WO2024048502A1 - Rain sensor - Google Patents

Rain sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024048502A1
WO2024048502A1 PCT/JP2023/030909 JP2023030909W WO2024048502A1 WO 2024048502 A1 WO2024048502 A1 WO 2024048502A1 JP 2023030909 W JP2023030909 W JP 2023030909W WO 2024048502 A1 WO2024048502 A1 WO 2024048502A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
windshield
bracket
sensor
light
transparent member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/030909
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
晃平 安藤
Original Assignee
株式会社デンソー
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社デンソー filed Critical 株式会社デンソー
Publication of WO2024048502A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024048502A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
    • B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a rain sensor.
  • Patent Document 1 a rain sensor has been proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1, which is fixed to the inner surface of a vehicle windshield and detects raindrops adhering to a raindrop detection area on the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light.
  • the rain sensor is attached to a bracket fixed to the inner surface of the windshield.
  • a cover that has the appearance of a rain sensor houses the spring member and the sensor section. Further, the spring member is sandwiched between the cover and the sensor section.
  • a shielding layer is provided on the inner surface of the windshield in order to ensure a good design when looking at the windshield from the outside of the vehicle.
  • the shielding layer has an opening through which a portion of the plate passes.
  • a bracket is fixed on top of the shielding layer.
  • the rain sensor includes an elastically deformable resin sheet that is slightly larger than the planar size of the opening of the shielding layer.
  • the center portion of the sheet is placed in the opening of the shielding layer, and the outer edge of the sheet is placed at the edge of the opening. The sheet is then pressed against the inner surface of the windshield by the sensor section that receives the spring load of the spring member.
  • a step is formed between the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer. Therefore, even if the sheet is elastically deformed, it is difficult for the sheet to reach the corner of the step. Therefore, air bubbles are left at the corners of the step.
  • Air bubbles reduce the detectability of a rain sensor that detects raindrops based on the intensity of light. Additionally, since the sheet cannot cover the entire space of the opening in the shielding layer, the boundary between the portion of the sheet that contacts the inner surface of the windshield and the portion that does not come into contact with it looks like a crack in the windshield. Put it away. For this reason, the design of the windshield deteriorates.
  • the rain sensor is disposed on the inner surface side of the windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield.
  • the rain sensor includes a transparent member, a plate part, a bracket, a sensor part, and a cover.
  • the transparent member is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled in the opening of the shielding layer, which has an opening partially penetrated, without any gaps.
  • the plate part is arranged on the shielding layer and the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent.
  • the bracket has a hook and is placed on the plate.
  • the sensor section emits measurement light toward the windshield through the plate section and the transparent member, receives the reflected light reflected from the outer surface of the windshield via the transparent member and the plate section, and adjusts the intensity of the reflected light. Based on this information, it is detected that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield.
  • the cover is container-shaped and houses the spring member and the sensor section, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook of the bracket, the sensor section is pressed against the plate section and fixed to the bracket.
  • the rain sensor is disposed on the inner surface side of the windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield.
  • the rain sensor includes a transparent member, a plate part, a bracket, a sensor part, and a cover.
  • the transparent member is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled without any gaps in the opening of the shielding layer, which has an opening that partially passes through it.
  • the plate part is arranged at least on the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent.
  • the bracket has a hook and is placed on the shielding layer.
  • the sensor section emits measurement light toward the windshield through the plate section and the transparent member, receives the reflected light reflected from the outer surface of the windshield via the transparent member and the plate section, and adjusts the intensity of the reflected light. Based on this information, it is detected that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield.
  • the cover is in the shape of a container with a spring member, and houses the spring member and the sensor part.
  • the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is pressed against the plate part and fixed to the bracket. be done.
  • the opening of the shielding layer is filled with the transparent material without any gaps, it is necessary to prevent air bubbles from remaining at the corner of the step formed by the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer. Can be done. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to forcefully press the transparent member against the inner surface of the windshield, a high spring load for fixing the cover to the bracket is not required. Therefore, the bracket can be made difficult to come off from the installation surface. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles at the corners of the step formed by the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one side of the rain sensor according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the windshield, shielding layer, transparent member, plate part, and bracket shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the mounting surface of the board
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing how the rain sensor is attached to the bracket.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing how light enters a light receiving element for solar radiation detection.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a plate part and a bracket according to the second embodiment
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a modification of the bracket according to the second embodiment.
  • the rain sensor according to this embodiment is a device that is disposed on the inner surface of a windshield of a vehicle and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield. Further, the rain sensor detects the amount of solar radiation around the vehicle.
  • a shielding layer 120 is provided on the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100.
  • Shielding layer 120 is a black ceramic layer.
  • the shielding layer 120 is formed by, for example, printing and baking black ink on the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100.
  • the thickness of the windshield 100 is, for example, 2 mm to 5 mm.
  • the thickness of the shielding layer 120 is, for example, 0.03 mm.
  • the shielding layer 120 has an opening 121 that partially passes through it.
  • the opening 121 is formed in the shielding layer 120 in the shape of a window. That is, the shielding layer 120 is formed into a frame shape.
  • the planar shape of the opening 121 is, for example, a quadrilateral. Of course, the planar shape of the opening 121 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be any other shape.
  • the detection area of the rain sensor 200 is set to the size of the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120.
  • the rain sensor 200 includes a transparent member 210, a plate portion 220, a bracket 230, a sensor portion 240, and a cover 260.
  • the transparent member 210 is a component that is filled into the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 without any gaps. As a result, no air bubbles are present at the corners of the step 122 formed by the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120.
  • the transparent member 210 is, for example, a gel-like soft resin member.
  • the transparent member 210 is made of silicone, for example.
  • the plate portion 220 is a plate-shaped component on which the rain sensor 200 is installed.
  • the plate part 220 is disposed on the shielding layer 120 and the transparent member 210. That is, the plate portion 220 covers the entire transparent member 210.
  • the plate portion 220 is fixed to the shielding layer 120 with an adhesive 221.
  • the thickness of the plate portion 220 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The thinner the plate portion 220 is, the better.
  • the planar shape of the plate portion 220 may be any shape as long as it can cover the entire transparent member 210.
  • the planar shape of the plate portion 220 is, for example, a quadrilateral like the opening portion 121.
  • the planar shape of the plate portion 220 may be other shapes.
  • the plate portion 220 is transparent to allow light to pass through. Further, the plate portion 220 is made of resin. The plate portion 220 preferably has a refractive index close to that of the windshield 100. In this embodiment, the plate portion 220 is an acrylic plate. The refractive index of the windshield 100 is 1.5, and the refractive index of the acrylic plate is 1.49.
  • the plate portion 220 may be made of polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main component, in addition to acrylic.
  • main component means the component with the highest mass ratio.
  • Polycarbonate has a refractive index of 1.57
  • polyvinyl chloride has a refractive index of 1.52.
  • the plate portion 220 may be made of the same material as the windshield 100. That is, a glass plate may be used as the plate portion 220.
  • the bracket 230 is a component for supporting the rain sensor 200.
  • the bracket 230 has a hook portion 231 and a window portion 232.
  • the hook portion 231 is a portion for hooking the cover 260.
  • the hook portion 231 has, for example, a shape that extends along the plate surface of the plate portion 220. Note that the shape of the hook portion 231 may be any shape as long as the cover 260 is hooked thereon, and any shape may be used as long as it is curved like a hook.
  • the window portion 232 is an opening portion through which a portion of the bracket 230 passes.
  • the window portion 232 is a portion where a part of the sensor portion 240 is arranged.
  • the planar size of the window portion 232 is, for example, larger than the opening portion 121 of the shielding layer 120.
  • the bracket 230 is, for example, a metal plate pressed into a predetermined shape. Bracket 230 is constructed as one piece. Bracket 230 is placed on plate portion 220. Bracket 230 is fixed to plate portion 220 with adhesive 233. That is, the surface of the plate portion 220 to which the bracket 230 is fixed becomes the installation surface of the bracket 230.
  • the thickness of the adhesive 233 is, for example, 0.57 mm.
  • bracket 230 may be divided into multiple parts. Moreover, the bracket 230 is not limited to metal, and may be made of resin.
  • the sensor unit 240 has a raindrop detection function that detects raindrops, a solar radiation detection function that detects sunlight on the vehicle, and a light detection function that detects the illuminance around the vehicle in order to turn on and off the vehicle lights.
  • the sensor section 240 includes a substrate 241, a lens 242, and a resin sheet 243.
  • the board 241 is, for example, a printed circuit board.
  • the mounting surface 244 of the substrate 241 includes light emitting elements 245a, 245b and a first light receiving element 246 for detecting raindrops, a second light receiving element 247 and a third light receiving element 248 for detecting sunlight, and a fourth light receiving element 249 for detecting light. and a fifth light receiving element 250 are mounted.
  • the two light emitting elements 245a and 245b are light emitting devices that emit measurement light for detecting raindrops adhering to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100.
  • the light emitting elements 245a and 245b are configured as semiconductor chips, for example.
  • the light emitting elements 245a and 245b include a light emitting diode that emits light toward the windshield 100, and a drive circuit (not shown) that drives the light emitting diode.
  • a light emitting diode is a point light source.
  • the drive circuit performs PWM control on the light emitting diode, for example. That is, the drive circuit causes the light emitting diode to blink based on the pulse signal.
  • the light emitting diode may be driven with a constant voltage.
  • one light emitting element 245a, 245b may be provided. Further, the light emitting elements 245a and 245b may be composed of only light emitting diodes, and the driving circuit may be provided separately.
  • the first light receiving element 246 for detecting raindrops is a light receiving device that receives reflected light reflected from the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100.
  • the light receiving elements 247 and 248 for solar radiation detection are light receiving devices that receive sunlight that enters the windshield 100 in a predetermined elevation angle range.
  • the light receiving elements 249 and 250 for light detection are light receiving devices that receive ambient light corresponding to ambient illuminance.
  • Each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 is configured as a semiconductor chip, for example.
  • Each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 includes a photodiode that detects the received light, and a processing circuit (not shown) that amplifies a signal depending on the intensity of the light detected by the photodiode. Note that each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 may be composed of only a photodiode, and the processing circuit may be provided separately.
  • a connector 251 and electronic components are mounted on the board 241.
  • the connector 251 is a resin connection component to which a wiring connector (not shown) is connected. Examples of electronic components include IC chips, resistive elements, chip capacitors, and the like.
  • the board 241 is housed in the cover 260 so that the mounting surface 244 side faces the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100.
  • the lens 242 guides the measurement light from the light emitting elements 245a and 245b to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100, and guides the reflected light reflected by the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 to the first light receiving element 246. Further, the lens 242 guides light from outside the vehicle to each of the light receiving elements 247 to 250, respectively.
  • the lens 242 is, for example, a resin molded product. Lens 242 is housed in cover 260.
  • the resin sheet 243 is a buffer component to prevent the lens 242 from coming into direct contact with the plate portion 220. Therefore, the resin sheet 243 is sandwiched between the lens 242 and the plate portion 220.
  • the resin sheet 243 is, for example, a silicone sheet.
  • the resin sheet 243 contains oil to improve sliding on the plate portion 220.
  • the thickness of the resin sheet 243 is, for example, 2.2 mm.
  • the cover 260 is a housing component of the rain sensor 200.
  • the cover 260 is, for example, a resin molded product.
  • the cover 260 is shaped like a container and has a bottom 261 . As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 260 accommodates the sensor section 240 and the spring member 262 with the spring member 262 sandwiched between the bottom section 261 and the sensor section 240.
  • the spring member 262 is a component that generates a spring load for pushing the sensor section 240 toward the windshield 100 by being crushed inside the cover 260.
  • the spring member 262 is, for example, a plate spring.
  • the spring member 262 is not limited to a plate spring, and may have any shape as long as it can generate a restoring force by being pinched. In FIG. 4, the spring member 262 is drawn apart from the sensor section 240, but the spring member 262 presses the sensor section 240 against the plate section 220 at a location not shown.
  • the cover 260 has a stopper 263.
  • the stopper 263 is a component for generating a spring load on the spring member 262 and for hooking the cover 260 on the hook portion 231 of the bracket 230.
  • the stopper 263 is inserted into the cover 260 along the plate surface of the plate portion 220 and is hooked on the hook portion 231 of the bracket 230.
  • the cover 260 sinks into the plate portion 220 side.
  • the spring member 262 is crushed, and a spring load based on the restoring force is generated.
  • the spring member 262 applies a spring load to the sensor section 240. That is, the spring member 262 pushes the cover 260 in a direction away from the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and also presses the sensor section 240 toward the plate section 220 side. Thereby, the cover 260 and the sensor section 240 are fixed to the plate section 220.
  • the sensor section 240 irradiates measurement light from the light emitting elements 245a and 245b toward the windshield 100 via the plate section 220 and the transparent member 210.
  • the first light receiving element 246 receives the reflected light reflected by the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 via the transparent member 210 and the plate portion 220.
  • the sensor unit 240 detects that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 based on the intensity of the reflected light.
  • the sensor unit 240 determines the presence or absence of raindrops and outputs the determination result to an external device.
  • the external device controls the operation of the wiper of the vehicle based on the determination result.
  • Each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 for solar radiation detection has different azimuth characteristics of solar radiation. That is, each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 has a different output with respect to the azimuth angle. Therefore, a difference occurs between the outputs of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 at a specific azimuth angle. Therefore, the sensor unit 240 receives sunlight that enters the windshield 100 in a predetermined elevation angle range with each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248, and obtains the difference value between the outputs of each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 as the intensity of the sunlight. do. Further, the sensor unit 240 detects the amount of solar radiation based on the difference value.
  • the sensor unit 240 outputs a signal containing information on the amount of solar radiation to an external device.
  • the external device controls the air conditioning of the vehicle interior, such as the amount of air blown from the air conditioner and the interior temperature, based on the amount of solar radiation.
  • the fourth light receiving element 249 for lights has a light directional characteristic set so that the intensity of light incident from above the vehicle is highest.
  • the light directivity characteristic of the fifth light receiving element 250 is set so that the intensity of light incident from the front of the vehicle is the highest.
  • the sensor unit 240 receives ambient light incident on the windshield 100 with each of the light receiving elements 249 and 250, and detects ambient illuminance based on the intensity of the ambient light.
  • the sensor unit 240 determines whether the vehicle lights are turned on or off based on the illuminance.
  • the sensor unit 240 outputs the determination result of whether the light is on or off to an external device.
  • the external device turns on or off the light based on the determination result of whether the light is on or off.
  • the transparent member 210 is filled in the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 without any gaps. Therefore, no air bubbles remain at the corners of the step 122 formed by the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120. Furthermore, it is not necessary to forcefully press the transparent member 210 against the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 in order to prevent air bubbles from remaining. Therefore, when fixing the cover 260 to the bracket 230, the spring load can be reduced.
  • the spring load of the spring member 262 can be reduced to approximately half that of the case where the plate portion 220 is not used. Since the spring load is reduced, the stopper 263 can be easily inserted into and removed from the bracket 230. That is, the rain sensor 200 can be easily attached to the bracket 230, and can be easily removed. In other words, the rain sensor 200 can be installed with a light force.
  • bracket 230 is less likely to be pulled in a direction away from the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100, the bracket 230 is less likely to come off from the plate portion 220. Therefore, the influence of air bubbles at the corners of the step 122 formed between the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 can be reduced.
  • the plate portion 220 As an effect of adopting the plate portion 220, there is no need to embed the shielding layer 120 in the windshield 100. It is clearly easier to install the plate 220 in the windshield 100 than to embed the shielding layer 120 in the windshield 100. Further, the windshield 100 becomes thicker by the thickness of the shielding layer 120. Therefore, by using the plate portion 220, the rain sensor 200 can be installed on the windshield 100 without increasing the thickness of the windshield 100.
  • the sensor section 240 has a solar radiation detection function and a light detection function. As shown in FIG. 6, even if the plate portion 220 is disposed on the shielding layer 120, the optical path of light entering the lens 242 from outside the vehicle via the windshield 100 is not obstructed. That is, the presence of the plate portion 220 does not affect the detection range of light incident from the outside. Therefore, the solar radiation detection range and the light detection range will not become narrower.
  • the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 may have a notch shape or a slit shape instead of a frame shape.
  • the transparent member 210 only needs to fill the space corresponding to the opening 121 without any gaps.
  • the resin sheet 243 may not contain oil. Oil is used to improve the slippage of the resin sheet 243, but since the resin sheet 243 is not directly disposed in the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120, it is not necessary to improve the slippage of the resin sheet 243 with respect to the shielding layer 120.
  • the rain sensor 200 includes a plate portion 234 and a bracket 230. Note that in FIG. 7, the sensor section 240 and cover 260 of the rain sensor 200 are omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the plate portion 234 is formed to fill the entire window portion 232 of the bracket 230.
  • the plate portion 234 is formed to a size that covers at least the entire transparent member 210.
  • the plate portion 234 is made of the same material as the plate portion 220.
  • the plate portion 234 is disposed in the window portion 232 of the bracket 230, and is integrated into the bracket 230 by adhesive, press-fitting, or the like.
  • the bracket 230 is placed on the shielding layer 120. Bracket 230 is secured to shielding layer 120 with adhesive 235. That is, the surface of the shielding layer 120 to which the bracket 230 is fixed becomes the installation surface of the bracket 230.
  • the plate portion 234 covers the entire transparent member 210.
  • the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 have, for example, the same thickness. Note that the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the plate portion 234 may be greater than the thickness of the bracket 230.
  • the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 can be integrated.
  • the rain sensor 200 can be placed closer to the windshield 100 than in the first embodiment.
  • the bracket 230 can be made difficult to come off from the shielding layer 120.
  • the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 may not be integrated. That is, although the plate portion 234 is arranged in the window portion 232 of the bracket 230, it does not need to be in contact with the bracket 230. In this case, the plate portion 234 is fixed to the shielding layer 120 with an adhesive.
  • the bracket 230 may be integrally formed with the plate portion 234.
  • the bracket 230 is made of resin and is transparent.
  • the bracket 230 can be configured to also serve as the plate portion 234.
  • FIG. 9 corresponds to a cross section taken along the cross-sectional line shown in FIG.
  • the sensor unit 240 does not need to have all of the raindrop detection function, solar radiation detection function, and light detection function.
  • the sensor unit 240 may have only a raindrop detection function, a raindrop detection function and a solar radiation detection function, or a raindrop detection function and a light detection function.
  • a rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield (100), a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled in the opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121); a transparent plate part (220) made of resin and disposed on the shielding layer and the transparent member; a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the plate part; Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light; It is shaped like a container having a spring member (262), and houses the spring member and
  • a rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield, a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled into an opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121); a plate portion (234) that is disposed on at least the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent; a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the shielding layer; Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light; It is shaped like a container having
  • a cover (260) that is pressed against the bracket and fixed to the bracket; Including rain sensor.
  • the rain sensor according to item 2 wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrated.
  • the bracket has a window (232), The rain sensor according to item 2 or 3, wherein the plate portion is arranged in the window portion of the bracket.
  • the bracket is made of resin and transparent, The rain sensor according to item 2, wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrally molded.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
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  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

This rain sensor includes: a transparent member (210) that is filled, without a gap, into an opening (121) of a shield layer (120) that is provided on the inner surface of a windshield and partially penetrated to form the opening; a transparent plate part (220) made of resin and disposed on the shield layer and the transparent member; a bracket (230) disposed on the plate part and having a hook (231); a sensor unit (240) that emits measurement light toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and receives, through the transparent member and the plate part, reflected light reflected at the outer surface of the windshield so as to detect rain drops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield, on the basis of the intensity of the reflected light; and a cover (260) that is in the form of a container having a spring member (262), that accommodates the spring member and the sensor unit, and that presses the sensor unit against the plate part and is fixed to the bracket, due to the spring member being compressed in a state in which the spring member is hooked onto the hook of the bracket.

Description

レインセンサrain sensor 関連出願の相互参照Cross-reference of related applications
　本出願は、２０２２年９月２日に出願された日本特許出願２０２２－１３９７６８号に基づくもので、ここにその記載内容を援用する。 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-139768 filed on September 2, 2022, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein.
　本開示は、レインセンサに関する。 The present disclosure relates to a rain sensor.
　従来、車両のウィンドシールドの内面に固定されると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面のうちの雨滴検出領域に付着する雨滴を光の強度に基づいて検出するレインセンサが、例えば特許文献１で提案されている。 Conventionally, a rain sensor has been proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1, which is fixed to the inner surface of a vehicle windshield and detects raindrops adhering to a raindrop detection area on the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light. .
特開２０２０－１５９９４３号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-159943
　レインセンサは、ウィンドシールドの内面に固定されたブラケットに取り付けられる。具体的には、レインセンサの外観をなすカバーがバネ部材及びセンサ部を収容している。また、バネ部材はカバーとセンサ部とで挟まれている。 The rain sensor is attached to a bracket fixed to the inner surface of the windshield. Specifically, a cover that has the appearance of a rain sensor houses the spring member and the sensor section. Further, the spring member is sandwiched between the cover and the sensor section.
　そして、カバーがブラケットに引っ掛けられることで、カバーはウィンドシールドの内面から離れる方向に移動できなくなる。また、カバーに収容されたバネ部材がつぶされる。バネ部材は、センサ部をウィンドシールドの内面の側に押すと共に、カバーをウィンドシールドの内面から離れる方向に引っ張る。これにより、カバーはブラケットに固定される。 Then, because the cover is hooked to the bracket, the cover cannot be moved away from the inner surface of the windshield. Further, the spring member housed in the cover is crushed. The spring member pushes the sensor portion toward the inner surface of the windshield and pulls the cover away from the inner surface of the windshield. This fixes the cover to the bracket.
　ここで、車両の外部からウィンドシールドを見たときの意匠性を確保するために、遮蔽層がウィンドシールドの内面に設けられる。遮蔽層は、板の一部が貫通した開口部を有する。ブラケットは、遮蔽層の上に固定される。 Here, a shielding layer is provided on the inner surface of the windshield in order to ensure a good design when looking at the windshield from the outside of the vehicle. The shielding layer has an opening through which a portion of the plate passes. A bracket is fixed on top of the shielding layer.
　また、レインセンサは、遮蔽層の開口部の平面サイズよりも若干大きいサイズの弾性変形可能な樹脂製のシートを有する。意匠性を確保するために、シートの中央部が遮蔽層の開口部に配置されると共に、シートの外縁部が開口部の縁に配置される。そして、シートは、バネ部材のバネ荷重を受けたセンサ部によってウィンドシールドの内面の側に押し付けられる。 Further, the rain sensor includes an elastically deformable resin sheet that is slightly larger than the planar size of the opening of the shielding layer. In order to ensure the design, the center portion of the sheet is placed in the opening of the shielding layer, and the outer edge of the sheet is placed at the edge of the opening. The sheet is then pressed against the inner surface of the windshield by the sensor section that receives the spring load of the spring member.
　しかし、ウィンドシールドの内面と遮蔽層の開口部とで段差が構成されている。このため、シートが弾性変形したとしても、段差の角部にシートが届きにくい。よって、気泡が段差の角部に残されてしまう。 However, a step is formed between the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer. Therefore, even if the sheet is elastically deformed, it is difficult for the sheet to reach the corner of the step. Therefore, air bubbles are left at the corners of the step.
　気泡は、光の強度に基づいて雨滴を検出するレインセンサの検出性を低下させてしまう。また、シートは遮蔽層の開口部の空間全体を覆うことができないので、シートのうちのウィンドシールドの内面に接触する部分と接触していない部分との境界がウィンドシールドのひび割れのように見えてしまう。このため、ウィンドシールドの意匠性が低下してしまう。 Air bubbles reduce the detectability of a rain sensor that detects raindrops based on the intensity of light. Additionally, since the sheet cannot cover the entire space of the opening in the shielding layer, the boundary between the portion of the sheet that contacts the inner surface of the windshield and the portion that does not come into contact with it looks like a crack in the windshield. Put it away. For this reason, the design of the windshield deteriorates.
　検出性及び意匠性の対策として、より高いバネ荷重でシートをウィンドシールドの内面の側に押さえつけることで、気泡の残存を抑制することが考えられる。ところが、バネ荷重が大きいほど、カバーがブラケットを遮蔽層から離れる方向に引っ張る力が強くなる。このため、ブラケットが遮蔽層から外れてしまう可能性がある。よって、高いバネ荷重を掛けることは難しい。 As a measure for detectability and design, it is possible to suppress the remaining air bubbles by pressing the sheet against the inner surface of the windshield with a higher spring load. However, the greater the spring load, the stronger the force with which the cover pulls the bracket away from the shielding layer. Therefore, there is a possibility that the bracket will come off the shielding layer. Therefore, it is difficult to apply a high spring load.
　本開示は上記点に鑑み、ウィンドシールドの内面と遮蔽層の開口部とで構成される段差の角部の気泡の発生を抑えることができるレインセンサを提供することを目的とする。 In view of the above points, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a rain sensor that can suppress the generation of bubbles at the corners of the step formed by the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer.
　本開示の第１態様によると、レインセンサは、ウィンドシールドの内面の側に配置されると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面に付着する雨滴を検出する。 According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the rain sensor is disposed on the inner surface side of the windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield.
　レインセンサは、透明部材、板部、ブラケット、センサ部、及びカバーを含む。 The rain sensor includes a transparent member, a plate part, a bracket, a sensor part, and a cover.
　透明部材は、ウィンドシールドの内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部を有する遮蔽層の開口部に隙間無く充填される。板部は、遮蔽層及び透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である。ブラケットは、引っ掛け部を有し、板部の上に配置される。 The transparent member is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled in the opening of the shielding layer, which has an opening partially penetrated, without any gaps. The plate part is arranged on the shielding layer and the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent. The bracket has a hook and is placed on the plate.
　センサ部は、板部及び透明部材を介してウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面で反射した反射光を透明部材及び板部を介して受光し、反射光の強度に基づいてウィンドシールドの外面に雨滴が付着したことを検知する。 The sensor section emits measurement light toward the windshield through the plate section and the transparent member, receives the reflected light reflected from the outer surface of the windshield via the transparent member and the plate section, and adjusts the intensity of the reflected light. Based on this information, it is detected that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield.
　カバーは、容器状であり、バネ部材とセンサ部とを収容し、ブラケットの引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態でバネ部材がつぶされることにより、センサ部を板部に押し付けると共にブラケットに固定される。 The cover is container-shaped and houses the spring member and the sensor section, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook of the bracket, the sensor section is pressed against the plate section and fixed to the bracket.
　本開示の第２態様によると、レインセンサは、ウィンドシールドの内面の側に配置されると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面に付着する雨滴を検出する。 According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the rain sensor is disposed on the inner surface side of the windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield.
　レインセンサは、透明部材、板部、ブラケット、センサ部、及びカバーを含む。 The rain sensor includes a transparent member, a plate part, a bracket, a sensor part, and a cover.
　透明部材は、ウィンドシールドの内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部を有する遮蔽層の開口部に隙間無く充填される。板部は、少なくとも透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である。ブラケットは、引っ掛け部を有し、遮蔽層の上に配置される。 The transparent member is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled without any gaps in the opening of the shielding layer, which has an opening that partially passes through it. The plate part is arranged at least on the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent. The bracket has a hook and is placed on the shielding layer.
　センサ部は、板部及び透明部材を介してウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面で反射した反射光を透明部材及び板部を介して受光し、反射光の強度に基づいてウィンドシールドの外面に雨滴が付着したことを検知する。 The sensor section emits measurement light toward the windshield through the plate section and the transparent member, receives the reflected light reflected from the outer surface of the windshield via the transparent member and the plate section, and adjusts the intensity of the reflected light. Based on this information, it is detected that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield.
　カバーは、バネ部材を有する容器状であり、バネ部材とセンサ部とを収容し、ブラケットの引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態でバネ部材がつぶされることにより、センサ部を板部に押し付けると共にブラケットに固定される。 The cover is in the shape of a container with a spring member, and houses the spring member and the sensor part. When the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is pressed against the plate part and fixed to the bracket. be done.
　これによると、遮蔽層の開口部には透明部材が隙間無く充填されているので、ウィンドシールドの内面と遮蔽層の開口部とで構成される段差の角部に気泡を残存させないようにすることができる。また、透明部材をウィンドシールドの内面に強く押し付ける必要がないので、カバーをブラケットに固定するための高いバネ荷重が不要になる。このため、ブラケットを設置面から外れにくくすることができる。したがって、ウィンドシールドの内面と遮蔽層の開口部とで構成される段差の角部の気泡の発生を抑えることができる。 According to this, since the opening of the shielding layer is filled with the transparent material without any gaps, it is necessary to prevent air bubbles from remaining at the corner of the step formed by the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer. Can be done. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to forcefully press the transparent member against the inner surface of the windshield, a high spring load for fixing the cover to the bracket is not required. Therefore, the bracket can be made difficult to come off from the installation surface. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles at the corners of the step formed by the inner surface of the windshield and the opening of the shielding layer.
　本開示についての上記及び他の目的、特徴や利点は、添付図面を参照した下記詳細な説明から、より明確になる。添付図面において、
図１は、第１実施形態に係るレインセンサの一側面を示した一部断面図であり、 図２は、図１に示されたウィンドシールド、遮蔽層、透明部材、板部、及びブラケットを示した平面図であり、 図３は、基板の実装面を示した平面図であり、 図４は、図１のIV－IV断面図であり、 図５は、レインセンサをブラケットに取り付ける様子を示した一部断面図であり、 図６は、日射検出用の受光素子に光が入る様子を示した断面図であり、 図７は、第２実施形態に係る板部及びブラケットを示した平面図であり、 図８は、図７のVIII－VIII断面図であり、 図９は、第２実施形態に係るブラケットの変形例を示した断面図である。 The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings,
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one side of the rain sensor according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the windshield, shielding layer, transparent member, plate part, and bracket shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the mounting surface of the board, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing how the rain sensor is attached to the bracket. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing how light enters a light receiving element for solar radiation detection. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a plate part and a bracket according to the second embodiment, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a modification of the bracket according to the second embodiment.
　以下に、図面を参照しながら本開示を実施するための複数の形態を説明する。各実施形態において先行する実施形態で説明した事項に対応する部分には同一の参照符号を付して重複する説明を省略する場合がある。各実施形態において構成の一部のみを説明している場合は、構成の他の部分については先行して説明した他の実施形態を適用することができる。各実施形態で具体的に組合せが可能であることを明示している部分同士の組合せばかりではなく、特に組合せに支障が生じなければ、明示してなくとも実施形態同士を部分的に組み合せることも可能である。 Hereinafter, multiple embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to those described in the preceding embodiments may be given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations may be omitted. When only part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the other embodiments described previously can be applied to other parts of the configuration. It is not only possible to combine parts of each embodiment that specifically indicate that they can be combined, but also to partially combine parts of the embodiments even if it is not explicitly stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination. is also possible.
　（第１実施形態）
　以下、第１実施形態について図を参照して説明する。本実施形態に係るレインセンサは、車両のウィンドシールドの内面の側に配置されると共に、ウィンドシールドの外面に付着する雨滴を検出する装置である。また、レインセンサは、車両の周囲の日射量を検出する。 (First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The rain sensor according to this embodiment is a device that is disposed on the inner surface of a windshield of a vehicle and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield. Further, the rain sensor detects the amount of solar radiation around the vehicle.
　図１～図４に示されるように、ウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０には、遮蔽層１２０が設置されている。遮蔽層１２０は、黒セラミック層である。遮蔽層１２０は、ウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０に例えば黒色のインクが印刷されると共に焼き付けられることにより形成されている。ウィンドシールド１００の厚さは、例えば２ｍｍ～５ｍｍである。遮蔽層１２０の厚さは、例えば０．０３ｍｍである。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a shielding layer 120 is provided on the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100. Shielding layer 120 is a black ceramic layer. The shielding layer 120 is formed by, for example, printing and baking black ink on the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100. The thickness of the windshield 100 is, for example, 2 mm to 5 mm. The thickness of the shielding layer 120 is, for example, 0.03 mm.
　図２に示されるように、遮蔽層１２０は、一部が貫通した開口部１２１を有する。開口部１２１は、遮蔽層１２０に窓状に形成されている。つまり、遮蔽層１２０は枠状に形成されている。開口部１２１の平面形状は例えば四角形である。もちろん、開口部１２１の平面形状は四角形に限られず、他の形状でも構わない。レインセンサ２００の検出領域は、遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１のサイズに設定される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the shielding layer 120 has an opening 121 that partially passes through it. The opening 121 is formed in the shielding layer 120 in the shape of a window. That is, the shielding layer 120 is formed into a frame shape. The planar shape of the opening 121 is, for example, a quadrilateral. Of course, the planar shape of the opening 121 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be any other shape. The detection area of the rain sensor 200 is set to the size of the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120.
　レインセンサ２００は、透明部材２１０、板部２２０、ブラケット２３０、センサ部２４０、及びカバー２６０を含む。 The rain sensor 200 includes a transparent member 210, a plate portion 220, a bracket 230, a sensor portion 240, and a cover 260.
　透明部材２１０は、遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１に隙間無く充填される部品である。これにより、ウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０と遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１とで構成される段差１２２の角部に気泡は存在しない。透明部材２１０は、例えば、ゲル状の柔らかい樹脂部材である。透明部材２１０は、例えばシリコーンである。 The transparent member 210 is a component that is filled into the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 without any gaps. As a result, no air bubbles are present at the corners of the step 122 formed by the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120. The transparent member 210 is, for example, a gel-like soft resin member. The transparent member 210 is made of silicone, for example.
　板部２２０は、レインセンサ２００を設置するための板状の部品である。板部２２０は、遮蔽層１２０及び透明部材２１０の上に配置される。つまり、板部２２０は、透明部材２１０の全体を覆う。板部２２０は、接着剤２２１で遮蔽層１２０に固定される。板部２２０の厚さは、例えば０．５ｍｍである。板部２２０は、薄いほど良い。 The plate portion 220 is a plate-shaped component on which the rain sensor 200 is installed. The plate part 220 is disposed on the shielding layer 120 and the transparent member 210. That is, the plate portion 220 covers the entire transparent member 210. The plate portion 220 is fixed to the shielding layer 120 with an adhesive 221. The thickness of the plate portion 220 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The thinner the plate portion 220 is, the better.
　板部２２０の平面形状は、透明部材２１０の全体を覆うことができる形状であれば良い。板部２２０の平面形状は、開口部１２１と同様に例えば四角形である。もちろん、板部２２０の平面形状は、他の形状でも構わない。 The planar shape of the plate portion 220 may be any shape as long as it can cover the entire transparent member 210. The planar shape of the plate portion 220 is, for example, a quadrilateral like the opening portion 121. Of course, the planar shape of the plate portion 220 may be other shapes.
　板部２２０は、光を通過させるために透明である。また、板部２２０は、樹脂製である。板部２２０として、屈折率がウィンドシールド１００の屈折率に近いものが好ましい。本実施形態では、板部２２０は、アクリル板である。ウィンドシールド１００の屈折率は１．５であり、アクリル板の屈折率は１．４９である。 The plate portion 220 is transparent to allow light to pass through. Further, the plate portion 220 is made of resin. The plate portion 220 preferably has a refractive index close to that of the windshield 100. In this embodiment, the plate portion 220 is an acrylic plate. The refractive index of the windshield 100 is 1.5, and the refractive index of the acrylic plate is 1.49.
　なお、板部２２０として、アクリルの他に、ポリカーボネート（ＰＣ）やポリ塩化ビニル（ＰＶＣ）を主成分として形成されたものを用いても良い。なお、上記「主成分」とは、最も質量比が高い成分を意味する。ポリカーボネートの屈折率は１．５７であり、ポリ塩化ビニルの屈折率は１．５２である。あるいは、板部２２０としてウィンドシールド１００と同じ材質のものを用いても良い。すなわち、板部２２０としてガラス板を用いても良い。 Note that the plate portion 220 may be made of polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a main component, in addition to acrylic. In addition, the above-mentioned "main component" means the component with the highest mass ratio. Polycarbonate has a refractive index of 1.57 and polyvinyl chloride has a refractive index of 1.52. Alternatively, the plate portion 220 may be made of the same material as the windshield 100. That is, a glass plate may be used as the plate portion 220.
　ブラケット２３０は、レインセンサ２００を支持するための部品である。ブラケット２３０は、引っ掛け部２３１及び窓部２３２を有する。 The bracket 230 is a component for supporting the rain sensor 200. The bracket 230 has a hook portion 231 and a window portion 232.
　引っ掛け部２３１は、カバー２６０を引っ掛けるための部分である。引っ掛け部２３１は、例えば、板部２２０の板面に沿って延びる形状を有する。なお、引っ掛け部２３１の形状は、カバー２６０が引っ掛かる形状であれば良く、鉤のように曲がった形状であればどんな形状でも構わない。 The hook portion 231 is a portion for hooking the cover 260. The hook portion 231 has, for example, a shape that extends along the plate surface of the plate portion 220. Note that the shape of the hook portion 231 may be any shape as long as the cover 260 is hooked thereon, and any shape may be used as long as it is curved like a hook.
　窓部２３２は、ブラケット２３０の一部が貫通した開口部分である。窓部２３２は、センサ部２４０の一部が配置される部分である。窓部２３２の平面サイズは、例えば、遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１よりも大きいサイズである。 The window portion 232 is an opening portion through which a portion of the bracket 230 passes. The window portion 232 is a portion where a part of the sensor portion 240 is arranged. The planar size of the window portion 232 is, for example, larger than the opening portion 121 of the shielding layer 120.
　ブラケット２３０は、例えば金属板が所定の形状にプレス加工されたものである。ブラケット２３０は１つの部品として構成されている。ブラケット２３０は、板部２２０の上に配置されている。ブラケット２３０は、接着剤２３３で板部２２０に固定されている。つまり、板部２２０のうちのブラケット２３０が固定される面がブラケット２３０の設置面となる。接着剤２３３の厚さは、例えば０．５７ｍｍである。 The bracket 230 is, for example, a metal plate pressed into a predetermined shape. Bracket 230 is constructed as one piece. Bracket 230 is placed on plate portion 220. Bracket 230 is fixed to plate portion 220 with adhesive 233. That is, the surface of the plate portion 220 to which the bracket 230 is fixed becomes the installation surface of the bracket 230. The thickness of the adhesive 233 is, for example, 0.57 mm.
　なお、ブラケット２３０は、複数の部品に分割されていても良い。また、ブラケット２３０は、金属製に限られず、樹脂製でも構わない。 Note that the bracket 230 may be divided into multiple parts. Moreover, the bracket 230 is not limited to metal, and may be made of resin.
　センサ部２４０は、雨滴を検出する雨滴検出機能、車両に対する日射を検出する日射検出機能、車両のライトを点消灯させるために車両の周囲の照度を検出するライト検出機能を備える。 The sensor unit 240 has a raindrop detection function that detects raindrops, a solar radiation detection function that detects sunlight on the vehicle, and a light detection function that detects the illuminance around the vehicle in order to turn on and off the vehicle lights.
　図３及び図４に示されるように、センサ部２４０は、基板２４１、レンズ２４２、樹脂シート２４３を有する。基板２４１は、例えばプリント基板である。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensor section 240 includes a substrate 241, a lens 242, and a resin sheet 243. The board 241 is, for example, a printed circuit board.
　基板２４１の実装面２４４には、雨滴検出用の発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂ及び第１受光素子２４６、日射検出用の第２受光素子２４７及び第３受光素子２４８、ライト検出用の第４受光素子２４９及び第５受光素子２５０が実装されている。 The mounting surface 244 of the substrate 241 includes light emitting elements 245a, 245b and a first light receiving element 246 for detecting raindrops, a second light receiving element 247 and a third light receiving element 248 for detecting sunlight, and a fourth light receiving element 249 for detecting light. and a fifth light receiving element 250 are mounted.
　２個の発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂは、ウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０に付着する雨滴を検出するための測定光を照射する発光装置である。発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂは、例えば半導体チップとして構成される。発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂは、ウィンドシールド１００に向かって発光する発光ダイオードと、発光ダイオードを駆動する図示しない駆動回路と、を備える。 The two light emitting elements 245a and 245b are light emitting devices that emit measurement light for detecting raindrops adhering to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100. The light emitting elements 245a and 245b are configured as semiconductor chips, for example. The light emitting elements 245a and 245b include a light emitting diode that emits light toward the windshield 100, and a drive circuit (not shown) that drives the light emitting diode.
　発光ダイオードは、点光源である。駆動回路は、発光ダイオードを例えばＰＷＭ制御する。すなわち、駆動回路は、パルス信号によって発光ダイオードを点滅させる。もちろん、一定の電圧で発光ダイオードを駆動しても良い。 A light emitting diode is a point light source. The drive circuit performs PWM control on the light emitting diode, for example. That is, the drive circuit causes the light emitting diode to blink based on the pulse signal. Of course, the light emitting diode may be driven with a constant voltage.
　なお、発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂは、１個設けられていても構わない。また、発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂは、発光ダイオードのみで構成され、駆動回路は別体でも構わない。 Note that one light emitting element 245a, 245b may be provided. Further, the light emitting elements 245a and 245b may be composed of only light emitting diodes, and the driving circuit may be provided separately.
　雨滴検出用の第１受光素子２４６は、ウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０で反射した反射光を受光する受光装置である。日射検出用の受光素子２４７、２４８は、ウィンドシールド１００に所定の仰角範囲で入射する日射光を受光する受光装置である。ライト検出用の受光素子２４９、２５０は、周囲の照度に対応した周辺光を受光する受光装置である。 The first light receiving element 246 for detecting raindrops is a light receiving device that receives reflected light reflected from the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100. The light receiving elements 247 and 248 for solar radiation detection are light receiving devices that receive sunlight that enters the windshield 100 in a predetermined elevation angle range. The light receiving elements 249 and 250 for light detection are light receiving devices that receive ambient light corresponding to ambient illuminance.
　各受光素子２４６～２５０は、例えば半導体チップとして構成される。各受光素子２４６～２５０は、受光した光を検出するフォトダイオードと、フォトダイオードで検出された光の強度に応じた信号を増幅等する図示しない処理回路と、を備える。なお、各受光素子２４６～２５０は、フォトダイオードのみで構成され、処理回路は別体でも構わない。 Each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 is configured as a semiconductor chip, for example. Each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 includes a photodiode that detects the received light, and a processing circuit (not shown) that amplifies a signal depending on the intensity of the light detected by the photodiode. Note that each of the light receiving elements 246 to 250 may be composed of only a photodiode, and the processing circuit may be provided separately.
　基板２４１は、コネクタ２５１や図示しない電子部品が実装されている。コネクタ２５１は図示しない配線コネクタが接続される樹脂製の接続部品である。電子部品は、例えばＩＣチップ、抵抗素子、チップコンデンサ等である。基板２４１は、実装面２４４の側がウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０の側に向けられた状態となるように、カバー２６０に収容される。 A connector 251 and electronic components (not shown) are mounted on the board 241. The connector 251 is a resin connection component to which a wiring connector (not shown) is connected. Examples of electronic components include IC chips, resistive elements, chip capacitors, and the like. The board 241 is housed in the cover 260 so that the mounting surface 244 side faces the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100.
　レンズ２４２は、発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂの測定光をウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０に導くと共に、ウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０で反射した反射光を第１受光素子２４６に導く。また、レンズ２４２は、車両の外の光を各受光素子２４７～２５０にそれぞれ導く。レンズ２４２は、例えば樹脂成形品である。レンズ２４２は、カバー２６０に収容される。 The lens 242 guides the measurement light from the light emitting elements 245a and 245b to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100, and guides the reflected light reflected by the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 to the first light receiving element 246. Further, the lens 242 guides light from outside the vehicle to each of the light receiving elements 247 to 250, respectively. The lens 242 is, for example, a resin molded product. Lens 242 is housed in cover 260.
　樹脂シート２４３は、レンズ２４２が板部２２０に直接接触することを避けるための緩衝部品である。したがって、樹脂シート２４３は、レンズ２４２と板部２２０とに挟まれる。樹脂シート２４３は、例えばシリコーンシートである。板部２２０に対する滑りを良くするために、樹脂シート２４３はオイルを含んでいる。樹脂シート２４３の厚さは、例えば２．２ｍｍである。 The resin sheet 243 is a buffer component to prevent the lens 242 from coming into direct contact with the plate portion 220. Therefore, the resin sheet 243 is sandwiched between the lens 242 and the plate portion 220. The resin sheet 243 is, for example, a silicone sheet. The resin sheet 243 contains oil to improve sliding on the plate portion 220. The thickness of the resin sheet 243 is, for example, 2.2 mm.
　カバー２６０は、レインセンサ２００の筐体部品である。カバー２６０は、例えば樹脂成形品である。カバー２６０は、底部２６１を有する容器状である。図４に示されるように、カバー２６０は、底部２６１とセンサ部２４０とでバネ部材２６２を挟んだ状態でセンサ部２４０及びバネ部材２６２を収容する。 The cover 260 is a housing component of the rain sensor 200. The cover 260 is, for example, a resin molded product. The cover 260 is shaped like a container and has a bottom 261 . As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 260 accommodates the sensor section 240 and the spring member 262 with the spring member 262 sandwiched between the bottom section 261 and the sensor section 240.
　バネ部材２６２は、カバー２６０の内部でつぶされることにより、センサ部２４０をウィンドシールド１００の側に押すためのバネ荷重を発生させる部品である。バネ部材２６２は、例えば板バネである。 The spring member 262 is a component that generates a spring load for pushing the sensor section 240 toward the windshield 100 by being crushed inside the cover 260. The spring member 262 is, for example, a plate spring.
　なお、バネ部材２６２は、板バネに限られず、挟まれることで復元力を発生させる形状であれば良い。図４ではバネ部材２６２がセンサ部２４０から離れて描かれているが、バネ部材２６２は図示されていない場所でセンサ部２４０を板部２２０の側に押さえ付けている。 Note that the spring member 262 is not limited to a plate spring, and may have any shape as long as it can generate a restoring force by being pinched. In FIG. 4, the spring member 262 is drawn apart from the sensor section 240, but the spring member 262 presses the sensor section 240 against the plate section 220 at a location not shown.
　また、図５に示されるように、カバー２６０は、ストッパ２６３を有する。ストッパ２６３は、バネ部材２６２にバネ荷重を発生させると共に、カバー２６０をブラケット２３０の引っ掛け部２３１に引っ掛けるための部品である。ストッパ２６３は、板部２２０の板面に沿ってカバー２６０に差し込まれると共に、ブラケット２３０の引っ掛け部２３１に引っ掛かる。これにより、カバー２６０が板部２２０の側に沈み込む。これに伴い、バネ部材２６２がつぶされることで、復元力に基づくバネ荷重が発生する。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover 260 has a stopper 263. The stopper 263 is a component for generating a spring load on the spring member 262 and for hooking the cover 260 on the hook portion 231 of the bracket 230. The stopper 263 is inserted into the cover 260 along the plate surface of the plate portion 220 and is hooked on the hook portion 231 of the bracket 230. As a result, the cover 260 sinks into the plate portion 220 side. Along with this, the spring member 262 is crushed, and a spring load based on the restoring force is generated.
　バネ部材２６２はバネ荷重をセンサ部２４０に印加する。すなわち、バネ部材２６２がカバー２６０をウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０から離れる方向に押すと共に、センサ部２４０を板部２２０の側に押し付ける。これにより、カバー２６０及びセンサ部２４０が板部２２０に固定される。 The spring member 262 applies a spring load to the sensor section 240. That is, the spring member 262 pushes the cover 260 in a direction away from the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and also presses the sensor section 240 toward the plate section 220 side. Thereby, the cover 260 and the sensor section 240 are fixed to the plate section 220.
　なお、ストッパ２６３ではなく、他の部品によってバネ部材２６２がつぶされる構造を採用しても良い。あるいは、ストッパ２６３を用いずにバネ部材２６２がつぶされる構造を採用しても良い。以上が、本実施形態に係るレインセンサ２００の全体構成である。 Note that a structure may be adopted in which the spring member 262 is crushed by another component instead of the stopper 263. Alternatively, a structure in which the spring member 262 is crushed without using the stopper 263 may be adopted. The above is the overall configuration of the rain sensor 200 according to this embodiment.
　次に、レインセンサ２００のセンサ部２４０の雨滴検出機能、日射検出機能、及びライト検出機能について説明する。 Next, the raindrop detection function, solar radiation detection function, and light detection function of the sensor section 240 of the rain sensor 200 will be explained.
　センサ部２４０は、発光素子２４５ａ、２４５ｂから板部２２０及び透明部材２１０を介してウィンドシールド１００に向かって測定光を照射する。第１受光素子２４６は、ウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０で反射した反射光を透明部材２１０及び板部２２０を介して受光する。雨滴がウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０に付着することによりウィンドシールド１００における光の屈折特性が変化するので、第１受光素子２４６で検出される光の強度が変化する。したがって、センサ部２４０は、反射光の強度に基づいてウィンドシールド１００の外面１３０に雨滴が付着したことを検知する。 The sensor section 240 irradiates measurement light from the light emitting elements 245a and 245b toward the windshield 100 via the plate section 220 and the transparent member 210. The first light receiving element 246 receives the reflected light reflected by the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 via the transparent member 210 and the plate portion 220. As raindrops adhere to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100, the refraction characteristics of light in the windshield 100 change, so the intensity of the light detected by the first light receiving element 246 changes. Therefore, the sensor unit 240 detects that raindrops have adhered to the outer surface 130 of the windshield 100 based on the intensity of the reflected light.
　センサ部２４０は、雨滴の有無を判定し、判定結果を外部装置に出力する。外部装置は、判定結果に基づいて、車両のワイパの動作を制御する。 The sensor unit 240 determines the presence or absence of raindrops and outputs the determination result to an external device. The external device controls the operation of the wiper of the vehicle based on the determination result.
　日射検出用の各受光素子２４７、２４８は、日射光の方位角特性が異なる。すなわち、各受光素子２４７、２４８は、方位角に対する出力が異なる。このため、特定の方位角において、各受光素子２４７、２４８の各出力に差分が生じる。よって、センサ部２４０は、ウィンドシールド１００に所定の仰角範囲で入射する日射光を各受光素子２４７、２４８で受光し、日射光の強度として各受光素子２４７、２４８の各出力の差分値を取得する。また、センサ部２４０は、差分値に基づいて日射量を検知する。 Each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 for solar radiation detection has different azimuth characteristics of solar radiation. That is, each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 has a different output with respect to the azimuth angle. Therefore, a difference occurs between the outputs of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 at a specific azimuth angle. Therefore, the sensor unit 240 receives sunlight that enters the windshield 100 in a predetermined elevation angle range with each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248, and obtains the difference value between the outputs of each of the light receiving elements 247 and 248 as the intensity of the sunlight. do. Further, the sensor unit 240 detects the amount of solar radiation based on the difference value.
　センサ部２４０は、日射量の情報を含んだ信号を外部装置に出力する。外部装置は、日射量に基づいて、空調装置の吹き出し風量や室内温度等の車室内空調を制御する。 The sensor unit 240 outputs a signal containing information on the amount of solar radiation to an external device. The external device controls the air conditioning of the vehicle interior, such as the amount of air blown from the air conditioner and the interior temperature, based on the amount of solar radiation.
　ライト用の第４受光素子２４９は、車両の上方から入射する光の強度が最も高くなるように光の指向特性が設定されている。一方、第５受光素子２５０は、車両の前方から入射する光の強度が最も高くなるように光の指向特性が設定されている。そして、センサ部２４０は、ウィンドシールド１００に入射する周辺光を各受光素子２４９、２５０で受光し、周辺光の強度に基づいて周囲の照度を検知する。 The fourth light receiving element 249 for lights has a light directional characteristic set so that the intensity of light incident from above the vehicle is highest. On the other hand, the light directivity characteristic of the fifth light receiving element 250 is set so that the intensity of light incident from the front of the vehicle is the highest. The sensor unit 240 receives ambient light incident on the windshield 100 with each of the light receiving elements 249 and 250, and detects ambient illuminance based on the intensity of the ambient light.
　また、センサ部２４０は、照度に基づいて車両のライトの点消灯を判定する。センサ部２４０は、ライトの点消灯の判定結果を外部装置に出力する。外部装置は、ライトの点消灯の判定結果に基づいて、ライトを点灯または消灯する。 Additionally, the sensor unit 240 determines whether the vehicle lights are turned on or off based on the illuminance. The sensor unit 240 outputs the determination result of whether the light is on or off to an external device. The external device turns on or off the light based on the determination result of whether the light is on or off.
　以上説明したように、本実施形態では、透明部材２１０が遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１に隙間無く充填されている。このため、ウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０と遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１とで構成される段差１２２の角部には気泡が残存しない。また、気泡を残存させないために、透明部材２１０をウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０に強く押し付ける必要がない。よって、カバー２６０をブラケット２３０に固定する際に、バネ荷重を小さくすることができる。 As explained above, in this embodiment, the transparent member 210 is filled in the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 without any gaps. Therefore, no air bubbles remain at the corners of the step 122 formed by the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120. Furthermore, it is not necessary to forcefully press the transparent member 210 against the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 in order to prevent air bubbles from remaining. Therefore, when fixing the cover 260 to the bracket 230, the spring load can be reduced.
　例えば、板部２２０を用いない場合に対して、バネ部材２６２のバネ荷重を約半分にすることができる。バネ荷重が小さくなるので、ブラケット２３０に対するストッパ２６３の抜き差しが容易になる。すなわち、ブラケット２３０に対してレインセンサ２００と取り付けやすくすることができると共に、取り外しやすくすることができる。つまり、軽い力でレインセンサ２００の設置が可能になる。 For example, the spring load of the spring member 262 can be reduced to approximately half that of the case where the plate portion 220 is not used. Since the spring load is reduced, the stopper 263 can be easily inserted into and removed from the bracket 230. That is, the rain sensor 200 can be easily attached to the bracket 230, and can be easily removed. In other words, the rain sensor 200 can be installed with a light force.
　また、ブラケット２３０がウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０から離れる方向に引っ張られにくくなるので、ブラケット２３０を板部２２０から外れにくくすることができる。したがって、ウィンドシールド１００の内面１１０と遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１とで構成される段差１２２の角部の気泡の影響を低減することができる。 Furthermore, since the bracket 230 is less likely to be pulled in a direction away from the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100, the bracket 230 is less likely to come off from the plate portion 220. Therefore, the influence of air bubbles at the corners of the step 122 formed between the inner surface 110 of the windshield 100 and the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 can be reduced.
　さらに、板部２２０を採用することの効果として、ウィンドシールド１００に遮蔽層１２０を埋め込む必要が無くなる。ウィンドシールド１００に遮蔽層１２０を埋め込むよりも、ウィンドシールド１００に板部２２０を設置するほうが明らかに容易である。また、ウィンドシールド１００が遮蔽層１２０の厚みの分だけ厚くなる。よって、板部２２０を用いることでウィンドシールド１００を厚くせずにレインセンサ２００をウィンドシールド１００に設置することができる。 Furthermore, as an effect of adopting the plate portion 220, there is no need to embed the shielding layer 120 in the windshield 100. It is clearly easier to install the plate 220 in the windshield 100 than to embed the shielding layer 120 in the windshield 100. Further, the windshield 100 becomes thicker by the thickness of the shielding layer 120. Therefore, by using the plate portion 220, the rain sensor 200 can be installed on the windshield 100 without increasing the thickness of the windshield 100.
　そして、本実施形態では、遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１には気泡が残らないので、気泡残りを考慮した各接着剤２２１、２３３の高さの管理が不要になる。すなわち、ブラケット２３０が板部２２０に設置されることで、各接着剤２２１、２３３の高さの管理を緩くすることができる。 In this embodiment, since no air bubbles remain in the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120, it is not necessary to manage the height of each adhesive 221, 233 in consideration of remaining air bubbles. That is, by installing the bracket 230 on the plate portion 220, the heights of the adhesives 221 and 233 can be easily controlled.
　本実施形態では、センサ部２４０は日射検出機能及びライト検出機能を有している。図６に示されるように、板部２２０が遮蔽層１２０の上に配置されるとしても、車両の外からウィンドシールド１００を介してレンズ２４２に入射する光の光路が妨げられない。すなわち、板部２２０の存在が外部から入射する光の検出範囲に影響しない。よって、日射検出範囲及びライト検出範囲が狭くなることはない。 In this embodiment, the sensor section 240 has a solar radiation detection function and a light detection function. As shown in FIG. 6, even if the plate portion 220 is disposed on the shielding layer 120, the optical path of light entering the lens 242 from outside the vehicle via the windshield 100 is not obstructed. That is, the presence of the plate portion 220 does not affect the detection range of light incident from the outside. Therefore, the solar radiation detection range and the light detection range will not become narrower.
　変形例として、遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１は枠状ではなく、切り欠き状あるいはスリット状に構成されていても良い。この場合、透明部材２１０は、開口部１２１に対応する空間に隙間無く充填されていれば良い。 As a modification, the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120 may have a notch shape or a slit shape instead of a frame shape. In this case, the transparent member 210 only needs to fill the space corresponding to the opening 121 without any gaps.
　変形例として、樹脂シート２４３はオイルを含んでいなくても良い。オイルは樹脂シート２４３の滑りを良くするために利用されるが、樹脂シート２４３は遮蔽層１２０の開口部１２１に直接配置されないので遮蔽層１２０に対する滑りの良さは不要になる。 As a modification, the resin sheet 243 may not contain oil. Oil is used to improve the slippage of the resin sheet 243, but since the resin sheet 243 is not directly disposed in the opening 121 of the shielding layer 120, it is not necessary to improve the slippage of the resin sheet 243 with respect to the shielding layer 120.
　（第２実施形態）
　本実施形態では、主に第１実施形態と異なる部分について説明する。図７に示されるように、レインセンサ２００は、板部２３４及びブラケット２３０を含む。なお、図７ではレインセンサ２００のセンサ部２４０及びカバー２６０を省略している。図８及び図９も同様である。 (Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, mainly differences from the first embodiment will be explained. As shown in FIG. 7, the rain sensor 200 includes a plate portion 234 and a bracket 230. Note that in FIG. 7, the sensor section 240 and cover 260 of the rain sensor 200 are omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 8 and 9.
　板部２３４は、ブラケット２３０の窓部２３２の全体を埋める形状に形成されている。板部２３４は、少なくとも透明部材２１０の全体を覆うサイズに形成されている。板部２３４は、板部２２０と同じ材質のものである。板部２３４は、ブラケット２３０の窓部２３２に配置されると共に、接着剤や圧入等でブラケット２３０に一体化されている。 The plate portion 234 is formed to fill the entire window portion 232 of the bracket 230. The plate portion 234 is formed to a size that covers at least the entire transparent member 210. The plate portion 234 is made of the same material as the plate portion 220. The plate portion 234 is disposed in the window portion 232 of the bracket 230, and is integrated into the bracket 230 by adhesive, press-fitting, or the like.
　図８に示されるように、ブラケット２３０は、遮蔽層１２０の上に配置される。ブラケット２３０は、接着剤２３５で遮蔽層１２０に固定される。つまり、遮蔽層１２０のうちのブラケット２３０が固定される面が、ブラケット２３０の設置面となる。板部２３４は透明部材２１０の全体を覆う。 As shown in FIG. 8, the bracket 230 is placed on the shielding layer 120. Bracket 230 is secured to shielding layer 120 with adhesive 235. That is, the surface of the shielding layer 120 to which the bracket 230 is fixed becomes the installation surface of the bracket 230. The plate portion 234 covers the entire transparent member 210.
　ブラケット２３０と板部２３４は、例えば同じ厚さである。なお、ブラケット２３０と板部２３４は、異なる厚さでも良い。例えば、板部２３４の厚さは、ブラケット２３０よりも大きくても良い。 The bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 have, for example, the same thickness. Note that the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the plate portion 234 may be greater than the thickness of the bracket 230.
　以上のように、ブラケット２３０と板部２３４とを一体化させることができる。この場合、板部２３４は遮蔽層１２０とブラケット２３０とに挟まれないので、第１実施形態に対してレインセンサ２００をウィンドシールド１００に近づけて配置させることができる。また、第１実施形態と同様に、ブラケット２３０を遮蔽層１２０から外れにくくすることができる。 As described above, the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 can be integrated. In this case, since the plate portion 234 is not sandwiched between the shielding layer 120 and the bracket 230, the rain sensor 200 can be placed closer to the windshield 100 than in the first embodiment. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the bracket 230 can be made difficult to come off from the shielding layer 120.
　変形例として、ブラケット２３０と板部２３４とは一体化されていなくても良い。すなわち、板部２３４はブラケット２３０の窓部２３２に配置されるが、ブラケット２３０と接触していなくても良い。この場合、板部２３４は接着剤で遮蔽層１２０に固定される。 As a modification, the bracket 230 and the plate portion 234 may not be integrated. That is, although the plate portion 234 is arranged in the window portion 232 of the bracket 230, it does not need to be in contact with the bracket 230. In this case, the plate portion 234 is fixed to the shielding layer 120 with an adhesive.
　変形例として、図９に示されるように、ブラケット２３０は、板部２３４と一体成形されていても良い。この場合、ブラケット２３０は、樹脂製であると共に透明である。これにより、ブラケット２３０が板部２３４を兼ねる構成とすることができる。なお、図９は図７に示された断面線での断面に対応する。 As a modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the bracket 230 may be integrally formed with the plate portion 234. In this case, the bracket 230 is made of resin and is transparent. Thereby, the bracket 230 can be configured to also serve as the plate portion 234. Note that FIG. 9 corresponds to a cross section taken along the cross-sectional line shown in FIG.
　本開示は上述の実施形態に限定されることなく、本開示の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲内で、以下のように種々変形可能である。 The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways as described below without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
　例えば、センサ部２４０は、雨滴検出機能、日射検出機能、及びライト検出機能の全ての機能を備えていなくても良い。例えば、センサ部２４０は、雨滴検出機能のみを備えていても良いし、雨滴検出機能及び日射検出機能を備えていても良いし、雨滴検出機能及びライト検出機能を備えていても良い。 For example, the sensor unit 240 does not need to have all of the raindrop detection function, solar radiation detection function, and light detection function. For example, the sensor unit 240 may have only a raindrop detection function, a raindrop detection function and a solar radiation detection function, or a raindrop detection function and a light detection function.
　本開示は、実施例に準拠して記述されたが、本開示は当該実施例や構造に限定されるものではないと理解される。本開示は、様々な変形例や均等範囲内の変形をも包含する。加えて、様々な組み合わせや形態、さらには、それらに一要素のみ、それ以上、あるいはそれ以下、を含む他の組み合わせや形態をも、本開示の範疇や思想範囲に入るものである。 Although the present disclosure has been described based on examples, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples or structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and configurations, as well as other combinations and configurations that include only one, more, or fewer elements, are within the scope and scope of the present disclosure.
　本明細書に開示されたレインセンサの特徴を以下の通り示す。
（項目１）
　ウィンドシールド（１００）の内面（１１０）の側に配置されると共に、前記ウィンドシールド（１００）の外面（１３０）に付着する雨滴を検出するレインセンサであって、
　前記ウィンドシールドの前記内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部（１２１）を有する遮蔽層（１２０）の前記開口部に隙間無く充填される透明部材（２１０）と、
　前記遮蔽層及び前記透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である板部（２２０）と、
　引っ掛け部（２３１）を有し、前記板部の上に配置されるブラケット（２３０）と、
　前記板部及び前記透明部材を介して前記ウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面で反射した反射光を前記透明部材及び前記板部を介して受光し、前記反射光の強度に基づいて前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面に前記雨滴が付着したことを検知するセンサ部（２４０）と、
　バネ部材（２６２）を有する容器状であり、前記バネ部材と前記センサ部とを収容し、前記ブラケットの前記引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態で前記バネ部材がつぶされることにより、前記センサ部を前記板部に押し付けると共に前記ブラケットに固定されるカバー（２６０）と、
　を含む、レインセンサ。
（項目２）
　ウィンドシールド（１００）の内面（１１０）の側に配置されると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの外面（１３０）に付着する雨滴を検出するレインセンサであって、
　前記ウィンドシールドの前記内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部（１２１）を有する遮蔽層（１２０）の開口部に隙間無く充填される透明部材（２１０）と、
　少なくとも前記透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である板部（２３４）と、
　引っ掛け部（２３１）を有し、前記遮蔽層の上に配置されるブラケット（２３０）と、
　前記板部及び前記透明部材を介して前記ウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面で反射した反射光を前記透明部材及び前記板部を介して受光し、前記反射光の強度に基づいて前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面に前記雨滴が付着したことを検知するセンサ部（２４０）と、
　バネ部材（２６２）を有する容器状であり、前記バネ部材と前記センサ部とを収容し、前記ブラケットの前記引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態で前記バネ部材がつぶされることにより、前記センサ部を前記板部に押し付けると共に前記ブラケットに固定されるカバー（２６０）と、
　を含む、レインセンサ。
（項目３）
　前記板部と前記ブラケットとは一体化されている、項目２に記載のレインセンサ。
（項目４）
　前記ブラケットは、窓部（２３２）を有し、
　前記板部は、前記ブラケットの前記窓部に配置される、項目２または３に記載のレインセンサ。
（項目５）
　前記ブラケットは、樹脂製であると共に透明であり、
　前記板部と前記ブラケットとは、一体成形されている、項目２に記載のレインセンサ。
（項目６）
　前記センサ部は、前記ウィンドシールドに所定の仰角範囲で入射する日射光を受光し、前記日射光の強度に基づいて日射量を検知する、項目１ないし５のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。
（項目７）
　前記センサ部は、前記ウィンドシールドに入射する周辺光を受光し、前記周辺光の強度に基づいて周囲の照度を検知する、項目１ないし６のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。
（項目８）
　前記板部は、アクリル、ポリカーボネート、ポリ塩化ビニルのいずれか１つを主成分としている、項目１ないし７のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。 The features of the rain sensor disclosed in this specification are shown below.
(Item 1)
A rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield (100),
a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled in the opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121);
a transparent plate part (220) made of resin and disposed on the shielding layer and the transparent member;
a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the plate part;
Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light;
It is shaped like a container having a spring member (262), and houses the spring member and the sensor part, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is attached to the board of the bracket. a cover (260) that is pressed against the bracket and fixed to the bracket;
Including rain sensor.
(Item 2)
A rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield,
a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled into an opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121);
a plate portion (234) that is disposed on at least the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent;
a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the shielding layer;
Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light;
It is shaped like a container having a spring member (262), and houses the spring member and the sensor part, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is attached to the board of the bracket. a cover (260) that is pressed against the bracket and fixed to the bracket;
Including rain sensor.
(Item 3)
The rain sensor according to item 2, wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrated.
(Item 4)
The bracket has a window (232),
The rain sensor according to item 2 or 3, wherein the plate portion is arranged in the window portion of the bracket.
(Item 5)
The bracket is made of resin and transparent,
The rain sensor according to item 2, wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrally molded.
(Item 6)
The rain sensor according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the sensor section receives sunlight that enters the windshield in a predetermined elevation angle range and detects the amount of sunlight based on the intensity of the sunlight. .
(Item 7)
The rain sensor according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the sensor section receives ambient light incident on the windshield and detects ambient illuminance based on the intensity of the ambient light.
(Item 8)
8. The rain sensor according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the plate portion includes any one of acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride as a main component.

Claims (8)

  1. 　ウィンドシールド（１００）の内面（１１０）の側に配置されると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの外面（１３０）に付着する雨滴を検出するレインセンサであって、
    　前記ウィンドシールドの前記内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部（１２１）を有する遮蔽層（１２０）の前記開口部に隙間無く充填される透明部材（２１０）と、
    　前記遮蔽層及び前記透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である板部（２２０）と、
    　引っ掛け部（２３１）を有し、前記板部の上に配置されるブラケット（２３０）と、
    　前記板部及び前記透明部材を介して前記ウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面で反射した反射光を前記透明部材及び前記板部を介して受光し、前記反射光の強度に基づいて前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面に前記雨滴が付着したことを検知するセンサ部（２４０）と、
    　バネ部材（２６２）を有する容器状であり、前記バネ部材と前記センサ部とを収容し、前記ブラケットの前記引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態で前記バネ部材がつぶされることにより、前記センサ部を前記板部に押し付けると共に前記ブラケットに固定されるカバー（２６０）と、
    　を含む、レインセンサ。     A rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield,
    a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled in the opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121);
    a transparent plate part (220) made of resin and disposed on the shielding layer and the transparent member;
    a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the plate part;
    Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light;
    It is shaped like a container having a spring member (262), houses the spring member and the sensor part, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is connected to the board of the sensor part. a cover (260) that is pressed against the bracket and fixed to the bracket;
    Including rain sensor.
  2. 　ウィンドシールド（１００）の内面（１１０）の側に配置されると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの外面（１３０）に付着する雨滴を検出するレインセンサであって、
    　前記ウィンドシールドの前記内面に設けられると共に一部が貫通した開口部（１２１）を有する遮蔽層（１２０）の前記開口部に隙間無く充填される透明部材（２１０）と、
    　少なくとも前記透明部材の上に配置され、樹脂製であり、透明である板部（２３４）と、
    　引っ掛け部（２３１）を有し、前記遮蔽層の上に配置されるブラケット（２３０）と、
    　前記板部及び前記透明部材を介して前記ウィンドシールドに向かって測定光を照射すると共に、前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面で反射した反射光を前記透明部材及び前記板部を介して受光し、前記反射光の強度に基づいて前記ウィンドシールドの前記外面に前記雨滴が付着したことを検知するセンサ部（２４０）と、
    　バネ部材（２６２）を有する容器状であり、前記バネ部材と前記センサ部とを収容し、前記ブラケットの前記引っ掛け部に引っ掛かった状態で前記バネ部材がつぶされることにより、前記センサ部を前記板部に押し付けると共に前記ブラケットに固定されるカバー（２６０）と、
    　を含む、レインセンサ。     A rain sensor that is arranged on the inner surface (110) side of the windshield (100) and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface (130) of the windshield,
    a transparent member (210) that is provided on the inner surface of the windshield and is filled into the opening of a shielding layer (120) having a partially penetrating opening (121);
    a plate portion (234) that is disposed on at least the transparent member, is made of resin, and is transparent;
    a bracket (230) having a hook part (231) and disposed on the shielding layer;
    Measurement light is irradiated toward the windshield through the plate part and the transparent member, and reflected light reflected on the outer surface of the windshield is received through the transparent member and the plate part, and the reflected light is a sensor unit (240) that detects that the raindrops have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield based on the intensity of light;
    It is shaped like a container having a spring member (262), and houses the spring member and the sensor part, and when the spring member is crushed while being caught on the hook part of the bracket, the sensor part is attached to the board of the bracket. a cover (260) that is pressed against the bracket and fixed to the bracket;
    Including rain sensor.
  3. 　前記板部と前記ブラケットとは一体化されている、請求項２に記載のレインセンサ。 The rain sensor according to claim 2, wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrated.
  4. 　前記ブラケットは、窓部（２３２）を有し、
    　前記板部は、前記ブラケットの前記窓部に配置される、請求項２または３に記載のレインセンサ。     The bracket has a window (232),
    The rain sensor according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plate portion is arranged in the window portion of the bracket.
  5. 　前記ブラケットは、樹脂製であると共に透明であり、
    　前記板部と前記ブラケットとは、一体成形されている、請求項２に記載のレインセンサ。     The bracket is made of resin and is transparent,
    The rain sensor according to claim 2, wherein the plate portion and the bracket are integrally molded.
  6. 　前記センサ部は、前記ウィンドシールドに所定の仰角範囲で入射する日射光を受光し、前記日射光の強度に基づいて日射量を検知する、請求項１ないし３のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。 The rain according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor section receives solar radiation incident on the windshield at a predetermined elevation angle range, and detects the amount of solar radiation based on the intensity of the solar radiation. sensor.
  7. 　前記センサ部は、前記ウィンドシールドに入射する周辺光を受光し、前記周辺光の強度に基づいて周囲の照度を検知する、請求項１ないし３のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。 The rain sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor section receives ambient light incident on the windshield and detects ambient illuminance based on the intensity of the ambient light.
  8. 　前記板部は、アクリル、ポリカーボネート、ポリ塩化ビニルのいずれか１つを主成分としている、請求項１ないし３のいずれか１つに記載のレインセンサ。 The rain sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate portion has any one of acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyvinyl chloride as a main component.
PCT/JP2023/030909 2022-09-02 2023-08-28 Rain sensor WO2024048502A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2001141645A (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-05-25 Denso Corp Raindrop detecting device
JP2003254897A (en) * 2002-02-28 2003-09-10 Denso Corp Apparatus for detecting rain drop and automatic wiper apparatus
JP2006098124A (en) * 2004-09-28 2006-04-13 Denso Corp Raindrop detection device
JP2010276421A (en) * 2009-05-27 2010-12-09 Denso Corp Photosensor device for mobile body
JP2012177576A (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-09-13 Denso Corp Light detection device
JP2015034714A (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-19 株式会社ヴァレオジャパン Raindrop sensor
WO2015146152A1 (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-01 株式会社デンソー Integrated device
JP2020159943A (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-10-01 株式会社デンソー Rain droplet detector
JP2022075077A (en) * 2020-11-06 2022-05-18 株式会社デンソー Raindrop detection device
JP2023023906A (en) * 2021-08-06 2023-02-16 小島プレス工業株式会社 Rain sensor fixation structure

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001141645A (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-05-25 Denso Corp Raindrop detecting device
JP2003254897A (en) * 2002-02-28 2003-09-10 Denso Corp Apparatus for detecting rain drop and automatic wiper apparatus
JP2006098124A (en) * 2004-09-28 2006-04-13 Denso Corp Raindrop detection device
JP2010276421A (en) * 2009-05-27 2010-12-09 Denso Corp Photosensor device for mobile body
JP2012177576A (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-09-13 Denso Corp Light detection device
JP2015034714A (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-19 株式会社ヴァレオジャパン Raindrop sensor
WO2015146152A1 (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-01 株式会社デンソー Integrated device
JP2020159943A (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-10-01 株式会社デンソー Rain droplet detector
JP2022075077A (en) * 2020-11-06 2022-05-18 株式会社デンソー Raindrop detection device
JP2023023906A (en) * 2021-08-06 2023-02-16 小島プレス工業株式会社 Rain sensor fixation structure

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