JP2019038511A - On-vehicle sensor cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device which can jet a fluid of a high pressure from any one of plural nozzle ports.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device comprises: plural nozzle ports 5a to 8a for jetting a washer liquid to lens 1a to 4a of an on-vehicle camera 1 to 4; a communication valve 10 which is provided in the middle of a flow channel which communicates the nozzle port 5a to 8a with a washer pump 9 for feeding the washer liquid to the nozzle ports 5a to 8a, which can so make a flow channel on the washer pump 9 side and any nozzle port 5a to 8a as to be in a communication state, and which can so make a flow channel on the washer pump 9 side and all nozzle ports 5a to 8a as to be in a non-communication state on the basis of a control signal; and a pressure accumulation part 11 which is provided in the middle of the flow channel which communicates the communication valve 10 and the washer pump 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle sensor cleaning device.

  In recent years, in-vehicle sensors such as cameras are provided in vehicles, and in-vehicle sensor cleaning devices that inject fluid from nozzle ports onto the sensing surface (lens, cover glass, etc.) of the in-vehicle sensor are provided. There is something that was done.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a switching joint provided in the middle of a flow path that connects two nozzle ports and a pump that feeds fluid to the nozzle port, and a flow path between the switching joint and each nozzle port. An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device including a check valve provided in the middle of the above is disclosed. In this vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device, the check valve prevents the cleaning liquid from unintentionally leaking from the nozzle port.

JP 2013-208984 A

  However, the conventional in-vehicle sensor cleaning device has a problem that, particularly when the flow path (pipe) from the pump to the nozzle port is long, pressure is lost in the flow path, and high pressure fluid cannot be ejected from the nozzle port. . That is, there is a problem that the fluid pressure in the vicinity of the nozzle port is greatly reduced with respect to the fluid pressure in the vicinity of the pump, and the flow velocity of the fluid ejected from the nozzle port becomes weak. In the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device provided with a check valve in the vicinity of the nozzle opening, the check valve does not open until the pressure becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure, so that fluid according to the preset pressure can be ejected. However, in order to ensure that the check valve opens, the pressure at which the check valve opens cannot be set too high. In other words, the pressure at which the check valve opens needs to be set to a pressure sufficiently lower than the pressure generated by the pump. Therefore, this in-vehicle sensor cleaning device also has a problem that high-pressure fluid cannot be ejected from the nozzle port.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle sensor cleaning device that can eject a high-pressure fluid from any of a plurality of nozzle openings.

  An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device that solves the above problem is a flow that communicates a plurality of nozzle ports for ejecting fluid to the sensing surface of an in-vehicle sensor, and the nozzle port and a pump that feeds fluid to the nozzle port. Provided in the middle of the path, the pump-side flow path and any nozzle port can be in communication with each other based on the control signal, and the pump-side flow path and all nozzle ports are in non-communication state And a pressure accumulating section provided in the middle of a flow path that communicates the communication valve and the pump.

  According to this configuration, it is provided in the middle of the flow path that communicates the nozzle opening and the pump that feeds fluid to the nozzle opening, and the flow path on the pump side and one of the nozzle openings is in communication with each other based on the control signal And a communication valve capable of disabling the flow path on the pump side and all the nozzle ports so that any one of the nozzle ports can be communicated with the flow path on the pump side. it can. Further, the communication valve is capable of disabling the flow path on the pump side and all the nozzle ports, and includes a pressure accumulating portion provided in the middle of the flow path communicating the communication valve and the pump. The fluid in the pressure accumulating section can be set to a high pressure by driving the pump while the flow path is not in communication with the communication valve. Then, the high-pressure fluid from the position of the communication valve to the nozzle port is made by connecting the flow path (pressure accumulator) on the pump side and one of the nozzle ports with the communication valve while the fluid is at a high pressure. The high-pressure fluid can be ejected from any one of the nozzle ports to the sensing surface.

  The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device includes a check valve that is provided in the middle of a flow path that connects the pressure accumulating unit and the pump, and that regulates a flow of fluid from the pressure accumulating unit side to the pump side. preferable.

  According to the same configuration, since the pressure accumulating part is provided in the middle of the flow path that communicates the pressure accumulating part and the pump, and includes a check valve that regulates the flow of fluid from the pressure accumulating part side to the pump side, The fluid does not flow back to the pump side and the pressure is not reduced. Thus, for example, the fluid in the pressure accumulating unit is set to a high pressure by driving the pump with the communication valve being in a non-communication state, and the pump is stopped after the pump is stopped. By bringing any one of the nozzle ports into a communicating state, only a high-pressure fluid can be ejected from the nozzle port. That is, for example, in a configuration that does not include a check valve, the pump-side flow path (pressure accumulation portion) and any nozzle are connected with the communication valve while the pump is driven so that the fluid in the pressure accumulation portion does not flow back to the pump side. There is a need to cause the fluid to be ejected from the nozzle port by bringing the port into communication. In that case, power consumption by the pump increases and there is a risk that fluid that has not been accumulated will be ejected, but this can be avoided.

  In the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, the pump is driven in a state in which the flow path is in a non-communication state by the communication valve, and then the pump side is stopped by the communication valve while the pump is stopped. It is preferable to provide a control device that ejects fluid from the nozzle port with the flow path and one of the nozzle ports in communication.

  According to this configuration, the pump is driven in a state where the flow path is in a non-communication state by the communication valve, and then the pump-side flow path is connected by the communication valve in a state where the pump is stopped. Since a control device for injecting fluid from the nozzle port with any one of the nozzle ports in communication is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption by the pump and to inject fluid that has not been accumulated. Can be suppressed.

  In the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, it is preferable that a hose used from the check valve to the nozzle port is set to have a higher hardness than a hose used from the check valve to the pump.

  According to this configuration, the hose used from the check valve to the nozzle port is set to have a higher hardness than the hose used from the check valve to the pump, so that the hose is flexible at that location. It is possible to reduce the escape of pressure due to sex. Further, in this configuration, the hose used from the check valve to the pump has a relatively low hardness, so that it can be easily routed.

  In the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, based on a control signal for cleaning, the pump is driven in a state where the flow path is in a non-communication state by the communication valve, and then the pump is operated by the communication valve. It is preferable to provide a control device that continues the processing until the flow path on the side and one of the nozzle ports are in communication with each other and fluid is ejected from the nozzle port.

  According to this configuration, based on the control signal for cleaning, the pump is driven in a state where the flow path is in a non-communication state by the communication valve, and then either the flow path on the pump side is connected by the communication valve. Since the control device that continues the processing until the fluid is ejected from the nozzle port with the nozzle port in a communicating state, the fluid in the pressure accumulating portion is prevented from being left in a high pressure state. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent a high pressure load from being applied to the pressure accumulating portion.

  In the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, the communication valve has a communication hole provided in a part of the circumferential direction, and is rotated by a drive source so that the communication hole communicates with any nozzle port. It is preferable that the rotating plate be in a state that can be brought into a non-communication state with all nozzle openings.

  According to the same configuration, the communication valve has a communication hole provided in a part in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by a drive source so that the communication hole is in communication with any nozzle port. This is a rotating plate that can be connected to all nozzle ports and can eject a high-pressure fluid from any nozzle port with a simple configuration using a single drive source. Will be able to.

In the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, it is preferable that the communication valve is configured so that the pressure accumulating portion and any one nozzle port can be in communication with each other.
According to this configuration, the communication valve is configured so that the pressure accumulating unit and any one nozzle port can be in communication with each other. For example, the pressure accumulating unit and the plurality of nozzle ports are simultaneously in communication with each other. Compared to that, a high-pressure fluid can be ejected from a single nozzle port through the sensing surface.

  In the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device of the present invention, a high-pressure fluid can be ejected from any of a plurality of nozzle openings.

The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus in 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in the embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in the embodiment. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of a flow-path switching apparatus. The time-pressure characteristic view in the same embodiment. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus in the embodiment. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The partial disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The partial disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus in the embodiment. (A) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera and the cleaning unit at the non-cleaning position of the embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera and the cleaning unit at the cleaning position. The disassembled perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera and washing | cleaning unit in the embodiment. Sectional drawing of the nozzle unit in the embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus in a modification. The perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in the modification.

Hereinafter, 1st Embodiment of a vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning apparatus is described according to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the vicinity of a plurality (four in this embodiment) of in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4 as in-vehicle sensors provided in the vehicle, lenses 1 a to 4 a as sensing surfaces of the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4. In contrast, first to fourth nozzles 5 to 8 having nozzle openings 5a to 8a for injecting washer fluid as fluid are provided (for each on-vehicle camera 1). The in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4 of the present embodiment include, for example, an in-vehicle camera 1 provided in a driver's seat door, an in-vehicle camera 2 provided in a passenger seat door, and a pair of in-vehicle cameras 3 provided on a windshield. 4 and the like, which are provided relatively close to each other.

  Further, the washer tank WT provided in the vehicle has a washer pump 9 as a pump capable of feeding the washer liquid in the washer tank WT to the first to fourth nozzles 5 to 8 (nozzle ports 5a to 8a). Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the first to fourth nozzles 5 to 8 are in the middle of the flow path connecting the first to fourth nozzles 5 to 8 (nozzle ports 5a to 8a) and the washer pump 9. In the vicinity position, the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and any of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a can be in communication with each other based on the control signal, and the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a. A communication valve 10 capable of bringing ˜8a into a non-communication state is provided.

  In addition, a pressure accumulating portion 11 is provided in the middle of the flow path that communicates the communication valve 10 and the washer pump 9. The pressure accumulating unit 11 has a space capable of storing a necessary amount of washer liquid by at least one cleaning.

  Further, the flow (reverse flow) of the washer liquid from the pressure accumulating unit 11 side to the washer pump 9 side is regulated in the vicinity of the pressure accumulating unit 11 in the middle of the flow path connecting the pressure accumulating unit 11 and the washer pump 9. A check valve 12 is provided.

Here, in the present embodiment, the communication valve 10 and the pressure accumulating portion 11 are integrally provided as the flow path switching device 13.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow path switching device 13 includes the communication valve 10 as a rotating plate, a substantially bottomed cylindrical case 14 constituting the pressure accumulating unit 11, and a drive source. A stepping motor 15, one inlet member 16, first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20, a compression coil spring 21, and four annular seal rubbers 22 are provided.

  A peripheral wall through hole 14a is formed in a part of the peripheral wall of the case 14, and a substantially cylindrical inlet member 16 is fixed to the peripheral wall through hole 14a so as to protrude to the outside. In addition, four bottom through holes 14b are formed at equiangular (90 °) intervals at the bottom of the case 14, and the substantially cylindrical first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 are externally connected to the bottom through holes 14b, respectively. It is fixed to protrude. In addition, on the bottom surface of the case 14, an accommodation groove 14c is formed around each bottom through hole 14b, and a seal rubber 22 is accommodated and held in each accommodation groove 14c. The seal rubber 22 is formed in a shape that partly protrudes (in an unloaded state) from the housing groove 14c in a state of being housed and held in the housing groove 14c.

  The stepping motor 15 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is configured such that the rotating shaft 15b of the rotor 15a protrudes from the center of the lower surface thereof. The stepping motor 15 is fixed to the case 14 with screws N (see FIG. 3) so that the opening of the case 14 is closed on the lower surface thereof.

  The communication valve 10 is formed in a disk shape having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the case 14, and is circumferential in a radial position corresponding to the bottom through hole 14b (first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20). There is a communication hole 10a provided in a part. In addition, a shaft portion 10b is provided at the shaft center of the communication valve 10 so as to extend toward the stepping motor 15 and to be connected to the rotary shaft 15b so as to be integrally rotatable (not rotatable relative to the circumferential direction) and movable in the axial direction. It has been. The compression coil spring 21 is disposed between the lower surface of the stepping motor 15 and the upper surface of the communication valve 10 in a compressed state (so as to penetrate through the rotary shaft 15b and the shaft portion 10b). The bottom surface of the case 14 is urged toward the bottom surface of the case 14 so as to crush the seal rubber 22 protruding from the housing groove 14c. Accordingly, the first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 and the inside of the case 14 (that is, the pressure accumulating portion 11) communicate with each other through a path other than the communication hole 10a, that is, unintentional leakage of the washer liquid is prevented. Has been. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the flow path switching device 13 of the present embodiment is fixed to the vehicle so that the distal ends of the first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 face downward (in the direction of gravity). .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inlet member 16 is connected (communication) to the check valve 12 via the hose H1, and the check valve 12 is connected (communication) to the washer pump 9 via the hose H2. Further, the first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 are connected (communication) to the first to fourth nozzles 5 to 8 (nozzle ports 5a to 8a) via the hose H, respectively. In addition, the hose H2 which connects the check valve 12 and the washer pump 9 is a hose whose inner diameter is narrower than the other hoses H and H1. Further, as the other hoses H and H1, hoses having higher hardness than the hose H2 connecting the check valve 12 and the washer pump 9 are employed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washer pump 9 and the stepping motor 15 are electrically connected to a control device 23 that can drive and control each of them. The control device 23, for example, injects a washer liquid from any one of the nozzle openings 5a to 8a when a control signal indicating that the driver's seat cleaning switch is operated or dirt is detected by the sensor is input. The washer pump 9 and the stepping motor 15 are controlled to be driven. At this time, the control device 23 drives the washer pump 9 in a state where the flow path is not in communication with the communication valve 10, and then the washer pump 9 in the communication valve 10 with the washer pump 9 stopped. The washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle ports 5a to 8a with the side flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a in communication. Further, when a control signal for cleaning is input, the control device 23 drives the washer pump 9 with the communication valve 10 in a non-communication state, and then the washer pump 9 with the communication valve 10. The process is continued (without interruption) until the flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the pump 9 side is in communication with any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a and the washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle ports 5a to 8a.

Next, a specific operation example (action) of the above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, for example, at timing T1 before the washer pump 9 is driven, the control device 23 moves the position of the communication hole 10a when the driver's seat washing switch is operated or dirt is detected by the sensor. The stepping motor 15 is driven and controlled to be at a predetermined position.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the control device 23 detects the position of the communication hole 10a near the first outlet member 17 corresponding to the nozzle port 5a of the first nozzle 5 to be injected. The stepping motor 15 is driven and controlled so that the communication valve 10 is rotationally driven so that the position is between the fourth outlet member 20 and the position. Note that the stepping motor 15 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to rotate forward and backward, and for example, the communication valve 10 is rotationally driven in a direction that requires a small amount of rotation when moving from the current position (angle) to the target position. .

  Next, for example, at the timing T2, the control device 23 causes the flow path switching device 13 (communication valve 10) to place the flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a to 8a in a non-communication state. In this state, the washer pump 9 is driven for a preset time T.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, immediately after the washer pump 9 is driven, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 9 increases, and thereafter, until a preset time T elapses (the washer pump 9 is driven). The pressure Pa becomes a substantially constant high pressure. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating part 11 (pressure in the path from the communication valve 10 to the check valve 12) Pb is substantially the same as the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 9 while the air in the pressure accumulating part 11 is compressed. Equivalent high pressure.

  And the control apparatus 23 of the 1st nozzle 5 made to inject with the flow path (pressure accumulation part 11) at the side of the washer pump 9 in the communication valve 10 at timing T4 after timing T3 which stopped the washer pump 9. The nozzle port 5a is in a communicating state.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control device 23 controls the driving of the stepping motor 15 so that the position of the communication hole 10 a is in communication with the first outlet member 17 to communicate with the communication valve. 10 is driven to rotate. In this state at the timing T4, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 9 is reduced, but the pressure in the pressure accumulating unit 11 (pressure in the path from the communication valve 10 to the check valve 12) Pb is high. Keep. Then, a high-pressure washer liquid is ejected from the nozzle port 5a of the first nozzle 5, and the lens 1a of the in-vehicle camera 1 is washed. Note that when the washer liquid is injected, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 11 decreases. FIG. 5 is a waveform obtained from the experimental results, where the pressure Pa is a value obtained by connecting a pressure gauge to the outlet of the washer pump 9, and the pressure Pb is applied to the pressure accumulator 11. Is the value obtained by connecting

  Next, the control device 23 drives and controls the stepping motor 15 at the timing T5 to rotationally drive the communication valve 10 so that the position is between the first outlet member 17 and the second outlet member 18. As a result, the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and the nozzle port 5a of the first nozzle 5 are not in communication with each other, and the spray of the washer liquid from the first nozzle 5 (nozzle port 5a) is stopped. At this time, the flow path switching device 13 (communication valve 10) places the flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a to 8a in a non-communication state. By repeating the operation as described above, the washer liquid can be ejected from the other nozzles 6 to 8 (nozzle ports 6a to 8a).

Next, the effect of the said embodiment is described below.
(1) Provided in the middle of the flow path that connects the nozzle ports 5a to 8a and the washer pump 9, and based on the control signal, the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are in communication with each other. The communication valve 10 is provided which can be configured to be in a non-communication state between the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a to 8a. Therefore, the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a can be communicated as necessary. Further, the communication valve 10 can make the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a to 8a in a non-communication state, and is in the middle of the flow path that connects the communication valve 10 and the washer pump 9. Since the provided pressure accumulating portion 11 is provided, the washer fluid in the pressure accumulating portion 11 can be increased in pressure by driving the washer pump 9 with the communication valve 10 in a non-communication state. Then, in the state where the washer liquid is at a high pressure, the communication valve 10 causes the flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the washer pump 9 side and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a to communicate with each other. The high-pressure washer liquid can be fed to 8a, and the high-pressure washer liquid can be sprayed from one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a to the lenses 1a to 4a. Therefore, a high detergency can be obtained with a small amount of washer liquid. Further, in this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to consider the pressure loss in the flow path that communicates the communication valve 10 (or the check valve 12) and the washer pump 9 as compared with the case where the pressure accumulating unit 11 is not provided. Therefore, the flow path can be constituted by a thin pipe (hose) or the like, and the components can be made inexpensive, and the handling and the like can be facilitated. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the hose H2 that is connected to the check valve 12 and the washer pump 9 and is elongated in the vehicle can be made narrower than the other hoses H and H1, and can be easily routed. It can be inexpensive. In addition, the hoses H and H1 from the check valve 12 to the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are higher in hardness than the hose H2 that connects the check valve 12 and the washer pump 9, so The relief of pressure due to the flexibility of the hoses H and H1 can be reduced. Further, in this configuration, the hose H2 has a relatively low hardness, so that it can be easily routed. Moreover, since the communication valve 10 makes the pressure accumulating part 11 and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a communicate with each other, for example, the pressure accumulating part 11 and the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are made to communicate with each other at the same time. In comparison, higher pressure washer fluid can be ejected from the single nozzle ports 5a to 8a.

  (2) Since the check valve 12 for restricting the flow of the washer liquid from the pressure accumulating portion 11 side to the washer pump 9 side is provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the pressure accumulating portion 11 and the washer pump 9, The washer liquid does not flow back to the washer pump 9 and is depressurized. Accordingly, the washer pump 9 is driven by setting the flow path to the non-communication state with the communication valve 10 to increase the pressure of the washer fluid in the pressure accumulating section 11, and the washer pump 9 is stopped. Only the high-pressure washer liquid can be ejected by bringing the side flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a into communication. In the present embodiment, this operation is performed by the control device 23. That is, for example, in a configuration that does not include the check valve 12, the washer pump 9 is driven by the communication valve 10 while the washer pump 9 is driven so that the washer fluid in the pressure accumulating unit 11 does not flow backward to the washer pump 9 side. The flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a need to be in communication with each other, and the washer liquid needs to be ejected from the nozzle ports 5a to 8a. In this case, power consumption by the washer pump 9 increases, and there is a risk that unwashed washer fluid may be injected, but this can be avoided.

  (3) The control device 23 drives the washer pump 9 with the communication valve 10 in a non-communication state based on the control signal for cleaning, and then the washer pump is driven by the communication valve 10. The processing is continued (without interruption) until the passage on the 9th side (pressure accumulating portion 11) and one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are in communication with each other and the washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle ports 5a to 8a. Therefore, it is prevented that the washer liquid in the pressure accumulating unit 11 is left in a high pressure state. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the high pressure load from being applied to the pressure accumulating unit 11.

  (4) The communication valve 10 has a communication hole 10a provided in a part of the circumferential direction, and is rotationally driven by the stepping motor 15 so that the communication hole 10a communicates with any of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a. It is a rotating plate that can be in a state and can be in a state of non-communication with all the nozzle openings 5a to 8a. Therefore, high-pressure washer fluid can be ejected from any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a with a simple configuration using a single drive source (stepping motor 15).

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a part or all of the description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device of the present embodiment includes cleaning units 51 to 54 that are provided integrally with the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4. In the present embodiment, a flow path switching device 13 that is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment is used. The inlet member 16 and the washer pump 9 provided in the flow path switching device 13 are connected to the hose Ha. That is, the check valve 12 of the first embodiment is omitted. The hose Ha constituting the flow path between the washer pump 9 and the pressure accumulating portion 11 has an inner diameter smaller than that of the other hoses H, that is, is thinner. Further, the hose Ha is set lower than the hardness of the other hoses H.

  Since each of the cleaning units 51 to 54 has substantially the same configuration, in the following description, the cleaning unit 51 will be described, and a detailed description of the other cleaning units 52 to 54 will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15 </ b> B, and 16, the cleaning unit 51 includes a connection fixing member 61 fixed to the in-vehicle camera 1 and a nozzle unit 62 fixed to the connection fixing member 61. Have. The connection fixing member 61 has a substantially square cylindrical holding portion 61a in which the in-vehicle camera 1 can be fitted. The in-vehicle camera 1 is fitted in the holding portion 61a, so that the connection fixing member 61 is fixed to the in-vehicle camera 1. ing. In FIG. 13, the in-vehicle camera 1 and the cleaning unit 51 are illustrated in a separated state.

  The connecting and fixing member 61 has a pair of fixed pieces 61b having grooves formed on opposite sides, and the nozzle unit 62 is detachably assembled and fixed to the fixed pieces 61b.

  The nozzle unit 62 includes a substantially cylindrical first case 63 and a second case 64 that is fitted and fixed to the proximal end side of the first case 63. In the nozzle unit 62, a pair of fixed protrusions 63a (only one is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B and FIG. 16) formed on the outer periphery of the first case 63 are grooves of the fixed piece 61b. Is fixed to the fixed piece 61b (connection fixing member 61) so as to be detachable. A cylindrical introduction cylinder part 64a is formed to protrude from the bottom of the second case 64, and the inside of the introduction cylinder part 64a serves as an introduction port 64b (see FIG. 17) communicating with the inside of the first case 63. . Further, a seal ring S <b> 1 is interposed between the first case 63 and the second case 64. The introduction port 64b is connected to the first outlet member 17 through a hose H. In addition, the 2nd-4th outlet members 18-20 will be connected to each inlet 64b of the other washing | cleaning units 52-54 via the hose H.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the nozzle unit 62 includes a movable nozzle 65 provided so as to be able to move forward and backward so as to protrude and retract from the front end opening of the first case 63, and the movable nozzle 65 in the backward direction (first direction). A compression coil spring 66 as an urging member for urging in the direction of the base end of one case 33.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the movable nozzle 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than that of the first case 63, and a nozzle port 65 a is formed at the front end of the movable nozzle 65 toward the side (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). ing. Further, a base end member 67 is fitted and fixed to the base end portion of the movable nozzle 65. A seal ring S <b> 2 is interposed between the movable nozzle 65 and the base end member 67. The proximal end member 67 has a flange portion 67a extending radially outward, and is movable when the flange portion 67a is urged by a compression coil spring 66 supported at one end side on the distal end side of the first case 63. The nozzle 65 is urged in the backward direction (right direction in FIG. 17). Further, an annular seal member 68 that is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first case 63 is fitted to the base end portion of the base end member 67.

  In addition, a regulation column 64c is formed on the bottom of the second case 64 so as to extend on the opposite side to the introduction tube portion 64a. In this example, three regulation columns 64c are formed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction (only two are shown in FIG. 17). The restricting column 64c comes into contact with the base end surface of the base end member 67 biased by the compression coil spring 66, and restricts the base end member 67 (movable nozzle 65) from moving backward from the contacted position.

  Further, when the washer liquid is supplied from the introduction port 64b to the movable nozzle 65 provided as described above, the base end surface of the base end member 67 is urged by the supply pressure of the washer liquid, and the compression coil It moves forward against the biasing force of the spring 66.

  Here, the nozzle port 65a of the movable nozzle 65 in the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device configured as described above is a cleaning position that approaches the imaging range (imaging range center) of the in-vehicle camera 1 as the movable nozzle 65 moves back and forth. , And can be moved to a non-cleaning position farther from the imaging range than the cleaning position. In addition, the imaging range of this embodiment is a range which the vehicle-mounted camera 1 (its imaging device) images through the lens 1a.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the non-cleaning position is set to a position where the nozzle port 65a is outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1, and the cleaning position is such that the nozzle port 65a is within the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1. Set to position. That is, in the reverse state in which the movable nozzle 65 is moved backward (the state where the base end surface of the base end member 67 is in contact with the restriction column 64c), the nozzle port 65a is in a non-cleaning position arranged outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1. When the movable nozzle 65 moves forward, the nozzle port 65a is a cleaning position disposed within the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1.

  In the present embodiment, the movable nozzle 65 can be moved forward and backward in a direction that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the lens 1a of the in-vehicle camera 1 faces (the central axis of the lens 1a and the imaging axis). Yes. That is, when the movable nozzle 65 moves forward, the nozzle port 65a approaches the imaging axis (center axis of the lens 1a) and is positioned closer to the center in the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1, and from the nozzle port 65a. The washer liquid is arranged so as to be inclined so as to be sprayed to the center position of the lens 1a.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the movable nozzle 65 is arrange | positioned at the horizontal direction side of the vehicle-mounted camera 1 so that the nozzle port 65a may be arrange | positioned at the horizontal direction side of the lens 1a in the said non-washing position.
Next, an operation example (action) of the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, when the washer pump 9 is not driven, the movable nozzle 65 is moved back to the non-cleaning position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 66 (see FIG. 15A). 65 is arranged outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1. Therefore, when the image is taken without cleaning, the nozzle port 65a (the tip of the movable nozzle 65) does not interfere with the image pickup.

  As shown in FIG. 14, for example, at timing T11 before the washer pump 9 is driven, the control device 23 moves the position of the communication hole 10a when the driver's washing switch is operated or dirt is detected by the sensor. The stepping motor 15 is driven and controlled to be at a predetermined position.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the control device 23 controls the first outlet member 17 corresponding to the nozzle port 65a of the movable nozzle 65 of the cleaning unit 51 to be ejected from the position of the communication hole 10a. The stepping motor 15 is driven and controlled to rotate the communication valve 10 so as to be in the vicinity of the fourth outlet member 20. Note that the stepping motor 15 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to rotate forward and backward, and for example, the communication valve 10 is rotationally driven in a direction that requires a small amount of rotation when moving from the current position (angle) to the target position. .

  Next, at the timing T12, for example, the control device 23 uses the flow path switching device 13 (communication valve 10) to provide a flow path (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 65a of the cleaning units 51 to 54. The washer pump 9 is driven for a preset time T in a state in which is not connected. Then, immediately after the washer pump 9 is driven, the pressure at the outlet of the washer pump 9 rises to a substantially constant high pressure. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating unit 11 is also the same high pressure.

  Next, the control device 23 drives the stepping motor 15, for example, at timing T <b> 13, and causes the flow switching device 13 (communication valve 10) to inject the flow channel (pressure accumulating portion 11) on the washer pump 9 side. The nozzle port 65a of the movable nozzle 65 is brought into communication.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control device 23 controls the driving of the stepping motor 15 so that the position of the communication hole 10 a is in communication with the first outlet member 17 to communicate with the communication valve. 10 is driven to rotate. Then, a high-pressure washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle port 65a of the movable nozzle 65 of the cleaning unit 51, and the lens 1a of the in-vehicle camera 1 is cleaned. Note that when the washer liquid is injected, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 11 decreases.

Next, the control device 23 stops the washer pump 9 at timing T14.
Thereafter, the control device 23 drives and controls the stepping motor 15 at the timing T15 to rotate the communication valve 10 so as to be positioned between the first outlet member 17 and the second outlet member 18. As a result, the flow path on the washer pump 9 side and the nozzle port 65a of the movable nozzle 65 of the cleaning unit 51 are not in communication with each other, and the spray of the washer liquid from the movable nozzle 65 (nozzle port 65a) is stopped.

In addition to the effects (1), (3), and (4) of the first embodiment, the above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device has the following effects.
(5) The movable nozzle 65 having the nozzle port 65a is movable so that the nozzle port 65a moves to a cleaning position that approaches the center of the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1 and a non-cleaning position that is farther from the center of the imaging range than the cleaning position. Therefore, the lenses 1a to 4a can be cleaned satisfactorily without disturbing imaging by moving to the cleaning position only during cleaning.

  (6) Since the movable nozzle 65 having the nozzle port 65a is provided so as to move forward and backward so as to move between the cleaning position and the non-cleaning position, for example, the external imaging surface (lenses 1a to 4a) and the nozzle port 65a are relatively As compared with the case where the rotation is performed, the area required for movement can be reduced.

  (7) Since the vehicle-mounted cameras 1 to 4 having the lenses 1a to 4a are fixed to the vehicle, for example, a stable captured image can be obtained. In addition, since the nozzle port 65a is provided in the movable nozzle 65 supported so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the vehicle, the nozzle port 65a is fixed and the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4 are moved forward and backward. Can be easily performed. That is, for example, if the external imaging surface (lenses 1a to 4a) can be moved forward and backward, it becomes a large mechanism that involves the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4, but directly or indirectly (in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4). In the configuration in which the external imaging surface is provided on the movable nozzle 65, the movable nozzle 65 can be made relatively small and light compared to the above mechanism. It becomes easy.

  (8) Since the movable nozzle 65 can be advanced so that the nozzle port 65a approaches the lenses 1a to 4a of the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4, for example, the front direction close to the imaging axis (the central axis of the lenses 1a to 4a) Therefore, it becomes easy to inject the washer liquid to the center positions of the lenses 1a to 4a. Therefore, the lenses 1a to 4a can be cleaned better.

  (9) Since the movable nozzle 65 moves forward to the cleaning position by the supply pressure of the washer liquid (fluid), an electric drive device for moving the movable nozzle 65 forward becomes unnecessary, and the configuration can be simplified.

  (10) Since the movable nozzle 65 moves backward to the non-cleaning position by the urging force of the compression coil spring 66 (urging member), an electric drive device or the like for moving the movable nozzle 65 backward becomes unnecessary, and the configuration is simplified. be able to.

  (11) Since the nozzle unit 62 provided with the movable nozzle 65 so as to be able to move forward and backward is assembled so as to be detachable with respect to the vehicle, for example, when the movement of the movable nozzle 65 becomes poor, the nozzle unit 62 It becomes easy to remove and replace it with a new one.

  (12) Since the nozzle port 65a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the opening direction, it is possible to spray the washer liquid over a wide area while maintaining a high spraying pressure, and to clean the lenses 1a to 4a better. It becomes possible.

  (13) Since the fluid is a mixture of a washer liquid (liquid) and air, for example, the injection pressure is increased (the flow velocity is increased) and the lens is compared with a case where only the washer liquid (liquid) is used. It becomes possible to wash | clean 1a-4a better. In addition, the consumption of the washer liquid can be reduced.

  (14) Since the nozzle port 65a is disposed only in the horizontal direction of the lenses 1a to 4a at the non-cleaning position, for example, it is assumed that the liquid dripped downward from the nozzle port 65a moved to the non-cleaning position after cleaning. In addition, the dripping liquid can be prevented from adhering to the lenses 1a to 4a.

  (15) The non-cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 65a is outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4, and the cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 65a is within the imaging range of the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4. Therefore, by moving the lens to the cleaning position only during cleaning, the lenses 1a to 4a can be cleaned satisfactorily without interfering with imaging.

Each of the above embodiments may be modified as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the seal rubber 22 is housed and held in the housing groove 14c of the case 14, but the first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 and the inside of the case 14 (that is, the pressure accumulating portion 11) However, other sealing structures may be used as long as they can communicate with each other through a path other than the communication hole 10a, i.e., unintentional leakage of the washer liquid.

  For example, it may be changed as shown in FIGS. In this example, a lower surface accommodation groove 10c is formed around the communication hole 10a on the lower surface of the communication valve 10, and an annular seal rubber 31 is accommodated and held in the lower surface accommodation groove 10c. Further, an outer peripheral housing groove 10d is formed on the entire outer periphery of the communication valve 10, and an annular seal rubber 32 is housed and held in the outer circumferential housing groove 10d. A part of each of the seal rubbers 31 and 32 protruding from the lower surface accommodation groove 10 c and the outer periphery accommodation groove 10 d is configured to be in press contact with the facing surface of the case 14. This also prevents unintentional washer fluid leakage.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. In this example, a recess 14d (see FIG. 10) having the same diameter as the bottom through-hole 14b is formed between the bottom through-holes 14b at the bottom of the case 14 in the circumferential direction. Further, eight spherical convex portions 10e are formed on the lower surface of the communication valve 10 at equiangular (45 °) intervals, and the communication hole 10a extends through one of the spherical convex portions 10e. Is formed. If it does in this way, the spherical convex part 10e (the spherical surface) will closely_contact | adhere to the opening part of the bottom part through-hole 14b and the recessed part 14d, and the leak of the unintentional washer liquid in the site | part is prevented. Moreover, if it does in this way, the components of a seal rubber can be reduced.

  Further, for example, without providing the housing groove 14c and the seal rubber 22 of the above-described embodiment, unintentional leakage of the washer liquid may be prevented by increasing the flatness of the opposing surfaces and bringing them into press contact. Further, in a configuration that does not use seal rubber (a configuration in which flatness is increased or a configuration in FIGS. 9 and 10), for example, at least one of the communication valve 10 and the case 14 is formed as a two-color molded product containing a soft resin (press contact). The part may be molded with a soft resin) to prevent unintentional washer fluid leakage.

-In each above-mentioned embodiment, although case 14 constituted pressure accumulation part 11, it is not limited to this and may change into other composition.
For example, you may change as shown in FIG.11 and FIG.12. In this example, the axial length (that is, the volume) of the case 14 is made smaller than in the above embodiment. A pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 14e is formed on the peripheral wall of the case 14 on the opposite side of the peripheral wall through hole 14a by 180 °, and the pressure accumulation chamber member 41 is fixed to the pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 14e so as to protrude to the outside. Yes. The pressure accumulating chamber member 41 includes a housing 42, a lid 43, a movable member 44, and a coil spring 45. The housing 42 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 42a, a reduced diameter portion 42b whose diameter decreases from the lower end to the lower end side of the cylindrical portion 42a, and a small diameter portion 42c that extends in a cylindrical shape from the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 42b. And the tip of the small diameter portion 42c is fixed to the pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 14e. The lid 43 is formed in a disc shape and closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 42a. The movable member 44 is formed in a disk shape, is slidable with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 42a, and is movable along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 42a. For example, a seal rubber (not shown) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the movable member 44 to partition the space on the case 14 side in a liquid-tight manner. A coil spring 45 is interposed between the lid 43 and the movable member 44. In this example, the case 14 and the pressure accumulation chamber member 41 constitute a pressure accumulation portion 46. And the flow-path switching apparatus 13 comprised in this way is fixed with respect to a vehicle so that the pressure accumulation chamber member 41 may face an upper direction (antigravity direction).

  In this way, when the washer pump 9 is driven in a state where the flow path (pressure accumulating portion 46) on the washer pump 9 side and all the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are not in communication, the washer liquid is accumulated in the case 14 and the pressure is accumulated. While the air in the portion 46 is compressed, the movable member 44 is pushed up against the biasing force of the coil spring 45, and the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 46 is increased. For example, when the pressure accumulating portion 46 and the nozzle port 5a of the first nozzle 5 to be injected are brought into communication with the communication valve 10, the movable member 44 is moved downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 45, A high-pressure washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle port 5a, and the lens 1a of the in-vehicle camera 1 is washed.

Moreover, although the pressure accumulation part 11 and the communication valve 10 are integrally provided to configure the flow path switching device 13, the present invention is not limited thereto.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the pressure accumulating portion 11 and the communication valve 10 may be separated. 18 and 19, the pressure accumulating portion 11 is connected to the T-shaped joint TJ via the hose H, and the T-shaped joint TJ is connected to the communication valve 10 and the washer pump 9 via the hose H1 and the hose H2. The Although FIG. 18 shows a configuration in which the check valve 12 is omitted, the check valve 12 may be provided between the T-shaped joint TJ and the washer pump 9.

In each of the above embodiments, the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device that injects the washer fluid is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device that injects air may be used.
For example, the washer pump 9 may be changed to an air pump that can supply air.

  In the first embodiment, the hoses H and H1 used from the check valve 12 to the nozzle ports 5a to 8a are set higher in hardness than the hose H2 used from the check valve 12 to the washer pump 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all the hoses may have the same hardness.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 23 continues the process (without interrupting) until the washer liquid is ejected based on the control signal indicating that the cleaning is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the process is interrupted. You may make it do.

  In each of the above embodiments, the communication valve 10 has a communication hole 10a provided in a part in the circumferential direction and is a rotating plate that is rotationally driven by the stepping motor 15. Other configurations may be employed as long as the nozzle ports 5a to 8a and 65a can communicate with each other and the nozzle ports 5a to 8a and 65a can communicate with each other.

The number of nozzle ports 5a to 8a and 65a in the above embodiments and the corresponding number of first to fourth outlet members 17 to 20 may be changed to other numbers as long as they are plural.
-Although not mentioned in the above embodiments, for example, when any of the cleaning targets does not require injection of a high-pressure fluid, the washer without causing the flow path to be disconnected by the communication valve 10 The pump 9 may be driven to supply the washer liquid to any one of the nozzle openings 5a to 8a and 65a. That is, the flow path switching device 13 may be used as a switching device that simply switches the flow path.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 23 drives the washer pump 9 for a preset time T (see FIG. 5). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the washer pump 9 is driven, The washer pump 9 may be stopped based on the pressure in the pressure accumulating unit 11. Of course, the time T during which the control device 23 rotationally drives the communication valve 10 may also be performed based on time or pressure.

  In the first embodiment, when the washer liquid is injected once, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 11 is reduced to almost 0 (the second injection cannot be performed unless the washer pump 9 is driven again). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the washer liquid in the pressure accumulating unit 11 is set to a high pressure once, the configuration and control may be performed so that the washer liquid can be ejected a plurality of times.

  In each of the above embodiments, the washer fluid is sprayed and washed on the lenses 1a to 4a of the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4, but the sensing surface (lens or cover glass) of other in-vehicle sensors other than the in-vehicle cameras 1 to 4 is used. Etc.) may be washed by jetting fluid. For example, as an in-vehicle sensor, an optical sensor (so-called Lidar) that measures the distance from an object by emitting (emitting) an infrared laser and receiving scattered light reflected from the object may be employed. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the ultrasonic sensor used as a radar (for example, millimeter wave radar) using a radio wave, or a corner sensor. Further, for example, when the sensing surface to be cleaned is a cover glass having a relatively large area, the washer liquid may be sequentially ejected from a plurality of nozzle openings onto one sensing surface.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the communication valve 10 can connect the pressure accumulating portion 11 and any one of the nozzle ports 5a to 8a, 65a, but the pressure accumulating portion 11 and the plurality of nozzle ports It is good also as what can make 5a-8a and 65a into a communication state simultaneously.

  -You may combine the said embodiment and each modification suitably.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-4 ... Vehicle-mounted camera (vehicle-mounted sensor), 1a-4a ... Lens (sensing surface), 5a-8a ... Nozzle port, 9 ... Washer pump (pump), 10 ... Communication valve (rotary plate), 10a ... Communication hole, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11,46 ... Accumulation part, 12 ... Check valve, 23 ... Control apparatus, 65a ... Nozzle port, H, H1, H2, Ha ... Hose.

Claims (7)

A plurality of nozzle openings for injecting fluid to the sensing surface of the in-vehicle sensor;
It is provided in the middle of a flow path that communicates the nozzle opening and a pump that feeds fluid to the nozzle opening, and the flow path on the pump side and one of the nozzle openings is in communication with each other based on a control signal. A communication valve capable of disabling the flow path on the pump side and all nozzle ports;
An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device comprising: a pressure accumulating portion provided in the middle of a flow path communicating the communication valve and the pump. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1,
An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device comprising a check valve that is provided in the middle of a flow path that connects the pressure accumulating unit and the pump and that regulates a flow of fluid from the pressure accumulating unit side to the pump side. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 2,
The pump is driven in a state where the flow path is in a non-communication state by the communication valve, and then the pump-side flow path and any nozzle port in the communication valve with the pump stopped. An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device comprising: a control device that ejects fluid from the nozzle port in a communication state. The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3,
An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device, wherein a hose used from the check valve to the nozzle port has a higher hardness than a hose used from the check valve to the pump. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Based on a control signal for cleaning, the pump is driven in a state where the flow path is not in communication with the communication valve, and then the flow path on the pump side and any one of the nozzles in the communication valve A vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device comprising a control device that continues processing until a fluid is ejected from the nozzle port with the mouth in a communicating state. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The communication valve has a communication hole provided in a part of the circumferential direction, and is rotationally driven by a drive source so that the communication hole can be in communication with any one of the nozzle ports. A vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device, characterized in that it is a rotating plate that can be in a state of non-communication with the nozzle opening of the vehicle. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device, wherein the communication valve is configured to allow the pressure accumulating unit and any one nozzle port to be in communication with each other.