JP6597334B2 - In-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, an in-vehicle optical sensor is provided at a front part or a rear part of a vehicle, and an image captured by the in-vehicle optical sensor is widely used. And since the sensing surface (lens and protective glass) of such an in-vehicle optical sensor has the possibility of foreign matter such as mud adhering to it, the fluid is ejected from the ejection port of the nozzle member toward the sensing surface to remove the foreign matter. A vehicle-mounted optical sensor cleaning device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2015-57338

  However, in the above-described on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, only a gas-liquid mixed fluid or air in which cleaning liquid and air are mixed can be ejected from the ejection port as a fluid. And air are mixed and supplied to the nozzle, and how the cleaning liquid and air are mixed at the joint is not described. Therefore, a new in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device capable of selectively and favorably injecting only a gas-liquid mixed fluid or air is desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device that can selectively and favorably inject only a gas-liquid mixed fluid or air. It is in.

An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device that solves the above-described problem is an in-vehicle optical sensor that ejects fluid from an ejection port toward a sensing surface of an in-vehicle optical sensor mounted on a vehicle and removes foreign matter attached to the sensing surface. A cleaning device, wherein a cleaning liquid introduction path into which the cleaning liquid as the fluid is introduced, an air introduction path into which air as the fluid is introduced, and the cleaning liquid and the air introduction path through the cleaning liquid introduction path and the air introduction path A nozzle member provided with a common introduction chamber capable of introducing air and provided with the injection port at a tip, a cleaning liquid side check valve provided between the cleaning liquid introduction path and the common introduction chamber; An air-side check valve provided between the air introduction path and the common introduction chamber, and a proximal end flange portion provided at the proximal end portion are energized by the fluid supply pressure provided so as to be able to move forward and backward. Before Wherein the nozzle member comprises is a tubular cylinder housing contained therein, said nozzle member has its front end is bulged radially outward from the cylindrical portion of the tip elongated tubular cylindrical portion of A piston nozzle member having a nozzle portion in which the injection port is formed, and a flange member fixed to a proximal end side of the piston nozzle member and having the proximal flange portion formed therein, A spring holder that is externally fitted to allow the cylindrical part to slide in the axial direction, and that is externally fitted to the cylindrical part and held in a compressed state between the spring holder and the proximal flange part. A compression coil spring is assembled to form a piston unit, and the previously assembled piston unit is inserted from the base end side of the cylinder housing, and the nozzle portion is connected to the cylinder housing. Protrudes from the tip to the outside, the spring holder engages further movement is assembled is restricted to the distal end portion of the cylinder housing.

  According to the same configuration, for example, the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the common introduction chamber, and then the air-liquid mixed fluid, in which the cleaning liquid and the air are mixed, is injected from the injection port of the nozzle member. it can. Thereby, the foreign material adhering to the sensing surface can be removed. Also, for example, only air can be injected by supplying only air to the common introduction chamber. Thereby, the cleaning liquid adhering to the sensing surface can be blown off. When the cleaning liquid is first fed to the common introduction chamber, the cleaning liquid is prevented from flowing back to the air introduction path side by the air-side check valve. Further, when air is supplied to the common introduction chamber, the cleaning liquid side check valve prevents the air from flowing back to the cleaning liquid introduction path side. Therefore, only the gas-liquid mixed fluid or air can be selectively and favorably ejected.

According to this configuration, the nozzle member advances by the fluid supply pressure, and the fluid is ejected from the ejection port at the tip thereof toward the sensing surface. Thereby, for example, the nozzle member is prevented from being reflected in an image photographed by the in-vehicle optical sensor. Therefore, a good field of view can be ensured.
According to this configuration, the piston nozzle member, the flange member, the spring holder, and the compression coil spring are assembled to form a piston unit, and the piston unit is inserted from the base end side of the cylinder housing and assembled. Therefore, for example, the assembly performance is better than a configuration in which the piston nozzle member is inserted from the distal end side of the cylinder housing and another member such as a flange member is sequentially inserted from the proximal end side of the cylinder housing. can do.
An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device that solves the above-described problem is an in-vehicle optical sensor that ejects fluid from an ejection port toward a sensing surface of an in-vehicle optical sensor mounted on a vehicle and removes foreign matter attached to the sensing surface. A cleaning device, wherein a cleaning liquid introduction path into which the cleaning liquid as the fluid is introduced, an air introduction path into which air as the fluid is introduced, and the cleaning liquid and the air introduction path through the cleaning liquid introduction path and the air introduction path A nozzle member provided with a common introduction chamber capable of introducing air and provided with the injection port at a tip, a cleaning liquid side check valve provided between the cleaning liquid introduction path and the common introduction chamber; An air-side check valve provided between the air introduction path and the common introduction chamber, and a proximal end flange portion provided at the proximal end portion are energized by the fluid supply pressure provided so as to be able to move forward and backward. Before A cylindrical cylinder housing in which the nozzle member is housed, and the cleaning liquid side check valve and the air side check valve are juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing, A cylindrical cleaning liquid inlet portion communicating with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid introduction path and loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member, and the cylinder housing corresponding to the base end flange portion An air communication passage that communicates the space on the base end side and the downstream of the air introduction path is provided, the cleaning liquid side check valve is provided at a distal end portion of the cleaning liquid inlet portion, and the air side check valve is And provided on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle member.
According to the same configuration, for example, the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the common introduction chamber, and then the air-liquid mixed fluid, in which the cleaning liquid and the air are mixed, is injected from the injection port of the nozzle member. it can. Thereby, the foreign material adhering to the sensing surface can be removed. Also, for example, only air can be injected by supplying only air to the common introduction chamber. Thereby, the cleaning liquid adhering to the sensing surface can be blown off. When the cleaning liquid is first fed to the common introduction chamber, the cleaning liquid is prevented from flowing back to the air introduction path side by the air-side check valve. Further, when air is supplied to the common introduction chamber, the cleaning liquid side check valve prevents the air from flowing back to the cleaning liquid introduction path side. Therefore, only the gas-liquid mixed fluid or air can be selectively and favorably ejected.
According to this configuration, the nozzle member advances by the fluid supply pressure, and the fluid is ejected from the ejection port at the tip thereof toward the sensing surface. Thereby, for example, the nozzle member is prevented from being reflected in an image photographed by the in-vehicle optical sensor. Therefore, a good field of view can be ensured.
According to this configuration, since the cleaning liquid side check valve and the air side check valve are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing, for example, those arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Compared to the above, the size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction can be reduced.
According to this configuration, a cylindrical cleaning liquid inlet portion is provided that communicates with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid introduction path and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member. Since the cleaning liquid is provided at the tip of the cleaning liquid inlet, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the common introduction chamber in a small space on the tip side of the cleaning liquid inlet. Further, since the air-side check valve is provided on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle member (between the cleaning liquid inlet portion), the cleaning liquid cannot enter the space on the base end side of the cylinder housing corresponding to the base end flange portion. Is prevented. In addition, since the air communication passage that communicates the proximal end side space of the cylinder housing corresponding to the proximal flange portion and the downstream side of the air introduction passage is provided, the nozzle member can be advanced by the air supply pressure. The air can be supplied from the space on the base end side of the cylinder housing to the common introduction chamber through the air-side check valve and the clearance due to the loose fitting. In this way, the common introduction chamber mainly becomes a small space on the tip side from the cleaning liquid inlet part, and air is fed through a gap by loose fitting outside the cleaning liquid inlet part. Even if the gas-liquid mixed fluid is ejected by first supplying the cleaning liquid to the introduction chamber and then supplying air, the cleaning liquid hardly remains in the air flow path including the common introduction chamber. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to spray only air.For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the sensing surface can be blown off almost by jetting only air, and the sensing surface can be made free of the cleaning liquid. it can.

  In the on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, a cylinder that is in communication with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid side check valve and the downstream side of the air side check valve and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member It is preferable to provide the inlet member which has a shape-like inlet part.

  According to this configuration, the cylindrical inlet that is in communication with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid side check valve and the downstream side of the air side check valve and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member Since the inlet member having the portion is provided, the main flow of the fluid can be straightly directed to the tip end side (jet port side) of the nozzle member. Further, the nozzle branch can be advanced by the supply pressure by causing the branch flow of the fluid to enter the proximal flange portion side from the gap due to loose fitting. In this way, for example, even when a little cleaning liquid remains in the space on the base end side of the cylinder housing corresponding to the base end flange portion, when injecting only air, the main flow path and the space inside the inlet portion are disposed. Is partitioned by the inlet portion, so that only the air can be injected without the remaining cleaning liquid being caught. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to spray only air.For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the sensing surface can be blown off by almost only the injection of air, and the sensing surface can be made free of the cleaning liquid. it can.

  In the above-mentioned on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, the base flange portion of the nozzle member is formed with a packing fitting recess that is opened outward in the radial direction on the entire circumference, and an annular fitting that is fitted into the packing fitting recess. A lip packing having a contact portion and a slidable contact portion slidably contacting the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder housing, and a retaining groove formed in an axial direction is formed in the packing fit recess, the fit The part is preferably formed with a retaining protrusion that fits into the retaining groove.

  According to this configuration, a retaining groove that is recessed in the axial direction is formed in the packing fitting recess that opens to the radially outer side of the proximal flange portion, and the lip packing that is fitted into the packing fitting recess is formed. Since the retaining portion is formed with a retaining projection that fits into the retaining groove, it is possible to prevent the lip packing from being detached from the proximal flange portion.

In the on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid side check valve is a spring type check valve having a valve body and a valve spring for biasing the valve body.
According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid side check valve is a spring type check valve having a valve body and a valve spring that urges the valve body. For example, when the vehicle starts or the vehicle is running Even when it vibrates, the cleaning liquid on the cleaning liquid introduction path side can be prevented from leaking to the common introduction chamber side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from unintentionally leaking from the ejection port and adhering to the sensing surface of the in-vehicle optical sensor. In addition, this spring type check valve is likely to increase in size as compared with, for example, a duckbill type check valve. In particular, by adding this configuration to the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to claim 6, It can suppress that the size of the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of a housing will enlarge.

  In the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to the present invention, only the gas-liquid mixed fluid or air can be selectively injected favorably.

(A) is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle of one Embodiment. (B) is a schematic diagram of the display of one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in one Embodiment. The perspective view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in one Embodiment. The front view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in one Embodiment. The rear view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in one Embodiment. The cross-sectional perspective view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor mounting bracket in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the downward direction of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor mounting bracket in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the upper direction of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor mounting bracket in one Embodiment. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of a piston unit. (B) is an exploded perspective view of an introduction side housing member. (C) is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle unit. (D) is a perspective view of a nozzle unit. Sectional drawing of the nozzle unit of the state of the non-cleaning position in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the nozzle unit in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the air pump in one Embodiment. (A) And (b) is a partially expanded sectional view for demonstrating operation | movement of an air pump. The operation | movement time chart of the washer pump and air pump in one Embodiment. The partial sectional view of the nozzle unit in another example. Sectional drawing of the nozzle unit in another example. The perspective view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in another example. The perspective view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in another example. Sectional drawing of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in another example. Sectional drawing of the nozzle unit in another example. The disassembled perspective view of the front-end | tip nozzle member and nozzle tip in another example. The partial sectional view of the nozzle unit in another example. The partial sectional view of the nozzle unit in another example. The partially expanded sectional view of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit in another example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1A, a back door 2 is provided behind the vehicle 1, and an in-vehicle optical sensor unit 3 is provided on the back door 2. The in-vehicle optical sensor unit 3 of the present embodiment is fixed so as to be slightly displaced from the center line C in the width direction of the vehicle 1 toward the driver's seat side (right side).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 3 includes an in-vehicle camera 5 as an in-vehicle optical sensor, a nozzle unit 6 as an in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, and an in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle camera 5 includes a substantially cubic main body 5a in which an image sensor (not shown) is housed, and a sensing surface (external imaging surface) provided on one surface of the main body 5a. Lens 5b.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, when the shift lever SL of the transmission is operated to the reverse position, the in-vehicle camera 5 transmits the captured image of the rear of the vehicle 1 to the display DSP in the vehicle. Display. The in-vehicle camera 5 is fixed to the back door 2 via the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 so that the lens 5b side faces obliquely downward so as to capture an image of the obliquely lower part behind the vehicle 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 9 (d), 10, and 11, the nozzle unit 6 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and is moved from a non-cleaning position (see FIGS. 2 and 10) to a cleaning position (see FIG. 11 is a unit having a nozzle member 9 that protrudes to the outside in a state of moving to the lens 5b (see FIG. 2) and ejects fluid from the ejection port 8 toward the lens 5b (see FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the on-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 includes a sensor housing portion 7a for housing the on-vehicle camera 5 so that the lens 5b is exposed to the outside, and a nozzle housing portion for housing the nozzle unit 6. 7b and the vehicle fixing part 7c are integrally formed.

  More specifically, the on-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 of the present embodiment includes a rectangular tube portion 7d in which a sensor housing portion 7a for housing a substantially cubic in-vehicle camera 5 is formed, and a substantially cylindrical nozzle unit. The nozzle accommodating part 7b for accommodating 6 has the cylindrical part 7e formed in an inside, and these are arranged in parallel by the aspect with which the side walls were joined. Specifically, the square tube portion 7d is formed with a circular exposure port 7f that exposes the lens 5b of the in-vehicle camera 5 to the outside at the distal end side, and the base end side is opened so that the in-vehicle camera 5 can be inserted. . The cylindrical portion 7e is formed such that a nozzle port 7g that allows the nozzle member 9 to protrude and retract on the distal end side is continuous with a part of the exposing port 7f, the proximal end side is opened, and the nozzle unit 6 is inserted. It is possible. Further, the cylindrical portion 7e is arranged in an inclined state with respect to the rectangular cylindrical portion 7d so as to approach the rectangular cylindrical portion 7d toward the distal end side. Moreover, the cylindrical part 7e (nozzle accommodating part 7b) is arrange | positioned with respect to the square cylinder part 7d (sensor accommodating part 7a) at the driver's seat side (right side) of the width direction of the vehicle 1 (FIG. 1 (a)). reference).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the in-vehicle camera 5 accommodated in the sensor accommodating portion 7 a has the fixing member 11 engaged with the rear end thereof fixed to the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 with a screw 12. Thus, it is prevented from coming off from the sensor housing portion 7 a and is fixed to the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7.

  Further, the nozzle unit 6 accommodated in the nozzle accommodating portion 7b has a fixing portion 13 protruding from its outer shape fixed to the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 by a screw 14 to prevent the nozzle unit 6 from coming off from the nozzle accommodating portion 7b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 of the present embodiment has a position corresponding to the injection port 8 of the nozzle member 9 in the non-cleaning position (leaked from the injection port 8). Liquid escape portions 7j and 7k serving as spaces into which the cleaning liquid can flow are formed. The liquid escape portions 7j and 7k of the present embodiment communicate with the sensor housing 7a and the nozzle housing portion 7b at positions corresponding to the injection ports 8 (no partition walls are formed). It is formed in both the part 7a and the nozzle accommodating part 7b. That is, when the cleaning liquid leaks from the ejection port 8 of the nozzle member 9 at the non-cleaning position, the cleaning liquid may flow into the liquid escape portions 7j and 7k formed in both the sensor storage portion 7a and the nozzle storage portion 7b. It is possible.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid escape portions 7j and 7k are on the direction side different from the exposure port 7f (lens 5b) side, and in this embodiment, on the gravity direction side (lower side). Discharge ports 7m and 7n are formed in the opening. The discharge ports 7m and 7n of the present embodiment include a discharge port 7m corresponding to the liquid escape portion 7j on the sensor housing portion 7a side and a discharge port 7n corresponding to the liquid escape portion 7k on the nozzle housing portion 7b side. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gap between the in-vehicle camera 5 and the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 (that is, the liquid escape) is formed at the inner edge of the in-vehicle camera 5 at the discharge port 7m on the sensor accommodating portion 7a side. In addition to enlarging the part 7j), an inclined surface 7p is formed for guiding the cleaning liquid leaked to the liquid escape part 7j to the discharge port 7m.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning liquid guided to the discharge port 7m in the liquid escape portion 7j is placed at both ends of the outer edge of the vehicle-mounted camera 5 at the discharge port 7m on the sensor housing portion 7a side. An inclined surface 7q for facilitating drainage from the discharge port 7m to the outside of the sensor housing portion 7a is formed so as to be substantially along the direction of gravity in the disposed state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a detent that is a groove that engages in a circumferential direction by fitting a convex detent 15 (described later) (see FIG. 9D) into the upper portion of the nozzle accommodating portion 7 b. A portion 16 is formed.

  And the said vehicle fixing | fixed part 7c protrudes in the shape of a flange from the base end part of the square cylinder part 7d and the cylindrical part 7e, and is fixed with respect to the vehicle 1 by the fixing pin which is not shown in figure through the fixing hole 7r. It will be.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 to 11, the nozzle unit 6 includes a long cylindrical cylinder housing 21, a piston unit 28, an introduction-side housing member 22, and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 9 (c) and 9 (d), the cylinder housing 21 is formed in a long cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is fitted into the anti-rotation portion 16 (see FIG. 8) in the circumferential direction. The said surrounding stop part 15 which engages with is convexly provided. Further, a cylindrical elastic member R is fitted on the outer periphery of the cylinder housing 21, and the cylinder housing 21 is accommodated while being pressed against the inner surface of the nozzle accommodating portion 7b via the elastic member R. Further, a holder support portion 21a that extends radially inward and engages with a spring holder 23 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9C), which will be described later, is formed at the tip of the cylinder housing 21. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, the piston unit 28 includes the nozzle member 9, a compression coil spring 27, and the like. The nozzle member 9 has a long cylindrical tubular portion 24a and a nozzle portion 24b that bulges from the distal end portion of the tubular portion 24a to one of the radially outer sides and has the injection port 8 formed at the distal end thereof. It has a piston nozzle member 24 and a flange member 25 fixed to the proximal end side of the piston nozzle member 24. In the present embodiment, the inside of the front end side of the piston nozzle member 24 of the nozzle member 9 (inside the injection port 8) constitutes a common introduction chamber D into which cleaning liquid and air can be introduced. The flange member 25 includes an outer fitting cylindrical portion 25a that is fitted and fitted to the proximal end portion of the cylindrical portion 24a, and a proximal flange portion 25b that protrudes radially outward from the proximal end portion of the outer fitting cylindrical portion 25a. And have.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the base end flange portion 25 b is formed with a packing fitting concave portion 25 c that is opened radially outward on the entire circumference. A lip packing 26 is fitted in the packing fitting recess 25c. The lip packing 26 includes an annular fitting portion 26a fitted into the packing fitting recess 25c, a lip portion 26b extending in the axial direction from the radially outer end of the fitting portion 26a (base end direction), The lip portion 26b has an annular sliding contact portion 26c that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface on the tip end side in an arc shape in cross section and is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder housing 21. Further, a retaining groove 25d that is recessed in the axial direction is formed in the packing fitting recess 25c of the present embodiment. The retaining groove 25d of the present embodiment is formed (a pair) on both end surfaces in the axial direction of the packing fitting recess 25c, and is annularly provided along the packing fitting recess 25c. The fitting portion 26a of the lip packing 26 is formed with a pair of retaining protrusions 26e that fit into the retaining grooves 25d.

  The nozzle member 9 is externally fitted to the cylindrical portion 24a and is fitted to the cylindrical portion 24a. The spring holder 23 is allowed to slide in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 24a and restricts relative rotation around the axis. At the same time, a compression coil spring 27 held in a compressed state is assembled between the spring holder 23 and the proximal flange portion 25b to constitute a piston unit 28. That is, in the piston unit 28, the spring holder 23 and the compression coil spring 27 are fitted from the base end side of the cylindrical portion 24a of the piston nozzle member 24, and in this state, the flange member 25 is attached to the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 24a. The outer fitting cylinder part 25a is fitted and comprised.

  The piston unit 28 assembled in advance is inserted from the base end side of the cylinder housing 21, the nozzle portion 24 b protrudes outside from the tip end portion of the cylinder housing 21, and the spring holder 23 is located at the tip end portion of the cylinder housing 21. Engage with the holder support portion 21a, and further movement is restricted and assembled. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, the spring holder 23 has a disk portion 23 a having a larger diameter than the holder support portion 21 a formed at the tip of the cylinder housing 21. The cylinder housing 21 is prevented from rotating by having a fitting portion 23b that is fitted inside the holder support portion 21a and engaged in the circumferential direction. The nozzle member 9 arranged in this manner can be moved forward and backward while being accommodated in the cylinder housing 21, and when the proximal end flange portion 25b is urged toward the injection port 8 by the fluid supply pressure, the compression coil It moves forward against the urging force of the spring 27 and moves to the cleaning position (see FIG. 11). When the feeding pressure disappears, it moves backward to the non-cleaning position by the urging force of the compression coil spring 27. Become.

An introduction-side housing member 22 is assembled to the base end portion of the cylinder housing 21.
As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10, the introduction-side housing member 22 includes an inlet member 31, an introduction member 32, a cleaning liquid-side check valve 33, and an air-side check valve 34.

  The inlet member 31 includes a substantially cylindrical outer fitting portion 31a that is fitted and fitted to the proximal end portion of the cylinder housing 21, and a proximal end that extends in the axial direction from the proximal end portion of the outer fitting fitting portion 31a. Side channel portion 31b, inwardly extending portion 31c extending inwardly from the base end portion of outer fitting and fitting portion 31a, and cylindrical inlet portion extending from inwardly extending portion 31c to the side opposite to base end side channel portion 31b 31d. The base end side flow passage portion 31b is formed in an oval cylindrical shape composed of parallel lines and arcs connecting them as viewed from the extending direction (axial direction). As shown in FIG. 10, the inwardly extending portion 31c is formed so as to be inclined so as to be farther from the proximal-side flow path portion 31b toward the inside. Further, the inwardly extending portion 31 c forms a space SP with the base end flange portion 25 b inside the cylinder housing 21. The inlet portion 31d has an outer diameter set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 24a so as to be loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 24a from the proximal end side of the nozzle member 9. Further, the fixing portion 13 (see FIG. 5) that protrudes radially outward and is fixed to the vehicle-mounted optical sensor mounting bracket 7 by the screw 14 is formed at the proximal end portion of the outer fitting fitting portion 31a in the inlet member 31. Has been.

  The introduction member 32 is formed in an axial direction from an outer fitting fitting portion 32a fitted and fitted to the proximal end flow passage portion 31b of the inlet member 31, and from a bottom portion 32b on the proximal end side of the outer fitting fitting portion 31a. A cylindrical cleaning liquid introduction path 32c and an air introduction path 32d extending in parallel are provided. Specifically, the outer fitting / inserting portion 32a is formed in an oval cylindrical shape corresponding to the oval-shaped tubular base end side channel portion 31b (so that it can be fitted externally), and the bottom 32b is formed in an oval shape. It is formed in the shape of a plate. In addition, an air-side through portion 32e is formed at the position of the bottom 32b at the center of one arc of the base-end-side flow passage portion 31b, and the air introduction path 32d communicates with the air-side through portion 32e straightly. It is formed to do. Further, a cleaning liquid side through portion 32f is formed in the bottom 32b at a position that is the axial center of the other arc of the base end side flow passage portion 31b, and the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c is outside the cleaning liquid side through portion 32f (see FIG. 10 is formed so as to be shifted to and communicate with the air introduction path 32d. That is, the distance between the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c and the air introduction path 32d is sufficient to connect the cleaning liquid hose H1 and the air hose H2, but the distance between the cleaning liquid side penetration part 32f and the air side penetration part 32e. Is narrowed, and the sizes of the proximal end side flow passage portion 31b of the inlet member 31 and the external fitting fitting portion 32a of the introduction member 32 are suppressed to be small. The cleaning liquid side check valve 33 communicates with the cleaning liquid side through part 32 f between the cleaning liquid introduction path 32 c and the common introduction chamber D and inside the proximal end side flow path part 31 b of the inlet member 31. In the position. Further, the air-side check valve 34 communicates with the air-side through portion 32e between the air introduction passage 32d and the common introduction chamber D and inside the proximal end side flow passage portion 31b of the inlet member 31. In the position. The cleaning liquid side check valve 33 and the air side check valve 34 of the present embodiment are duckbill type check valves having a shape in which the opening on the downstream side (the common introduction chamber D side) is crushed, to the downstream side. The fluid flow is allowed and the fluid flow to the upstream side is blocked.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a washer pump WP is connected to the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c via a cleaning liquid hose H1, and an air pump AP is connected to the air introduction path 32d via an air hose H2.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the washer pump WP is capable of feeding a cleaning liquid as a fluid stored in the tank T, and when a pump motor (not shown) is driven, the cleaning liquid hose H1. Then, the cleaning liquid is supplied (introduced) to the nozzle unit 6 (specifically, the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c).

  The air pump AP is capable of instantaneously discharging compressed high-pressure air. When driven, the air pump AP sends air to the nozzle unit 6 (specifically, the air introduction path 32d) via the air hose H2. Will be paid (introduced).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the air pump AP of the present embodiment is a positive displacement air pump that discharges a constant volume of air, and is capable of reciprocating within the long cylindrical cylinder 41 and the cylinder 41. A piston 42 is provided, and a motor unit 43 is disposed on the backward movement side (left side in FIG. 12) of the piston 42 and drives the piston 42 to reciprocate.

  13 (a) and 13 (b), the air pump AP includes an exhaust valve 45 that opens and closes to open and close an exhaust valve port 44 that communicates the inside and outside of the cylinder 41, and the inside and outside of the piston 42. And an intake valve 47 that opens and closes so as to open and close an intake valve port 46 that communicates with each other. When the piston 42 is moved forward so as to narrow the space (pump chamber P) in the cylinder 41, the air in the cylinder 41 is compressed, and thereafter, the exhaust valve 45 is opened and the exhaust valve 45 is opened. When the compressed air is exhausted from the port 44 and the piston 42 is moved back, the intake valve 47 is opened and air is sucked into the cylinder 41 from the intake valve port 46.

  More specifically, the cylinder 41 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, a central hole 41b is formed at the center of the bottom 41a (right end in FIG. 13), and the opening outside the central hole 41b is an exhaust valve. It is a mouth 44. A substantially bottomed cylindrical valve housing 49 having a valve chamber 48 communicating with the exhaust valve port 44 inside is fixed to the outside of the bottom 41 a of the cylinder 41. At the bottom of the valve housing 49, there is formed an air outlet passage 49a that communicates with the valve chamber 48 and protrudes in a cylindrical shape, and the air hose H2 is connected to the air outlet passage 49a.

  The exhaust valve 45 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the disc portion 51 along the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber 48 in the axial direction (on the right side in FIG. 13) and extends in the valve chamber 48. An exhaust valve main body 54 in which a cylindrical portion 52 that guides movement in the axial direction and an operation convex portion 53 that protrudes from the center of the disc portion 51 to the inside of the cylinder 41 are integrally formed, and a base end of the operation convex portion 53 It has a disk-shaped rubber member 55 that is externally fitted to the part. An exhaust communication hole 51 a penetrating in the axial direction is formed in a part of the disc portion 51 in the circumferential direction. The exhaust valve 45 is movable along the reciprocating direction of the piston 42, the closing operation in a direction in which the rubber member 55 comes into close contact with the exhaust valve port 44 (closes the exhaust valve port 44), and the rubber member 55 An opening operation in a direction away from the exhaust valve port 44 (opening the exhaust valve port 44) is possible. The exhaust valve 45 is biased toward the inside of the cylinder 41 (left side in FIG. 13) by a coil spring 56 supported on the bottom of the valve housing 49. The coil spring 56 is set so that the exhaust valve 45 is not opened only by compressed air (to be described later) (spring constant or the like).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the piston 42 includes a substantially disc-shaped piston main body 62 that is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 41 via a seal ring 61 fitted on the outer periphery, and an outer periphery of the piston main body 62. A pair of column portions 63 extending in the axial direction from a part of the side, and a substantially disc-shaped disc portion 64 that connects the tip portions of the column portions 63 and is formed in a flange shape. A piston communication hole 65 penetrating in the axial direction is formed in a part of the piston body 62 in the circumferential direction, and an opening inside the piston communication hole 65 (on the bottom 41a side of the cylinder 41) is the intake valve port 46. It is said that. The piston communication hole 65 is formed at a position (angle) where the column part 63 is not formed in the piston main body part 62. The disk portion 64 is also formed with a communicating portion 66 that communicates in the axial direction.

  The intake valve 47 of the present embodiment is an umbrella valve, and includes a disc-shaped center support portion 47a and an elastic deformation portion 47b extending radially outward from the center support portion 47a. The intake valve 47 has a central support portion 47 a fixed to the piston main body 62 by an operation member 67 so that the elastic deformation portion 47 b covers the intake valve port 46. Specifically, a cylindrical large-diameter portion 62a is projected in the axial direction at the center of the piston main body 62, and a cylindrical small-diameter portion 62b having a small diameter is further projected in the axial direction at the center of the large-diameter portion 62a. It is installed. The central support portion 47a of the intake valve 47 is externally fitted to the small diameter portion 62b and is interposed between the large diameter portion 62a and the disk plate 68 in the axial direction, and the central holes of the small diameter portion 62b and the large diameter portion 62a. The disc plate 68 is fixed by the head portion 67a of the operation member 67 screwed or press-fitted into the 62c, so that the disc plate 68 is sandwiched (between the large diameter portion 62a and the disc plate 68). The operating member 67 pushes the operating convex portion 53 of the exhaust valve 45 by the forward movement of the piston 42 to open the exhaust valve 45 (see FIG. 13B).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the piston 42 includes a forward damper portion 71a that contacts the forward movement restricting portion 70 at the forward movement end position, and a backward movement damper that contacts the backward movement restriction portion 72 at the backward movement end position. A damper member 71 formed integrally with the portion 71b is provided. Specifically, a plurality of fixing holes 64a penetrating in the axial direction are formed in the disk portion 64 of the piston 42 in the circumferential direction. The damper member 71 includes a shaft portion 71c accommodated in the fixed hole 64a, a forward damper portion 71a formed at one end of the shaft portion 71c, and a return damper portion 71b formed at the other end of the coaxial portion 71c. And have. The forward damper portion 71a and the backward damper portion 71b of the present embodiment are formed in a hemispherical shape having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 71c. For example, the forward damper portion 71a is crushed and passed through the fixing hole 64a. Thus, the shaft portion 71c is disposed and fixed in the fixing hole 64a. A forward movement restricting portion 70 is formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 41 so as to protrude inward so as to come into contact with the forward damper portion 71 a at the forward movement end position of the piston 42. An end housing 73 as a housing of the motor unit 43 is fixed to the opening of the cylinder 41 so as to close the opening, and the end surface of the end housing 73 moves backward at the return end position of the piston 42. It is set as the backward movement control part 72 which contact | abuts the damper part 71b.

  A screw hole 64b is formed in the center of the disk portion 64 of the piston. Then, a screw shaft 74 that rotates by driving of the motor unit 43 is screwed into the screw hole 64b. When the screw shaft 74 is driven to rotate, the piston 42 that is prevented from rotating is reciprocated by a screw action. Specifically, the motor unit 43 includes a substantially bottomed cylindrical yoke housing 75 and the end housing 73 that closes an opening (right end portion in FIG. 12) of the yoke housing 75. The motor unit 43 is fixed to the rotating shaft 77 and a magnet 76 fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the yoke housing 75, a rotating shaft 77 rotatably supported at the axis center of the yoke housing 75, and windings. Armature core 78, commutator 79, and the like. The screw shaft 74 is connected to the rotary shaft 77 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  Here, the end housing 73 of the motor portion 43 is formed with a communication hole 73a that penetrates in the axial direction and communicates the inside of the motor portion 43 and the space in which the piston 42 in the cylinder 41 is accommodated. The end housing 73 is formed with an external communication hole 73b that penetrates in the radial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 12) and communicates the inside of the motor unit 43 and the external space. Thus, the intake valve port 46 in which the intake valve 47 is disposed is communicated with the outside through the piston communication hole 65, the communication part 66, the communication hole 73a, and the external communication hole 73b.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the air pump AP and the washer pump WP configured as described above are electrically connected to the control unit 81 and driven and controlled by the control unit 81.

Next, the operation and action of the control unit 81 of the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning system (in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device) configured as described above will be described.
First, in a state where the washer pump WP and the air pump AP are not driven, the nozzle unit 6 is in a state where the nozzle member 9 is moved back to the non-cleaning position by the urging force of the compression coil spring 27 (see FIG. 10). The member 9 is housed in the nozzle housing portion 7b of the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 so as not to protrude from the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7, and the injection port 8 (the tip portion of the nozzle member 9) is outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 5. Placed in. Therefore, when the image is taken without cleaning, the ejection port 8 (the tip portion of the nozzle member 9) does not interfere with the imaging. Moreover, the nozzle unit 6 including the nozzle member 9 is housed neatly in the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7.

  The control unit 81 starts cleaning, for example, when a switch SW (see FIG. 1A) provided in the vehicle is operated, or when the shift lever SL of the transmission is operated to the reverse position. When a signal to this effect is input, the washer pump WP (pump motor) and the air pump AP (motor unit 43) are driven and controlled to eject fluid from the ejection port 8.

  Specifically, the control unit 81 first stores the cleaning liquid in the common introduction chamber D inside the nozzle member 9 so as to close the injection port 8, and supplies air to the nozzle member 9 in that state, thereby cleaning the cleaning liquid. The washer pump WP and the air pump AP are controlled so as to inject a gas-liquid mixed fluid in which air and air are mixed. Further, the control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so that only air is injected after the gas-liquid mixed fluid is injected.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 81 first drives the washer pump WP (pump motor) for a preset time T1. Then, the cleaning liquid from the washer pump WP is supplied to the cleaning liquid introduction path 32 c via the cleaning liquid hose H 1, and the cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction path 32 c passes through the cleaning liquid side check valve 33 to the inside of the nozzle member 9. To be supplied. At this time, the nozzle unit 6 is housed and fixed in the nozzle housing portion 7b by the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 7 so that the injection port 8 is positioned below the common introduction chamber D in the gravity direction. Is stored in the common introduction chamber D so as to block the injection port 8 (so as to slightly leak from the injection port 8). At this time, the cleaning liquid also wraps around the space SP on the proximal end flange portion 25b side through a gap formed by loose fitting between the cylindrical portion 24a and the inlet portion 31d.

  Then, the control unit 81 drives the air pump AP (motor unit 43) after stopping the washer pump WP (pump motor). Specifically, the control unit 81 first drives the motor unit 43 by normal rotation (see time T2 in FIG. 14). Then, when the screw shaft 74 rotates forward together with the rotating shaft 77, the piston 42 moves forward so as to narrow the space (pump chamber P) in the cylinder 41, and the air in the space (pump chamber P) is compressed. Go.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the operating member 67 of the piston 42 reaches the operating convex portion 53 of the exhaust valve 45 and presses the operating convex portion 53, the exhaust valve 45 is opened and compressed. The high-pressure air thus generated is instantaneously exhausted (exhausted) from the air outlet passage 49a via the exhaust valve port 44 and the exhaust communication hole 51a. Then, the air from the air pump AP is supplied to the air introduction path 32d of the nozzle unit 6 via the air hose H2, and the air introduced from the air introduction path 32d is the nozzle member via the air-side check valve 34. 9 is mixed with the cleaning liquid stored in the common introduction chamber D and injected from the injection port 8 as a gas-liquid mixed fluid. At this time, the main flow of the fluid (air) goes straight to the tip end side (jet port 8 side) of the nozzle member 9 by the inlet portion 31d. In addition, the tributary of fluid (air) flows into the space SP on the proximal end flange portion 25b side from the clearance due to the loose fitting between the cylindrical portion 24a and the inlet portion 31d, and the nozzle member 9 moves forward by the feeding pressure ( FIG. 11). Thereby, the injection port 8 of the nozzle member 9 is moved from the non-cleaning position (see FIG. 10) to the cleaning position (see FIG. 11) so as to approach the imaging range center X of the in-vehicle camera 5, as shown in FIG. Move to. In addition, the imaging range of this embodiment is a range which the vehicle-mounted camera 5 (its imaging device) images via the lens 5b, and is a range displayed on the display DSP. Further, in FIG. 1B, the scenery displayed on the display DSP and the injection port 8 (the front end portion of the nozzle member 9) arranged in the imaging range are illustrated in the non-cleaning position and imaged. The injection port 8 (tip portion of the nozzle member 9) arranged outside the range is schematically illustrated by a two-dot chain line. At this time, the air pressure of the introduced air is instantaneously further increased because the cleaning liquid remains so as to block the injection port 8, and the cleaning liquid is mixed with the air while being pushed by the high pressure, and is mixed from the injection port 8. Be injected. Therefore, the gas-liquid mixed fluid is ejected at a higher pressure, and the lens 5b is cleaned well.

  Then, the control unit 81 drives the motor unit 43 in reverse (see time T3 in FIG. 14). Then, when the screw shaft 74 rotates in reverse with the rotating shaft 77, the piston 42 is moved backward to widen the space (pump chamber P) in the cylinder 41, and the space (pump chamber P) becomes negative pressure. The intake valve 47 is opened and air is sucked into the cylinder 41 (pump chamber P) from the intake valve port 46. Specifically, this air is supplied from the outside of the air pump AP into the cylinder 41 (pump chamber P) via the external communication hole 73b, the communication hole 73a, the communication part 66, and the piston communication hole 65 (intake valve port 46) of the motor unit 43. Inhaled. At this time, when the operation member 67 of the piston 42 is separated from the operation convex portion 53 of the exhaust valve 45, the exhaust valve 45 is closed and the exhaust valve port 44 is closed.

  Then, the control unit 81 drives the motor unit 43 of the air pump AP in the normal direction as described above without driving the washer pump WP (pump motor) in order to inject only air (in FIG. 14, (See time T4). Then, the air from the air pump AP is supplied to the air introduction path 32d via the air hose H2, and the air introduced from the air introduction path 32d enters the nozzle member 9 via the air-side check valve 34. As described above, the nozzle member 9 is moved forward (cleaning position) as described above, and only air is injected from the injection port 8. Thereby, the cleaning liquid adhering to the lens 5b by the jet of the gas-liquid mixed fluid is blown off by the jet of only air.

  Then, the control unit 81 drives the motor unit 43 of the air pump AP in the reverse direction as described above (see time T5 in FIG. 14), and air is sucked into the cylinder 41 (pump chamber P). To end the control.

Next, the characteristic effects of the above embodiment will be described below.
(1) The nozzle member 9 advances by the fluid (air) supply pressure, and the fluid is ejected from the ejection port 8 at the tip thereof toward the lens 5b. For example, the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the common introduction chamber D, and then the air is supplied, whereby the gas-liquid mixed fluid in which the cleaning liquid and the air are mixed can be ejected. Thereby, the foreign material adhering to the lens 5b can be removed. Further, for example, only air can be injected by supplying only air to the common introduction chamber D. Thereby, the cleaning liquid adhering to the lens 5b can be blown off. When the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the common introduction chamber D, the air side check valve 34 prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing back to the air introduction path 32d side. In addition, when air is supplied to the common introduction chamber D, the cleaning liquid side check valve 33 prevents the air from flowing back to the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c. Therefore, only the gas-liquid mixed fluid or air can be selectively and favorably ejected.

  (2) A cylindrical inlet portion that communicates with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid side check valve 33 and the downstream side of the air side check valve 34 and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member 9 from the proximal end side of the nozzle member 9. Since the inlet member 31 having 31d is provided, the main flow of the fluid can be directed straight to the tip end side (jet port 8 side) of the nozzle member 9. Moreover, the nozzle member 9 can be advanced by the supply pressure by causing the branch flow of the fluid to flow around the proximal flange portion 25b side (space SP) from the clearance due to loose fitting. In this way, even if a little cleaning liquid remains in the space SP on the base end side of the cylinder housing 21 corresponding to the base end flange portion 25b, when only air is injected, the main flow path inside the inlet portion 31d Since the space SP is partitioned by the inlet portion 31d, the remaining cleaning liquid is not entrained and almost only air can be injected. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to spray only air. For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the lens 5b can be blown off almost by the injection of only air, and the lens 5b to which the cleaning liquid is not attached is obtained. it can.

  (3) A piston unit 28 is configured as a sub-assembly component in which the piston nozzle member 24, the flange member 25, the spring holder 23, and the compression coil spring 27 are assembled, and the piston unit 28 is inserted from the base end side of the cylinder housing 21. Assembling is performed. Therefore, for example, the piston nozzle member 24 is inserted from the distal end side of the cylinder housing 21 and the other members such as the flange member 25 are assembled while being sequentially inserted from the proximal end side of the cylinder housing 21. Property can be improved.

  (4) The seal fitting recess 25c opened to the outside in the radial direction of the base end flange portion 25b is formed with a retaining groove 25d recessed in the axial direction, and the lip packing is fitted into the packing fit recess 25c. 26 is formed with a retaining protrusion 26e that fits in the retaining groove 25d. Therefore, it can suppress that the lip packing 26 comes off from the base end flange part 25b.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
As shown in FIG. 15, at the downstream position between the cleaning liquid side check valve 33 and the air side check valve 34 of the above embodiment, the flow path on the cleaning liquid side is cut off from the cross-sectional area of the air side flow path. Orifice pieces 82 that reduce the area may be provided. In this way, for example, it becomes easy to control the flow rate of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shared introduction chamber D side. Further, since the cross-sectional area of the air-side flow path can be secured without decreasing, the air supply pressure can be maintained. Further, for example, even when the cleaning liquid remains in the space immediately downstream of the cleaning liquid side check valve 33, the air flow path and the space are partitioned by the orifice piece 82 when only air is injected. As a result, only the air can be jetted without the remaining cleaning liquid being involved. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to eject only air. For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the lens 5b can be blown off almost by the injection of only air, and the lens 5b to which the cleaning liquid is not attached is obtained. it can.

  -You may change as shown in FIG. In this example, the inlet member 31 (see FIG. 10) of the above embodiment is mainly changed to an inlet communication member 91 having a cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a and an air communication passage 91b. The cleaning liquid inlet 91a communicates with the downstream of the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c and is formed in a cylindrical shape that is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member 9 from the proximal end side of the nozzle member 9. The air communication path 91b is formed so as to communicate the base end side space SP of the cylinder housing 21 corresponding to the base end flange portion 25b and the downstream side of the air introduction path 32d. In addition, in this example (FIG. 16), the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member substantially the same as the said embodiment (refer FIG. 10).

  A cleaning liquid side check valve 92 is provided at the tip of the cleaning liquid inlet 91a. Specifically, a distal end cylindrical portion 91c having a reduced diameter and extending in a bottomed cylindrical shape is formed at the distal end portion of the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a, and a through hole 91d penetrating radially outward from the inside is formed in the distal end cylindrical portion 91c. Has been. A valve fixing hole 91e parallel to the through hole 91d is formed at the bottom of the distal end cylindrical portion 91c, and a cleaning liquid side check valve 92 is fixed to the valve fixing hole 91e. The cleaning liquid side check valve 92 is an umbrella valve, and includes a support shaft portion 92a and an elastic deformation portion 92b extending radially outward from one end of the support shaft portion 92a, and the elastic deformation portion 92b is formed in the through hole. The support shaft portion 92a is inserted into the valve fixing hole 91e and fixed so as to cover 91d. Thereby, the cleaning liquid side check valve 92 allows the flow of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a to the common introduction chamber D on the tip side from the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a, and from the common introduction chamber D to the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a. Block fluid flow. Since the cleaning liquid side check valve 92 is provided at the small diameter portion at the tip of the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a, the cleaning liquid side check valve 92 prevents the nozzle member 9 from moving forward and backward due to a step between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. Is avoided.

  An air-side check valve 93 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle member 9 and between the cleaning liquid inlet 91a. Specifically, a valve housing portion 94 that opens radially inward is formed at the base end portion of the nozzle member 9, and an air-side check valve 93 is held in the valve housing portion 94. The air-side check valve 93 is made of a rubber material, and has a support cylinder part 93a that is fitted and fixed in the valve housing part 94, and obliquely protrudes from the base end part of the support cylinder part 93a inward in the radial direction. And a valve portion 93b extending in the direction. The valve portion 93b is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a, allows air to flow from the space SP on the proximal end side of the cylinder housing 21 to the common introduction chamber D, and from the common introduction chamber D to the space SP. Block fluid flow to the side. With the above configuration, the cleaning liquid side check valve 92 and the air side check valve 93 are juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 21 (the forward / backward direction of the nozzle member 9).

  If it does in this way, cleaning fluid will first be sent to common introduction room D of the small space on the tip side from cleaning fluid inlet part 91a. Since the air-side check valve 93 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle member 9 (between the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a), the cleaning liquid is prevented from entering the space SP on the base end side of the cylinder housing 21. In addition, since the air communication passage 91b that communicates the space SP and the downstream side of the air introduction path 32d is provided, the nozzle member 9 can be moved forward by the air supply pressure, and the air side check from the space SP can be performed. Air can be supplied to the common introduction chamber D through the valve 93 and the clearance formed by the loose fitting. In this way, the common introduction chamber D becomes a small space on the tip side from the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a, and air is fed through a gap formed by loose fitting outside the cleaning liquid inlet portion 91a. Even if the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the chamber D and then the air is supplied to inject the gas-liquid mixed fluid, the cleaning liquid hardly remains in the air flow path including the common introduction chamber D. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to eject only air. For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the lens 5b can be blown off almost by the injection of only air, and the lens 5b to which the cleaning liquid is not attached is obtained. it can. Further, since the cleaning liquid side check valve 92 and the air side check valve 93 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 21, for example, compared to those arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction can be reduced. That is, in this example (see FIG. 16), the cleaning liquid introduction path 32c and the air introduction path 32d are arranged in parallel in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 10 and the like). The size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction may be reduced by arranging them (the cleaning liquid introduction path and the air introduction path) in parallel in the longitudinal direction.

  In the above embodiment, a tubular shape that is in communication with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid side check valve 33 and the downstream side of the air side check valve 34 and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member 9 from the proximal end side of the nozzle member 9. Although the inlet member 31 having the inlet portion 31d is provided, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the inlet portion 31d (inlet member 31) may not be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the piston unit 28 is configured as a sub-assembly component in which the piston nozzle member 24, the flange member 25, the spring holder 23, and the compression coil spring 27 are assembled, and the piston unit 28 is used as the base end of the cylinder housing 21. Although it was set as the structure which can be assembled | attached by inserting from the side, it is good also as a structure which cannot be assembled | attached like this. For example, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the spring holder 23 of the above embodiment is omitted, the piston nozzle member 24 is inserted from the distal end side of the cylinder housing 21, and the compression coil spring 27 and the flange member 25 are connected to the cylinder housing. It is good also as a structure assembled | attached, inserting from the base end side of 21. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the packing fitting recess 25c is formed with a retaining groove 25d that is recessed in the axial direction, and the fitting portion 26a of the lip packing 26 has a retaining protrusion that fits into the retaining groove 25d. Although 26e is formed, the retaining groove 25d and the retaining protrusion 26e may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so as to inject only the air after injecting the gas-liquid mixed fluid. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and injects the gas-liquid mixed fluid ( You may make it complete | finish control, without injecting only air. For example, when liquid such as raindrops adheres to the lens 5b, only air may be ejected (without ejecting the gas-liquid mixed fluid).

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 81 stops driving the washer pump WP (pump motor) and then starts driving the air pump AP (motor unit 43) to inject the gas-liquid mixed fluid. If the cleaning liquid is stored inside the nozzle member 9 (the common introduction chamber D) so as to close the nozzle 8, and air is supplied to the nozzle member 9 in this state, the control may be changed to another control.

  For example, the driving of the air pump AP (motor unit 43) may be started before the washer pump WP (pump motor) is stopped. More specifically, for example, the driving of the washer pump WP (pump motor) and the air pump AP (motor unit 43) is started simultaneously, and the operation member 67 of the air pump AP is exhausted after the washer pump WP (pump motor) is stopped. Control may be performed such that the exhaust valve 45 is opened by pressing the operation convex portion 53 of the valve 45. If it does in this way, time until a gas-liquid mixed fluid is injected can be shortened.

-You may change the said embodiment as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 103 of this example includes an in-vehicle camera 105 as an in-vehicle optical sensor, a nozzle unit 106 as an in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, and an in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 107. Prepare.

  The in-vehicle camera 105 includes a substantially cubic main body portion 105a in which an imaging element (not shown) is accommodated, and a lens 105b as a sensing surface (external imaging surface) provided on one surface of the main body portion 105a. And most of the center of the lens 105b is an effective surface 105c corresponding to the imaging range W (see FIG. 24) by the imaging device.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 107 includes a sensor fixing portion 107a for fixing the in-vehicle camera 105, a nozzle accommodating portion 107b for accommodating the nozzle unit 106, and a vehicle fixing portion 107c. It is formed by integral molding.

  As shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 24, the nozzle unit 106 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and is moved from a non-cleaning position (see FIGS. 17, 19, and 20) to a cleaning position ( 24 is a unit having a nozzle member 109 that protrudes to the outside in a state of being moved (movable) and ejects fluid from the ejection port 108 toward the lens 105b.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the nozzle unit 106 includes a long cylindrical cylinder housing 121, the nozzle member 109, an inlet member 122, an introduction member 123, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the cylinder housing 121 is formed in a long cylindrical shape, and the outer periphery thereof is housed and held in the nozzle housing portion 107 b of the in-vehicle optical sensor mounting bracket 107.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the nozzle member 109 includes a long cylindrical piston member 124, a tip nozzle member 125 fixed to the tip portion of the piston member 124, and a nozzle tip fixed to the tip nozzle member 125. 126 and so on.

  A proximal end flange portion 124a that protrudes radially outward is formed on the proximal end side of the piston member 124, and a lip packing 127 is fitted on the proximal end side further than the proximal end flange portion 124a. The lip packing 127 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder housing 121 in a state where the piston member 124 is accommodated in the cylinder housing 121 so as to be able to move forward and backward. The front end nozzle member 125 includes an inner fitting cylindrical portion 125a that is fitted inside the tip end portion of the piston member 124, and a tip accommodating portion 125b that is bent while communicating with the tip end portion of the inner fitting cylindrical portion 125a.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the nozzle tip 126 is a block that can be fitted into the tip accommodating portion 125b. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, the nozzle chip 126 is configured to form a pair of the injection ports 108 together with a part of the inner surface of the chip housing part 125b in a state of being fitted to the chip housing part 125b. The fluid ejection direction (ejection axis F (see FIG. 24)) and ejection pattern are determined. The injection axis F of the present embodiment is on the inner side (the side closer to the center of the lens 105b when the nozzle member 109 is advanced) than the direction orthogonal to the forward / backward direction (the forward / backward axis L1 in FIG. 24) of the nozzle member 109. ) Is set to tilt. In the present embodiment, the space inside the piston member 124 (inside the injection port 108) constitutes a common introduction chamber D into which cleaning liquid and air can be introduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a cover 128 is fixed to the distal end surface of the distal end nozzle member 125 (chip accommodating portion 125b).
The inlet member 122 has a substantially cylindrical outer fitting portion 122a that is fitted on the proximal end portion of the cylinder housing 121, and an axial direction (base end) with a diameter reduced from the proximal end portion of the outer fitting fitting portion 122a. Cylinder portion 122b extending to the inner side, an inner extending portion 122c extending radially inward from the proximal end portion of the outer fitting fitting portion 122a, and a cylindrical shape extending from the inner extending portion 122c into the cylinder housing 121 (on the distal end side in the axial direction). Inlet portion 122d. The inward extending portion 122 c forms a space SP between the base end flange portion 124 a (lip packing 127) inside the cylinder housing 121. Here, the nozzle member 109 has a proximal end flange portion 124 a attached to the proximal end side of the cylinder housing 121, that is, the inward extending portion 122 c side by a compression coil spring 129 having one end supported by the distal end portion of the cylinder housing 121. It is energized. Further, the inlet portion 122 d has an outer diameter set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the piston member 124 so as to be loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the piston member 124 from the proximal end side of the nozzle member 109.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 20, and 22, the introduction member 123 includes first to third introduction members 131 to 133. The first introduction member 131 includes an outer fitting fitting portion 131a that is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion 122b of the inlet member 122, and a substantially columnar cylindrical portion 131b that covers a proximal end portion of the cylindrical portion 122b. As shown in FIG. 20, a first cleaning liquid channel 131c penetrating in the axial direction (the forward / backward axis L1 direction) is formed in a part of the circumferential direction near the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 131b, and the diameter of the cylindrical portion 131b is formed. An annular air flow path 131d that opens to the front end side (the inlet member 122 side) is formed closer to the inner side in the direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, an air introduction path 131e that protrudes in a cylindrical shape radially outward and communicates with the air flow path 131d is formed in a part in the circumferential direction of the column portion 131b. . An air-side check valve 134 is provided between the air introduction path 131e and the common introduction chamber D (inside the piston member 124) and on the open end side of the air flow path 131d. The air-side check valve 134 is an umbrella valve, and includes a support shaft portion 134a and an elastic deformation portion 134b extending radially outward from one end of the support shaft portion 134a. The support shaft portion 134a is inserted into and fixed to the shaft center hole 131f of the cylindrical portion 131b so as to cover the opening of the path 131d. As a result, the air-side check valve 134 allows air to flow from the air introduction path 131e (air flow path 131d) to the common introduction chamber D, and from the common introduction chamber D to the air introduction path 131e (air flow path 131d). Block fluid flow to the side.

  The second introduction member 132 includes an inner fitting portion 132a that is fitted and fixed to the proximal end portion of the first introduction member 131, and a valve housing cylinder portion 132b that extends in a cylindrical shape with a slightly smaller diameter than the column portion 131b. And have. In addition, a second cleaning liquid channel 132c is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the second introduction member 132 so as to penetrate from the inside of the valve housing cylinder part 132b to the first cleaning liquid channel 131c in the axial direction. Has been. As shown in FIG. 22, the third introduction member 133 includes an inner fitting portion 133a that is fitted and fixed to the proximal end opening of the valve accommodating cylinder portion 132b, and an inner side of the inner fitting portion 133a. The cleaning liquid introduction path 133b is bent while communicating with the inside of the valve accommodating cylinder 132b and protrudes in a cylindrical shape radially outward (in the same direction as the air introduction path 131e in this embodiment). A cleaning liquid side check valve 135 is provided between the cleaning liquid introduction path 133b and the common introduction chamber D (second cleaning liquid flow path 132c) and in the valve housing cylinder portion 132b. The cleaning liquid side check valve 135 is a spring type check valve having a valve body 136 and a valve spring 137 that biases the valve body 136. The valve body 136 of the present embodiment includes a resin member 136a and a rubber member 136b, and the rubber member 136b is urged toward the opening end side of the third introduction member 133 by the urging force of the valve spring 137. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid side check valve 135 allows the flow of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid introduction path 133b to the common introduction chamber D (first and second cleaning liquid flow paths 131c and 132c), and the cleaning liquid introduction path from the common introduction chamber D. Blocks the flow of fluid to the 133b side. In the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid side check valve 135 and the air side check valve 134 are juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 121 (the forward / backward direction of the nozzle member 109).

  As in the above embodiment (see FIG. 1A), the washer pump WP is connected to the cleaning liquid introduction path 133b via the cleaning liquid hose H1, and the air pump AP is connected to the air introduction path 131e via the air hose H2. Is connected.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 24, in the present embodiment, the nozzle member 109 has a division center Y (division center Y (the effective surface 105c) divided into two by the ejection axis F of the fluid ejected from the ejection port 108. 17 (see FIG. 17, FIG. 18, etc.).

  Specifically, the nozzle member 109 of the present embodiment is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward in a direction inclined with respect to the imaging range center line X1 so that the injection port 108 approaches the imaging range center line X1 of the in-vehicle camera 105 when moving forward. Yes. In other words, the longitudinal axis L1 of the nozzle member 109 is set to be inclined with respect to the imaging range center line X1 of the in-vehicle camera 105. The nozzle member 109 is arranged so that the injection axis F crosses the effective range Z1 (the range corresponding to the imaging range W) from one end to the other end of the effective surface 105c, and further from one end to the other end of the lens 105b. It is movably provided so as to cross the lens range Z2. The nozzle member 109 is stopped so that the ejection axis F crosses the lens range Z2 from one end to the other end of the lens 105b and cannot move (advance) at the other end (the left end in FIG. 24) of the lens 105b. Is set to

  The nozzle member 109 is set so that the cleaning angle θ formed by the jet axis F and the tangent S of the lens 105b at the position where the cleaning liquid lands is 22 ° or more. Specifically, in a state where the injection axis F has reached the other end of the lens 105b (see FIG. 24), the cleaning angle θ is set to 22 ° or more and is set to 32 ° in the present embodiment. . Note that setting the cleaning angle θ to 22 ° or more is a value derived from experimental results. In the experiment, when the cleaning angle θ is set to 22 ° or more, the lens 105b is excellent (so that there is almost no residual dirt). Could be washed.

  In this case, the cleaning liquid side check valve 135 and the air side check valve 134 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 121 (the forward / backward direction of the nozzle member 109). It is possible to reduce the size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction as compared with those arranged in parallel in the orthogonal direction.

  Further, since the cleaning liquid side check valve 135 is a spring type check valve having a valve body 136 and a valve spring 137 that biases the valve body 136, for example, when the vehicle 1 starts or the vehicle 1 travels. It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid on the cleaning liquid introduction path 133b side from leaking to the common introduction chamber D side even when it vibrates inside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from unintentionally leaking from the ejection port 108 and adhering to the lens 105b of the in-vehicle camera 105.

  Further, the nozzle member 109 is arranged so that the ejection axis F of the fluid ejected from the ejection port 108 crosses the division center Y obtained by dividing the lens 105b into two (in this example, the lens range Z2 from one end to the other end of the lens 105b). To be movable). Therefore, for example, when the injection axis F reaches the division center Y from one side of the division center Y, the other side (left side in FIG. 24) of the division center Y is also compared with the nozzle member that does not move. It can be washed well. Therefore, it is possible to clean the lens 105b satisfactorily over a wide range.

The technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.
(A) In the on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to claim 3, the downstream position between the cleaning liquid side check valve and the air side check valve is on the cleaning liquid side from the cross-sectional area of the air side flow path. An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, characterized in that an orifice piece for reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path is provided.

  According to this configuration, an orifice is provided at a downstream position between the cleaning liquid side check valve and the air side check valve so that the cross sectional area of the flow path on the cleaning liquid side is smaller than the cross sectional area of the flow path on the air side. Since the piece is provided, for example, it becomes easy to control the flow rate of the cleaning liquid supplied to the common introduction chamber. Further, since the cross-sectional area of the air-side flow path can be secured without decreasing, the air supply pressure can be maintained. Also, for example, even if cleaning liquid remains in the space immediately downstream of the cleaning liquid side check valve, when only air is injected, the air-side flow path and the space are separated by an orifice piece. The remaining cleaning liquid is not entrained and almost only air can be jetted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed when it is desired to spray only air.For example, the cleaning liquid attached to the sensing surface can be blown off almost by jetting only air, and the sensing surface can be made free of the cleaning liquid. it can.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 5,105 ... Car-mounted camera (vehicle-mounted optical sensor), 5b, 105b ... Lens (sensing surface), 8, 108 ... Injection port, 9, 109 ... Nozzle member, 21, 121 ... Cylinder housing, 23 ... Spring Holder, 24 ... Piston nozzle member, 24a ... Cylindrical portion, 24b ... Nozzle portion, 25 ... Flange member, 25b, 124a ... Base end flange portion, 25c ... Packing fitting recess, 25d ... Retaining groove, 26, 127 ... Lip packing, 26a ... fitting portion, 26c ... sliding contact portion, 26e ... retaining protrusion, 27 ... compression coil spring, 28 ... piston unit, 31, 122 ... inlet member, 31d, 122d ... inlet portion, 32c, 133b ... Cleaning liquid introduction path, 32d, 131e ... Air introduction path, 33, 92, 135 ... Cleaning liquid side check valve, 34, 93, 134 ... Empty Gawagyakutomeben, 91a ... cleaning liquid inlet portion, 91b ... air communicating passage, 136 ... valve, 137 ... valve spring, D ... Shared introduction chamber, SP ... space.

Claims (5)

An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device for ejecting a fluid from an injection port toward a sensing surface of an in-vehicle optical sensor mounted on a vehicle to remove foreign matter attached to the sensing surface,
A cleaning liquid introduction path through which the cleaning liquid as the fluid is introduced;
An air introduction path through which air as the fluid is introduced;
A nozzle member in which a common introduction chamber capable of introducing cleaning liquid and air through the cleaning liquid introduction path and the air introduction path is provided, and the injection port is provided at a tip portion;
A cleaning liquid side check valve provided between the cleaning liquid introduction path and the common introduction chamber;
An air-side check valve provided between the air introduction path and the common introduction chamber ;
A cylindrical cylinder housing which is provided so as to be capable of moving forward and backward and in which the nozzle member which moves forward by energizing a proximal end flange portion provided at a proximal end portion by the supply pressure of the fluid is housed inside. equipped with a,
The nozzle member is
A piston nozzle member having a long cylindrical portion and a nozzle portion bulging radially outward from the tip portion of the cylindrical portion and having the injection port formed at the tip thereof; and a base of the piston nozzle member A flange member fixed to the end side and formed with the proximal flange portion,
A spring holder that is externally fitted to the tubular portion and allows axial sliding of the tubular portion;
A compression coil spring that is externally fitted to the cylindrical portion and held in a compressed state between the spring holder and the proximal flange portion is assembled to constitute a piston unit,
The pre-assembled piston unit is inserted from the base end side of the cylinder housing, the nozzle portion projects outside from the tip end portion of the cylinder housing, and the spring holder engages with the tip end portion of the cylinder housing. In- vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, wherein the further movement is restricted and assembled . An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device for ejecting a fluid from an injection port toward a sensing surface of an in-vehicle optical sensor mounted on a vehicle to remove foreign matter attached to the sensing surface,
A cleaning liquid introduction path through which the cleaning liquid as the fluid is introduced;
An air introduction path through which air as the fluid is introduced;
A nozzle member in which a common introduction chamber capable of introducing cleaning liquid and air through the cleaning liquid introduction path and the air introduction path is provided, and the injection port is provided at a tip portion;
A cleaning liquid side check valve provided between the cleaning liquid introduction path and the common introduction chamber;
An air-side check valve provided between the air introduction path and the common introduction chamber;
A cylindrical cylinder housing in which the nozzle member which is moved forward and backward and is moved forward by energizing a proximal flange portion provided at a proximal end portion by the supply pressure of the fluid is housed;
With
The cleaning liquid side check valve and the air side check valve are juxtaposed along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing,
A cylindrical cleaning liquid inlet portion that is in communication with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid introduction path and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member;
An air communication path that communicates the space on the base end side of the cylinder housing corresponding to the base end flange portion and the downstream of the air introduction path;
The cleaning liquid side check valve is provided at the tip of the cleaning liquid inlet part,
The on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, wherein the air-side check valve is provided on an inner peripheral side of the nozzle member. In the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2,
An inlet member having a cylindrical inlet portion that communicates with the downstream side of the cleaning liquid side check valve and the downstream side of the air side check valve and is loosely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle member from the base end side of the nozzle member An in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device comprising: In the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
In the base end flange portion of the nozzle member, a packing fitting recessed portion opened radially outward is formed on the entire circumference,
A lip packing having an annular fitting portion fitted in the packing fitting concave portion and a sliding contact portion slidingly contacting the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder housing;
The packing fitting recess is formed with a retaining groove recessed in the axial direction,
The in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a retaining protrusion that fits into the retaining groove is formed in the fitting portion. In the in-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 and claim 3 quoting claim 1 ,
The on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device, wherein the cleaning liquid side check valve is a spring type check valve having a valve body and a valve spring for biasing the valve body.

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