sensor having a lens and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank that can store the cleaning liquid is accommodated in the accommodating part. When there is a lens surface of the lens or a cover glass facing the lens, a cleaning nozzle that performs a cleaning operation to spray the glass surface of the cover glass and clean the lens surface or the glass surface, Since the cleaning operation is performed by the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning liquid is appropriately sprayed toward the lens surface or the glass surface to appropriately remove deposits attached to the lens surface or the glass surface. Therefore, a compressed air generating unit for injecting compressed air is not required, and the attachment to the lens surface or the glass surface is achieved while reducing the cost and size. Things to be able to adequately remove, it is possible to properly operate the optical sensor. The cleaning nozzle is provided on a side of the storage unit, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank is stored in the storage unit as the cleaning operation, and the lens or the cover glass of the optical sensor is stored in the storage unit. In this case, since the lens surface or the glass surface is sprayed from the side of the cover glass toward the lens surface of the lens or the glass surface of the cover glass, the cleaning nozzle is accommodated. The dimension in the height direction (vertical direction) can be suppressed by the amount provided on the side of the part.

  According to the on-vehicle optical sensor device of the second aspect, in the first aspect, since the cleaning nozzle is provided outside the angle of view of the optical sensor, the field of view of the optical sensor may be blocked by the cleaning nozzle. Therefore, the field of view of the optical sensor can be ensured appropriately.

The front view (a) and vertical side view (b) which show the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the aspect by which the camera cover and the camera are isolate | separated The perspective view which shows the aspect mounted in the vehicle Functional block diagram flowchart Functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention Figure equivalent to FIG. Front view (a) and vertical side view (b) showing other embodiments Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Front view showing another embodiment FIG. 20 equivalent diagram Functional block diagram showing another embodiment The perspective view which shows the other embodiment and shows the aspect mounted in the vehicle Front view (a) and vertical side view (b) showing a third embodiment of the present invention 2 equivalent diagram 4 equivalent diagram Figure equivalent to FIG. Functional block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention Figure equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. The figure which shows the aspect from which a washing | cleaning liquid is removed typically Equivalent to FIG. Equivalent to FIG. Figure equivalent to FIG. The figure which shows the picture imaged with the camera

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

  In the camera cover 2, a housing portion 7 for housing the camera 3 is provided inside the housing 6, and an opening 8 is provided on the back side of the housing 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 3 is attached to the camera cover 2 from the outside through the opening 8 and is removed from the camera cover 2 through the opening 8 to the outside. A cleaning nozzle 9 is provided in the camera cover 2 and above the accommodating portion 7. The cleaning nozzle 9 has an “L” shape, its base end 9 a is connected to the tube 10 on the back side of the housing 6, and its tip end 9 b opens downward to function as the injection port 11. To do. In this case, in a state where the camera 3 is normally accommodated in the accommodating portion 7 (a state during normal use shown in FIG. 1), the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 is located directly below the distal end portion 9b of the cleaning nozzle 9. Is supposed to be located. Further, the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 is provided in a region outside the angle of view of the camera 3 (indicated by “θ” in FIG. 1). The optical sensor unit 1 configured as described above is provided, for example, in the vehicle body 12 and above the rear window 13 as shown in FIG. That is, the camera 3 functions as a back view camera that captures the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle moves backward.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a peripheral electrical configuration including the optical sensor unit 1 described above. The in-vehicle optical sensor device referred to in the present invention includes the optical sensor unit 1 and the control unit 14 as constituent requirements. The control unit 14 (control means, gear position detection means, vehicle activation start detection means, vehicle activation end detection means, image dirt detection means, image fogging detection means in the present invention) is composed mainly of a microcomputer and stored in advance. By executing the control program, the photographing operation by the camera 3 is controlled, and the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is controlled by controlling the operation of the motor 16 provided in the cleaning liquid tank 15.

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

The liquid crystal display device 17 (notifying means in the present invention) is provided in the vehicle interior. When a video signal output from the camera 3 is input, a video corresponding to the video signal is decoded by decoding the input video signal. Is displayed. The control unit 14 analyzes the video displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17 (for example, by determining whether the luminance of the element is large), and detects whether the video is dirty or cloudy.

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

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

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

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

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

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part as above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and a different part is demonstrated. The first embodiment described above is configured to perform the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 triggered by the user operating the cleaning switch 18, that is, the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is manually performed. In the embodiment, the position of the gear in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position (the position of the gear in the vehicle referred to in the present invention is detected to be a predetermined position), and the IG switch is switched from OFF to ON. (The start of the vehicle in the present invention is detected), or the IG switch is switched from on to off (the end of the vehicle in the present invention is detected). The cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is triggered by the fact that the above operating conditions are satisfied or the image is dirty, that is, the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is automatically performed. . In the second embodiment, the control unit 31 has a count function.

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

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

  If the control unit 31 determines that there is no dirt in the image (no dirt is eliminated by performing the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9) ("NO" in step S12), the count value of the cleaning counter Is reset (step S18), the process returns to the above-described step S11, and step S11 and subsequent steps are repeated.

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

  The above-described embodiment can be modified or expanded as follows.

  The optical sensor is not limited to the camera 3 and may be any device that has a lens and optically measures a physical quantity, and may be another sensor such as a laser.

  When the count value of the cleaning number counter is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the liquid crystal display device 17 is not limited to displaying an error, but an error sound may be output from a speaker, or a seat or a handle may be displayed. A configuration in which a vibration generation device or a static electricity generation device is provided to generate vibration or static electricity from a seat or a handle may be used, or these may be used in combination. In other words, any method may be used for notification using visual, auditory, or tactile sensations.

  The configuration in which the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 5 is manually performed and the configuration in which the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 7 is automatically performed may be used in combination.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, a receiving tray 63 and a tube 64 are provided in the housing 62 of the camera cover 61, and the spray is ejected from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the lens surface 5 a of the lens 5 of the camera 3. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5 a may be received by the receiving tray 63, and the cleaning liquid received by the receiving tray 63 may be drained through the tube 64. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that a window gets dirty with the washing | cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5a. On the other hand, the receiving tray may be provided with a hole, and the window may be cleaned by the cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5a flowing into the window through the hole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 18, a vibration mechanism 145 (referred to in the present invention) includes a piezoelectric element 143 and an electrode 144 that are in a housing 142 of the camera cover 141 and vibrate the cover glass 103 by generating ultrasonic waves or low frequencies. Ultrasonic vibration means, low frequency vibration means) is provided, and the cover glass 103 vibrates during or after the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. It may be configured to be vibrated by the mechanism 145. In this case, it is possible to avoid leaving the cleaning liquid attached to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in this case as well.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an air injection mechanism 156 (air referred to in the present invention) including an air nozzle 153, a tube 154, and an air pump 155 that are in a casing 152 of a camera cover 151 and injects air onto the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. (Injection means) is provided, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the injection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 or after the injection, from the air injection mechanism 156 to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. Alternatively, the air may be jetted. In this case, it is possible to avoid leaving the cleaning liquid attached to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in this case as well.

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a camera 162 in which an infrared light 171 (illumination means in the present invention) for irradiating infrared rays is integrated is housed, and the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 15 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9. It may be configured to be supplied and ejected from the ejection port 11 toward the lens surface of the lens 173 of the camera 172 and also toward the infrared light 171. The infrared light 171 is used to assist ambient brightness when an image is captured by the camera 3 such as at night. Therefore, according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the foreign matter adhering to the lens of the infrared light 171 can be suitably removed, and infrared irradiation can be suitably performed. 21 and 22, a visible light (illumination means in the present invention) may be used instead of the infrared light 171. Even if it is a visible light, the effect similar to the infrared light 171 is acquired.

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

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the in-vehicle optical sensor device has been described including the control unit and the optical sensor unit as constituent elements. However, the control unit may be configured as a part of the camera cover.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part as above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and a different part is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 24, the inside of the housing 6 covers the entire lateral periphery of the lens 5 of the camera 3 in a state where the camera 3 is normally housed in the housing portion 7, and the tip portion 9 b side of the cleaning nozzle 9. Heater 201 (which is an optical system heating means and a nozzle heating means in the present invention, and both means are integrally formed of the same member) and the heater so as to be in contact with a part of the heater (around the bent portion in this embodiment) An electric wire (not shown) for supplying current to 201 is provided. The heater 201 is provided, for example, by applying a hot wire in a mesh shape. Heat generated from the heater 201 is transmitted to the lens 5 of the camera 3 and a part of the cleaning nozzle 9 on the tip 9b side.

  FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram showing a peripheral electrical configuration including the optical sensor unit 1 described above. The control unit 14 is configured mainly by a microcomputer, and controls a photographing operation by the camera 3 and a heating operation by the heater 201 by executing a control program stored in advance, and is provided in the cleaning liquid tank 15. The cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is controlled by controlling the operation of the motor 16. The heater switch 202 is a switch that can be operated by the user. When the user operates the heater switch 202, an operation detection signal is output to the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 outputs the operation detection signal output from the heater switch 202. When input, a drive command signal is output to the heater 201 to drive the heater 201. The drive command signal output from the control unit 14 to the motor 16 and the drive command signal output from the control unit 14 to the heater 201 are, for example, level signals, and only during a period when these level signals are on (high level). A cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 and a heating operation by the heater 201 are performed. The cleaning switch 18 and the heater switch 202 may be mechanically provided switches or touch switches displayed on the liquid crystal display device 17.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 14 determines whether or not the cleaning switch 18 is operated when the power is on (the activated state of the optical sensor unit 1) (step S101), and determines whether or not the heater switch 202 is operated. (Step S102). When the control unit 14 receives the operation detection signal output from the cleaning switch 18 and determines that the cleaning switch 18 has been operated (“YES” in step S101), the control unit 14 outputs a drive command signal to the motor 16. Then, the motor 16 is driven to perform the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 (step S103). That is, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 16 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 9 and is sprayed from the ejection port 11 toward the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 (step S103). In this case, the control unit 14 may perform the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 only for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) set in advance, or a period in which the user operates (for example, keeps pressing) the cleaning switch 18. You may just go. Further, as long as it has a function of measuring the amount of the cleaning liquid, the spraying of the cleaning liquid may be performed as much as a predetermined amount.

  When the control unit 14 receives the operation detection signal output from the heater switch 202 and determines that the heater switch 202 has been operated ("YES" in step S102), the control unit 14 outputs a drive command signal to the heater 201. The heater 201 is driven and a heating operation by the heater 201 is performed (step S104). That is, the heat generated from the heater 201 is transmitted to the entire side periphery of the lens 5 of the camera 3 and to the distal end 9 b side of the cleaning nozzle 9. In this case, the control unit 14 may perform the heating operation by the heater 201 only for a predetermined period set in advance or only during a period during which the user operates the heater switch 202 (for example, keeps pressing). good. And the control part 14 repeats above-described step S101-S104.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the heater 201 for heating the lens 5 of the camera 3 and the cleaning nozzle 9 is provided, the camera 3 can be used even when the ambient temperature is lowered. When the lens 5 is heated by the heater 201, the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 can be prevented from being clouded or water droplets are frozen, and the cleaning nozzle 9 is heated by the heater 201. It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from freezing, and it is possible to appropriately eject the cleaning liquid toward the lens surface 5a to appropriately remove the deposits attached to the lens surface 5a. Can be operated.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part as above-mentioned 3rd Embodiment, and a different part is demonstrated.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, an ambient thermometer 203 (ambient temperature measuring means in the present invention) that measures the ambient temperature and a camera thermometer 204 (sensor temperature in the present invention) that measures the temperature of the camera 3 are used. When the temperature measurement signal output from the ambient thermometer 203 is input, the control unit 205 detects the ambient temperature by analyzing the input temperature measurement signal, and detects the camera thermometer 204. When the temperature measurement signal output from is input, the temperature of the camera 3 is detected by analyzing the input temperature measurement signal. The control unit 205 has a counting function.

  In FIG. 29, when the power is on (the optical sensor unit 1 is activated), the control unit 205 determines whether any of the above operating conditions is satisfied (step S111), It is determined whether or not there is dirt (step S112). Here, the control unit 205 determines that one of the operating conditions is satisfied, that is, the gear position in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position, the IG switch is switched from OFF to ON, and the IG switch is switched from ON to OFF. If it is determined that the switch has been made (“YES” in step S111), or if it is determined that there is dirt in the video (“YES” in step S112), the ambient temperature or the temperature of the camera 3 is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the temperature is equal to or higher than a preset predetermined temperature (step S113).

  Next, when the control unit 205 determines that the ambient temperature or the temperature of the camera 3 is lower than the predetermined temperature (“NO” in step S113), the control unit 205 drives the heater 201 and the heating operation by the heater 201 is set in advance. Only for a predetermined period (step S114). Next, the control unit 205 increments the count value of the heating number counter (adds “1”) (step S115), and determines whether or not the incremented count value of the heating number counter is less than a predetermined number (step S116). ), When it is determined that the incremented count value of the number of times of heating is less than the predetermined number of times (“YES” in step S116), the process returns to the above-described step S113, and step S113 and subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, when the control unit 205 determines that the incremented count value of the heating number counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (“NO” in step S116), an error display indicating that the heating operation by the heater 201 has been performed a predetermined number of times is displayed. This is performed by the liquid crystal display device 17 (step S117), the count value of the heating number counter is reset (step S118), and the series of processes is terminated.

  If the control unit 205 determines that the ambient temperature or the temperature of the camera 3 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature (“YES” in step S113), the control unit 205 drives the motor 16 to set the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 in advance. For a predetermined period (step S119). Next, the control unit 205 increments the count value of the cleaning number counter (adds “1”) (step S120), and determines whether or not the incremented count value of the cleaning number counter is less than a predetermined number (step S121). ), When it is determined that the incremented count value of the cleaning counter is less than the predetermined number (“YES” in step S121), the process returns to step S112 described above, and step S112 and subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, when the control unit 205 determines that the incremented count value of the cleaning counter is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (“NO” in step S121), an error display indicating that the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 has been performed a predetermined number of times. Is performed by the liquid crystal display device 17 (step S122), the count value of the cleaning counter is reset (step S123), and the series of processes is terminated.

  If the control unit 205 determines that there is no dirt in the image (the dirt has been eliminated by performing the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9) (“NO” in step S112), the count value of the heating counter And the count value of the cleaning counter are reset (step S124), the process returns to step S111 described above, and step S111 and subsequent steps are repeated.

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

  The above-described embodiment can also be modified or expanded as follows.

  The heater for heating the lens 5 of the camera 3 and the heater for heating the cleaning nozzle 9 may be separate.

  The heater 201 alone is configured to heat the lens 5 and the cleaning nozzle 9 of the camera 3, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to heat either the lens 5 or the cleaning nozzle 9 of the camera 3. .

  If the lens 5 of the camera 3 is configured to be heated, the lens 5 of the camera 3 is heated by the heater 201 when the ambient temperature is lowered, so that the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 becomes cloudy. Thus, the camera 3 can be operated appropriately while avoiding the problem that the camera 3 cannot properly photograph the subject. Further, if the cleaning nozzle 9 is heated, the cleaning nozzle 9 is heated by the heater 201 when the ambient temperature is lowered, so that the cleaning liquid can be prevented from freezing, and the cleaning liquid can be removed. It is possible to appropriately remove the adhering matter adhering to the lens surface 5a by being appropriately sprayed toward the lens surface 5a, so that the adhering matter adhering to the lens surface 5a of the camera 3 causes the camera 3 to Thus, the camera 3 can be operated properly by avoiding the problem that the camera cannot be properly photographed.

  When it is determined that the count value of the heating counter is greater than or equal to the predetermined number or when the count value of the cleaning counter is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the error display is not limited to the configuration in which the liquid crystal display device 17 performs error display. May be configured to output from a speaker, or may be configured to generate vibration or static electricity from the seat or handle by providing a vibration generating device or static electricity generating device on the seat or handle. Also good. In other words, any method may be used for notification using visual, auditory, or tactile sensations.

  The configuration in which the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 27 is manually performed and the configuration in which the cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 described in FIG. 29 is automatically performed may be used in combination.

  As shown in FIG. 30, in the configuration including the heater 201, the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 is subjected to water repellent treatment and the water repellent film 41 is applied to the lens surface 5a in the same manner as the configuration described in FIG. A coated configuration may be used. The lens surface 5a is not limited to being subjected to water repellent treatment, and the lens surface 5a is subjected to hydrophilic treatment, photocatalyst treatment or antifouling treatment, and the lens surface 5a is coated with a hydrophilic film, photocatalyst film or antifouling film. It may be.

As shown in FIG. 31, in the configuration including the heater 201, the window cleaning nozzle 53 is provided in parallel with the cleaning nozzle 9 in the housing 52 of the camera cover 51, similarly to the configuration described in FIG. 9. Even if the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 16 is supplied to the window cleaning nozzle 53 via the tube 54, the cleaning liquid supplied to the window cleaning nozzle 53 is jetted from the ejection port 55 toward the window. As shown in FIG. 32, in the configuration including the heater 201, similarly to the configuration described in FIG. 10, a tray 63 and a tube 64 are provided in the housing 62 of the camera cover 61, and the cleaning nozzle 9 The cleaning liquid dripping from the lens surface 5a in response to being ejected from the ejection port 11 toward the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 The configuration may be such that the cleaning liquid received by the receiving tray 63 and drained by the receiving tray 63 is drained through the tube 64.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the configuration including the heater 201 may also be configured such that the collar 73 is provided in the housing 72 of the camera cover 71 in the same manner as the configuration described in FIG. 11.

  As shown in FIG. 34, in the configuration including the heater 201, similarly to the configuration described in FIG. 14, the cover glass 103 made of a transparent member on the front side of the housing 102 of the camera cover 101 is the camera 3. The configuration may be such that the cleaning liquid provided facing the lens 5 and supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 16 to the cleaning nozzle 9 via the tube 10 is jetted from the ejection port 11 toward the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103. . In this case, a heater 301 is provided so as to cover the entire side periphery of the cover glass 103 and to be in contact with a part of the front end portion 9b side of the cleaning nozzle 9, and heat generated from the heater 301 is applied to the cover glass 103 and the cleaning nozzle 9. Is transmitted to a part of the front end portion 9b side. Further, since the entire camera 3 is accommodated in the housing 82, the size of the housing 82 in the front-rear direction (from the front side to the back side) is longer than the size of the housing 6 described in the third embodiment. Become. If comprised in this way, after protecting the lens 5 of the camera 3 with the cover glass 103, it can avoid that the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 becomes cloudy, and it will prevent that a washing | cleaning liquid freezes. It is possible to avoid such a problem that the cleaning liquid can be appropriately sprayed toward the glass surface 103a to appropriately remove the deposits attached to the glass surface 103a, and the camera 3 cannot properly photograph the subject. The camera 3 can be operated appropriately by avoiding it.

  As shown in FIG. 35, in the configuration including the heater 301, the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 is subjected to water repellent treatment and the water repellent film 111 is coated on the glass surface 103a in the same manner as the configuration described in FIG. It may be a configuration. Also in this case, the glass surface 103a is not limited to being subjected to water repellent treatment, but the glass surface 103a is subjected to hydrophilic treatment, photocatalytic treatment or antifouling treatment, and a hydrophilic film, photocatalytic film or antifouling film is coated on the glass surface 103a. It may be configured.

  As shown in FIG. 36, indium tin oxide 112 is coated on the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in the housing 102 of the camera cover 101, and electrodes 113 are provided on the upper side and the lower side of the cover glass 103. The cover glass 103 may be heated by applying a predetermined voltage to the electrode 113 and causing a current to flow through the indium tin oxide 112 to generate heat. Further, the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 may be coated with indium tin oxide and an electrode may be provided on the camera 3 so that the lens 5 is heated by heat generation of indium tin oxide.

  As shown in FIG. 37, in the configuration including the heater 301, the wiper 123 that wipes the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in the housing 122 of the camera cover 121 and the configuration similar to the configuration described in FIG. A wiping mechanism 125 including a motor 124 that moves the wiper 123 is provided, and the cover glass is sprayed in the middle of or after being sprayed from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103. The glass surface 103a of 103 may be configured to be wiped by the wiping mechanism 125.

  As shown in FIG. 38, in the configuration including the heater 301, similarly to the configuration described in FIG. 17, a shield bearing 133 that rotates in the cover glass 103 in the housing 132 of the camera cover 131 and the motor 134 are provided. A rotating mechanism 135 is provided, and the cover glass 103 is rotated by the rotating mechanism 135 during or after the cleaning liquid is being sprayed from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103 a of the cover glass 103. It may be a configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 39, in the configuration including the heater 301, the cover glass 103 is formed by generating ultrasonic waves or low frequencies in the casing 142 of the camera cover 141 in the same manner as the configuration described in FIG. A vibration mechanism 145 including a piezoelectric element 143 to be vibrated and an electrode 144 is provided, and the cover is covered during or after the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the ejection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. The glass 103 may be configured to be vibrated by the vibration mechanism 145.

  As shown in FIG. 40, in the configuration including the heater 301, the air nozzle 153 that injects air onto the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 in the casing 152 of the camera cover 151, similarly to the configuration described in FIG. An air injection mechanism 156 including a tube 154 and an air pump 155 is provided, and an air injection is performed while or after the cleaning liquid is being injected from the injection port 11 of the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103. A configuration in which air is jetted from the mechanism 156 to the glass surface 103a of the cover glass 103 may be employed.

  The wiping mechanism 125 described with reference to FIG. 37, the rotation mechanism 135 described with reference to FIG. 38, the vibration mechanism 145 described with reference to FIG. 39, and the air injection mechanism 156 described with reference to FIG. A configuration may be employed in which the wiping mechanism 125, the rotation mechanism 135, the vibration mechanism 145, and the air injection mechanism 156 are activated during the period in which the vehicle wiper is activated.

  A configuration in which some of the plurality of embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined may be used. For example, the tray 63 described with reference to FIG. 32, the flange 73 described with reference to FIG. 33, and the wiping mechanism 125 described with reference to FIG. The structure etc. provided simultaneously may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 41, in the configuration including the tray 63, a configuration in which a tray heater 302 (a tray heating means in the present invention) for heating the tray 63 may be provided. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that the washing | cleaning liquid which dripped from the lens surface 5a and collected on the receiving tray 63 freezes, and the washing | cleaning liquid collected on the receiving tray 63 can flow out smoothly. The tray heater 302 is also provided by, for example, a hot wire.

  As shown in FIG. 42, in the configuration including the receiving tray 63, the contact surface that comes into contact with the cleaning liquid may be subjected to water repellent treatment and coated with a water repellent film 303. Alternatively, the contact surface with which the cleaning liquid is in contact may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment and coated with a hydrophilic film. If comprised in this way, the washing | cleaning liquid which hung down from the lens surface 5a and collected on the receiving tray 63 can flow out smoothly.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the configuration including the tray 304, a configuration including a guide path 305 for guiding the cleaning liquid accumulated in the tray 304 to the window may be used. If comprised in this way, the cleaning liquid collected on the receiving tray 304 can be reused to clean the window, and the cleaning liquid can be used effectively without waste.

  As shown in FIG. 44, a configuration may be provided in which a guide heater 306 (a guide heating means in the present invention) for heating the guide 305 is provided. If comprised in this way, it can avoid that the washing | cleaning liquid guide | induced to the conduit 305 freezes, and the washing | cleaning liquid guide | induced to the conduit 305 can flow out smoothly. The guide heater 306 is also provided, for example, by applying a hot wire.

  As shown in FIG. 45, in the configuration including the guide path 305, the contact surface that comes into contact with the cleaning liquid may be subjected to water repellent treatment and coated with a water repellent film 307. Alternatively, the contact surface with which the cleaning liquid is in contact may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment and coated with a hydrophilic film. If comprised in this way, the washing | cleaning liquid guide | induced to the guide path 305 can flow out smoothly.

  As shown in FIG. 46, in a configuration including a rod 73 provided in a shape protruding from the casing 72 so as to cover the lens surface 5a from above, a rod heater 308 for heating the rod 73 (the rod heating means referred to in the present invention). ) May be provided on the eaves 73. If comprised in this way, it can make it hard to accumulate snow and ice on the ridge 73, and even if snow and ice accumulate on the ridge 73, the accumulated snow and ice can be dissolved and removed, It can be avoided that the field of view of the optical sensor is blocked by snow or ice. Note that the soot heater 308 is also provided, for example, by applying a hot wire. Moreover, the structure in which the firewood heater 308 is provided on both the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the firewood 73, or the construction in which the firewood heater 308 is provided only on the upper surface side of the firewood 73 may be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 47, in the configuration including the air injection mechanism 156, a configuration in which an air heater 309 (air heating means referred to in the present invention) for heating the air injected from the tip of the air nozzle 153 may be provided. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 47, in the configuration including the air injection mechanism 156, an air nozzle heater 310 for heating the air nozzle 153 (air injection means heating means in the present invention) may be provided. With this configuration, even if the cleaning liquid freezes on the lens surface 5a, the cleaning liquid frozen on the lens surface 5a can be removed. Further, the air heater 309 and the air nozzle heater 310 may be used in combination.

  As shown in FIG. 49, in the configuration in which the protrusion 311 is provided in a portion of the housing 82 of the camera cover 81 and close to the lower end portion of the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 (directly below the lens 5). A configuration in which a gap 312 is formed in the vertical direction in 311 may be employed. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 50, by utilizing the capillary phenomenon due to the gap portion 312, water droplets accumulated at the lower end portion of the lens surface 5 a are reliably guided to the lower side of the lens surface 5 a through the gap portion 312. And can be removed. That is, even if water droplets are collected at the lower end portion of the lens surface 5a, a part of the water droplets flows out by capillary action, so that the volume of the water droplets accumulated at the lower end portion of the lens surface 5a is reduced (" The capacity is reduced from “P1” to “P2”).

  As shown in FIG. 51, the protrusion 311 may be provided with a protrusion heater 313 (protrusion heating means in the present invention). If comprised in this way, it can avoid that the water droplet which remained on the protrusion 311 freezes.

  As shown in FIG. 52, the groove portion 314 may be provided in a portion of the housing 82 of the camera cover 81 that is close to the lower end portion of the lens surface 5a of the lens 5 of the camera 3 (just below the lens 5). . According to this configuration, by utilizing the capillary phenomenon due to the groove portion 314, water droplets accumulated on the lower end portion of the lens surface 5a can be reliably guided and removed through the groove portion 314 below the lens surface 5a.

  As shown in FIG. 53, when it is determined that there is dirt in the video (“YES” in step S201), one of the operating conditions is satisfied, that is, the gear position in the vehicle is shifted to the reverse position. The cleaning operation by the cleaning nozzle 9 is performed on the condition that it is determined that the IG switch has been switched from OFF to ON or that the IG switch has been switched from ON to OFF ("YES" in step S202). May be performed for a predetermined period of time (step S203). With this configuration, even if dirt is detected, the cleaning operation is not performed immediately, the cleaning operation can be performed at a timing when the user is highly likely to visually recognize the image, and the cleaning liquid can be used effectively. it can.

  One of the images taken by the camera 5 is provided to the user, that is, the region displayed on the display device arranged in the passenger compartment is analyzed to detect whether or not the image is dirty. Thus, it is possible not to analyze the area not provided to the user. That is, as shown in FIG. 54, an image A1 corresponding to the lower side of the fisheye lens 5 in the image A taken by the camera 3 is an area provided to the user, and an image A2 corresponding to the upper side of the fisheye lens 5 is provided. Is not provided to the user, it is possible to analyze the necessary image A1 by detecting whether or not the image A1 corresponding to the lower side of the fisheye lens 5 is dirty, and is unnecessary. It is possible to avoid excessive analysis of the video A2.

  In the drawings, 1 is an optical sensor unit (in-vehicle optical sensor device), 2 is a camera cover (in-vehicle optical sensor cover), 3 is a camera (optical sensor), 5 is a lens, 5a is a lens surface, 7 is a housing portion, 9 is The cleaning nozzle 14 is a control unit (control means, gear position detection means, vehicle activation start detection means, vehicle activation end detection means, video dirt detection means, video fogging detection means), 15 is a cleaning liquid tank, and 17 is a liquid crystal display device ( (Notification means), 31 is a control unit (control means, gear position detection means, vehicle activation start detection means, vehicle activation end detection means, image dirt detection means, image fogging detection means), 53 is a window cleaning nozzle, 63 is a tray, 73 is a ridge, 83 is a projection, 93 is a projection, 103 is a cover glass, 103a is a glass surface, 125 is a wiping mechanism (wiping means), and 135 is a rotation mechanism. Rotating means), 145 is a vibration mechanism (ultrasonic vibration means, low-frequency vibration means), 156 is an air injection mechanism (air injection means), 171 is an infrared light (illumination means), 201 is a heater (optical system heating means, nozzle) (Heating means), 203 is an ambient thermometer (ambient temperature measuring means), 204 is a camera thermometer (temperature measuring means), 301 is a heater (optical system heating means, nozzle heating means), and 302 is a tray heater (pan tray heating means). , 305 is a conducting path, 306 is a conducting path heater (conducting path heating means), 308 is a soot heater (soot heating means), 309 is an air heater (air heating means), 310 is an air nozzle heater (air injection means heating means), Reference numeral 312 denotes a gap, 313 denotes a protrusion heater (projection heating means), and 314 denotes a groove.

Claims (2)

An accommodating portion for accommodating an optical sensor having a lens;
When there is a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor stored in the storage unit or a cover glass facing the lens, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank capable of storing the cleaning liquid is placed on the glass surface of the cover glass. A cleaning nozzle that performs a cleaning operation of spraying toward and cleaning the lens surface or the glass surface,
An in-vehicle optical sensor cover in which a cleaning operation is performed by the cleaning nozzle,
The cleaning nozzle is provided on the side of the housing portion, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank is provided as a cleaning operation when the lens or the cover glass of the optical sensor is housed in the housing portion. Is an in-vehicle optical sensor cover that is sprayed from the side of the cover glass toward the lens surface of the lens or the glass surface of the cover glass to clean the lens surface or the glass surface. The in-vehicle optical sensor cover according to claim 1,
The on-vehicle optical sensor device, wherein the cleaning nozzle is provided in a region outside the angle of view of the optical sensor.

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