WO2021006197A1

WO2021006197A1 - Vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit

Info

Publication number: WO2021006197A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/026141
Authority: WO
Inventors: 柴田　裕一; 山村　聡志
Original assignee: 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date: 2019-07-09
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2021-01-14
Also published as: JP2021011242A

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit that is configured so that matter adhered to an outer cover can be wiped off, without a separate wiper mechanism being provided to the sensor unit. A vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10 is disposed close to a vehicle window 2, the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10 comprising: at least one optical sensor body 18 that detects the environment outside the vehicle; an outer cover 14 that covers the front of the optical sensor body 18; and a wiper mechanism 6 that includes a wiper 66 for wiping a surface 14a of the outer cover 14, and a drive unit 68 for rotationally driving the wiper. The surface 14a of the outer cover 14 is formed flush with a surface 2a of the vehicle window 2. The wiper mechanism 6 is constituted by a window wiper mechanism for the vehicle window.

Description

In-vehicle optical sensor unit

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle optical sensor unit, and more specifically, to an in-vehicle optical sensor unit including a deposit wiping mechanism.

In recent years, attempts have been made to develop vehicles capable of autonomous driving, and there is a tendency for vehicles to be equipped with optical sensors such as LiDAR (Light / Detection / and / Ringing or Laser / Imaging / Detection / and / Ranking) and cameras. .. In order to realize automatic operation, it is necessary to remove deposits such as water droplets and mud adhering to the lens surface of the optical sensor and the outer cover covering the lens surface to maintain good sensitivity of the optical sensor.

Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle optical sensor unit including a wiper mechanism including a wiper on the surface of the outer cover and a motor for rotationally driving the wiper (see FIGS. 16, 37, etc.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-24417

However, if the optical sensor unit is provided with an individual wiper mechanism, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and the cost increases.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle optical sensor unit capable of wiping off deposits on an outer cover without providing an individual wiper mechanism.

In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to one aspect of the present invention is an in-vehicle optical sensor unit arranged in the vicinity of a vehicle window, and is at least one optical sensor that detects an environment outside the vehicle. It includes a main body, an outer cover that covers the front surface of the optical sensor main body, a wiper that wipes the surface of the outer cover, and a wiper mechanism that includes a drive unit that rotationally drives the wiper. The surface of the outer cover is the vehicle window. The wiper mechanism is formed flush with the surface of the vehicle, and is composed of the window wiper mechanism for the vehicle window.

In the present specification, the term "face-to-face" means that there is no step between the two faces. Further, these two surfaces may be a flat surface or a curved surface. Further, these two surfaces do not necessarily have to be continuous, and may be discontinuous. Further, the "state without a step" does not mean only a state without a step exactly, but may include an error to the extent that a wiped surface can be formed by using the same wiper mechanism. ..

In the above aspect, it is also preferable to provide a lamp unit in the room defined by the housing and the outer cover.

Further, in the above aspect, it is also preferable to further include a housing for accommodating the optical sensor main body, and the housing is mounted in a space separated from the passenger compartment of the vehicle body.

Further, in the above aspect, it is also preferable that the vehicle window and the outer cover are vertically separated from each other, and a rotation shaft of the wiper is provided between the vehicle window and the outer cover.

Further, in the above aspect, the vehicle window and the outer cover are vertically separated from each other, and a rotation shaft of the wiper mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the outer cover with respect to the vehicle window. Is also preferable.

In the above aspect, it is also preferable that the optical sensor includes a sensor that detects dirt on the outer cover, and the operation of the wiper mechanism is controlled based on the detection result of the optical sensor.

According to the above configuration, when the optical sensor main body includes a sensor for detecting dirt on the outer cover, the necessity of wiping can be known by the optical sensor main body, and therefore, the wiper mechanism can be determined based on the detection result of the optical sensor. By controlling the operation, the outer cover can be cleaned accurately at the required timing.

In the above aspect, the optical sensor includes LiDAR that irradiates an object with pulsed laser light and measures the scattered light to detect the distance to the object and the properties of the object, and operates the wiper mechanism. Is also preferably linked with the pulse of the pulsed laser beam of the optical sensor body.

In the case of LiDAR, when the emitted pulsed laser light hits the wiper, it is blocked, and it may not be possible to detect the object in the blocked part. By linking the pulse timing of LiDAR and the operation of the wiper, the pulsed laser light can be reliably detected without being blocked by the wiper.

It is also preferable that the vehicle window and the outer cover each include a washer mechanism, and the wiper mechanism is controlled to operate in cooperation with the operation of the washer mechanism.

According to the in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to the above aspect, since the in-vehicle optical unit is arranged near the vehicle window and the surface of the outer cover of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit and the surface of the vehicle window are formed flush with each other, the wiper for the vehicle window is formed. The surface of the outer cover of the sensor unit can be wiped off using the mechanism. The window wiper mechanism for vehicle windows is stipulated by law and is always provided. Therefore, it is possible to remove deposits such as water droplets from the outer cover surface without individually providing a wiper mechanism for the sensor unit, which is an optional additional configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit is simplified. In addition, the cost of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit and thus the vehicle can be reduced.

It is a front view of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the wiper is in a reference position. It is an enlarged front view of the main part of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit which concerns on the same form. (A) is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit along the line IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 2, and (B) is the main part of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit in line IIIB-IIIB of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view along. (A) is a front view showing an operating state of the wiper mechanism of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit, and (B) is a side view seen from the left. It is a functional block diagram of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit which concerns on the modification of the same form. It is a figure explaining the control of the wiper mechanism which concerns on another modification of the same form. (A) is an enlarged front view of a main part of an in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to still another modification of the same form, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB of (A). (A) is a control block diagram of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to the modified example, and (B) is a timing diagram of the operation of the washer mechanism and the wiper mechanism in the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit. It is a front view of the vehicle which mounts the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the vehicle which mounts the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the vehicle which mounts the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the vehicle which mounts the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a front view of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a side view thereof. It is a front view of the vehicle which mounts the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a rear view of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a side view thereof. (A) is a rear view of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a side view thereof.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are not limited to the invention, but are exemplary, and all the features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

In the description of the embodiment, components and members having the same function are given the same name, components and members having the same structure are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are appropriately described. Omit. Further, in the drawings, the arrows Up-Lo indicate the vertical direction when viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle, the arrows Fr-Re indicate the same front-rear direction, and the arrows Le-Ri indicate the same left-right direction.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit (hereinafter, also referred to as “sensor unit”) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a main view of the sensor unit 10. An enlarged front view of the portion, FIG. 3 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIA-IIIA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB of FIG.

The sensor unit 10 is configured as a pair of sensor units arranged on the left and right in front of the vehicle in the vicinity of the front window 2. Since the pair of sensor units are configured in the same manner on the left and right sides, the detailed configuration will be described below only for the sensor unit on the left side, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As will be described later, the sensor unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes a lamp unit and is integrally configured with a vehicle headlight (vehicle lamp) 20.

The sensor unit 10 includes a housing 12 having an opening in the front and a translucent outer cover 14 that closes the opening of the housing 12, and defines the housing 12, the outer cover 14, and the chamber 16. Further, the sensor unit 10 is attached to a space of the vehicle body 4 separated from the vehicle interior.

In the chamber 16, an optical sensor main body 18 that detects the external environment in front of the vehicle 1 via the outer cover 14, a lamp unit 22 that illuminates the front of the vehicle 1 through the outer cover 14, and an optical sensor main body 18 are installed. A light-shielding wall 24 for shielding from light emission of the unit 22, a lamp unit 22, and an extension reflector 26 for blinding members other than the optical sensor main body 18 from the outside are installed.

The optical sensor main body 18 is a sensor that detects the environment outside the vehicle, and is, for example, at least one such as a camera, radar, and LiDAR. Alternatively, it may be a combination of these or a combination with other sensors. The optical sensor main body 18 acquires external information including the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (other vehicles, pedestrians, road shapes, traffic signs, obstacles, etc.) and outputs the information to a vehicle control unit (not shown). It is configured. The data acquired by the optical sensor body 18 is used for controlling the vehicle.

The camera is, for example, a camera including a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor and a lens. The camera may be a camera that detects visible light or a camera that detects infrared light.

The radar is a millimeter wave radar, a microwave radar, a laser radar, or the like.

LiDAR scans ultraviolet, visible or near-infrared pulsed laser light in front of or around it, and based on its emitted light and the corresponding return light (scattered light), the distance to the object, the shape of the object, Acquire information such as the material of the object and the color of the object.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the lamp unit 22 is a headlight lamp unit including, for example, an LED light source 28, a reflector 32, a projection lens 34, and a heat sink 36, and is forward in a predetermined light distribution pattern. Is configured to irradiate.

The optical sensor main body 18 and the lamp unit 22 are connected to a vehicle control unit (not shown) by a cable (not shown), and are configured to operate under the control of the vehicle control unit.

The outer cover 14 is made of a translucent resin and covers the front surface of the optical sensor main body 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 is attached to the body 4 so that the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 is flush with the surface 4a of the vehicle body 4. An elastic member 42 for preventing rattling or the like is interposed between the body 4 and the outer cover 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the outer cover 14 is formed flush with the surface of the front window 2.

Further, the sensor unit 10 includes a wiper mechanism 6 that wipes the surface 14a of the outer cover 14. The wiper mechanism 6 is configured by a window wiper mechanism for cleaning the front window 2.

The wiper mechanism 6 includes two left and

right wipers

66L and 66R, each of which is composed of a set of wiper arms 62 and a wiper blade 64 provided with a wiping rubber, and a wiper drive unit 68 for driving the wiper.

The

wipers

66L and 66R are attached to the wiper mounting recess 7 formed in the lower part of the front window 2. Specifically, the right wiper 66R is attached to the right end of the mounting recess 7, and the left wiper 66L is attached to the center of the mounting recess 7. Mounting recess 7, wiper 66L in the reference position _{P L0,} _{P R0} shown in FIG. 1, stores 66R. Further, the

wipers

66L and 66R are curved along the front window 2 as a whole.

The wiper drive unit 68 includes a link mechanism and a wiper motor (not shown). The wiper drive unit 68 converts the rotational motion of the wiper motor with a link mechanism, and each of the

wiper

66L and 66R is fronted with the connection shaft with the link mechanism as the rotation shaft 67 as shown by the double arrow in FIG. It is configured to rotate (reciprocate arc) on the surface of the window 2.

Further, the front window side stop position of the left wiper 66L P _L1 and the sensor unit side stop position P _L2, and right wiper 66R front window 2 side stop position _{P R1} and the sensor unit side stop position _{P R2} of each diagram 4 (A ) Is set.

Further, the length of the wiper 66, particularly the length of the wiper blade 64, is set so that the region through which the wiper blade 64 passes due to the reciprocating circular arc motion includes at least the detection region of the optical sensor main body 18.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the surface 2a of the front window 2 and the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 of the sensor unit 10 are flush with each other. Further, the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 and the surface 4a of the body 4 are formed flush with each other as shown in FIG.

Further, the surface 4a of the body 4 is formed so as not to protrude from the surface formed by the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 and the surface 2a of the front window 2 within the range in which the wiper 66 moves.

As a result, the wiping rubber of the wiper blade 64 passes through at least the optical sensor detection area of the outer cover 14 and the surface 2a of the front window 2, and the

same wipers

66L and 66R allow the front window 2 and the outer cover of the sensor unit 10 to pass. Is configured to be wiped (wiping).

The operation unit 8 for operating the wiper mechanism 6 is provided in the vehicle interior. The operation unit 8 is, for example, a wiper switch. According to the operation of the operation unit 8 by the driver, the left and

right wipers

66L and 66R can reciprocate in a circular arc between their respective stop positions.

Further, in the sensor unit 10, the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 are vertically separated from each other, and the rotation shaft 67 of the wiper is provided between the front window 2 and the outer cover 14. Thus, by controlling the rotation angle of the wiper 66, as necessary, for example, a round trip window-side stop position _P _{L1, P R1} ~ Sensor end stop position _P _{L2, P R2,} the reference position _P 0 ( It is also possible to switch between the round trips from FIG. 1) to the sensor unit side stop positions _PL2 and _PR2, respectively.

With this configuration, for example, when the optical sensor main body 18 is a camera and the image acquired by the camera can be confirmed on the display provided in the driver's seat, the driver can only check the outer cover 14. When it is recognized that wiping is necessary, it is advantageous because only the necessary part can be wiped.

As described above, by forming the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10 flush with the surface 2a of the front window 2, the surface 14a of the sensor unit 10 is formed by using the wiper mechanism 6 for the front window. It can be wiped off. Here, the wiper mechanism 6 for the front window is obliged to be attached by the current regulations. According to this embodiment, it is possible to remove deposits such as water droplets from the outer cover surface 14a without individually providing a wiper mechanism for an optical sensor, which is an optional additional configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit and, by extension, the vehicle becomes simple. Therefore, the cost of the in-vehicle optical sensor unit and thus the vehicle can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the surface 2a of the front window 2 and the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 are not continuously flush with each other due to the mounting recess 7. Even in such a case, the surface 4a of the body 4 is formed so as not to protrude from the surface formed by the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 and the surface 2a of the front window 2 within the range in which the wiper 66 moves. Moreover, by configuring the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 flush with each other, it is possible to wipe the surfaces of both the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 by one wiper mechanism 6.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10 is for a vehicle by providing the lamp unit 22 in the chamber 16 defined by the housing 12 and the outer cover 14 of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10. It also functions as a lamp 20. Therefore, by wiping the outer cover with the window wiper mechanism, the outer cover of the lamp can be wiped at the same time. Therefore, even if the lamp is not provided with an individual wiper mechanism, the same effect as when an individual wiper mechanism is provided can be obtained.

(Modification example 1)
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10A according to the first modification has substantially the same configuration as the sensor unit 10. However, the difference is that the control is not based only on the operation of the operation unit 8, but is controlled based on the detection result of the optical sensor main body 18.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the sensor unit 10A. The vehicle 1A includes a control unit 5 of the sensor unit 10A. The control unit 5 is composed of an electronic control unit (ECU, Electronic, Control, Unit) for controlling the vehicle 1A. The ECU includes a processor such as a CPU (Central, Processing, Unit) and various vehicle control programs. It is provided with a ROM (Read / Only / Memory) in which grams are stored and a RAM (Random / Access / Memory) in which various vehicle control data are temporarily stored. The processor is configured to expand a program designated from various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM on the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM.

The control unit 5 is connected to the operation unit 8, the wiper mechanism 6, and the optical sensor main body 18.

The operation unit 8 outputs a wiper operation signal in accordance with the operation of the driver. The wiper operation signal is directly input to the wiper drive unit to control the drive of the wiper mechanism 6.

In the normal mode, the wiper mechanism 6 is configured to be able to switch ON-OFF and operating speed according to the operation of the operation unit 8 by the driver.

On the other hand, in the automatic mode, the control unit 5 determines whether or not deposits such as water droplets are attached to the outer cover 14 based on the detection result of the external environment of the optical sensor main body 18A, and based on the result, the control unit 5 determines. The wiper mechanism 6 is configured to be ON-OFF and the operating speed can be changed.

In the first modification, the optical sensor body 18A is an optical sensor that detects deposits on the outer cover. Specifically, at least one of a camera, a radar, a LiDAR, and the like, for example, noise that continuously appears at a distance corresponding to the position of the outer cover from the optical sensor main body 18A is detected as dirt on the outer cover.

In this way, if the optical sensor main body configured to detect dirt on the outer cover is provided and the operation of the wiper mechanism is controlled based on the detection result of the optical sensor main body 18A, the outer cover 14 needs to be cleaned. It is advantageous because it can be performed accurately at the right timing.

(Modification 2)
The in-vehicle optical sensor unit 10B according to the second modification has substantially the same configuration as the sensor unit 10A, but the optical sensor main body 18B includes LiDAR, and the wiper mechanism 6B corresponds to the timing of pulse light emission of the optical sensor main body 18B. It differs in that it is controlled to do so.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the left outer cover 14 in the vehicle 1B provided with the sensor unit 10B, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view in FIG. 6A in the vicinity of the optical sensor main body 18B of the sensor unit 10B. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the VIB-VIB line. As shown in FIG. 6B, the optical sensor main body 18B scans the scanning range S left and right while emitting pulsed laser light at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 6C shows the timing at which the pulsed laser light of the optical sensor body 18B (LiDAR) is emitted (upper stage) and the pulsed laser light at a certain point on the outer cover (for example, the position Q in FIG. 6A). It is a timing diagram which shows the timing (middle stage) of irradiating the outer cover 14 and the timing (lower stage) that the wiper 66L passes through the same position (position Q).

As shown in FIG. 6C, the wiper 66L (wiper mechanism 6B) uses a control unit 5B (not shown) to coordinate the timing with the pulse of the pulsed laser beam of the optical sensor main body 18B, and the wiper 66L is an optical sensor. It is controlled so as not to block the pulsed laser light of the main body 18B.

By driving the wiper mechanism 6B, water droplets and the like on the outer cover are wiped off, but on the other hand, when the pulse laser light is blocked by the wiper 66L, the optical sensor body 18B detects an object in the blocked portion. It is not possible to detect the external environment accurately.

However, as described above, if the timing at which the wiper 66 (66L, 66R) passes over the outer cover 14 is configured to be linked with the emission timing of the pulse laser light of the optical sensor main body which is LiDAR, the pulse laser It is possible to prevent the light from being blocked by the wiper 66 (66L, 66R), and it is possible to reduce an error in detecting the external environment.

Alternatively, as another embodiment of the second modification, the optical sensor unit is configured so that the passage of the wiper can be determined in the detection range of LiDAR on the outer cover, and the operation of the wiper is based on the determination result of the passage of the wiper. In cooperation with the above, the LiDAR detection function may be canceled (stopping emission and reception of pulsed laser light) while passing through the wiper.

(Modification 3)
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 10C according to the third modification has substantially the same configuration as the sensor unit 10, but is different in that it further includes a washer mechanism 70 that injects a cleaning fluid onto the surface of the outer cover in front of the optical sensor main body 18.

FIG. 7 (A) is an enlarged front view of the main part of the sensor unit 10C according to the modified example 3, and FIG. 7 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB of FIG. 7 (A).

The washer mechanism 70 includes a cylinder 72, a rod 73, a nozzle 74, a nozzle cover 75, and a mechanism box 76, and is configured in a pop-up type in which the nozzle 74 appears and disappears. The cylinder 72 is fixed to the bottom wall 78 of the housing 12 by a bracket 77. Further, the rod 73 is supported on the cylinder 72 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the front-rear direction as shown by a double-headed arrow in FIG.

The nozzle 74 and the nozzle cover 75 are provided at the front end of the rod 73, and the nozzle 74 projects forward of the outer cover 14C as the rod 73 moves forward and backward (see FIG. 7B) and an extension of the outer cover surface 14Ca. It is placed at a resting position included in the plane.

The mechanism box 76 contains an actuator for driving the rod 73, a pump for pumping the cleaning fluid, an electric heater for heating the cleaning fluid (all not shown), and the like. Then, when the pump is driven with the nozzle 74 arranged at the injection position, the nozzle 74 is configured to inject the cleaning fluid toward the detection region of the optical sensor main body 18 of the outer cover 14C.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the washer mechanism 70 is connected to the control unit 5C and is controlled by the control unit 5C. The nozzle 74 of the washer mechanism 70 is usually located in a resting position where the nozzle cover 75 is contained within the extension surface of the outer cover surface 14Ca. When the washer mechanism 70 is driven, the nozzle 74 moves to the injection position and injects the cleaning fluid F toward the detection region of the optical sensor main body 18 of the outer cover 14. Then, when the injection is finished, the nozzle 74 quickly retracts and is positioned in the rest position again.

FIG. 8B is a timing diagram of the wiper mechanism 6 and the washer mechanism 70. The washer mechanism 70 is driven in cooperation with the drive of the wiper mechanism 6, and as shown in FIG. 8B, the washer mechanism 70 is driven and the wiper mechanism is driven prior to the start of the drive of the wiper mechanism 6. While 6 is moving on the outer cover, the washer mechanism 70 stops driving so as not to hinder the movement of the wiper 66 on the outer cover.

As described above, since the in-vehicle optical sensor unit is provided with the washer mechanism and is configured to drive the washer mechanism in cooperation with the wiper mechanism, the outer cover 14 of the sensor unit 10C can be accurately cleaned, and the optical sensor can be accurately cleaned. The sensitivity of the main body can be kept good.

Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the figure described below, the wiper shown by the solid line indicates the wiper at the reference position when the wiper is stopped, and the wiper shown by the broken line indicates the wiper at the stop position which is the turning position of the reciprocating arc motion of the wiper.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a front view of the vehicle 101 equipped with the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The sensor unit 110 has substantially the same configuration as the sensor unit 10 according to the first embodiment. However, while the sensor unit 10 includes both the optical sensor body 18 and the lamp unit 22 and is integrally configured with the vehicle headlight, the sensor unit 110 includes the optical sensor body 18 and the lamp unit. The difference is that each of the 22 has a separate housing and an outer cover, and the sensor unit 110 is configured separately from the headlight 120.

However, the outer cover 114 on the 18 side of the optical sensor body and the outer cover 124 on the 22 side of the lamp unit are both configured so that their surfaces are flush with the surface of the front window 2. In this way, even if the sensor unit is not integrally configured with the lamp unit as in the first embodiment, the front window 2 and the outer cover 114 of the sensor unit 110 can be wiped off by the

wipers

66R and 66L. It is not necessary to provide a wiper mechanism dedicated to the sensor unit 110.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a front view of the vehicle 201 equipped with the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The sensor unit 210 shown in practice has the same configuration as the sensor unit 10 except for the left wiper 266L. Specifically, the left wiper 66L of the wiper mechanism 6 is mounted near the center of the mounting recess 7 provided at the lower end of the front window 2, whereas the left wiper 166L has a rotation shaft at the left end of the mounting recess 7. It is installed so that 67 comes. Left wiper 166L is a right wiper 66R in motion in the opposite direction, and the front window 2 side stop position P _L1 of the left end portion of the front window 2, a left sensor unit side stop position P _L2 of the left end portion of the outer cover 14 It is configured to make a reciprocating arc motion between them.

Similar to the sensor unit 10, the sensor unit 210 is also configured so that the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 and the surface 2a of the front window 2 are flush with each other. In this way, even if the left and right wipers are attached to both ends of the attachment recess 7, the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 of the sensor unit 210 can be wiped by the

wipers

266L and 66R.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a front view of a vehicle 301 equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The sensor unit 310 has the same configuration as the sensor unit 10 except for the wipers 366 (366L, 366R). Specifically, in the sensor unit 10, the wiper 66 (66R, 66L) is mounted in the mounting recess 7 provided at the lower part of the front window 2 so that the wiper 66 is substantially parallel to the road surface at the reference position. There is. On the other hand, in the sensor unit 310, the left wiper 266L is the lower left corner of the front window, right wiper 266R is the lower right corner of the front window, on the body 4, the reference position _P _{L0, P R0} each wiper with the windshield pillar 3 It is installed along the window.

Then, as shown by the double arrow in FIG. 11, left wiper 366L is about an axis of rotation 267, the reference position P _L0, reciprocating arc between the sensor unit side stop position P _L2 of the left end portion of the outer cover 14 It is configured to exercise. The same applies to the right wiper 366R. In this way, both the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 of the sensor unit 210 can be wiped by the

wipers

366L and 366R configured as the window wipers.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a front view of a vehicle 401 equipped with an in-vehicle optical sensor unit 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The sensor unit 410 has the same configuration as the sensor unit 10 except for the wiper mechanism 406. Specifically, the sensor unit 10 is integrally formed with a pair of vehicle headlights (vehicle lighting fixtures) 20 provided at the lower part of the front window 2.

On the other hand, the sensor unit 410 includes one wiper 466 having substantially the same configuration as the wiper 66 in the upper center of the front window 2. The wiper 466 is in the reference position P _0, is disposed along schematically on the left pillar. Then, a Migikogaku sensor side stop position P _1, between the left optical sensor side stop position P _2, are reciprocating arc movably configured about an axis of rotation 67. Further, like the sensor unit 10, the sensor unit 410 is also configured such that the surface of the outer cover 14 and the surface of the front window 2 are flush with each other. In this way, the wiper blade 64 is configured so that both the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 can be wiped.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 (A) is a front view of the vehicle 501 equipped with the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit 510 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 (B) is a side view thereof. The vehicle 501 has a hemispherical shape whose front portion projects forward. The sensor unit 510 includes one wiper 566 having substantially the same configuration as the wiper 66 in the lower center of the front window 2.

The wiper 566 is arranged on the left side of the lower part of the front window 2 at the reference position P0 so as to be substantially parallel to the road surface. And Migikogaku sensor side stop position P _1, between the left optical sensor side stop position P _2, are reciprocating arc movably configured about an axis of rotation 67. Further, the sensor unit 510 is also configured so that the surface of the outer cover 14 and the surface of the front window 2 are flush with each other, similarly to the sensor unit 10. In this way, the wiper blade 64 is configured so that both the front window 2 and the outer cover 14 can be wiped.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the front surface of the vehicle does not necessarily have to be hemispherical. For example, a semi-elliptical spherical shape centered on the rotating shaft 67, or the like, at least the right optical sensor side stops with the rotating shaft 67 as the central axis. the position P _1, and rotates between the left optical sensor side stop position P _2, and may have a shape of a rotating body.

[7th Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a front view of the vehicle 601 equipped with the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 610 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The sensor unit 610 has the same configuration as the sensor unit 10 except for the wiper mechanism 606.

Specifically, the wiper mechanism 606 includes two

wipers

666L and 666R having the same configuration as the wiper 66. Left wiper 666L is a reference position P _L0, the lower left portion of the front window 2 is attached such that the road surface substantially parallel. Left wiper 666L is around a rotation axis 667L of the mounting position, reciprocating arc movably configured between the front window 2 side stop position P _L1 and the sensor unit side stop position P _L2, in the reciprocating arc movement, The wiper blade 64 is configured to move on the lower right portion of the front window 2 and on the outer cover 14.

The right wiper 666R is at the reference position P _R0, of the front window 2, the right upper portion, is mounted so that the road surface substantially parallel. Right wiper 666R is around a rotation axis 667R of the mounting position, the reference position P _R0, with the common front window side and the sensor unit side stop position P _R1, reciprocating arc movably configured, the reciprocating In the circular motion, the wiper blade 64 is configured to move on the upper left portion of the front window 2 and on the outer cover 14 of the right sensor unit 610.

Similarly to the sensor unit 10, the sensor unit 610 is also configured so that the outer cover 14 and the surface of the front window 2 are flush with each other. In this way, the wiper blade 64 of the wiper mechanism 606 is configured to be able to wipe both the front window 2 and the outer cover 14.

[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 15A is a rear view of the vehicle 701 equipped with the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 710 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a side view seen from the left side thereof. The sensor unit 10 includes a lamp unit 22 for headlights and an optical sensor main body 18 in a room defined by a housing 12 and an outer cover 14, and is integrally configured with the vehicle headlight 20. On the other hand, the sensor unit 710 is integrated with the rear combination lamp 80, which includes a lamp unit that functions as a brake lamp, a back lamp, etc., and an optical sensor main body 18 in a room defined by the housing and the outer cover 14. It is configured in.

The rear window 9 of the vehicle 701 is made of smooth curved flush glass. A pair of left and right rear combination lamps 80 are arranged below the rear window 9. The surface 14a of the outer cover 14 of the rear combination lamp 80 and the surface 9a of the rear window 9 are flush with each other.

Below the rear combination lamp 80, the center of the vehicle width, a wiper 766 with wiper 66 substantially the same construction, the reference position P _0, so that the road surface substantially parallel, is attached. The wiper 766 is configured to be capable of reciprocating arc motion as shown by a double arrow between the reference position P ₀ and the left sensor unit side stop position P ₁ with the rotation axis 67 as the center. The wiper blade 64 is configured to be able to wipe both the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 and the surface of the rear window 9.

[9th Embodiment]
16 (A) is a rear view of the vehicle 801 equipped with the in-vehicle optical sensor unit 810 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 (B) is a side view seen from the left. is there. Similar to the sensor unit 710, the sensor unit 810 includes a pair of left and right lighting equipment units that function as brake lamps, back lamps, etc., and an optical sensor main body 18 in a room defined by a housing and an outer cover 14. It is integrally configured with the rear combination lamp 880.

In the vehicle 701, the rear combination lamp 80 is arranged at the lower part of the rear window, whereas the rear combination lamp 880 is arranged at the rear pillars arranged on both sides of the rear window 9.

Below the rear window 9, the center of the vehicle width, a wiper 866 with wiper 66 substantially the same construction, the reference position P _0, is attached in a state of inclined slightly upward from the road surface and a straight line parallel ..

The rear window 9 is made of flush glass that curves smoothly. The wiper 866 is curved along the rear window 9, and the surface 14a of the outer cover 14 of the rear combination lamp 880 and the surface 9a of the rear window 9 are flush with each other.

Below the rear window 9, the center of the vehicle width, a wiper 866 with wiper 66 substantially the same construction, the reference position P _0, is attached in a state of inclined slightly upward from the road surface and a straight line parallel .. The wiper 866, around the rotating shaft 67, and right sensor side stop position P _1, between the left sensor side stop position P _2, as indicated by double-headed arrow, is reciprocating arc movably configured. Then, in the reciprocating circular motion, the wiper blade 64 is configured to be able to wipe both the surface a of the outer cover 14 and the surface of the rear window 9.

As described in the first embodiment, when the surface of the vehicle window and the surface of the outer cover are flush with each other, the surface of the vehicle window and the surface of the outer cover do not necessarily have to be continuous, and the wiper blade The body surface, the vehicle window surface, and the outer cover surface in the passage region of the vehicle may not protrude from the flush surface formed by the vehicle window surface and the outer cover surface, and may be discontinuous. Further, these two surfaces may be a flat surface or a curved surface. Further, the state where these two surfaces are flush with each other does not require that they are completely flush with each other, and includes an error (step) to the extent that a wiped surface can be formed by using the same wiper. You may be.

Further, in the in-vehicle optical sensor unit arranged near the front window according to the above-described first to seventh embodiments, the in-vehicle optical sensor unit and the wiper are arranged in the vicinity of the rear window by applying the in-vehicle optical sensor unit arranged in the vicinity of the rear window. Can be done. Further, the arrangement of the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit and the wiper in the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit arranged near the rear window according to the eighth and ninth embodiments is applied to the vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit arranged near the front window. be able to.

Further, the above-described

embodiments

1, 3 to 9 describe an example in which the in-vehicle optical sensor unit is provided with a lamp unit in a room defined by the housing and the outer cover, and is integrally configured with the vehicle lamp. However, as shown in the second embodiment, it goes without saying that it is not always necessary to integrally configure the vehicle lamp and the lamp. ,

Further, in the above-described first to ninth embodiments, the housings of the sensor units are all attached so as not to be exposed to the passenger compartment of the vehicle body, that is, in a space separated from the passenger compartment. The housing of the sensor unit may be arranged near the vehicle window and does not necessarily have to be outside the vehicle interior, but the space of the vehicle interior is maintained by arranging the sensor unit in a space separated from the vehicle interior. It is advantageous because it can be done.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are examples of the present invention, and these can be combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such embodiments are also the present invention. Is included in the range of.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-127954, which is a Japanese patent application filed on July 9, 2019, and is a Japanese patent application, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-127954. The entire contents of the issue will be incorporated into this international application.

The above description of the specific embodiment of the present invention is presented for the purpose of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention in its entirety. It is self-evident to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and changes are possible in the light of the above description.

2 Front window (vehicle window)

2a Surface

6,6B, 406,

Wiper mechanism

10,10A, 10B, 10C, 110,210,310,410,510 In-vehicle optical sensor unit 12

Housing

14, 14C, 114 Outer cover 14a, 14Ca Outer cover surface 16

chambers

18, 18A , 18B Optical sensor body 22 Lighting unit 66 (66L, 66R), 166 (166L), 266 (266L, 266R), 366 (366L, 366R), 466,566,666 (666L, 666R), 766,866 Wiper 67 , 267 Rotating shaft 68 Wiper drive 70 Washer mechanism

Claims

An in-vehicle optical sensor unit located near the vehicle window.
A wiper mechanism including at least one optical sensor main body for detecting the environment outside the vehicle, an outer cover covering the front surface of the optical sensor main body, a wiper for wiping the surface of the outer cover, and a drive unit for rotationally driving the wiper is provided. ,
The surface of the outer cover is formed flush with the surface of the vehicle window.
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit, wherein the wiper mechanism is configured by the window wiper mechanism for the vehicle window.
Further provided with a housing for accommodating the optical sensor body,
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein a lamp unit is provided in a room defined by the housing and the outer cover.
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is mounted in a space separated from the vehicle interior of the vehicle body.
The vehicle window and the outer cover are vertically separated from each other, and a rotation shaft of the wiper is provided between the vehicle window and the outer cover. The in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to any one of 3.
The vehicle window and the outer cover are vertically separated from each other, and a rotation shaft of the wiper mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the outer cover with respect to the vehicle window. The in-vehicle optical sensor unit according to any one of Items 1 to 3.
The optical sensor body includes a sensor that detects dirt on the outer cover.
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation of the wiper mechanism is controlled based on the detection result of the optical sensor main body.
The optical sensor body includes a lidar that detects the distance to the object and the properties of the object by irradiating the object with pulsed laser light and measuring the scattered light.
The vehicle-mounted optical sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation of the wiper mechanism is linked with a pulse of a pulse laser beam of the optical sensor main body.
The vehicle window and the outer cover are each provided with a washer mechanism, and the wiper mechanism is controlled to operate in cooperation with the operation of the washer mechanism, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The in-vehicle optical sensor unit described in the window.