WO2019012882A1 - Onboard sensor cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

This onboard sensor cleaning device comprises a nozzle opening (2a, 105a-108a), a pump (4, 109), a flow path, an on/off valve (5, 110), and a pressure accumulation section (6, 111, 146). The nozzle opening is provided in order to spray a fluid onto a sensing surface (1a, 101a-104a) of an onboard sensor (1, 101, 104). The pump feeds the fluid to the nozzle opening. The flow path communicates between the nozzle path and the pump. The on/off valve is provided to the flow path and opens/closes the flow path on the basis of a control signal. The pressure accumulation section is provided to a pump-side site, which is a site between the on/off valve and the pump in the flow path.

Description

In-vehicle sensor cleaning device Cross-reference to related applications

The present application is filed on Jul. 11, 2017 in Japanese Application No. 2017-135420, filed on Aug. 28, 2017 in Japanese Application No. 2017-163557, filed on Mar. 5, 2018. Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-038881 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-038882 filed on March 5, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device.

In recent years, the vehicle is provided with an on-board sensor such as a camera, and is provided with an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device that ejects fluid from the nozzle port to the sensing surface (lens, cover glass, etc.) of the on-vehicle sensor to clean the sensing surface. There is

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device in which a check valve is provided in the middle of a flow path communicating a nozzle port and a pump for feeding a fluid to the nozzle port. In this on-vehicle sensor cleaning device, the check valve prevents the fluid from unintentionally leaking from the nozzle port.

JP, 2013-208984, A

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

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device capable of injecting high-pressure fluid from a nozzle port.
An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a nozzle port, a pump, a flow path, an on-off valve, and an accumulator. The nozzle port is provided to eject fluid to the sensing surface of the on-vehicle sensor. The pump feeds fluid to the nozzle port. The flow path communicates the nozzle port with the pump. The on-off valve is provided in the flow path, and opens and closes the flow path based on a control signal. The pressure accumulation unit is provided at a pump-side portion which is a portion between the on-off valve and the pump in the flow path.

According to the same configuration, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device is provided in the flow path that communicates the nozzle port and the pump that feeds the fluid to the nozzle port, and the on-off valve that opens and closes the flow path based on the control signal. The pressure storage part provided in the pump side site | part which is a site | part between the said on-off valve in the said flow path and the said pump is provided. Therefore, by driving the pump with the flow path closed by the on-off valve, the fluid in the pressure accumulation unit can be made high in pressure. Then, by opening the flow path with the on-off valve in a state where the fluid is high pressure, high-pressure fluid can be fed from the position of the on-off valve to the nozzle port, and high pressure is applied to the sensing surface from the nozzle port Fluid can be jetted.

The above object and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the pressure accumulation part of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the pressure accumulation part of FIG. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus of FIG. The time-pressure characteristic figure of the washer pump of FIG. 1, and a pressure accumulation part. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in a modification. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in a modification. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus of FIG. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a timing chart for explaining an operation example of the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device of FIG. 9; (A) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. 9 in a non-washing position, and the washing | cleaning unit, (b) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. 11 (a), and a washing | cleaning unit. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle unit of FIG. 12; The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in a modification. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus of FIG. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus of FIG. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of the flow-path switching apparatus of FIG. The time-pressure characteristic figure in 3rd Embodiment. 17 is a timing chart for explaining an operation example of the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device of FIG. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The partially disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The partially disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in a modification. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in 4th Embodiment. FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining an operation example of the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device of FIG. 28. (A) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. 28 in the non-washing position, and the washing | cleaning unit, (b) is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera of FIG. 30 (a), and a washing | cleaning unit. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle unit of FIG. 31. The schematic block diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus in a modification. The perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in the modification.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, a nozzle port 2a for injecting washer fluid as a fluid to a lens 1a as a sensing surface of the on-vehicle camera 1 in the vicinity of the on-vehicle camera 1 as an on-vehicle sensor provided in a vehicle. And a nozzle 2 having the

In addition, the washer tank 4 provided in the vehicle is provided with a washer pump 4 as a pump capable of feeding the washer fluid in the washer tank 3 to the nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a).

And in this embodiment, it is an on-off valve which opens and closes the flow path based on a control signal in the middle of the flow path which connects nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a) and washer pump 4, and near the nozzle 2. 5 is provided. The on-off valve 5 is a valve such as a solenoid valve that can open and close the flow path based on the control signal.

Further, an accumulator 6 is provided at a position near the on-off valve 5 in the middle of a flow path which connects the on-off valve 5 and the washer pump 4. That is, the pressure accumulating portion 6 is provided at a pump side portion which is a portion between the on-off valve 5 and the washer pump 4 in a flow passage communicating the nozzle port 2 a with the washer pump 4. The pressure accumulating section 6 has a space capable of storing a necessary amount of washer fluid in at least one cleaning.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressure accumulating unit 6 includes a housing 21, a lid 22, a movable member 23, and a coil spring 24. The housing 21 has a cylindrical cylindrical portion 21a, a reduced diameter portion 21b whose diameter decreases from the lower end to the lower end side of the cylindrical portion 21a, and a small diameter cylindrical portion 21c cylindrically extending from the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 21b. Have. The small diameter cylindrical portion 21c is connected, for example, via a hose H to a T-shaped joint TJ described later.

The lid 22 is formed in a substantially disk shape, and closes one end side (upper end in FIG. 2) of the cylindrical portion 21a. The movable member 23 is formed in a substantially disk shape, can slide on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 21a, and can move along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 21a. In addition, seal rubber etc. which are not shown in figure, for example are provided in the outer peripheral surface of the movable member 23, and the space in the pressure storage part 6 is divided liquid-tightly. A coil spring 24 is interposed between the lid 22 and the movable member 23. The lid 22 is biased toward the small diameter cylindrical portion 21 c by the coil spring 24.

In addition, at the middle of the flow path connecting the pressure accumulating portion 6 and the washer pump 4 and at a position near the pressure accumulating portion 6, a backstop which restricts the flow (backflow) of washer fluid from the pressure accumulating portion 6 to the washer pump 4 A valve 7 is provided.

In the present embodiment, the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulation unit 6, and the check valve 7 are independently configured, and are connected via hoses H that form a flow path. The pressure accumulator 6 is connected to a hose H connected to the on-off valve 5 and a hose H connected to the check valve 7 via a hose H and a T-shaped joint TJ. Further, the check valve 7 and the washer pump 4 are connected by a hose Ha (first hose) which is thinner (inside diameter) than the hose H (second hose).

Further, the hardness of the hose H (second hose) connecting the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulator 6, and the check valve 7 in the present embodiment is a hose connecting the check valve 7 and the washer pump 4. It is set higher than the hardness of Ha (first hose).

And the control apparatus 8 which can drive-control each is electrically connected to the washer pump 4 and the on-off valve 5. As shown in FIG. The control device 8 drives the washer pump 4 in a state in which the flow path is closed by the on-off valve 5 when, for example, the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated or when the sensor detects contamination. Thereafter, the controller 8 stops the washer pump 4 (when the pressure in the pressure accumulator 6 becomes high), and in this state, the on-off valve 5 opens the flow path to jet the washer fluid from the nozzle port 2a.

Next, a specific operation example (action) of the above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated at timing T1 or the contamination is detected by a sensor, the flow path is closed by the on-off valve 5. Thereafter, the controller 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T2. At this time, the washer pump 4 is driven for a time T (between timing T2 and timing T3) preset by the control device 8.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 4 rises immediately after the washer pump 4 is driven, and then the washer pump 4 is driven until a preset time T elapses (the washer pump 4 is driven While the pressure Pa becomes a substantially constant high pressure. Further, at this time, the pressure (pressure in the path from the on-off valve 5 to the check valve 7) Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 6 is set to a high pressure substantially equal to the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 4.

And control device 8 drives opening-and-closing valve 5 at timing T4 after timing T3 which stopped washer pump 4, and makes the channel open. In this state at the timing T4, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 4 is reduced, but the pressure (pressure in the path from the on-off valve 5 to the check valve 7) Pb in the pressure accumulator 6 is high. Keep the Then, high-pressure washer fluid is jetted from the nozzle port 2a, and the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 is cleaned. In addition, when the washer fluid is jetted, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 6 decreases. Further, FIG. 5 is a waveform obtained from an experimental result, and the pressure Pa is a value obtained by connecting a pressure gauge to the outlet of the washer pump 4, and the pressure Pb is T-shaped with the on-off valve 5. It is a value obtained by connecting a pressure gauge to the joint TJ.

Next, advantageous effects of the first embodiment will be described below.
(1) The on-off valve 5 is provided in the middle of the flow passage communicating the nozzle port 2a with the washer pump 4 and opens and closes the flow passage based on the control signal. The pressure accumulating portion 6 is provided in the middle of a flow path which communicates the on-off valve 5 with the washer pump 4. In other words, the pressure accumulating unit 6 is provided at a portion between the on-off valve 5 and the washer pump 4 in the flow path in which the on-off valve 5 is provided. Therefore, by driving the washer pump 4 with the flow path closed by the on-off valve 5, the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 6 can be made high in pressure. Then, by opening the flow path by the on-off valve 5 in a state where the washer liquid is at high pressure, the washer liquid at high pressure can be fed from the position of the on-off valve 5 to the nozzle port 2a. A high pressure washer fluid can be injected from the lens 2a to the lens 1a. Therefore, high detergency can be obtained with a small amount of washer fluid. Further, in this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to consider the loss of pressure in the flow passage connecting the on-off valve 5 (or the check valve 7) and the washer pump 4 as compared with the one without the on-off valve 5 . Therefore, the flow path can be configured by a thin pipe (hose) or the like, and the component parts can be made inexpensive, and handling and the like can be facilitated. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the hose 2, which connects the check valve 7 and the washer pump 4 and takes up the inside of the vehicle, is extended by the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulator 6, and the non-return valve. It can be thinner than the hose H to which the valve 7 is connected, and can be easy to handle and inexpensive. Further, the hardness of the hose H connecting the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulator 6 and the check valve 7 in the present embodiment is higher than the hardness of the hose Ha connecting the check valve 7 and the washer pump 4. Is set to be Therefore, the pressure relief due to the flexibility of the hose H between the check valve 7 and the nozzle port 2a can be reduced. Further, in this configuration, the hose Ha has a relatively low hardness, which facilitates handling.

(2) The non-return valve 7 is provided in the middle of the flow path which connects the pressure accumulation part 6 and the washer pump 4 with each other. In other words, the check valve 7 is provided at a portion between the pressure accumulating portion 6 and the washer pump 4 in the flow path in which the on-off valve 5 is provided. The check valve 7 regulates the flow of the washer fluid from the pressure accumulator 6 to the washer pump 4. Therefore, the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 6 does not reversely flow toward the washer pump 4 to be reduced in pressure. Therefore, by driving the washer pump 4 with the flow path closed by the on-off valve 5 to make the washer fluid in the pressure storage unit 6 high in pressure and stopping the washer pump 4, the flow path is opened by the on-off valve 5 By setting it as a state, only high-pressure fluid can be injected from the nozzle port 2a. In the present embodiment, the controller 8 performs this operation. That is, for example, when the check valve 7 is not provided, the flow path is opened by the on-off valve 5 while the washer pump 4 is being driven so that the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 6 does not reversely flow toward the washer pump 4 As a state, it is necessary to spray the washer fluid from the nozzle port 2a. In this case, the power consumption by the washer pump 4 increases and there is a possibility that the washer fluid which is not accumulated may be injected, but it can be avoided.

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

As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device of the present embodiment has a cleaning unit 30 provided integrally with the on-vehicle camera 1.
The cleaning unit 30 has a connecting and fixing member 31 fixed to the on-vehicle camera 1 and a nozzle unit 32 fixed to the connecting and fixing member 31. The connection fixing member 31 has a substantially square cylindrical holding portion 31a into which the on-vehicle camera 1 can be fitted, and is fixed to the on-vehicle camera 1 by the on-vehicle camera 1 being fitted inside the holding portion 31a. ing. In FIG. 9, the on-vehicle camera 1 and the cleaning unit 30 are illustrated as being separated from each other.

The connecting and fixing member 31 has a pair of fixed pieces 31b, and the pair of fixed pieces 31b has a pair of opposing surfaces, and grooves are formed in the same pair of surfaces. . The nozzle unit 32 is detachably assembled and fixed to the fixed piece 31b.

The nozzle unit 32 has a substantially cylindrical first case 33 and a second case 34 which is externally fitted and fixed to the base end side of the first case 33. And in the nozzle unit 32, a pair of fixed projections 33a (only one is shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and (b) and FIG. 12) formed on the outer periphery of the first case 33 is a groove of the fixed piece 31b. By being fitted to the fixed piece 31b (the connection fixing member 31), it is detachably assembled and fixed. At the bottom of the second case 34, a cylindrical introduction cylinder 34a is formed so as to protrude, and the inside of the introduction cylinder 34a is an introduction port 34b (see FIG. 13) communicating with the inside of the first case 33. . In addition, a seal ring S1 is interposed between the first case 33 and the second case 34.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the nozzle unit 32 is provided with a movable nozzle 35 provided so as to be able to move back and forth so as to protrude and retract from the tip opening of the first case 33; And a compression coil spring 36 as a biasing member for biasing the case 1 in the proximal direction).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the movable nozzle 35 is formed in a tubular shape having a diameter smaller than that of the first case 33, and a nozzle port 35a directed laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is formed at the tip thereof. ing. Further, a base end member 37 is externally fixed to the base end portion of the movable nozzle 35. A seal ring S2 is interposed between the movable nozzle 35 and the base end member 37. The proximal end member 37 has a flange portion 37 a extending radially outward, and the flange portion 37 a is biased by a compression coil spring 36. One end side of the compression coil spring 36 is supported on the front end side of the first case 33. Thus, the movable nozzle 35 is biased in the reverse direction (right direction in FIG. 13). Further, an annular seal member 38 in sliding contact with and in intimate contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first case 33 is fitted to the proximal end portion of the proximal end member 37.

Further, at the bottom of the second case 34, a restricting post 34c extending to the opposite side to the introduction cylindrical portion 34a is formed. In this example, three restriction pillars 34c (only two are shown in FIG. 13) are formed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The regulation post 34c abuts on the proximal end surface of the proximal end member 37 biased by the compression coil spring 36, and regulates the backward movement of the proximal end member 37 (the movable nozzle 35) than the abutted position.

As shown in FIG. 9, the washer pump 4 is connected to the introduction cylinder portion 34a (inlet port 34b) so that the washer fluid can be supplied toward the cleaning unit 30 (nozzle unit 32). Between the flow path between the cleaning unit 30 and the washer pump 4, the on-off valve 5 and the T-shaped joint TJ are provided from a position close to the cleaning unit 30. And a cleaning unit (introduction cylinder part 34a), opening-and-closing valve 5, and pressure accumulation part 6 are constituted independently, respectively, and are connected via hoses H and Ha which constitute a channel, respectively. The pressure accumulator 6 is connected to the hose H connected to the on-off valve 5 and the hose Ha connected to the washer pump 4 via a hose H and a T-shaped joint TJ. That is, in this example, the check valve 7 of the first embodiment is omitted. The hose Ha that constitutes the flow path between the washer pump 4 and the pressure accumulator 6 has a smaller inside diameter, ie, smaller diameter than the other hoses H. Also, the hose Ha is set lower than the hardness of the other hoses H.

In the movable nozzle 35 provided as described above, when the washer fluid is supplied to the inside from the inlet 34b, the base end surface of the base end member 37 is biased by the delivery pressure of the washer fluid, and the compression coil is compressed. Advances against the biasing force of the spring 36.

Here, the nozzle port 35a of the movable nozzle 35 in the on-vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus configured as described above has a cleaning position approaching the imaging range (center of imaging range) of the on-vehicle camera 1 as the movable nozzle 35 moves forward and backward. It is possible to move to a non-washing position farther from the imaging range than the washing position. In addition, the imaging range of this embodiment is an range which a vehicle-mounted camera 1 (its image pick-up element) images via the lens 1a.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the non-cleaning position is set to a position where the nozzle port 35 a is out of the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1, and the cleaning position is within the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1. It is set to the position. That is, in the reverse state where the movable nozzle 35 moves backward (in a state where the base end surface of the base end member 37 abuts on the control post 34c), the nozzle port 35a is at the non-cleaning position arranged outside the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera In the forward movement state in which the movable nozzle 35 moves forward, the nozzle port 35 a is at the cleaning position disposed within the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movable nozzle 35 can move forward and backward with respect to the direction in which the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 is directed (the central axis of the lens 1a and the imaging axis) There is. That is, in the forward movement state where the movable nozzle 35 moves forward, the nozzle port 35a approaches the imaging axis (the central axis of the lens 1a) and is disposed closer to the center in the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1 It is disposed to be inclined so that the washer fluid is jetted to the center position of the lens 1a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movable nozzle 35 is disposed laterally to the in-vehicle camera 1 so that the nozzle port 35 a is disposed laterally to the lens 1 a at the non-cleaning position.
Next, an operation example (action) of the on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device of the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the washer pump 4 is not driven, the movable nozzle 35 is moved backward to the non-washing position by the urging force of the compression coil spring 36 (see FIG. 11A). The tip end portion 35 of the in-vehicle camera 1 is disposed outside the imaging range of the in-vehicle camera 1. Therefore, when not performing cleaning and imaging, the nozzle port 35a (the tip of the movable nozzle 35) does not interfere with imaging.

As shown in FIG. 10, the control device 8 causes the on-off valve 5 to close the flow path when, for example, the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated at timing T11 or dirt is detected by a sensor. Thereafter, the controller 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T12. Then, immediately after the washer pump 4 is driven, the pressure at the outlet of the washer pump 4 rises, and the pressure becomes substantially constant. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 6 also becomes the same high pressure.

And control device 8 drives opening-and-closing valve 5 at timing T13, and makes the channel open. Then, high-pressure washer fluid is sprayed from the movable nozzle 35 (nozzle port 35a). As a result, foreign matter and the like attached to the lens 1a are removed and cleaning is performed.

Then, for example, at timing T14, the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 5 to close the flow path, and stops the spray of the washer fluid from the movable nozzle 35 (nozzle port 35a).

Next, the controller 8 stops the washer pump 4 at timing T15. As described above, by driving the washer pump 4 until the spray of the washer fluid from the movable nozzle 35 is stopped, the washer fluid jetted from the movable nozzle 35 can be pressurized.

The above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device exhibits the following advantageous effects in addition to the effects of (1) of the first embodiment.
(3) The movable nozzle 35 having the nozzle port 35a is movable to move to a cleaning position where the nozzle port 35a approaches the center of the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1 and a non-cleaning position farther from the center of the imaging range than the cleaning position. The lens 1a can be satisfactorily cleaned without being in the way of imaging by moving the cleaning position to the cleaning position only at the time of cleaning.

(4) The movable nozzle 35 having the nozzle port 35a is provided to be able to move forward and backward so as to move to the cleaning position and the non-cleaning position. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the external imaging surface (lens 1a) and the nozzle port 35a are relatively rotated, the area required for the movement can be reduced.

(5) Since the on-vehicle camera 1 having the lens 1a is fixed to the vehicle, for example, a stable captured image can be obtained. In addition, since the nozzle port 35a is provided on the movable nozzle 35 supported so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the vehicle, it is easier to move forward and backward than when moving the on-vehicle camera 1 forward and backward by fixing the nozzle port 35a. It can be done. That is, for example, when the external imaging surface (lens 1a) can be moved forward and backward, the large mechanism including the on-vehicle camera 1 is obtained. In the case where the external imaging surface is provided directly or indirectly (in-vehicle camera 1) on the vehicle, the movable nozzle 35 can be made relatively smaller and lighter than the above mechanism. Therefore, in the configuration in which the movable nozzle 35 moves forward and backward, switching of the forward and reverse movement is facilitated.

(6) Since the movable nozzle 35 can be advanced so that the nozzle port 35a approaches the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1, for example, the washer fluid can be lens 1a from the front position close to the imaging axis (central axis of lens 1a). It becomes easy to inject it to the center position of. Thus, the lens 1a can be cleaned better.

(7) The movable nozzle 35 is advanced to the cleaning position by the delivery pressure of the washer fluid (fluid), so that an electric drive device or the like for advancing the movable nozzle 35 becomes unnecessary, and the configuration can be simplified.

(8) Since the movable nozzle 35 moves backward to the non-washing position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36 (biasing member), the electric drive device or the like for moving the movable nozzle 35 backward is not necessary, and the configuration is simplified. be able to.

(9) The nozzle unit 32 in which the movable nozzle 35 is provided so as to be movable forward and backward is detachably assembled to the vehicle. Is easy to remove and replace with a new one.

(10) The nozzle port 35a is formed in a rectangular shape as viewed from the opening direction, so that it is possible to spray the washer fluid over a wide area while maintaining the spray pressure high, and the lens 1a can be cleaned better. It becomes possible.

(11) Since the fluid is a mixture of washer fluid (liquid) and air, for example, the injection pressure is increased (the flow velocity is increased) compared to the case of using only the washer fluid (liquid) alone, and the lens It is possible to wash 1a better. In addition, the consumption of the washer fluid can be reduced.

(12) Since the nozzle port 35a is disposed only on the side of the lens 1a in the horizontal direction at the non-washing position, for example, even if liquid drips downward from the nozzle port 35a moved to the non-washing position after washing, It is possible to prevent dripping liquid from adhering to the lens 1a.

(13) The non-cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 35 a is out of the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1, and the cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 35 a is in the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 1. Therefore, by moving the nozzle port 35a to the cleaning position only at the time of cleaning, it is possible to clean the lens 1a favorably without disturbing imaging at all.

The first and second embodiments may be modified as follows.
In the first embodiment, the nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a), the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulator 6, and the check valve 7 are independently configured (connected by the hose H), but For example, the nozzle port 2a, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulation unit 6, and the check valve 7 may be provided in a single case.

Specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 6, the housing 11 is provided with a pressure accumulating portion 6 (room) and a nozzle port 2a communicating with the pressure accumulating portion 6 and an inlet 11a. . Then, in the housing 11, the on-off valve 5 is provided between the pressure accumulation unit 6 and the nozzle port 2 a, and the check valve 7 is provided between the pressure accumulation unit 6 and the inflow port 11 a. The washer pump 4 is communicated with the inflow port 11a through a pipe (a hose Ha or the like).

In this case, since the nozzle port 2a, the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulating portion 6, and the check valve 7 are provided in a single case 11, there is no need to use a hose H etc. It can be done. Of course, the nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a) may be separated, and the on-off valve 5, the pressure accumulator 6, and the check valve 7 may be provided in a single case, and so on.

-In the said, 1st and 2nd embodiment, although this invention was applied to the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus which injects only a washer fluid, it is not limited to this, It applies this invention to the vehicle-mounted sensor washing | cleaning apparatus which injects air. It is also good.

For example, the washer pump 4 may be changed to an air pump that can supply air.
Further, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device may be changed to, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 7 or a configuration as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressure accumulator 6 is capable of containing air (with the washer fluid) compressed by the washer fluid supplied from the washer pump 4. Then, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device is provided in the middle of a flow passage communicating the sub nozzle port 12a (sub nozzle 12) for injecting air to the lens 1a, the sub nozzle port 12a and the pressure accumulator 6 (the upper part thereof). A sub opening / closing valve 13 may be provided to open and close the flow path based on the sub control signal.

Thus, high-pressure washer fluid can be jetted from the nozzle port 2a, and high-pressure air can be jetted from the sub-nozzle port 12a. Specifically, for example, the washer fluid and air in the pressure accumulation unit 6 are made high pressure by driving the washer pump 4 with the flow paths closed by the on-off valve 5 and the sub on-off valve 13, and the sub on-off valve 13 By opening the flow path at this time, high-pressure air can be jetted from the sub nozzle port 12a to the lens 1a.

FIG. 8 shows a timing chart of a control example of the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device having the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated at timing T1 or dirt is detected by a sensor, for example, the control valve 8 closes the flow path with the on-off valve 5 and the on-off valve 13. Do. Thereafter, the controller 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T2. At this time, the washer pump 4 is driven for a time T (between timing T2 and timing T3) preset by the control device 8.

And control device 8 drives opening-and-closing valve 5 at timing T4 after timing T3 which stopped washer pump 4, and makes the channel open. In this state at the timing T4, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 4 is reduced, but the pressure (pressure in the path from the on-off valve 5 to the check valve 7) Pb in the pressure accumulator 6 is high. Keep the Then, high-pressure washer fluid is jetted from the nozzle port 2a, and the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 is cleaned. In addition, when the washer fluid is jetted, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 6 decreases.

Next, the control device 8 causes the on-off valve 5 to close the flow path at timing T5 after the end of the spray of the washer fluid by the nozzle 2.
Then, the control device 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T6. At this time, the washer pump 4 is driven for a time T (between timing T6 and timing T7) preset by the control device 8.

Then, at timing T8 after timing T7 at which the washer pump 4 is stopped, the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 13 to open the flow path. At the timing T8, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 4 is decreasing, but the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 6 is kept high. Then, high-pressure air is jetted from the sub nozzle opening 12a, and the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 is cleaned.

The structure shown in FIG. 14 is a structure which abbreviate | omitted the non-return valve 7 with respect to the structure shown in FIG. Even with such a configuration, high-pressure washer fluid can be jetted from the nozzle port 2a, and high-pressure air can be jetted from the sub-nozzle port 12a. Specifically, for example, the washer fluid and air in the pressure accumulation unit 6 are made high pressure by driving the washer pump 4 with the flow paths closed by the on-off valve 5 and the sub on-off valve 13, and the sub on-off valve 13 By opening the flow path at this time, high-pressure air can be jetted from the sub nozzle port 12a to the lens 1a. In addition, you may employ | adopt the washing | cleaning unit 30 shown in the said 2nd Embodiment in such a structure.

FIG. 15 shows a timing chart of a control example of the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device having the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated at timing T21 or dirt is detected by a sensor, for example, the control valve 8 closes the flow path with the on-off valve 5 and the on-off valve 13. Do. Thereafter, the controller 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T22. Then, immediately after the washer pump 4 is driven, the pressure at the outlet of the washer pump 4 rises, and the pressure becomes substantially constant. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 6 also becomes the same high pressure.

Then, at timing T23, the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 5 to open the flow path. Then, high-pressure washer fluid is jetted from the nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a). As a result, foreign matter and the like attached to the lens 1a are removed and cleaning is performed.

Then, for example, at timing T24, the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 5 to close the flow path and stop the spray of the washer fluid from the nozzle 2 (nozzle port 2a).
Next, the controller 8 stops the washer pump 4 at timing T25. As described above, by driving the washer pump 4 until the spray of the washer fluid from the movable nozzle 35 is stopped, the washer fluid jetted from the movable nozzle 35 can be pressurized.

Next, the controller 8 drives the washer pump 4 at timing T26. Then, immediately after the washer pump 4 is driven, the pressure at the outlet of the washer pump 4 rises, and the pressure becomes substantially constant. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 6 also becomes the same high pressure.

Next, at timing T27, the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 13 to open the flow path. Then, high-pressure air is jetted from the sub nozzle opening 12a, and the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 is cleaned.

In the first and second embodiments, although the pressure accumulating unit 6 is an independent room, the invention is not limited thereto, and the flow path (for example, a hose) itself may function as the pressure accumulating unit. Specifically, for example, the hose H connecting the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5, and the check valve 7 may be functioned as an accumulator, without providing the accumulator 6 and the T-shaped joint TJ in the above embodiment. In this case, the hose H connecting the nozzle 2, the on-off valve 5 and the check valve 7 is made thicker than the hose Ha connecting the check valve 7 and the washer pump 4 to secure the volume of the pressure accumulating portion. The hose Ha, which takes a long time inside the vehicle, can be easy to handle and inexpensive.

In the first embodiment, the control device 8 drives the washer pump 4 for a preset time T (see FIG. 5), but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, after driving the washer pump 4 The washer pump 4 may be stopped on the basis of the pressure in the pressure accumulation unit 6. Also, of course, the timing T4 at which the control device 8 drives the on-off valve 5 to open the flow path may be performed based on time or pressure.

In the first and second embodiments, the pressure Pb in the pressure storage unit 6 decreases to almost 0 when the washer fluid is injected once (the second injection can not be performed if the washer pump 4 is not driven again). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration and control may be such that the washer fluid can be jetted multiple times if the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 6 is once pressurized.

In the first and second embodiments, the washer fluid is sprayed onto the lens 1a of the on-vehicle camera 1 for cleaning. However, the sensing surface (lens, cover glass, etc.) of other on-vehicle sensors other than the on-vehicle camera 1 The fluid may be jetted to clean the surface. For example, as an on-vehicle sensor, an optical sensor (so-called Lidar) may be employed which emits (emits) an infrared laser and measures the distance to the object by receiving scattered light reflected from the object. In addition, a radar using radio waves (for example, a millimeter wave radar) or an ultrasonic sensor used as a corner sensor may be employed.

The first and second embodiments and the modifications may be combined as appropriate.
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 21.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the vicinity of a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104 as on-vehicle sensors provided in a vehicle, lenses 101a to 104a as sensing surfaces of the on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104. On the other hand, first to fourth nozzles 105 to 108 having nozzle openings 105a to 108a for injecting washer fluid as fluid are provided (for each on-vehicle camera 101). The on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104 according to the present embodiment include, for example, an on-vehicle camera 101 provided on the driver's seat door, an on-vehicle camera 102 provided on the front passenger's seat door, and a pair of on-vehicle cameras 103 provided on the windshield. 104 and the like are provided relatively close to each other.

Further, in the washer tank WT provided in the vehicle, a washer pump 109 as a pump capable of feeding the washer fluid in the washer tank WT to the first to fourth nozzles 105 to 108 (nozzle ports 105a to 108a) is provided. It is provided.

In the present embodiment, the first to fourth nozzles 105 to 108 are located in the middle of a flow path connecting the first to fourth nozzles 105 to 108 (nozzle ports 105 a to 108 a) and the washer pump 109. At a nearby position, the flow path on the washer pump 109 side can be brought into communication with any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a based on the control signal, and the flow path on the washer pump 109 side and the nozzle openings 105a to 108a A communication valve 110 is provided which can be in a non-communicating state with all the components.

In addition, an accumulator 111 is provided in the middle of the flow passage communicating the communication valve 110 with the washer pump 109. That is, the pressure accumulating portion 111 is provided at a pump side portion which is a portion between the rotary plate (communication valve) 110 and the washer pump 109 in a flow passage communicating the nozzle ports 105 a to 108 a with the washer pump 109. The pressure accumulation unit 111 has a space capable of storing a necessary amount of washer fluid in at least one cleaning.

In addition, at the middle of the flow path connecting the pressure accumulation unit 111 and the washer pump 109, in the vicinity of the pressure accumulation unit 111, a reverse stop that regulates the flow (backflow) of the washer fluid from the pressure accumulation unit 111 to the washer pump 109 A valve 112 is provided. That is, the check valve 112 is provided at a portion between the pressure accumulating portion 111 and the washer pump 109 in the flow passage communicating the pressure accumulating portion 111 with the washer pump 109.

Here, in the present embodiment, the communication valve 110 and the pressure accumulating portion 111 are integrally provided as a flow path switching device 113.
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the flow path switching device 113 includes the communication valve 110 as a rotary plate, a substantially bottomed cylindrical case 114 forming the pressure accumulation portion 111, and a drive source. A stepping motor 115, one inlet member 116, first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120, a compression coil spring 121, and four annular seal rubbers 122 are provided.

A peripheral wall through hole 114a is formed in a part of the peripheral wall of the case 114, and a substantially cylindrical inlet member 116 is fixed to the peripheral wall through hole 114a so as to protrude to the outside. In addition, four bottom through holes 114b are formed at equal angle (90 °) intervals in the bottom of the case 114, and substantially cylindrical first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 are provided outside the bottom through holes 114b. It is fixed so as to protrude into the. Further, in the bottom surface of the case 114, accommodation grooves 114c are formed around the bottom through holes 114b, and the seal rubber 122 is accommodated and held in the accommodation grooves 114c. The seal rubber 122 is formed in such a shape that a part thereof protrudes from the accommodation groove 114c (in a non-loaded state) in a state of being accommodated and held in the accommodation groove 114c.

The stepping motor 115 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is configured such that the rotation shaft 115 b of the rotor 115 a protrudes from the center of the lower surface thereof. The stepping motor 115 is fixed to the case 114 with a screw N (see FIG. 18) so as to close the opening of the case 114 on the lower surface thereof.

The communication valve 110 is formed in a disk shape having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the case 114, and is circumferentially located at a radial position corresponding to the bottom through hole 114b (first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120). The communication hole 110a is provided in a part of Further, at the axial center of the communication valve 110, a shaft portion 110b which extends toward the stepping motor 115 and is integrally rotatable with the rotary shaft 115b (non-relative rotation in the circumferential direction) and axially movably connected It is provided. The compression coil spring 121 is disposed between the lower surface of the stepping motor 115 and the upper surface of the communication valve 110 in a compressed state (through the rotation shaft 115 b and the shaft portion 110 b). The lower surface of the case is urged toward the bottom of the case 114 so as to crush the seal rubber 122 projecting from the accommodation groove 114c. As a result, the first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 and the inside of the case 114 (that is, the pressure accumulating portion 111) communicate with each other in a route other than the communication hole 110a, that is, unintended washer fluid leakage is prevented. ing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the flow path switching device 113 of this embodiment is fixed to the vehicle so that the tips of the first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 face downward (gravity direction). .

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the inlet member 116 is connected (communicated) to the check valve 112 via the hose H1, and the check valve 112 is connected (communicated) to the washer pump 109 via the hose H2. The first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 are connected (communicate) with the first to fourth nozzles 105 to 108 (nozzle ports 105 a to 108 a) through the hose H, respectively. A hose (inner diameter) thinner than the other hoses H and H1 is employed as the hose H2 connecting the check valve 112 and the washer pump 109. Further, as the other hoses H and H1 (second hose), a hose having hardness higher than that of the hose H2 (first hose) connecting the check valve 112 and the washer pump 109 is employed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a control device 123 capable of driving and controlling each of the washer pump 109 and the stepping motor 115 is electrically connected. For example, when a control switch for cleaning is input when the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated or the sensor detects a stain, for example, the control device 123 sprays washer fluid from any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. In order to make it do, driving control of washer pump 109 and stepping motor 115 is carried out. At this time, the controller 123 drives the washer pump 109 in a state in which the flow path is in the non-communication state by the communication valve 110, and then stops the washer pump 109. The control device 123 brings the flow path (pressure accumulation unit 111) on the side of the washer pump 109 into communication with any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a with the communication valve 110 in a state where the washer pump 109 is stopped. Spray the washer fluid from the In addition, when a control signal indicating cleaning is input, the control device 123 drives the washer pump 109 in a state in which the flow path is in a non-communicating state by the communication valve 110, and then, the control valve 123 The process is continued (without interruption) until the washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, with the flow path (pressure accumulation unit 111) on the pump 109 side and any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a in communication.

Next, a specific operation example (action) of the above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 21, for example, when the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated or dirt is detected by a sensor at timing T1 before driving the washer pump 109, the control device 123 detects the position of the communication hole 110a. The stepping motor 115 is driven and controlled to be at a predetermined position.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A, in the control device 123, the position of the communication hole 110a is a position near the first outlet member 117, and the first outlet member 117 and the fourth outlet Driving control of the stepping motor 115 is performed to rotate the communication valve 110 so as to be at a position between the member 120. The first outlet member 117 corresponds to the nozzle port 105 a of the first nozzle 105 to be jetted. The stepping motor 115 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of normal and reverse rotation, and for example, rotationally drives the communication valve 110 in a direction in which the amount of rotation can be small when going from the current position (angle) to the target position. .

Next, at timing T2, for example, the control device 123 disconnects the flow passage (pressure accumulation unit 111) on the washer pump 109 side and all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a by the flow passage switching device 113 (communication valve 110). In this state, the washer pump 109 is driven for a predetermined time T.

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, immediately after the washer pump 109 is driven, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 109 rises, and thereafter, until the preset time T elapses (the washer pump 109 is driven While the pressure Pa becomes a substantially constant high pressure. At this time, while the air in the pressure accumulating portion 111 is compressed, the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 111 (pressure in the path from the communication valve 110 to the check valve 112) Pb is substantially equal to the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 109. It is considered the same high pressure.

Then, at timing T4 after timing T3 at which the washer pump 109 is stopped, the control device 123 causes the communication valve 110 to inject the flow path (pressure accumulator 111) on the washer pump 109 side and the first nozzle 105 to be jetted. The nozzle port 105a is brought into communication with each other.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, the control device 123 drives and controls the stepping motor 115 so that the position of the communication hole 110a is in communication with the first outlet member 117 and the communication valve 110 is driven to rotate. At this timing T4, the pressure Pa at the outlet of the washer pump 109 is decreasing, but the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulating portion 111 (the pressure in the path from the communication valve 110 to the check valve 112) is high. Keep the Then, high-pressure washer fluid is jetted from the nozzle port 105 a of the first nozzle 105, and the lens 101 a of the on-vehicle camera 101 is cleaned. In addition, when the washer fluid is injected, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulation unit 111 decreases. FIG. 20 shows waveforms obtained from experimental results, wherein the pressure Pa is a value obtained by connecting a pressure gauge to the outlet of the washer pump 109, and the pressure Pb corresponds to the pressure gauge in the pressure accumulating portion 111. Is a value obtained by connecting.

Next, at timing T5, the control device 123 drives and controls the stepping motor 115 to rotationally drive the communication valve 110 so as to be at a position between the first outlet member 117 and the second outlet member 118. As a result, the flow path on the washer pump 109 side does not communicate with the nozzle opening 105 a of the first nozzle 105, and the ejection of the washer fluid from the first nozzle 105 (nozzle opening 105 a) is stopped. At this time, the flow passage (pressure storage unit 111) on the washer pump 109 side and all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a are disconnected from each other by the flow passage switching device 113 (communication valve 110). By repeating the above-described operation, it becomes possible to spray the washer fluid from the other nozzles 106 to 108 (nozzle ports 106a to 108a).

Next, the effects of the third embodiment will be described below.
(14) The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device is provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and the washer pump 109, and the flow path on the washer pump 109 side (the pump side portion in the flow path) And any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a can be in communication with each other, and the flow path on the washer pump 109 side (the pump side portion in the flow path) and all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a are in a non-communication state The communication valve 110 is provided. Therefore, the flow path on the washer pump 109 side and any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a can be communicated as needed. Further, communication valve 110 can disconnect the flow path on the side of washer pump 109 from all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, and is located midway in the flow path connecting communication valve 110 to washer pump 109. Since the pressure accumulation unit 111 is provided, the washer fluid in the pressure accumulation unit 111 can be made high pressure by driving the washer pump 109 with the flow path in the non-communication state by the communication valve 110. Then, with the washer fluid at high pressure, the communication valve 110 brings the flow path (pressure accumulator 111) on the washer pump 109 side into communication with any one of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, thereby the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. The high pressure washer fluid can be fed to the lenses 101a to 104a from any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. Therefore, high detergency can be obtained with a small amount of washer fluid. In addition, in this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to consider the loss of pressure in the flow passage connecting the communication valve 110 (or the check valve 112) and the washer pump 109 as compared with the one without the pressure accumulating portion 111. Therefore, the flow path can be configured by a thin pipe (hose) or the like, and the component parts can be made inexpensive, and handling and the like can be facilitated. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the hose H2 can be made thinner than the other hoses H and H1 by connecting the check valve 112 and the washer pump 109 and taking up the inside of the vehicle, and it is easy to handle. It can be cheap. In addition, hoses H and H1 from the check valve 112 to the nozzle ports 105a to 108a have a hardness higher than that of the hose H2 connecting the check valve 112 and the washer pump 109, so The pressure relief due to the flexibility of the hoses H and H1 can be reduced. Further, in this configuration, the hose H2 has a relatively low hardness, which facilitates handling. Further, in order to place the pressure accumulating portion 111 in communication with any one of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, for example, the communication valve 110 simultaneously brings the pressure accumulating portion 111 into communication with the plurality of nozzle openings 105a to 108a. In comparison, higher pressure washer fluid can be injected from the single nozzle openings 105a to 108a.

(15) The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device includes the check valve 112 that regulates the flow of the washer fluid from the pressure storage unit 111 to the washer pump 109 in the middle of the flow path communicating the pressure storage unit 111 and the washer pump 109. The washer fluid in the portion 111 does not flow back to the washer pump 109 side to be reduced in pressure. Therefore, the washer fluid in the pressure accumulating portion 111 is set to a high pressure by driving the washer pump 109 with the communication valve 110 in a disconnected state, and after the washer pump 109 is stopped, the washer pump 109 is used. Only the high-pressure washer fluid can be jetted by bringing the side flow path (pressure accumulator 111) into communication with any one of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. In the present embodiment, this operation is performed by the control device 123. That is, for example, in a configuration not provided with the check valve 112, the communication valve 110 is driven to the washer pump 109 side while the washer pump 109 is being driven so that the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 111 does not reversely flow toward the washer pump 109. It is necessary to bring the flow path (pressure accumulator 111) of the above and any one of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a into a communication state to eject the washer fluid from the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. In this case, the power consumption by the washer pump 109 is increased and there is a possibility that the washer fluid which is not accumulated may be injected, which can be avoided.

(16) The control device 123 drives the washer pump 109 in a state in which the flow path is in the non-communication state by the communication valve 110 based on the control signal to the effect of cleaning, and then the washer pump The process is continued (without interruption) until the washer fluid is injected from the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, with the flow passage on the 109 side (pressure accumulation unit 111) and any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a in communication. Therefore, it is prevented that the washer fluid in the pressure accumulation part 111 is left in the state of high pressure. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the high pressure load from remaining on the pressure accumulation unit 111.

(17) The communication valve 110 has the communication hole 110a provided in a part of the circumferential direction, and is rotationally driven by the stepping motor 115 to communicate the communication hole 110a with any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. It is a rotary plate which can be set in communication with all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a. Therefore, it is possible to eject high-pressure washer fluid from any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a with a simple configuration using a single drive source (stepping motor 115).

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the in-vehicle sensor cleaning device will be described. In the present embodiment, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configuration as that of the third embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral and part or all of the description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 28, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device of this embodiment has cleaning units 151 to 154 provided integrally with the on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104. In the present embodiment, a flow path switching device 113 substantially similar to that of the third embodiment is used. The inlet member 116 and the washer pump 109 provided in the flow path switching device 113 are connected to the hose Ha. That is, the check valve 112 of the third embodiment is omitted. The hose Ha that constitutes the flow path between the washer pump 109 and the pressure accumulating portion 111 has a smaller inside diameter, ie, smaller diameter than the other hoses H. Also, the hose Ha is set lower than the hardness of the other hoses H.

Since the cleaning units 151 to 154 have substantially the same configuration, in the following description, the cleaning unit 151 will be described, and the detailed description of the other cleaning units 152 to 154 will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 30 (a) and (b) and FIG. 31, the cleaning unit 151 includes a connecting and fixing member 161 fixed to the on-vehicle camera 101, and a nozzle unit 162 fixed to the connecting and fixing member 161. Have. The connection fixing member 161 has a substantially square cylindrical holding portion 161a into which the on-vehicle camera 101 can fit, and is fixed to the on-vehicle camera 101 by the on-vehicle camera 101 being fitted in the holding portion 161a. ing. In FIG. 28, the on-vehicle camera 101 and the cleaning unit 151 are shown separated.

Further, the connecting and fixing member 161 has a pair of fixed pieces 161b, and the pair of fixed pieces 161b has a pair of surfaces facing each other, and grooves are formed on the same pair of surfaces. . The nozzle unit 162 is detachably assembled and fixed to the fixed piece 161b.

The nozzle unit 162 has a substantially cylindrical first case 163 and a second case 164 externally fitted and fixed to the base end side of the first case 163. In the nozzle unit 162, a pair of fixed projections 163a (only one is shown in FIGS. 30 (a) and (b) and FIG. 31) formed on the outer periphery of the first case 163 is a groove of the fixed piece 161b. By being fitted to the fixed piece 161b (the connection fixing member 161), it is detachably assembled and fixed. At the bottom of the second case 164, a cylindrical introduction cylinder portion 164a is formed so as to protrude, and the inside of the introduction cylinder portion 164a is an introduction port 164b (see FIG. 32) communicating with the inside of the first case 163. . In addition, a seal ring S1 is interposed between the first case 163 and the second case 164. The first outlet member 117 is connected to the introduction port 164 b via a hose H. The second to fourth outlet members 118 to 120 are connected to the inlets 164b of the other cleaning units 152 to 154 via the hose H.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the nozzle unit 162 is provided with a movable nozzle 165 provided so as to be able to move back and forth so as to protrude and retract from the tip opening of the first case 163; 1) A compression coil spring 166 as a biasing member for biasing in the proximal direction of the case 33).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, the movable nozzle 165 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of the first case 163, and a nozzle port 165a directed laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is formed at its tip. ing. Further, a base end member 167 is externally fitted and fixed to the base end of the movable nozzle 165. A seal ring S2 is interposed between the movable nozzle 165 and the base end member 167. The proximal end member 167 has a flange portion 167 a extending radially outward, and the flange portion 167 a is biased by a compression coil spring 166. One end side of the compression coil spring 166 is supported on the front end side of the first case 163. Thus, the movable nozzle 165 is biased in the reverse direction (right direction in FIG. 32). Further, an annular seal member 168 in sliding contact with and in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first case 163 is fitted to the proximal end portion of the proximal end member 167.

Further, at the bottom of the second case 164, a restricting pillar 164c extending to the opposite side to the introduction cylinder portion 164a is formed. In this example, three restriction pillars 164c are formed at equal angular intervals (only two are shown in FIG. 32) in the circumferential direction. The restricting post 164c abuts on the proximal end face of the proximal end member 167 biased by the compression coil spring 166, and regulates the backward movement of the proximal end member 167 (movable nozzle 165) than the abutted position.

In the movable nozzle 165 provided as described above, when the washer fluid is supplied to the inside from the inlet 164b, the base end surface of the base end member 167 is biased by the delivery pressure of the washer fluid, and the compression coil is compressed. Advances against the biasing force of the spring 166.

Here, the nozzle port 165a of the movable nozzle 165 in the on-vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus configured as described above has a cleaning position approaching the imaging range (center of the imaging range) of the on-vehicle camera 101 by moving the movable nozzle 165 forward and backward. It is possible to move to a non-washing position farther from the imaging range than the washing position. In addition, the imaging range of this embodiment is a range which the vehicle-mounted camera 101 (its imaging device) images via the lens 101a.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the non-cleaning position is set to a position where the nozzle port 165a is out of the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101, and the cleaning position is within the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101. It is set to the position. That is, in the reverse movement state where the movable nozzle 165 moves backward (the base end surface of the base end member 167 abuts on the restriction pillar 164c), the nozzle port 165a is at the non-cleaning position disposed outside the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101. In the forward movement state in which the movable nozzle 165 moves forward, the nozzle port 165 a is at the cleaning position disposed within the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movable nozzle 165 can be moved forward and backward with respect to the direction in which the lens 101a of the on-vehicle camera 101 is directed (the central axis of the lens 101a and the imaging axis). There is. That is, in the forward movement state in which the movable nozzle 165 moves forward, the nozzle port 165a approaches the imaging axis (the central axis of the lens 101a) and is disposed at a position closer to the center in the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101 It is disposed to be inclined so that the washer fluid is jetted to the center position of the lens 101a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movable nozzle 165 is disposed laterally to the in-vehicle camera 101 so that the nozzle port 165a is disposed laterally to the lens 101a at the non-cleaning position.

Next, an operation example (action) of the on-vehicle optical sensor cleaning device of the present embodiment will be described.
First, when the washer pump 109 is not driven, the movable nozzle 165 is moved backward to the non-washing position by the urging force of the compression coil spring 166 (see FIG. 30A). The tip end portion 165 of the camera is disposed outside the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101. Therefore, when not performing cleaning and imaging, the nozzle port 165a (the tip of the movable nozzle 165) does not interfere with imaging.

As shown in FIG. 29, the control device 123 detects the position of the communication hole 110a when, for example, the cleaning switch on the driver's seat is operated or dirt is detected by a sensor at timing T11 before the washer pump 109 is driven. The stepping motor 115 is driven and controlled to be at a predetermined position.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A, the control device 123 controls the position of the communication hole 110a of the first outlet member 117 corresponding to the nozzle opening 165a of the movable nozzle 165 of the cleaning unit 151 to be jetted from now. The stepping motor 115 is drive-controlled to rotate the communication valve 110 so as to be in the vicinity and at a position between the fourth outlet member 120. The stepping motor 115 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of normal and reverse rotation, and for example, rotationally drives the communication valve 110 in a direction in which the amount of rotation can be small when going from the current position (angle) to the target position. .

Next, at timing T12, for example, the control device 123 controls the flow channel switching device 113 (the communication valve 110) and the flow channel (pressure accumulation unit 111) on the washer pump 109 side and all the nozzle openings 165a of the cleaning units 151 to 154. And the washer pump 109 is driven for a preset time T. Then, immediately after the washer pump 109 is driven, the pressure at the outlet of the washer pump 109 rises, and the pressure becomes substantially constant. At this time, the pressure in the pressure accumulating portion 111 is also high.

Next, for example, at timing T13, the control device 123 drives the stepping motor 115 to cause the flow channel switching device 113 (communication valve 110) to jet the flow channel (pressure accumulator 111) on the washer pump 109 side and The nozzle port 165a of the movable nozzle 165 is in communication with the nozzle port 165a.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, the control device 123 drives and controls the stepping motor 115 so that the position of the communication hole 110a is in communication with the first outlet member 117 and the communication valve 110 is driven to rotate. Then, high-pressure washer fluid is ejected from the nozzle port 165a of the movable nozzle 165 of the cleaning unit 151, and the lens 101a of the on-vehicle camera 101 is cleaned. In addition, when the washer fluid is injected, the pressure Pb in the pressure accumulation unit 111 decreases.

Next, the controller 123 stops the washer pump 109 at timing T14.
Thereafter, at timing T15, the control device 123 drives and controls the stepping motor 115 to rotationally drive the communication valve 110 so as to be at a position between the first outlet member 117 and the second outlet member 118. As a result, the flow path on the washer pump 109 side does not communicate with the nozzle port 165a of the movable nozzle 165 of the cleaning unit 151, and the ejection of the washer fluid from the movable nozzle 165 (nozzle port 165a) is stopped.

The above-described on-vehicle sensor cleaning device exhibits the following effects in addition to the effects of (14), (16) and (17) of the third embodiment.
(18) The movable nozzle 165 having the nozzle opening 165a is movable to move to a cleaning position where the nozzle opening 165a approaches the center of the imaging range of the on-vehicle camera 101 and a non-cleaning position farther from the center of the imaging range than the cleaning position. By moving the lens to the cleaning position only during cleaning, the lenses 101a to 104a can be cleaned satisfactorily without disturbing imaging.

(19) The movable nozzle 165 having the nozzle port 165a is provided so as to be able to move back and forth so as to move to the cleaning position and the non-cleaning position. For example, the external imaging surface (lenses 101a to 104a) and the nozzle port 165a As compared with the case where it is pivoted, the area required for movement can be made smaller.

(20) The on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104 having the lenses 101 a to 104 a are fixed to the vehicle, so that, for example, stable captured images can be obtained. In addition, since the nozzle port 165a is provided on the movable nozzle 165 supported so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the vehicle, forward and backward movement is possible as compared with the case where the in-vehicle cameras 101 to 104 are moved forward and backward by fixing the nozzle port 165a. Can be done easily. That is, for example, when the external imaging surface (lenses 101a to 104a) can be moved back and forth, a large mechanism including the on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104 is obtained. When the external imaging surface is provided directly or indirectly (in-vehicle cameras 101 to 104) to the vehicle, the movable nozzle 165 can be relatively small and lightweight as compared with the above mechanism. Therefore, in the configuration in which the movable nozzle 165 is moved forward and backward, switching between forward and reverse movement is facilitated.

(21) The movable nozzle 165 can be moved forward so that the nozzle port 165a approaches the lenses 101a to 104a of the on-vehicle cameras 101 to 104. For example, the front position near the imaging axis (central axis of the lenses 101a to 104a) It becomes easy to spray the washer fluid to the center position of the lenses 101a to 104a. Thus, the lenses 101a to 104a can be cleaned better.

(22) The movable nozzle 165 is advanced to the cleaning position by the delivery pressure of the washer fluid (fluid), so that an electric drive device or the like for advancing the movable nozzle 165 is unnecessary, and the configuration can be simplified.

(23) Since the movable nozzle 165 moves backward to the non-washing position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 166 (biasing member), the electric drive device or the like for moving the movable nozzle 165 backward is not necessary, and the configuration is simplified. be able to.

(24) The nozzle unit 162 in which the movable nozzle 165 is provided so as to be movable forward and backward is detachably assembled to the vehicle. For example, when the movement of the movable nozzle 165 in forward and backward movement is defective, the nozzle unit 162 Is easy to remove and replace with a new one.

(25) The nozzle port 165a is formed in a rectangular shape as viewed from the opening direction, so that it is possible to spray the washer fluid over a wide area while maintaining the spray pressure high, and the lenses 101a to 104a are cleaned better. It becomes possible.

(26) Since the fluid is a mixture of washer fluid (liquid) and air, for example, the jetting pressure is increased (the flow velocity is increased) as compared with the case of using only the washer fluid (liquid) alone, and the lens It is possible to clean the 101a to 104a better. In addition, the consumption of the washer fluid can be reduced.

(27) Since the nozzle port 165a is disposed only on the horizontal side of the lenses 101a to 104a at the non-washing position, for example, it is assumed that the liquid drips downward from the nozzle port 165a which has moved to the non-washing position after washing. Also, dripping liquid can be prevented from adhering to the lenses 101a to 104a.

(28) The non-cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 165a is out of the imaging range of the onboard cameras 101 to 104, and the cleaning position is a position where the nozzle port 165a is in the imaging range of the onboard cameras 101 to 104 . Therefore, by moving the nozzle port 165a to the cleaning position only at the time of cleaning, the lenses 101a to 104a can be cleaned satisfactorily without being in the way of imaging at all.

The above embodiments may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiments, the seal rubber 122 is housed and held in the housing groove 114c of the case 114, but the first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 and the inside of the case 114 (that is, the pressure accumulating portion 111) However, other seal structures may be used as long as it can prevent the leakage of the washer fluid that is not intended, that is, it can be communicated through a path other than the communication hole 110a.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. In this example, a lower surface accommodation groove 110c is formed around the communication hole 110a in the lower surface of the communication valve 110, and an annular seal rubber 131 is accommodated and held in the lower surface accommodation groove 110c. Further, an outer peripheral accommodation groove 110d is formed on the entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the communication valve 110, and an annular seal rubber 132 is accommodated and held in the outer peripheral accommodation groove 110d. A part of each of the seal rubbers 131 and 132 protruding from the lower surface accommodation groove 110c and the outer periphery accommodation groove 110d is in pressure contact with the opposing surface of the case 114. Even in this case, unintended leakage of the washer fluid is prevented.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. In this example, a recess 114d (see FIG. 25) having the same diameter as the bottom through hole 114b is formed between circumferential directions of the bottom through holes 114b at the bottom of the case 114. Further, on the lower surface of the communication valve 110, eight spherical spherical convex portions 110e are formed at equal angle (45 °) intervals, and the communication hole 110a is formed so as to penetrate one of the spherical convex portions 110e. It is formed. In this case, the spherical convex portion 110e (the spherical surface) is in close contact with the opening of the bottom through hole 114b and the concave portion 114d, and an unintended leakage of washer fluid at that portion is prevented. Also, in this way, parts of the seal rubber can be reduced.

Further, for example, without providing the accommodation groove 114c and the seal rubber 122 of the above-described embodiment, the leakage of the washer fluid may be prevented by increasing the flatness of the facing surfaces to make pressing contact. Further, in a configuration in which the seal rubber is not used (a configuration in which the degree of flatness is increased or the configuration in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25), for example, at least one of the communication valve 110 and the case 114 is The part may be molded with a soft resin to prevent the leakage of the washer fluid which is not intended.

-In the said 3rd and 4th embodiment, although the case 114 comprised the pressure accumulation part 111, it is not limited to this, You may change into another structure.
For example, it may be changed as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. In this example, the axial length (i.e., volume) of the case 114 is smaller than that of the above embodiment. And, a pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 114e is formed on the peripheral wall of the case 114 on the opposite side of the peripheral wall through hole 114a by 180 °, and the pressure accumulation chamber member 141 is fixed to the pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 114e so as to protrude outside. There is. The pressure accumulation chamber member 141 has a housing 142, a lid 143, a movable member 144, and a coil spring 145. The housing 142 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 142a, a reduced diameter portion 142b whose diameter decreases from the lower end to the lower end side of the cylindrical portion 142a, and a small diameter portion 142c which cylindrically extends from the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 142b. The tip of the small diameter portion 142c is fixed to the pressure accumulation chamber fixing hole 114e. The lid 143 is formed in a disk shape, and closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 142a. The movable member 144 is formed in a disk shape, is slidable with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 142a, and is movable along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 142a. In addition, seal rubber etc. which are not shown in figure, for example are provided in the outer peripheral surface of the movable member 144, and divide the space by the side of case 114 liquid-tightly. A coil spring 145 is interposed between the lid 143 and the movable member 144. In this example, the case 114 and the pressure accumulation chamber member 141 constitute a pressure accumulation portion 146. And the flow path switching device 113 comprised in this way is fixed with respect to a vehicle so that the pressure accumulation chamber member 141 may face upper direction (anti-gravity direction).

In this case, when the washer pump 109 is driven with the flow path (pressure accumulator 146) on the washer pump 109 side disconnected from all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a, the washer fluid is accumulated in the case 114 and accumulated pressure is accumulated. While the air in the portion 146 is compressed, the movable member 144 is pushed up against the biasing force of the coil spring 145, and the pressure in the pressure storage portion 146 is increased. Then, for example, when the communication valve 110 brings the pressure accumulator 146 into communication with the nozzle port 105a of the first nozzle 105 to be jetted, the movable member 144 is moved downward by the biasing force of the coil spring 145, A high-pressure washer fluid is jetted from the nozzle port 105a, and the lens 101a of the on-vehicle camera 101 is cleaned.

Moreover, although the pressure storage part 111 and the communication valve 110 were provided integrally, and the flow-path switching apparatus 113 was comprised, it does not restrict to this.
As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the pressure accumulation unit 111 and the communication valve 110 may be separated. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the pressure accumulating portion 111 is connected to the T-shaped joint TJ via the hose H, and the T-shaped joint TJ is connected to the communication valve 110 and the washer pump 109 via the hose H1 and the hose H2. Ru. Although FIG. 33 shows the configuration in which the check valve 112 is omitted, the check valve 112 may be provided between the T-shaped joint TJ and the washer pump 109.

In each of the above embodiments, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device that sprays the washer fluid is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an on-vehicle sensor cleaning device that ejects air may be used.
For example, the washer pump 109 may be changed to an air pump capable of feeding air.

In the third embodiment, the hoses H and H1 used from the check valve 112 to the nozzle openings 105a to 108a are set to be higher in hardness than the hose H2 used from the check valve 112 to the washer pump 109. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, all the hoses may have the same hardness.

In the third embodiment, the control device 123 continues the process (without interruption) until the washer fluid is ejected based on the control signal indicating that the cleaning is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the process is interrupted. You may do it.

In the third and fourth embodiments, although the communication valve 110 has the communication hole 110 a provided in a part in the circumferential direction and is a rotary plate rotationally driven by the stepping motor 115, the pressure accumulation is The portion 111 may be in communication with any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a, and may have another configuration as long as it can be in non-communication with all the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a. .

The number of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a in the third and fourth embodiments and the number of the corresponding first to fourth outlet members 117 to 120 and the like are changed to other numbers if they are plural. It is also good.

-Although not mentioned in the third and fourth embodiments, for example, when any one of the cleaning targets does not require the injection of high-pressure fluid, the communication valve 110 makes the flow path disconnected. Alternatively, the washer pump 109 may be driven to feed the washer fluid to any of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a. That is, the flow path switching device 113 may be used merely as a switching device for switching the flow path.

In the third embodiment, although the control device 123 drives the washer pump 109 for a preset time T (see FIG. 20), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, after driving the washer pump 109 The washer pump 109 may be stopped based on the pressure in the pressure accumulation unit 111. Also, of course, the time T during which the control device 123 causes the communication valve 110 to rotate may be performed based on the time or pressure.

In the third embodiment, the pressure Pb in the pressure storage unit 111 decreases to almost zero when the washer fluid is injected once (the second injection can not be performed if the washer pump 109 is not driven again). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration and control may be such that the washer fluid can be jetted multiple times if the washer fluid in the pressure accumulator 111 is once pressurized.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the washer fluid is sprayed onto the lenses 101a to 104a of the onboard cameras 101 to 104 for cleaning. However, the sensing surfaces of the onboard sensors other than the onboard cameras 101 to 104 ( The fluid may be jetted to the lens, the cover glass, etc.) for cleaning. For example, as an on-vehicle sensor, an optical sensor (so-called Lidar) may be employed which emits (emits) an infrared laser and measures the distance to the object by receiving scattered light reflected from the object. In addition, a radar using radio waves (for example, a millimeter wave radar) or an ultrasonic sensor used as a corner sensor may be employed. Further, for example, when the sensing surface to be cleaned is a cover glass having a relatively large area, the washer fluid may be sequentially jetted from a plurality of nozzle openings on one sensing surface.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the communication valve 110 is capable of bringing the pressure accumulation unit 111 into communication with any one of the nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a. The plurality of nozzle openings 105a to 108a and 165a may be in communication with each other at the same time.

The first to fourth embodiments and the modifications may be combined as appropriate.
Although the present disclosure has been described based on the examples, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, and further, other combinations and forms including only one element, or more or less than these elements are also within the scope and the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (14)

1. Nozzle openings (2a, 105a to 108a) for ejecting fluid to the sensing surfaces (1a, 101a to 104a) of the in-vehicle sensors (1, 101 to 104);
   A pump (4, 109) for feeding fluid to the nozzle port;
   A flow passage communicating the nozzle port with the pump;
   An open / close valve (5, 110) provided in the flow path and opening / closing the flow path based on a control signal;
   An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device comprising: an accumulator (6, 111, 146) provided at a pump-side portion which is a portion between the on-off valve and the pump in the flow path.
2. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein
   An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device further comprising a check valve (7, 112) provided in a portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulating portion and the pump and regulating a flow of fluid from the pressure accumulating portion to the pump.
3. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 2,
   An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device, wherein the nozzle port, the on-off valve, the pressure accumulation portion, and the check valve are provided in a single case (21, 142).
4. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
   It further comprises a control device (8, 123) for controlling the on-off valve and the pump,
   The controller
   Driving the pump while the flow path is closed by the on-off valve;
   Then, the on-vehicle sensor cleaning device is configured to cause the on / off valve to open the flow path in a state in which the pump is stopped and to eject fluid from the nozzle port.
5. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
   A portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulation portion and the pump is constituted by a first hose,
   A portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulation portion and the nozzle port is constituted by a second hose,
   The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first hose has an inner diameter smaller than that of the second hose.
6. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
   A portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulation portion and the pump is constituted by a first hose,
   A portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulation portion and the nozzle port is constituted by a second hose,
   An in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first hose has a hardness lower than that of the second hose.
7. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
   The pressure accumulation unit is provided so as to be able to accommodate air compressed by a washer fluid supplied from the pump.
   A sub-nozzle port (12a) for injecting air to the sensing surface;
   A further flow passage communicating the sub-nozzle port and the pressure accumulation portion;
   An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device further comprising: a sub open / close valve (13) provided in the additional flow path and opening / closing the additional flow path based on a sub control signal.
8. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein
   The nozzle port (2a, 105a to 108a) is one of a plurality of nozzle ports (105a to 108a),
   The on-off valve can bring the pump side portion in the flow passage into communication with at least one of the plurality of nozzle openings, and the pump side portion in the flow passage and the plurality of nozzle openings It is a communication valve (110) that can be in a non-communication state with all
   In-vehicle sensor cleaning device.
9. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein
   An on-vehicle sensor cleaning device further comprising a check valve (7, 112) provided in a portion of the flow passage between the pressure accumulating portion and the pump and regulating a flow of fluid from the pressure accumulating portion to the pump.
10. 10. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein
    And a controller (8, 123) for controlling the communication valve and the pump.
    The controller is
    Driving the pump in a state in which the flow path is in a non-communicating state by the communication valve;
    Thereafter, in a state in which the pump is stopped, the communication valve is configured to cause the fluid to be jetted from the nozzle port by bringing the pump side portion in the flow path into communication with any one of the plurality of nozzle ports. In-vehicle sensor cleaning device.
11. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
    A portion of the flow passage between the check valve and the nozzle port is constituted by a second hose,
    The portion of the flow passage between the check valve and the pump is constituted by a first hose,
    The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the second hose is set to be higher in hardness than the first hose.
12. The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
    And a controller (8, 123) for controlling the communication valve and the pump.
    The controller is
    The pump is driven in a state in which the flow path is in the non-communication state by the communication valve based on the control signal indicating that the cleaning is to be performed,
    Thereafter, the in-vehicle sensor cleaning is configured to continue the process until the fluid is injected from the nozzle port by setting the communication valve to communicate the pump-side portion in the flow path with any of the plurality of nozzle ports. apparatus.
13. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein
    It is further equipped with a drive source (115),
    The communication valve is a rotary plate having a communication hole provided in a part of the circumferential direction,
    The communication valve can be brought into communication with any of the plurality of nozzle openings by being rotationally driven by the drive source, and in communication with all of the plurality of nozzle openings. In-vehicle sensor cleaning device that can be.
14. The on-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein
    The in-vehicle sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the communication valve is configured to be capable of bringing the pressure accumulation unit into communication with any one of the plurality of nozzle openings.

Images