JP5840908B2 - Vehicle cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle cleaning device.

  Conventionally, it is known that when a vehicle is moved backward, the situation behind the vehicle is photographed with an in-vehicle camera arranged at the rear of the vehicle, and the photographed image is displayed on a monitor for car navigation. Yes. Since this in-vehicle camera is disposed outside the vehicle, there is a problem that if mud or the like adheres to the lens, the situation behind the vehicle cannot be sufficiently photographed and is difficult to confirm.

  In view of this, a vehicle cleaning device has been proposed in which a nozzle for removing a deposit by spraying a cleaning liquid on a lens of an in-vehicle camera has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this vehicular cleaning device, by operating a switch, cleaning liquid is jetted from the nozzle onto the imaging surface of the in-vehicle camera, and the in-vehicle camera is cleaned.

JP 2007-53448 A

  By the way, it is conceivable that the camera cleaning switch in the above-described vehicle cleaning apparatus is additionally provided to a lever or the like in which cleaning switches such as a wiper switch are integrated. However, in this case, when the camera cleaning switch is operated, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation or a confusing operation (a confusion such as what the camera cleaning switch is or how to operate it) may occur. Although it is conceivable to provide a camera cleaning switch around the steering wheel other than the lever where the cleaning system switches such as the wiper switch are integrated, there is a possibility that substantially the same problem may occur in this case. In addition, providing an additional mechanical switch for cleaning the camera causes the vehicle cleaning device to be expensive.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular cleaning apparatus with high operability and low cost.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric pump for feeding cleaning liquid stored in a tank, and a camera for injecting the fed cleaning liquid toward an imaging surface of an in-vehicle camera disposed at the rear of the vehicle. An image picked up by the in-vehicle camera is displayed on a display based on an input of a washing nozzle and a reverse state signal indicating that the vehicle is in a reverse state, and a touch panel switch for camera cleaning is displayed on the display, and the touch panel for camera cleaning is displayed. the vehicle washing apparatus provided with a control unit for driving the electric pump so as to feed the cleaning liquid to the camera wash nozzle on the basis of the operation of the switch, is connected via a main pipe to the electric pump, feed A window cleaning nozzle for injecting the sent cleaning liquid into the vehicle window, and a branch arrangement branched from the main pipe and connected to the camera cleaning nozzle Switching means provided at a branch portion of the main pipe and the branch pipe and capable of switching from a state in which cleaning liquid from the electric pump is supplied to the window cleaning nozzle to a state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the camera cleaning nozzle And the controller switches the switching means to a state in which the cleaning liquid from the electric pump is fed to the camera cleaning nozzle based on the input of the reverse drive state signal .

  According to this configuration, for example, when a reverse state signal is input to the control unit, an image captured by the in-vehicle camera and a touch panel switch for camera cleaning are displayed on the display, and when the touch panel switch is operated, the electric pump Can be driven to supply the cleaning liquid to the camera cleaning nozzle. Therefore, for example, when the driver confirms that the imaging surface is dirty by looking at the display on which the image captured by the in-vehicle camera is displayed, the driver operates the camera cleaning touch panel switch displayed on the display. The imaging surface of the in-vehicle camera can be cleaned simply by (touching). As a result, for example, a camera cleaning switch such as a wiper switch is integrated into a lever or the like, which may cause a misoperation that may occur when the camera cleaning switch is also integrated (camera cleaning switch). Can be avoided). Furthermore, since the touch panel switch for cleaning the camera is used, for example, the vehicle cleaning device can be made cheaper than when a mechanical switch for cleaning the camera is provided.

  According to this configuration, for example, when a reverse state signal indicating that the vehicle is in the reverse state is input to the control unit, the cleaning liquid from the electric pump is supplied to the camera cleaning nozzle from the state where the cleaning liquid is supplied to the window cleaning nozzle. The switching means can be switched to the state to be sent. Further, in a state where the reverse state signal indicating that the vehicle is in the reverse state is not input to the control unit, the cleaning liquid from the electric pump can be fed to the window cleaning nozzle. For these reasons, for example, an electric pump for window cleaning and camera cleaning can be made common. Further, for example, since the main piping up to the branching portion can be made common, the total use length of the piping members (hose and the like) can be shortened (compared to the case where each is a separate piping). Furthermore, when the reverse drive state signal is input to the control unit, the cleaning liquid from the electric pump is fed to the camera cleaning nozzle prior to the operation of the camera cleaning touch panel switch to drive the electric pump. By switching the switching means, for example, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping slightly from the window cleaning nozzle.

Invention according to claim 2, in the vehicle washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, based on the operation of the touch panel switches for the camera washing, for a preset injection time the camera wash nozzle The gist of the present invention is to drive the electric pump to feed the cleaning liquid.

  According to this configuration, for example, when a touch panel switch for camera cleaning is operated, the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the camera cleaning nozzle for a preset ejection time (for example, 3 seconds). Therefore, for example, the driver can clean the imaging surface of the in-vehicle camera only by touching the touch panel switch for a moment.

Invention according to claim 3, in the vehicle washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, the cleaning fluid only to the camera wash nozzle time operation of the touch panel switches for the camera cleaning is continuously performed The gist is to drive the electric pump for feeding.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to supply the cleaning liquid to the camera cleaning nozzle only for the time during which the operation of the touch panel switch for camera cleaning is continued. Therefore, for example, the driver can continue to perform cleaning until the imaging surface of the in-vehicle camera becomes clean while viewing the image displayed on the display (imaged by the in-vehicle camera).

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operativity is high and can provide the cheap washing | cleaning apparatus for vehicles.

(A) The schematic block diagram of the vehicle provided with the washing | cleaning apparatus for vehicles of one Embodiment. (B) The schematic diagram of the display in one Embodiment. The time chart of the signal and operation | movement of the washing | cleaning apparatus for vehicles of one Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle provided with the washing | cleaning apparatus for vehicles of another example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle cleaning device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle 1 is provided with a shift lever 3 of a transmission 2 beside the driver's seat, and the vehicle 1 is shifted by operating the shift lever 3 to each position. When the shift lever 3 is operated to the first speed position, the transmission 2 shifts the speed ratio of the vehicle 1 to the first speed. When the shift lever 3 is operated to the second speed position, the transmission 2 shifts the gear ratio of the vehicle 1 to the second speed. When the shift lever 3 is operated to the neutral position, the transmission 2 shifts the speed ratio of the vehicle 1 to neutral.

  Further, when the shift lever 3 is operated to the reverse position (reverse position), the transmission 2 causes the vehicle 1 to move backward (reverse drive is possible). At this time, the back lamp BL provided at the rear portion of the vehicle 1 is lit while the shift lever 3 is being shifted to the reverse position.

  The console panel of the vehicle 1 is provided with a display device H used for displaying the current position and other maps in the navigation device. The display device H includes a display DSP exposed to the driver's seat side and a display control unit ECU1 that is provided integrally with the display DSP and controls the display DSP.

  A rear wiper device 6 is provided at the rear center position of the vehicle 1 and below the rear window 4 as a vehicle window. In the wiper device 6, the wiper motor 7 is driven so that the wiper (wiper blade) 7 wipes the outer surface of the rear window 4.

  A rear washer nozzle N1 as a wind cleaning nozzle is provided at the rear center position of the vehicle 1 and above the rear window 4. The rear washer nozzle N <b> 1 has a nozzle port directed toward the lower rear window 4, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the wiping surface of the rear window 4 from the nozzle port.

  The rear washer nozzle N <b> 1 is connected to an electric pump P provided in the front engine room of the vehicle 1 via a main pipe 8. The electric pump P is an electric pump that feeds cleaning liquid stored in a tank T provided in the engine room to the rear washer nozzle N1 via the main pipe 8.

The driver's seat is provided with a washer switch SW1 for driving the electric pump P to feed the cleaning liquid to the rear washer nozzle N1.
An in-vehicle camera 10 for back monitoring is installed outside the rear portion of the vehicle 1 and further in the rear position than the wiper device 6 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle camera 10 is a rear view camera for rearward viewing, and an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 is output to the display control unit ECU 1 of the display device H as image data. The display control unit ECU1 displays an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 on the display DSP based on the image data.

  A camera washer nozzle N2 as a camera cleaning nozzle is provided at a position adjacent to the in-vehicle camera 10 and deviating from the rear imaging viewing angle of the in-vehicle camera 10. The camera washer nozzle N2 is directed toward the glass window 10a as an imaging surface provided to protect the lens of the in-vehicle camera 10 from mud, dust, dust, etc. 10 glass windows 10a are jetted.

  The camera washer nozzle N2 is connected to a branch pipe 8a branched from the main pipe 8. Further, at the branch portion where the branch pipe 8a branches from the main pipe 8, the cleaning liquid from the electric pump P is supplied to the camera washer nozzle N2 from the state where the cleaning liquid is supplied to the rear washer nozzle N1. An electromagnetic valve B is provided as switching means that can be switched between. In addition, the position where the electromagnetic valve B is provided, which is the position of the branch portion in the present embodiment, is the rear part of the vehicle.

  Further, the vehicle 1 displays an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 on the display DSP based on the input of the reverse drive state signal X, and displays a camera cleaning touch panel switch TSW (see FIG. 1B). A control unit S that drives the electric pump P to feed the cleaning liquid to the camera / washer nozzle N2 based on the operation of the touch panel switch TSW is provided.

  Specifically, the control unit S of the present embodiment is composed of a display control unit ECU1 of the display device H and a circuit or an electronic circuit including a relay or the like, and a cleaning drive that drives and controls the electric pump P and the electromagnetic valve B. And a control unit 11.

  The reverse state signal X is a signal indicating that the vehicle is in a reverse state (a state in which it can be reversely moved). In the present embodiment, the electric power associated with the operation when the shift lever 3 is operated to the reverse position (reverse position). This signal is input to the display control unit ECU1 directly or via a vehicle ECU (not shown).

  When the reverse drive state signal X is input, the display control unit ECU1 of the control unit S displays the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 on the display DSP as shown in FIG. The touch panel switch TSW is displayed. Then, when the touch panel switch TSW is operated, the display control unit ECU1 outputs a camera cleaning drive signal Y to the cleaning drive control unit 11. In addition, when the touch panel switch TSW is operated (when the driver touches it), the display control unit ECU 1 of the present embodiment outputs the camera cleaning drive signal Y for a preset ejection time (for example, 3 seconds).

  When the camera cleaning drive signal Y is input, the cleaning drive control unit 11 of the control unit S switches the electromagnetic valve B so that the cleaning liquid from the electric pump P is fed to the camera washer nozzle N2. At the same time, the electric pump P is driven. The cleaning drive control unit 11 according to the present embodiment drives the electric pump P only while the camera cleaning drive signal Y is input (for example, 3 seconds).

  Further, when the washer switch SW1 is operated in a state where the camera cleaning drive signal Y is not input, the cleaning drive control unit 11 supplies the cleaning liquid from the electric pump P to the rear washer nozzle N1. The electric pump P is driven in the state (without switching the electromagnetic valve B).

Next, the operation (operation) of the above embodiment will be described.
For example, when the shift lever 3 is operated to the reverse position, as shown in FIG. 1B, an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 is displayed on the display DSP and a touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is displayed. . When the touch panel switch TSW is operated, as shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnetic valve B is switched to a state where the cleaning liquid from the electric pump P is fed to the camera / washer nozzle N2, and the electric pump P is driven. Then, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the camera / washer nozzle N2 onto the glass window 10a of the in-vehicle camera 10 (camera washer spray).

  If the washer switch SW1 is operated when the shift lever 3 is not operated to the reverse position or the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is not operated, the electromagnetic valve B is not switched and is electrically operated. The pump P is driven, and the cleaning liquid is injected from the rear washer nozzle N1 to the rear window 4 (window washer injection).

Next, the characteristic effects of the above embodiment will be described below.
(1) When the driver confirms that the glass window 10a of the in-vehicle camera 10 is dirty, for example, by looking at the display DSP on which the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 is displayed, the driver is displayed on the display DSP. The glass window 10a of the in-vehicle camera 10 can be cleaned simply by operating (touching) the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning. As a result, for example, a camera cleaning switch may be integrated into a lever or the like in which cleaning switches such as a wiper switch and a washer switch SW1 are integrated. It is possible to avoid the confusion of which switch was used for cleaning and how to operate it. Further, since the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is used (since it is only necessary to change the software of the display control unit ECU1), for example, compared with a case where a mechanical switch for camera cleaning is provided, a vehicle cleaning device Can be made inexpensive.

  (2) In the above embodiment, since the electric pumps P for window cleaning and camera cleaning can be made common, for example, the electric pumps can be made cheaper than the case where each electric pump is provided separately. Can do. In addition, since the main pipe 8 up to the branch part (electromagnetic valve B) can be made common, the total use length of the pipe members (hose, etc.) can be shortened (compared to the case where each pipe is made separately). it can. In the present embodiment, the position of the branch portion and the position where the electromagnetic valve B is provided is the rear part of the vehicle. Therefore, the branch pipe 8a can be significantly shortened, and the total use length of the pipe members (hose etc.) Can be significantly shortened (compared to separate pipes).

  (3) When the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is operated, the cleaning liquid is fed to the camera washer nozzle N2 for a preset ejection time (for example, 3 seconds). Therefore, for example, the driver can clean the glass window 10a of the in-vehicle camera 10 satisfactorily only by touching the touch panel switch TSW for a moment.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the target vehicle window is the rear window 4 and the window cleaning nozzle is the rear washer nozzle N1, but the target vehicle window is the front window and the window cleaning nozzle is the front washer nozzle. It is good.

  Specifically, it may be changed as shown in FIG. In this example (see FIG. 3), a pair of front washer nozzles N3 as window cleaning nozzles are provided below the front window 21. The front washer nozzle N3 has a nozzle port directed toward the upper front window 21, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the nozzle port onto the wiping surface of the front window 21. Even if it does in this way, the effect substantially the same as the said embodiment can be acquired.

  In this example, the wiper device 6 of the above embodiment is provided below the front window 21, and the wiper motor M is driven so that a pair of wipers (wiper blades) 7 wipe the outer surface of the front window 21. It is supposed to work. In the above embodiment and this alternative example (see FIG. 3), the cleaning liquid is automatically ejected from the window cleaning nozzle (rear washer nozzle N1 or front washer nozzle N3) (for example, immediately after the ejection). For example, the wiper motor M may be driven for a preset time.

  In the above embodiment, when the touch panel switch TSW is operated, the control unit S switches the electromagnetic valve B to a state in which the cleaning liquid from the electric pump P is fed to the camera / washer nozzle N2. Without being limited thereto, the electromagnetic valve B may be switched to a state in which it is fed to the camera washer nozzle N2 based on the input of the reverse drive state signal X. In this way, when the shift lever 3 is operated to the reverse position, the electromagnetic valve B is switched before the electric pump P is driven by operating the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning, for example, It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping slightly from the rear washer nozzle N1.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit S is an electric pump for supplying cleaning liquid to the camera washer nozzle N2 for a preset ejection time (for example, 3 seconds) based on the operation of the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning. Although P is driven, the time for driving the electric pump P may be changed. For example, the control unit S may drive the electric pump P so as to feed the cleaning liquid to the camera / washer nozzle N2 for the time during which the operation of the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is continuously performed. In this way, for example, the driver can continue to perform cleaning until the glass window 10a of the in-vehicle camera 10 is clean while viewing an image (imaged by the in-vehicle camera) displayed on the display DSP.

  In addition, the preset injection time (for example, 3 seconds) may be changeable, for example, may be changeable by a time setting touch panel switch displayed on the display DSP. In this way, the driver can easily change the cleaning time (injection time) according to the vehicle usage situation, preferences, and the like. In addition, by using a time setting touch panel switch, for example, the vehicle washing apparatus can be made cheaper than when a mechanical time setting switch is provided.

  In the above embodiment, the vehicle cleaning device including the switching means (electromagnetic valve B) and the rear washer nozzle N1 (window cleaning nozzle) is embodied, but the glass window 10a (imaging surface) of the in-vehicle camera 10 is simply used. It is good also as a vehicular cleaning device which only cleans. For example, when an electric pump that supplies cleaning liquid to the rear washer nozzle N1 and an electric pump that supplies cleaning liquid to the camera washer nozzle N2 are provided separately, and the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is operated, You may make it drive the electric pump by which the washing | cleaning liquid is supplied to the washer nozzle N2. In addition, for example, a touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning using a double outlet pump (electric pump) capable of selectively discharging cleaning liquid from two discharge ports depending on the rotation direction of an electric motor that can be driven forward and backward. Is operated, the cleaning liquid may be supplied to the camera washer nozzle N2.

  In the above embodiment, the reverse state signal X indicating that the vehicle 1 is in the reverse state is an electrical signal of the reverse position (reverse position) of the shift lever 3, but it is in the reverse (possible) state. For example, the signal may be changed to a mechanically changed reverse gear detection signal or the like.

  In the above embodiment, an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 10 is displayed on the display DSP based on the input of the reverse drive state signal X, and the touch panel switch TSW for camera cleaning is displayed, and the camera is operated based on the operation of the touch panel switch TSW. Although cleaning is performed, both the touch panel switch TSW and the washer switch SW1 are enabled as camera cleaning switches based on the input of the reverse state signal X, and the camera cleaning is performed based on the operation of either switch. You may make it perform.

The technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiments will be described below together with the effects thereof.
(B) pre-Symbol preset injection time, characterized in that it is a configurable at the touch panel switches for setting the time displayed on the display.

  According to the same configuration, the preset injection time can be set and changed by the time setting touch panel switch displayed on the display. The cleaning time can be changed. In addition, by using a time setting touch panel switch, for example, the vehicle washing apparatus can be made cheaper than when a mechanical time setting switch is provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 4 ... Rear window (vehicle window), 8 ... Main piping, 8a ... Branch piping, 10 ... In-vehicle camera, 10a ... Glass window (imaging surface), 21 ... Front window (vehicle window), B ... Electromagnetic valve (Switching means), N1 ... rear washer nozzle (window washing nozzle), N2 ... camera washer nozzle (camera washing nozzle), N3 ... front washer nozzle (window washing nozzle), P ... electric pump, S ... control unit , T ... tank, X ... backward state signal, DSP ... display, TSW ... touch panel switch.

Claims (3)

An electric pump for feeding the cleaning liquid stored in the tank;
A camera cleaning nozzle for injecting the supplied cleaning liquid toward the imaging surface of the in-vehicle camera disposed at the rear of the vehicle ;
An image captured by the in-vehicle camera is displayed on a display based on an input of a reverse state signal indicating that the vehicle is in a reverse state, and a touch panel switch for camera cleaning is displayed on the display, and the touch panel switch for cleaning the camera is operated. the vehicle washing apparatus provided with a control unit for driving the electric pump so as to feed the cleaning liquid to the camera wash nozzle on the basis,
A window cleaning nozzle connected to the electric pump via a main pipe for injecting the supplied cleaning liquid into the vehicle window;
A branch pipe branched from the main pipe and connected to the camera cleaning nozzle;
A switching means provided at a branch portion of the main pipe and the branch pipe and capable of switching from a state in which cleaning liquid from the electric pump is supplied to the window cleaning nozzle to a state in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the camera cleaning nozzle. Prepared,
The controller is configured to switch the switching unit to a state in which the cleaning liquid from the electric pump is fed to the camera cleaning nozzle based on the input of the reverse state signal . The vehicle cleaning device according to claim 1 ,
The control unit drives the electric pump to feed a cleaning liquid to the camera cleaning nozzle for a preset ejection time based on an operation of the camera cleaning touch panel switch. apparatus. The vehicle cleaning device according to claim 1 ,
The vehicle cleaning apparatus, wherein the control unit drives the electric pump to feed the cleaning liquid to the camera cleaning nozzle for a time during which the operation of the touch panel switch for camera cleaning is continuously performed.

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