Vehicle sensor device

Abstract

A sensor device (1) for a vehicle includes: a housing (12); a sensor portion (20) that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the housing (12) and outputs a signal related to electromagnetic waves that have entered an inside of the housing (12); a heater (30) that is provided to the housing (12) and heats a transmission region (AR) in the housing (12) through which electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion (20) are transmitted; and a control portion (CO). The control portion (CO) outputs a detection signal of an object located outside the housing (12) based on the signal from the sensor portion (20) during at least a part of a period in which the heater (30) is off (OFF), and stops the output of the detection signal during at least a part of a period in which the heater (30) is on (ON).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sensor device for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] A sensor device for a vehicle that detects an object outside a vehicle using an electromagnetic wave is known. Patent Literature 1 below discloses such a sensor device for a vehicle.

[0003] The sensor device for a vehicle of Patent Literature 1 below is provided with a light unit that emits light toward the front of a vehicle, a radar device that detects an object located in front of the vehicle using an electromagnetic wave, a reflected wave intensity acquisition section that acquires the intensity of a reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave, a control section, a cover, and a partition. The cover is disposed in front of the radar device, and the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radar device is transmitted through the cover and is irradiated toward the front of the vehicle. The partition is disposed between the light unit and the radar device, and is connected to the cover, and absorbs a portion of the radiant heat of the light unit and transmits it to the cover.

[0004] The intensity of the electromagnetic wave acquired by the reflected wave intensity acquisition section has a tendency to vary depending on an adherent such as ice, snow, or frost adhering to the cover. Generally, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the cover tends to be higher when the adherent adheres to the cover than when the adherent does not adhere to the cover. In the sensor device for a vehicle, if the adherent adheres, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave becomes higher as described above, and in this case, the control section controls the light unit to be turned on (ON). Thus, the adherent is removed by the radiant heat as described above. Further, when the adherent is removed, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave becomes lower, and in this case, the control section controls the light unit to be turned off (OFF).

[0005] Further, the control section judges the adhesion of ice, snow, or frost to the cover based on the intensity of the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave, and controls the light unit to be turned on or turned off according to the result of the judgment. According to this sensor device for a vehicle, by heating the cover using the radiant heat of the light unit, it is possible to melt or vaporize the ice, snow, or frost adhering to the cover, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of the detection of the object caused by the ice, snow, or frost.

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-50271 SUMMARY

[0007] The vehicle sensor device according to a first aspect of the present application is characterized by including: a housing; a sensor portion configured on an inner side of a vehicle compared to the housing, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the housing, and which outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident on the inner side of the housing; a heater provided to the housing, which heats a transmission region in the housing through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion are transmitted; and a control portion which, during at least a part of a period in which the heater is turned off, outputs a detection signal of an object located on an outer side of the housing based on the signal from the sensor portion, and which, during at least a part of a period in which the heater is turned on, stops the output of the detection signal.

[0008] In the vehicle sensor device according to the first aspect, in a case where the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion toward the outer side of the vehicle are transmitted through the transmission region by reflection of the electromagnetic waves by the propagation direction and the object on the outer side of the vehicle, the electromagnetic waves can be received by the sensor portion, and the object can be detected based on the signal related to the electromagnetic waves. Further, in the vehicle sensor device, the control portion outputs the detection signal of the object based on the signal related to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor portion during at least a part of the period in which the heater is turned off. Generally, during the period in which the heater is turned off, there is a tendency for the adherent to not adhere to the transmission region. In this case, the obstruction of the propagation of the electromagnetic waves caused by the adherent is suppressed, and thus the reduction in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. Further, generally, during the period in which the heater is turned on, there is a tendency for the adherent to adhere to the transmission region. In this case, the propagation of the electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the adherent, and thus the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device is reduced. Therefore, sometimes the information obtained by the detection is difficult to utilize, and the power used for outputting the detection signal including the information is wasted. However, in the vehicle sensor device, the control portion stops the output of the detection signal during at least a part of the period in which the heater is turned on. That is, the output of the detection signal is stopped during at least a part of the period in which the adherent is removed by the heat of the heater. Therefore, the waste of the power can be suppressed.

[0009] Further, in the vehicle sensor device according to the first aspect, the control portion can stop the output of the detection signal in a case where the intensity of the electromagnetic waves indicated by the signal is equal to or greater than a second threshold value during the period in which the heater is turned on, and the control portion can output the detection signal in a case where the intensity is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value, and indicating that the amount of the adherent adhering to the transmission region is greater than the amount of the adherent in the first threshold value.

[0010] As described above, generally, during the period in which the heater is on, the adherent has a tendency to adhere to the transmission region. In the vehicle sensor device, if the adherent adheres to the transmission region, a portion of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion is reflected by the adherent and received by the sensor portion. Since the more the adherent adheres, the more the reflection of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the adherent increases, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received has a tendency to be high. Generally, in order of the case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region, the case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to be high. In this case, the above-mentioned first threshold value is set to a value lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion in the case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region. Further, the above-mentioned second threshold value is set to a value higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion in the case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region, and lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion in the case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region. The case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the second threshold value than the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device decreases. Thus, since the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to utilize, the time during which the electric power is wasted becomes long. However, in the vehicle sensor device, in the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, since the output of the detection signal is stopped, the time during which the electric power is wasted can be shortened.

[0011] Further, if the adherent starts to melt and becomes less, the reflection of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and the intensity decreases. The case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value than the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, since the amount of the adherent is small, the hindrance of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device, even if the detection signal is output, compared to the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, high-accuracy information can be obtained, and by utilizing the information, the safety during the travel of the vehicle can be improved.

[0012] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, during the period in which the heater is on, in the case where the signal output from the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the transmission region indicates a temperature lower than a prescribed temperature, the control portion can also stop the output of the detection signal, and in the case where the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature, the control portion can also output the detection signal.

[0013] In the case where the temperature of the transmission region is less than the prescribed temperature, even if the attached matter is heated, it is difficult to melt, the propagation of electromagnetic waves is hindered by the attached matter, and the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device decreases, as compared with the case where the temperature of the transmission region is the prescribed temperature or more. Thus, since information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, the time during which power is wasted becomes longer. However, in the vehicle sensor device, in the case where the signal output from the temperature sensor during the period in which the heater is on indicates a temperature less than the prescribed temperature, since the output of the detection signal stops, the time during which power is wasted can be shortened.

[0014] Further, in the case where the temperature of the transmission region is the prescribed temperature or more, the attached matter becomes easy to melt, the hindrance to the propagation of electromagnetic waves caused by the attached matter is suppressed, and the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed, as compared with the case where the temperature of the transmission region is less than the prescribed temperature. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device, even if the detection signal is output, high-accuracy information can be used, as compared with the case where the temperature of the transmission region is less than the prescribed temperature, and by using this information, the safety during travel of the vehicle can be improved.

[0015] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, the control section can output the detection signal during the period in which the heater is on and the period in which a light source section that emits light toward the outside of the vehicle via the housing is on.

[0016] The housing including the transmission region is heated by light emitted from the light source section and transmitted through the housing. Thus, the attached matter is heated by light from the light source section while being heated by heat from the heater, and can be quickly melted and removed, as compared with the case where the attached matter is heated by heat from the heater. If the attached matter is removed, even if the detection signal is output, the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. Thus, in the vehicle sensor device, high-accuracy information can be used, as compared with the case where the attached matter is not removed, and by using this information, the safety during travel of the vehicle can be improved.

[0017] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, the sensor section can emit the electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle via the housing during the period in which the heater is on.

[0018] In the above structure, the sensor section emits electromagnetic waves during the period when the heater is on and during the period when the heater is off, and does not switch between stopping the emission of electromagnetic waves or emitting electromagnetic waves in accordance with the switching of the on / off of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor section caused by the switching can be alleviated. Furthermore, in general, time is required for the start-up of the sensor section, but in the above structure, since the sensor section is always driven to emit electromagnetic waves, the time required for the start-up of the sensor section can be omitted. If this time is omitted, when the heater is switched from on to off, the detection signal can be output quickly compared to the case where the time is not omitted.

[0019] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, during the period when the heater is on, the sensor section can also receive the electromagnetic waves that have been incident on the inside of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover.

[0020] In the above structure, the sensor section receives electromagnetic waves during the period when the heater is on and during the period when the heater is off, and does not switch between stopping the reception of electromagnetic waves or receiving electromagnetic waves in accordance with the switching of the on / off of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor section caused by the switching can be alleviated. Furthermore, since the sensor section is always driven to receive electromagnetic waves, the time required for the start-up can be omitted. If this time is omitted, as described above, the detection signal can be output quickly.

[0021] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, during the period when the heater is on, the sensor section can also receive the electromagnetic waves that have been incident on the inside of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover, and output the signal to the control section.

[0022] In the above structure, the sensor section outputs a signal to the control section CO during the period when the heater is on and during the period when the heater is off, and does not switch between stopping the output of a signal or outputting a signal in accordance with the switching of the on / off of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor section caused by the switching can be alleviated. Furthermore, since the sensor section is always driven to output a signal, the time required for the start-up can be omitted. If this time is omitted, as described above, the detection signal can be output quickly.

[0023] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first aspect, during at least a part of the period when the vehicle is stopped, the control section can also control the heater to be on, and during at least a part of the period when the heater is on, stop the output of the detection signal.

[0024] Generally, in a state where a vehicle is stopped, in order to improve safety of the vehicle in a case where the vehicle moves, removal of the adhering matter is more required than detection of the object. In the vehicle sensor device, the heater is turned on during at least a part of a period in which the vehicle is in the state of being stopped, and output of the detection signal is stopped during at least a part of a period in which the heater is turned on. If the heater is turned on, the adhering matter is removed by heat of the heater. Therefore, in a case where the vehicle starts to move, hindrance of propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adhering matter is suppressed, and it is possible to suppress reduction in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device. Further, in the above-described configuration, since the output of the detection signal is stopped, compared with a case where the detection signal is output, it is possible to suppress consumption of power caused by the output of the detection signal.

[0025] The vehicle sensor device according to the second aspect of the present application includes: a housing; a sensor portion configured on an inner side of a vehicle compared with the housing, which transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave via the housing, and which outputs a signal for indicating an intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident to the inner side of the housing; a heater provided to the housing, which heats a transmission region in the housing through which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion is transmitted; and a control portion which sets, based on the intensity, a driving period of the heater and an electric power of the heater during the driving period, and which applies a voltage in the set electric power to the heater during the set driving period.

[0026] In the vehicle sensor device according to the second aspect, in a case where the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion toward an outer side of the vehicle is transmitted through the transmission region by reflection of the electromagnetic wave by an object on the outer side of the vehicle, the electromagnetic wave can be received by the sensor portion, and the object can be detected based on the signal related to the electromagnetic wave. Further, in the vehicle sensor device, the control portion sets, based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave, the driving period of the heater and the electric power of the heater during the driving period. The electric power of the heater is calculated by accumulating the electric power of the heater during the driving period. Further, the electric power is calculated by a voltage applied to the heater and a resistance of the heater which is a fixed value. The control portion applies the voltage in the set electric power to the heater during the set driving period. Generally, during the period in which the heater is turned on, the adhering matter has a tendency to adhere to the transmission region. Further, during the period in which the heater is turned on, since the adhering matter is heated by heat from the heater, there is a tendency to melt less as time passes. The less the adhering matter becomes, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to be lower due to reduction in reflection of the electromagnetic wave by the adhering matter. In the vehicle sensor device, as described above, since the driving period of the heater and the electric power of the heater are set based on the intensity, compared with a case where the electric power of the heater is controlled based on the intensity every time the intensity changes, it is possible to reduce a burden on the control portion.

[0027] Generally, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to become higher in order of a case where dust or water droplets adhere to the transmission region, a case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region. In this way, the more the adhering matter, the higher the intensity, and the more the electric power required for removal of the adhering matter. In the vehicle sensor device, since the electric power is set based on the intensity, a case where the electric power is set too little or too much with respect to the amount of adhesion of the adhering matter is suppressed, and the adhering matter can be appropriately removed by the electric power corresponding to the intensity.

[0028] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the 2nd aspect, the control portion can also cause the voltage applied to the heater to sharply rise.

[0029] In a case where the adhering matter adheres, since the rise of the voltage becomes more sharp, the temperature of the heat from the heater rises more in a short time, and thus the adhering matter can be quickly heated and melted.

[0030] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the 2nd aspect, the control portion can also cause the voltage applied to the heater to rise in stages.

[0031] According to the above structure, the control portion can control the heater only at the timing of causing the voltage to rise in stages. Therefore, compared to a case where the voltage does not rise in stages, the burden on the control portion can be alleviated.

[0032] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the 2nd aspect, the control portion can also cause the voltage applied to the heater to slowly rise.

[0033] According to the above structure, the sharp temperature change of the cover can be suppressed, and the case where the thermal shock caused by the sharp temperature change is applied to the cover can be suppressed.

[0034] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the 2nd aspect, the control portion can also cause the voltage to sharply fall after the voltage rises.

[0035] According to the above structure, compared to a case where the voltage does not sharply fall, the waste of the electric power of the heater can be suppressed. Further, since the residual heat can remain on the cover even if the voltage falls, the adhering matter remaining on the cover can be removed by the residual heat.

[0036] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the 2nd aspect, the control portion can also cause the voltage to fall in stages after the voltage rises.

[0037] According to the above structure, the control section controls the heater at the timing at which the voltage is periodically lowered. Therefore, compared with a case in which the voltage is not periodically lowered, the burden on the control section can be reduced. Further, compared with a case in which the voltage is not periodically lowered but sharply lowered, the time during which the housing is heated at a high temperature can be extended, and the adherent can become easy to melt.

[0038] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, the control section can also slowly lower the voltage after the voltage is raised.

[0039] According to the above structure, compared with a case in which the voltage is not slowly lowered, the sharp temperature change of the housing can be suppressed, and the case in which the thermal shock caused by the sharp temperature change is applied to the housing can be suppressed.

[0040] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, in a case in which a signal output from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the outside of the vehicle indicates a temperature that is less than a prescribed temperature, the control section can also raise the voltage applied to the heater.

[0041] In a case in which the temperature of the outside of the vehicle is less than a prescribed temperature, such as the temperature of the adherent or the temperature at which water or the like freezes, the adherent is difficult to melt and easy to freeze compared with a case in which the temperature of the outside of the vehicle is equal to or more than the prescribed temperature. In the vehicle sensor device, according to the above structure, the adherent can be quickly melted and removed compared with a case in which the voltage is not raised.

[0042] The vehicle sensor device according to the third aspect of the present application is characterized by comprising: a housing; a sensor portion configured on an inner side of a vehicle compared to the housing, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves via the housing, and outputting a signal indicating an intensity of the electromagnetic waves incident on an inner side of the housing; a heater provided to the housing, and heating a transmission region in the housing through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion are transmitted; a cleaner that sprays at least one of a liquid and a gas toward the transmission region from an outer side of the vehicle compared to the housing; and a control portion that controls the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is within a prescribed range, at least the heater is driven for at least a part of a prescribed period, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is within a specific range different from the prescribed range, at least the cleaner is driven for at least a part of the prescribed period, and a combination of the operation of the heater and the operation of the cleaner in accordance with the passage of time within the prescribed period in the case where the intensity indicated by the signal is within the specific range is different from a combination of the operation of the heater and the operation of the cleaner in accordance with the passage of time within the prescribed period in the case where the intensity indicated by the signal is within the prescribed range.

[0043] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, in a case where the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion toward the outside of the vehicle is transmitted through the transmission region by being reflected by the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave and the object outside of the vehicle, the electromagnetic wave can be received by the sensor portion, and the object can be detected based on the signal related to the electromagnetic wave. Further, in the vehicle sensor device, since the electromagnetic wave from the sensor portion propagates toward the outside of the vehicle via the cover, a part of the electromagnetic wave is reflected by the cover and received by the sensor portion. Further, in a case where the above-described transmission region in the cover has the attached matter, another part of the electromagnetic wave is reflected by the attached matter and received by the sensor portion. Therefore, in a case where the transmission region in the cover has the attached matter, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to be higher than in a case where the cover has no attached matter. Further, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion in a case where the transmission region has the attached matter has a tendency to vary depending on the attached matter. In general, in a case where dirt such as mud is attached to the transmission region, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to be higher than in a case where ice and snow are attached to the transmission region. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device, the combination of the operation of the heater and the operation of the cleaner accompanying the passage of time within the prescribed period can be varied depending on the attached matter. For example, the vehicle sensor device can melt and remove ice and snow attached to the cover by heating of the cover by the heater, and remove dirt such as mud attached to the cover by the liquid or gas sprayed from the cleaner. Therefore, compared to a case where the combination of the operation of the heater and the operation of the cleaner accompanying the passage of time within the prescribed period varies depending on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave indicated by the signal from the sensor portion, the vehicle sensor device can appropriately remove the attached matter, and can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the detection of the object.

[0044] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, it can be configured such that the specific range includes at least one of a first range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is equal to or higher than a first threshold value and lower than a second threshold value, and a third range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is equal to or higher than a third threshold value, the second threshold value being higher than the first threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the second threshold value, the prescribed range being a second range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is equal to or higher than the second threshold value and lower than the third threshold value.

[0045] As described above, in a case where dirt such as mud adheres to the above-described transmission region in the cover, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section has a tendency to be higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section in a case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region. Further, in a case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section has a tendency to be higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section in a case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region. Therefore, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the third threshold value can be set such that the intensity indicated by the signal in the case where dust or a water droplet adheres is included in the above-described first range, the intensity indicated by the signal in the case where ice or snow adheres is included in the above-described second range, and the intensity indicated by the signal in the case where dirt such as mud adheres is included in the above-described third range. Further, in the vehicle sensor device, at least the cleaner is driven in at least one of the above-described first range and the third range. Further, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the above-described second range, at least the heater is driven. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device, for example, dust or a water droplet adhering to the cover can be removed by the liquid or gas from the cleaner, ice or snow adhering to the cover can be removed by heating of the cover by the heater, and dirt such as mud adhering to the cover can be removed by the liquid or gas from the cleaner.

[0046] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can be configured to control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the second range, the timing at which the cleaner is driven is after the timing at which the heater is driven.

[0047] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the second range, at least one of liquid and gas is sprayed toward the cover after the cover is heated. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can spray at least one of liquid and gas toward ice or snow after the ice or snow is formed in a state in which at least a portion of the ice or snow is interposed between the cover and water by heating of the cover when the ice or snow adheres to the cover. The adhesion of the ice or snow to the cover in a case where at least a portion of the ice or snow is interposed between the cover and water has a tendency to be smaller than the adhesion of the ice or snow to the cover in a case where no water is interposed between the ice or snow and the cover. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can easily remove the ice or snow compared to a case where the cover is not heated before the liquid or gas is sprayed toward the cover.

[0048] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the second range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to be driven is after the timing at which the heater starts to be driven, and there is a period during which the heater is being driven after the timing at which the cleaner ends to be driven.

[0049] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the housing is heated after the timing at which the cleaner ends to be driven. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can vaporize and remove liquid, such as liquid from the cleaner, that adheres to the housing after the liquid or gas is stopped from being sprayed toward the housing. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can suppress a decrease in accuracy of object detection as compared to a case where the housing is not heated after the timing at which the cleaner ends to be driven.

[0050] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the specified range can include at least one of the first range and the third range, the cleaner can independently spray the liquid and the gas in a case where the specified range is the second range, and the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the second range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to spray the liquid is after the timing at which the heater starts to be driven, there is a period during which the heater is being driven after the timing at which the cleaner ends to spray the liquid, and the timing at which the cleaner starts to spray the gas is after the timing at which the cleaner ends to spray the liquid.

[0051] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, since the liquid is sprayed toward the housing after the housing is heated, ice and snow can be easily removed. Furthermore, the housing is heated after the cleaner ends to spray the liquid. Therefore, liquid, such as liquid from the cleaner, that adheres to the housing after the liquid is stopped from being sprayed toward the housing can be vaporized and removed. Furthermore, the gas is sprayed toward the housing after the cleaner ends to spray the liquid. Therefore, liquid that adheres to the housing after the liquid is stopped from being sprayed toward the housing can be removed by the gas from the cleaner.

[0052] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the specified range can include at least one of the first range and the third range, the cleaning device can independently spray the liquid and the gas in the case where the prescribed range is the second range, the specified range includes at least the third range, and the control section controls the heater and the cleaning device such that, in the case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing at which the cleaning device starts to spray the gas is after the timing at which the cleaning device ends to spray the liquid.

[0053] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the housing is heated after the liquid is sprayed toward the housing. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can suppress freezing of the liquid, such as the liquid from the cleaning device, that adheres to the housing after the liquid is sprayed toward the housing, and vaporizes and removes the liquid.

[0054] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can control the heater and the cleaning device such that, in the case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing at which the cleaning device starts to spray the liquid is before the timing at which the heater starts to be driven, and there is a period in which the heater is being driven after the timing at which the cleaning device ends to spray the liquid.

[0055] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the housing is not heated before the liquid is sprayed toward the housing. Here, if the moisture of the dirt, such as mud, that adheres to the housing is reduced by heating the housing, the adhesion of the dirt, such as mud, to the housing tends to increase. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can easily remove the dirt, such as mud, compared to the case where the liquid is sprayed toward the housing after the housing is heated.

[0056] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the specified range can include at least one of the first range and the third range, the cleaning device can independently spray the liquid and the gas in the case where the prescribed range is the second range, the specified range includes at least the third range, and the control section controls the heater and the cleaning device such that, in the case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing at which the cleaning device starts to spray the gas is after the timing at which the cleaning device ends to spray the liquid.

[0057] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the gas is sprayed toward the housing after the liquid is sprayed by the cleaning device. Therefore, the liquid that adheres to the housing after the liquid is sprayed toward the housing can be removed by the gas from the cleaning device.

[0058] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to eject the gas after the timing at which the ejection of the liquid by the cleaner ends is after the period during which the heater is driven after the timing at which the ejection of the liquid by the cleaner ends.

[0059] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the housing is heated after the ejection of the liquid to the housing ends. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can suppress a case where the liquid attached to the housing freezes after the ejection of the liquid to the housing ends, and the liquid is vaporized and removed.

[0060] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to eject the liquid is before the timing at which the driving of the heater starts, the timing at which the cleaner starts to eject the gas after the timing at which the ejection of the liquid by the cleaner ends is after the period during which the heater is driven after the timing at which the ejection of the liquid by the cleaner ends.

[0061] In the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the housing is not heated before the liquid is ejected toward the housing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a case where the moisture of mud attached to the housing is reduced before the liquid is ejected toward the housing, and it is possible to easily remove the mud.

[0062] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, a specific range can include at least one of the first range and the third range, the cleaner can at least eject the gas in a case where the prescribed range is the second range, the specific range includes at least the first range, and the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal is in the first range, the cleaner at least ejects the gas.

[0063] According to the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, it is possible to remove, for example, dust or water droplets attached to the housing by the gas from the cleaner.

[0064] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor that measures the temperature outside the vehicle is equal to or lower than a prescribed temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section is within the specific range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to be driven is after the timing at which the heater starts to be driven, and the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor exceeds the prescribed temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section is within the specific range, only the cleaner is driven.

[0065] When the temperature outside the vehicle is at a temperature at which water or the like freezes, in the case of mud or dust or the like adhering to the cover, the water in the mud freezes, and ice adheres to the dust. In the vehicle sensor device, by setting the prescribed temperature to be, for example, a temperature at which water or the like starts to freeze, in a case where the temperature outside the vehicle is at a temperature at which water or the like freezes and mud or dust or the like adheres to the cover, it is possible to spray liquid or gas toward the cover after the cover is heated. Thus, according to the vehicle sensor device, it is possible to spray liquid or gas after the state in which the water in the mud has melted and the ice adhering to the dust has melted, and it is possible to more easily remove mud or dust or the like. Further, in the vehicle sensor device, in a case where, for example, the temperature outside the vehicle exceeds a temperature at which water or the like freezes and mud or dust or the like adheres to the cover, it is possible to cause the heater not to be driven and only the cleaner to be driven. Thus, according to the vehicle sensor device, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the heater to be driven, and to remove mud or dust or the like adhering to the cover.

[0066] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third aspect, the cleaner can be able to at least spray the liquid, and the control section can control the heater and the cleaner such that, in a case where the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a prescribed temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section is within the specific range, the timing at which the cleaner starts to spray the liquid is after the timing at which the heater starts to be driven, and there is a period during which the heater is being driven after the timing at which the cleaner stops spraying the liquid.

[0067] When the temperature outside the vehicle is at a temperature at which water or the like freezes, the cover is also heated after the timing at which the cleaner stops spraying the liquid. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the case in which the liquid, for example, the liquid from the cleaner, adhering to the cover freezes after the spraying of the liquid has ended.

[0068] It can also be configured so that the cleaner is at least capable of ejecting the liquid, and the control section controls the cleaner so that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section during ejection of the liquid is a first prescribed value or less, the ejection of the liquid ends, the first prescribed value being less than the intensity at the start of ejection of the liquid. In addition, it can also be configured so that the cleaner is at least capable of ejecting the gas, and the control section controls the cleaner so that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section during ejection of the gas is a second prescribed value or less, the ejection of the gas ends, the second prescribed value being less than the intensity at the start of ejection of the gas. In addition, it can also be configured so that the control section controls the heater so that, in a case where the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor section during driving of the heater is a third prescribed value or less, the driving of the heater ends, the third prescribed value being less than the intensity at the start of driving of the heater.

[0069] By being configured in this way, it is possible to suppress ejection of the liquid or gas by the cleaner, or driving of the heater, in a state where the adhering matter of the cover is removed, for example.

[0070] The sensor device for a vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present application is characterized by comprising: a cover; a sensor section configured on an inner side of the vehicle compared to the cover, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the cover, and which outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident on the inner side of the cover; an electrically heated wire provided to the cover, which heats a transmission region of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor section in the cover that transmits the electromagnetic waves; and a control section that outputs a detection signal of an object located on an outer side of the cover at a prescribed time interval based on the signal from the sensor section, and sets a first voltage applied to the electrically heated wire to be lower than a second voltage applied to the electrically heated wire during at least a part of a transmission and reception period of the electromagnetic waves used in the detection signal during transmission and reception by the sensor section.

[0071] The control section takes a certain amount of time to process the signal input from the sensor section. In the sensor device for a vehicle, since the detection signal is output from the control section at a prescribed time interval, the control section can perform at least a part of the processing of the signal input from the sensor section during a period in which the detection signal is not output from the control section. Thus, since the detection signal is output from the control section at a prescribed time interval, the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are periodically transmitted and received by the sensor section. Therefore, the above-described transmission and reception period is a period that is periodically, for example, approximately, the prescribed time interval. However, during a period sandwiched by the transmission and reception period, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can or can not be performed in the sensor section. For example, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can be continuously performed in the sensor section. In this case, not all of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor section are used for the detection signal, and in the sensor section, the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal and the electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal are alternately transmitted and received. In the sensor device for a vehicle of the present application, the first voltage applied to the electrically heated wire in at least a part of the transmission and reception period is a lower voltage than the second voltage applied to the electrically heated wire in at least a part of the period sandwiched by the transmission and reception period. Therefore, the strength of the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire during the period in which the first voltage is applied to the electrically heated wire is lower than the strength of the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire during the period in which the second voltage is applied to the electrically heated wire. Therefore, compared to a case in which the second voltage is continuously applied to the electrically heated wire, it is possible to suppress a case in which the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire affects the sensitivity of the sensor section. Therefore, according to the present application, there is provided a sensor device for a vehicle that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection.

[0072] Further, in the sensor device for a vehicle of the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the control section set the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire to the first voltage during all of the transmission and reception periods.

[0073] In this case, compared to a case in which the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire is set to the first voltage in a part of the transmission and reception period and the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire is set to the second voltage in another part of the transmission and reception period, it is possible to suppress a case in which the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire affects the sensitivity of the sensor section.

[0074] Further, in the sensor device for a vehicle of the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the control section set the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire to the first voltage during a period longer than the transmission and reception period.

[0075] In this case, since the first voltage is applied to the electrically heated wire at least at one of the start and the end of the transmission and reception period, it is possible to more appropriately suppress a case in which the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire affects the sensitivity of the sensor section.

[0076] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the first voltage to zero.

[0077] In this case, in at least a part of the transmission / reception period, the voltage is not applied to the electrically heatable wire. Therefore, in at least a part of the transmission / reception period, the case where a magnetic field is radiated from the electrically heatable wire can be further suppressed, and the case where the magnetic field generated from the electrically heatable wire affects the sensitivity of the sensor section can be further suppressed.

[0078] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the magnitude of the first voltage in a state where the speed of the vehicle is greater than a prescribed speed to be smaller than the first voltage in a state where the speed of the vehicle is equal to or less than the prescribed speed.

[0079] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the speed of the vehicle is greater than a prescribed speed to be longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the speed of the vehicle is equal to or less than the prescribed speed.

[0080] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the magnitude of the first voltage in a state where the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a prescribed distance to be smaller than the first voltage in a state where the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is equal to or greater than the prescribed distance.

[0081] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a prescribed distance to be longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is equal to or greater than the prescribed distance.

[0082] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the magnitude of the first voltage in a state where a signal indicating a rainy day is input to the control section to be smaller than the first voltage in a state where the signal indicating a rainy day is not input.

[0083] Further, in the vehicle sensor apparatus of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where a signal indicating a rainy day is input to the control section to be longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the signal indicating a rainy day is not input.

[0084] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the magnitude of the first voltage in a state where the control section inputs a signal indicating that a headlamp of the vehicle is lit to be smaller than the first voltage in a state where the signal indicating that the headlamp of the vehicle is lit is not input.

[0085] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section sets the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the control section inputs a signal indicating that a headlamp of the vehicle is lit to be longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied in a state where the signal indicating that the headlamp of the vehicle is lit is not input.

[0086] The state where the speed of the vehicle is large, the state where the distance from the vehicle to the object is small, the state in rainy weather, or the state where the headlamp is lit is a state where the information on the surroundings of the vehicle is more required to be acquired by a method other than visual observation. In these states, by reducing the magnitude of the first voltage to reduce the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire, or by extending the period during which the first voltage is applied to extend the period during which the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire is suppressed, the vehicle sensor device can further suppress the reduction in the accuracy of the detection of the object, and can more contribute to safety.

[0087] Further, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth aspect, preferably, the control section stops the output of the detection signal and applies a voltage to the electrically heated wire during at least a part of the state where the vehicle is stopped, and the control section outputs the detection signal at the prescribed time interval and sets the first voltage applied to the electrically heated wire in at least a part of the transmission and reception period to be a lower voltage than the second voltage applied to the electrically heated wire in at least a part of the period sandwiched by the transmission and reception period in the state where the vehicle is running.

[0088] In the state where the vehicle is stopped, there is a tendency that the concern for safety is lower than in the state where the vehicle is moving. In particular, during the period from when the ignition is turned on until the vehicle starts moving, the concern for safety is generally low. Therefore, during at least a part of the state where the vehicle is stopped, by applying a voltage to the electrically heatable wire, even if snow or the like is attached to the outer cover, the snow or the like is preferentially melted compared to detection of the object around the vehicle, so that after the vehicle starts moving, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the precision of the object detection of the sensor device for vehicle caused by the snow or the like. Further, in at least a part of the state where the vehicle is running, the first voltage applied to the electrically heatable wire in at least a part of the period during transmission and reception is set to a lower voltage than the second voltage applied to the electrically heatable wire in at least a part of the period sandwiched by the transmission and reception period. Therefore, in the above at least a part of the state where the vehicle is running, compared to a case where the second voltage is continuously applied to the electrically heatable wire, it is possible to suppress a case where the magnetic field generated from the electrically heatable wire affects the sensitivity of the sensor portion, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the precision of the object detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0089] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle lamp provided with a sensor device for vehicle in a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present application.

[0090] Figure 2 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control portion in the first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 3 FIG. 7 is a timing chart related to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in the first modification example of the first embodiment, in accordance with the intensity.

[0092] Figure 4 FIG. 9 is a timing chart related to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in the second modification example of the first embodiment, in accordance with the intensity.

[0093] Figure 5 FIG. 11 is a timing chart related to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in the third modification example of the first embodiment, in accordance with the intensity.

[0094] Figure 6 FIG. 13 is a timing chart related to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in the fourth modification example of the first embodiment, in accordance with the temperature of the transmission region of the outer cover.

[0095] Figure 7 FIG. 15 is a timing chart related to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in the fifth modification example of the first embodiment, in accordance with the temperature of the transmission region of the outer cover.

[0096] Figure 8 is a timing chart of the opening / closing of the heater and the outputting / stopping of the detection signal in the 6th modification of the 1st embodiment in correspondence with the temperature of the transmission region of the cover.

[0097] Figure 9 is a timing chart of the respective opening / closing of the light source section and the heater and the outputting / stopping of the detection signal in the 7th modification of the 1st embodiment.

[0098] Figure 10 is a timing chart of the opening / closing of the heater and the outputting / stopping of the detection signal in the 8th modification of the 1st embodiment in correspondence with the speed of the vehicle.

[0099] Figure 11 is a drawing showing an example of a control flowchart of the control section in the 2nd embodiment as the 2nd aspect of the present application.

[0100] Figure 12 is a drawing showing an example of a table showing the relationship of the range of the intensity of the electric wave represented by the signal from the sensor section, the driving period, and the voltage.

[0101] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the driving period of the heater and the electric power of the heater based on the intensity of the electric wave represented by the signal from the sensor section.

[0102] Figure 14 is a timing chart of the driving period and the voltage in the 2nd embodiment.

[0103] Figure 15 is a timing chart of the driving period and the voltage in the 1st modification of the 2nd embodiment.

[0104] Figure 16 is a timing chart of the driving period and the voltage in the 2nd modification of the 2nd embodiment.

[0105] Figure 17 is a drawing showing an example of a control flowchart of the control section in the 3rd embodiment as the 3rd aspect of the present application.

[0106] Figure 18 is a timing chart schematically showing the 2nd action of the 3rd embodiment.

[0107] Figure 19 is a timing chart schematically showing the 1st modification of the 3rd action of the 3rd embodiment.

[0108] Figure 20 is a timing chart schematically showing the 2nd modification of the 3rd action of the 3rd embodiment.

[0109] Figure 21 This is a timing diagram schematically illustrating a third variation of the third operation of the third embodiment.

[0110] Figure 22 This is a timing diagram schematically illustrating a first variation of the first operation of the third embodiment.

[0111] Figure 23 This is a timing diagram schematically illustrating a second variation of the first operation of the third embodiment.

[0112] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit as a fourth embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit as a fifth embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 26 It is shown in Figure 25 In step SP65, a timing diagram showing the relationship between the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor unit, the detection signal output by the control unit, and the operation of the heater is presented.

[0115] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater in Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment.

[0116] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater in Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment.

[0117] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater in Modification 3 of the fifth embodiment.

[0118] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit in step SP65 of variations 4 to 7 of the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0119] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the vehicle sensor device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Modifications and improvements can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings referred to below, the dimensions of various components are sometimes altered for ease of understanding.

[0120] (First Embodiment)

[0121] The first embodiment, which is the first aspect of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle lamp provided with the vehicle sensor device in the first embodiment of the present application. The vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. The headlamp for an automobile is generally provided on each of the left and right of the front portion of the vehicle, and the left and right headlamps are configured to be substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, the headlamp on one side will be described. As shown in Figure 1 the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment as a headlamp is provided with the vehicle sensor device 1 and a lamp unit LU as main structures.

[0122] The vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a case 10, a sensor portion 20, a heater 30, a cleaner 40, and a control portion CO as main structures. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case 10 is shown in a vertical cross section. Figure 1

[0123] The case 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a housing 11 and a cover 12 as main structures. The housing 11 and the cover 12 are composed of, for example, resins of different kinds. The cover 12 is composed of a material that transmits light emitted from the lamp unit LU and electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion 20. The housing 11 is configured as a box shape with an opening in the front, and the cover 12 is fixed to the housing 11 in a manner to plug the opening. Also, a housing space 13 surrounded by the housing 11 and the cover 12 is formed in the case 10, and the sensor portion 20 and the lamp unit LU are disposed in the housing space 13. Most of the outer surface 12o of the cover 12 is exposed outside the vehicle VE and is part of the outer surface of the vehicle VE.

[0124] The control portion CO is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, the control portion CO can employ a machine learner or can not employ a machine learner in the case of employing an NC device. As described below, some structures of the vehicle sensor device 1 and the lamp unit LU are controlled by the control portion CO.

[0125] ​The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 of the vehicle VE is connected to the control section CO. In the present embodiment, a signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE and a signal indicating the gear position are output from the ECU 100 to the control section CO. Alternatively, the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE can be input to the control section CO from a speed sensor provided in the vehicle VE without passing through the ECU 100. Further, the signal indicating the gear position can be input to the control section CO from an unillustrated sensor that detects the gear position without passing through the ECU 100.

[0126] Further, a temperature sensor 50 that measures the temperature outside the vehicle VE is connected to the control section CO, and the temperature sensor 50 outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature to the control section CO. As the temperature sensor 50, for example, a sensor using a thermistor can be cited. The temperature sensor 50 of the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, the front bumper of the vehicle VE. Alternatively, the structure and the mounting position of the temperature sensor 50 are not particularly limited. Therefore, the signal indicating the temperature input to the control section CO can be input from the ECU 100 to the control section CO.

[0127] Further, a rain sensor 51 that detects rainfall is connected to the control section CO, and the rain sensor 51 outputs a signal indicating the measured rainfall to the control section CO. As the rain sensor 51, for example, a sensor that detects rainfall by transmitting and receiving infrared rays to detect the amount of wetness of the rain sensor 51, and a sensor that detects rainfall by detecting the amount of wetness of the front windshield glass can be cited. The rain sensor 51 of the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, the vicinity of the front windshield glass of the vehicle VE. Alternatively, the structure and the mounting position of the rain sensor 51 are not particularly limited. Therefore, the signal indicating the rainfall input to the control section CO can be input from the ECU 100 to the control section CO.

[0128] Further, a storage section 52 that stores a table described later is connected to the control section CO. The storage section 52 is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), but can include an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or any other form of recording medium. Alternatively, the "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude a volatile recording medium. The storage section 52 can also be provided inside the control section CO.

[0129] The sensor portion 20 is a transmission / reception portion that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the cover 12. The sensor portion 20 has a case 21 having an accommodation space, a transmission portion 25, and a reception portion 26 as main structures. In the present embodiment, an electric wave is used as the electromagnetic wave, and the electric wave is set to a millimeter wave.

[0130] The transmission portion 25 is disposed in the accommodation space of the case 21, and emits an electric wave EW1. The frequency of the electric wave EW1 is, for example, 30 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less. The electric wave EW1 propagates from the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 22 in the case 21 toward the cover 12, which is disposed opposite to the case 21, and is transmitted through the cover 12 to be radiated in front of the vehicle VE. In the present embodiment, the transmission portion 25 is configured to emit an electric wave that expands at a predetermined angle in the left-right direction of the vehicle VE from the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 22, and the frequency of the electric wave can be changed. The transmission portion 25 has an antenna not shown. The transmission portion 25 emits an electric wave whose intensity is substantially constant and whose frequency is repeatedly increased and decreased at a predetermined period in accordance with a control signal from the control portion CO. The transmission portion 25 outputs a signal related to the electric wave EW1 to the control portion CO if the electric wave EW1 is emitted. The signal can include information on the intensity of the electric wave EW1 or information on the phase of the electric wave EW1.

[0131] The reception portion 26 is disposed in the accommodation space of the case 21, and has a plurality of antennas not shown. The plurality of antennas are arranged, for example, in the left-right direction of the vehicle VE. A portion of the electric wave EW2 that is transmitted through the cover 12 from the outside of the vehicle VE to be incident in the accommodation space 13 is received by the antennas of the reception portion 26 via the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 22. The reception portion 26 outputs a signal Se related to the electric wave EW2 to the control portion CO if each of the antennas receives the electric wave EW2 that is incident in the electromagnetic wave transmission portion 22. The signal Se can include information on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 or information on the phase of the electric wave EW2.

[0132] In a case where an object such as a preceding vehicle or a person is located in front of the vehicle VE, a part of the electric wave EW1 transmitted from the transmitting section 25 is reflected by the object. The part of the electric wave reflected by the object is transmitted through the cover 12 to the housing space 13, and is received by the receiving section 26 of the sensor section 20. The control section CO of the present embodiment performs detection of the object located in front of the vehicle VE and the like based on a signal Se related to the electric wave EW2 input from the receiving section 26 of the sensor section 20, and a signal related to the electric wave EW1 input from the transmitting section 25 of the sensor section 20, and outputs a detection signal Sd of the object. Thus, the detection signal Sd is generated based on the signals from the transmitting section 25 and the receiving section 26. The signals from the transmitting section 25 and the receiving section 26 are respectively signals related to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor section 20. In addition, the control section CO performs detection of the object located in front of the vehicle VE, calculation of the orientation of the object with respect to the vehicle VE, and calculation of the distance from the vehicle VE to the object based on these signals by, for example, an FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) method. The detection signal Sd can also include information related to the object such as the presence or absence of the object, the orientation, the distance, and the like. The detection signal Sd output from the control section CO is input to, for example, the ECU 100. The ECU 100 assists the travel of the vehicle VE based on the detection signal Sd.

[0133] In addition, the sensor section 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the cover 12, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves, and the structure of the sensor section 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the transmitting section 25 can also be configured to repeatedly emit a pulse-shaped electric wave. In this case, the control section CO performs detection of the object and calculation of the distance to the object by, for example, a ToF (Time of Flight) method. Furthermore, the sensor section 20 has a detection section disposed inside the housing 21, and the detection section can also perform detection of the object located in front of the vehicle VE based on the signal input from the transmitting section 25 and the signal Se input from the receiving section 26. In this case, the detection section outputs the above information related to the object and a signal indicating the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave to the control section CO. The control section CO inputs the detection signal Sd to the ECU 100 based on the signal. As the structure of such a detection section, for example, the same structure as the control section CO can be cited. Furthermore, the sensor section 20 can also be a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that emits laser light as electromagnetic waves and receives the laser light. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor section 20 can also be infrared rays or ultraviolet rays. That is, as described above, the signal Se includes not only a signal related to the electric wave, but also a signal related to the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section 20.

[0134] AsFigure 1 As shown in the figure, the heater 30 of the present embodiment has, as a main structure, the electrically heated wire 31 and the power supply circuit 32. The electrically heated wire 31 is provided on the inner face 12i of the sensor portion 20 side of the housing 12, and is connected to the power supply circuit 32 via the connector 33. The electrically heated wire 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure that generates heat by the flow of electric current, and can be composed of a paste of an electrically conductive body, or can be composed of a metal wire or the like. The power supply circuit 32 applies a voltage to the electrically heated wire 31 in accordance with a control signal from the control portion CO. If a current flows through the electrically heated wire 31 by the application of the voltage, the electrically heated wire 31 generates heat, and the housing 12 is heated. The electrically heated wire 31 is provided on the housing 12 so that a transmission region AR in the outer face 12o of the housing 12, which is on the side opposite to the sensor portion 20, through which the electric wave EW1 emitted from the sensor portion 20 is transmitted, is heated by the heat generated by the electrically heated wire 31. In the present embodiment, the transmission region AR overlaps a portion of the electrically heated wire 31 in the direction of propagation of the electric wave EW1. Further, the amount of heat generated by the electrically heated wire 31 is set to an amount of heat that does not cause deformation or burning of the housing 12 due to heat, or the like. In addition, in the present description, the transmission region AR is described as a region through which the electric wave EW1 is transmitted, but as described above, since the sensor portion 20 also includes a means for transmitting and receiving laser light as an electromagnetic wave, the transmission region AR is a region through which an electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion 20 is transmitted. Further, the heater 30 can also have a heat generator composed of a paste of an electrically conductive body instead of the electrically heated wire 31, and the heat generator can also be mounted on the inner face 12i. Further, the heater 30 can also be a structure that blows heated air onto the inner face 12i. In this case, the heater 30 has a heat source that heats the air, and a motor that rotates a fan that sends out the heated air. In this case, the drive period of the heater 30 indicates the drive period of the heat source and the motor, the electric power of the heater 30 indicates the electric power of the heat source and the motor, the voltage applied to the heater 30 indicates the voltage applied to the heat source and the motor, and the electric resistance of the heater 30 indicates the electric resistance of the heat source and the motor.

[0135] Further, the electrically heated wire 31 can not overlap the transmission region AR in the direction of propagation of the electric wave EW1, and can be mounted on the outer face 12o or the inside of the housing 12, for example.

[0136] The cleaner 40 is configured to spray at least one of a liquid and a gas toward the transmissive region AR from the outside of the vehicle VE compared to the outer cover 12 toward the outer surface 12o. The vehicle sensor device 1 is able to remove the adhering matter adhering to the transmissive region AR by the liquid or the gas sprayed from the cleaner 40. In the present embodiment, the cleaner 40 is configured to be able to individually spray the liquid and the gas toward the transmissive region AR, has the liquid unit 41 that sprays the liquid toward the transmissive region AR, and the gas unit 45 that sprays the gas toward the transmissive region AR.

[0137] The front end portion of the lower portion of the housing 11 is provided with the support stand 15 that extends frontward and rearward. The front end of the support stand 15 is located in front compared to the outer cover 12. The liquid unit 41 of the present embodiment has the tank 41a that stores a liquid, the pump 41b, and the spray nozzle 41c as main structures. The pipe 42a connected to the tank 41a and the pipe 42b connected to the spray nozzle 41c are connected to the pump 41b. The pump 41b pressurizes and feeds the liquid in the tank 41a to the spray nozzle 41c. The pump 41b adjusts the amount of the liquid pressurized and fed to the spray nozzle 41c or stops the pressurization and feeding of the liquid according to the control signal from the control section CO. The spray nozzle 41c is installed at a position of the support stand 15 that is located in front compared to the outer cover 12 so that the liquid pressurized and fed from the tank 41a is sprayed toward the transmissive region AR. Further, the spray nozzle 41c is located below the transmissive region AR. Therefore, the liquid is sprayed toward the transmissive region AR from the lower side by the pump 41b that pressurizes and feeds the liquid to the spray nozzle 41c. As the liquid stored in the tank 41a, for example, water, a window washer liquid, or the like can be cited. In the case where the liquid is the window washer liquid, the tank 41a can also be a window washer tank provided in the vehicle VE. Further, the structure of the liquid unit 41 is not particularly limited as long as the liquid unit 41 is able to spray the liquid toward the transmissive region AR from the outside of the vehicle VE compared to the outer cover 12. The spray nozzle 41c is preferably configured so that the liquid is sprayed to the entire transmissive region AR, but can also be configured so that the liquid is sprayed to a part of the transmissive region AR. Further, the spray nozzle 41c can also be configured so as to be provided on the upper side compared to the transmissive region AR and spray the liquid toward the transmissive region AR from the upper side. Further, the liquid unit 41 can also be configured so as to spray the liquid in a mist state toward the transmissive region AR. Further, the liquid unit 41 can also be configured so as to have a heater that heats the sprayed liquid and spray the liquid at a prescribed temperature, for example, 50°C or higher, toward the transmissive region AR.

[0138] The gas unit 45 of this embodiment has a tank 45a that stores gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, a valve 45b, and an injection nozzle 45c as main structures. A pipe 46a connected to the tank 45a and a pipe 46b connected to the injection nozzle 45c are connected to the valve 45b. By opening the valve 45b, the gas in the tank 41a is pressurized and sent to the injection nozzle 45c. The valve 45b adjusts the opening degree of the valve 45b according to a control signal from the control section CO. The injection nozzle 45c is installed at a position in front of the housing 12 compared to the vehicle VE, so that the gas pressurized from the tank 45a is injected toward the transmission region AR. In addition, the injection nozzle 45c is located below the transmission region AR compared to the vehicle VE. Therefore, by opening the valve 45b, the gas is injected from the lower side toward the transmission region AR. As the gas stored in the tank 41a, for example, air or the like can be cited. In the case where the gas is air, a compressor is connected to the tank 41a, and the pressure of the air in the tank 41a can also be maintained in a predetermined range by the compressor. In addition, the gas unit 45 can inject gas toward the transmission region AR from the outside of the vehicle VE compared to the housing 12, and the structure of the gas unit 45 is not particularly limited. The injection nozzle 45c is preferably configured so that the gas is blown to the entire transmission region AR, but can also be configured so that the gas is blown to a part of the transmission region AR. In addition, the injection nozzle 45c can also be configured to be provided on the upper side compared to the transmission region AR so that the gas is injected toward the transmission region AR from the upper side. In addition, the gas unit 45 can also be configured to further have a heater that heats the injected gas, and injects gas at a predetermined temperature of, for example, 50°C or higher toward the transmission region AR.

[0139] The light unit LU of this embodiment is configured to emit light L of a predetermined light distribution pattern toward the front. The light L emitted from the light unit LU is irradiated to the front of the vehicle VE via the housing 12. In this embodiment, the light unit LU is configured to switch emission and non-emission of the light L and switch the light distribution pattern of the emitted light L to a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern according to a control signal from the control section CO. As such a light unit LU, for example, a structure having a light source section in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix shape and a lens through which light emitted from the light source section is transmitted can be cited. As the light source section, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array can be cited. In addition, the structure of the light unit LU is not particularly limited. The light unit LU can also be unable to change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and can be provided as a parabolic light unit or a projection type light unit. In addition, the light unit LU can be controlled by another control section different from the control section CO.

[0140] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, specifically, the operation of turning on / off the heater 30 and outputting / stopping the detection signal Sd will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control section CO in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 2 , the control flow of the present embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP13.

[0141] In the state at the start shown in Figure 2 , the sensor section 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the cover 12, and the control section CO is inputted a signal relating to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor section 20. As described above, the signal is the signal from the transmission section 25 and the signal Se from the reception section 26. Further, in the state at the start, the control section CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd.

[0142] (Step SP11)

[0143] This step is a step in which the control section CO judges whether or not the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se inputted from the reception section 26 is less than a first threshold value, based on the intensity. As described above, the electric wave EW1 emitted from the sensor section 20 propagates toward the cover 12. A part of the electric wave EW1 transmits through the cover 12 and irradiates the front of the vehicle VE. Further, another part of the electric wave EW1 is reflected by the cover 12 and is received by the sensor section 20 as the electric wave EW2. Further, in the case where the attachment exists in the transmission region AR, still another part of the electric wave EW1 is reflected by the attachment and is received by the sensor section 20 as the electric wave EW2. Therefore, in the case where the attachment exists in the transmission region AR, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 has a tendency to be higher than in the case where no attachment exists in the transmission region AR. Further, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 in the case where the attachment exists in the transmission region AR has a tendency to vary depending on the attachment. In general, in the order of the case where ice or snow is attached to the transmission region AR, the case where dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission region AR, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 has a tendency to be lower. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned first threshold value is set to a value lower than the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of dust or water droplets is attached to the transmission region AR. Then, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP12 in the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se inputted from the reception section 26 is less than the first threshold value. On the other hand, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP13 in the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. In this way, the control section CO changes the next proceeding step depending on the signal Se inputted from the reception section 26.

[0144] (Step SP12)

[0145] In this step, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 to be turned off and controls the sensor portion 20 to be turned on, and outputs the detection signal Sd during all of the period in which the heater 30 is turned off. Thereby, the heater 30 is stopped, the transmission portion 25 emits the electric wave EW1 toward the outside of the vehicle VE via the cover 12, and the reception portion 26 receives the electric wave EW2, which is reflected by an object on the traveling path of the electric wave EW1, from the emitted electric wave EW1 via the cover 12. Further, the transmission portion 25 outputs a signal relating to the transmitted electric wave EW1 to the control portion CO, and the reception portion 26 outputs a signal Se relating to the received electric wave EW2 to the control portion CO. The control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd generated on the basis of the signal inputted from the transmission portion 25 and the signal Se inputted from the reception portion 26. Next, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0146] (Step SP13)

[0147] In this step, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 to be turned on and controls the sensor portion 20 to be turned on, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd during all of the period in which the heater 30 is turned on. Thereby, the heater 30 is driven to generate heat, and the heat is transmitted to the cover 12, and the cover 12 including the transmission region AR is heated to a prescribed temperature. The adhering object adhering to the cover 12 starts to melt due to the heat from the cover 12. In this step, the transmission portion 25 emits the electric wave EW1 toward the cover 12, and the reception portion 26 receives the electric wave EW2, which is reflected by the adhering object, from the emitted electric wave EW1. Further, in this step, similarly to step SP12, the transmission portion 25 outputs a signal relating to the electric wave EW1 to the control portion CO, and the reception portion 26 outputs a signal Se relating to the received electric wave EW2 to the control portion CO. Further, in this step, similarly to step SP12, the control portion CO generates the detection signal Sd on the basis of the signal inputted from the transmission portion 25 and the signal Se inputted from the reception portion 26. However, in this step, unlike step SP12, the control portion CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Therefore, in this step, not the transmission portion 25 and the reception portion 26 are stopped, but the control portion CO does not output the detection signal Sd. In this step, since the detection signal Sd is not outputted, the consumption of electric power caused by the output of the detection signal Sd is suppressed compared to the case in which the detection signal Sd is outputted. Next, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11. In this step, the control portion CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd, but receives the signal Se from the reception portion 26. Therefore, if the control flow is returned from step SP13 to step SP11, in step SP11, the control portion CO judges whether or not the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is smaller than the first threshold value on the basis of the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se.

[0148] As described in each of the above steps, the control section CO switches the on / off of the heater 30 based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se, and switches the stop / output of the detection signal Sd based on the switching of the on / off of the heater 30.

[0149] In the vehicle sensor device of Patent Document 1, however, electromagnetic waves are emitted even if the adherent adheres to the cover, in order to detect the object. In this case, the propagation of the electromagnetic waves is hindered by the adherent, and the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device sometimes decreases. If the detection accuracy is low, the information obtained by the detection is sometimes difficult to utilize, and the electric power used for outputting the information is wasted.

[0150] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment includes: a cover 12; and a sensor section 20 disposed on the inside of the vehicle VE compared to the cover 12, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the cover 12, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident to the inside of the cover 12. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 includes: a heater 30 provided to the cover 12, which heats a transmission region AR of the cover 12, through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor section 20 are transmitted; and a control section CO. The control section CO outputs a detection signal Sd of an object located on the outside of the cover 12 based on the signal related to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor section 20 during all periods in which the heater 30 is off, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd during all periods in which the heater 30 is on.

[0151] In the vehicle sensor device 1, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion 20 toward the outside of the vehicle VE is transmitted through the transmission region AR in a case where the electromagnetic wave is reflected by the object on the outside of the vehicle VE and the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. The sensor portion 20 can receive the electromagnetic wave, and can detect the object based on the signal related to the electromagnetic wave. In the vehicle sensor device 1, the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd of the object based on the signal related to the electromagnetic wave from the sensor portion 20 during the period in which the heater 30 is off. In general, the adherent has a tendency to not adhere to the transmission region AR during the period in which the heater 30 is off. In this case, the obstruction of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and thus the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. Further, in general, the adherent has a tendency to adhere to the transmission region AR during the period in which the heater 30 is on. In this case, the propagation of the electromagnetic wave is obstructed by the adherent, and thus the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases. Therefore, the information obtained by the detection is sometimes difficult to use, and the electric power for outputting the detection signal Sd including the information is wasted. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control portion CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd during all of the period in which the heater 30 is on. That is, the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped during all of the period in which the adherent is removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, the waste of the electric power can be suppressed.

[0152] Further, in step SP13, the transmission portion 25 of the sensor portion 20 emits the electric wave EW1 as the electromagnetic wave toward the outside of the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12 during the period in which the heater 30 is on.

[0153] In the above structure, the transmission portion 25 emits the electric wave EW1 during the period in which the heater 30 is on and the period in which the heater 30 is off, and does not switch the stop of the emission of the electric wave EW1 or the emission of the electric wave EW1 according to the switching of the on / off of the heater 30. Therefore, the burden of the transmission portion 25 caused by the switching can be alleviated. Further, in general, time is required for the start of the transmission portion 25, but in the above structure, the transmission portion 25 is always driven to emit the electric wave EW1, and thus the time required for the start can be omitted. If the time is omitted, the detection signal Sd can be output quickly when the heater 30 is switched from on to off, compared to a case where the time is not omitted.

[0154] Further, in step SP13, the reception portion 26 of the sensor portion 20 receives the electric wave EW2 as the electromagnetic wave incident to the inside of the vehicle VE from the outside of the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12 during the period in which the heater 30 is on.

[0155] In the above-described configuration, the reception section 26 receives the electric wave EW2 during the period when the heater 30 is on and during the period when the heater 30 is off, and does not switch the stop of the reception of the electric wave EW2 or the reception of the electric wave EW2 according to the switching of the on / off of the heater 30. Therefore, the burden on the reception section 26 caused by the switching can be alleviated. Further, since the reception section 26 is always driven to receive the electric wave EW2, the time required for the start-up can be omitted. If this time is omitted, as described above, the detection signal Sd can be output quickly.

[0156] Further, in step SP13, the reception section 26 of the sensor section 20 receives the electric wave EW2 as an electromagnetic wave that is incident to the inside of the vehicle VE from the outside of the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12 during the period when the heater 30 is on, and outputs the signal Se to the control section CO.

[0157] In the above-described configuration, the reception section 26 outputs the signal Se to the control section CO during the period when the heater 30 is on and during the period when the heater 30 is off, and does not switch the stop of the output of the signal Se or the output of the signal Se according to the switching of the on / off of the heater 30. Therefore, the burden on the reception section 26 caused by the switching can be alleviated. Further, since the reception section 26 is always driven to output the signal Se, the time required for the start-up can be omitted. If this time is omitted, as described above, the detection signal Sd can be output quickly.

[0158] In step SP13, the control section CO can stop the output of the detection signal Sd as is, and the operation of the sensor section 20 and the control section CO is not particularly limited. For example, in step SP13, the transmission section 25 can also stop without outputting the electric wave EW1, the transmission section 25 can also stop without outputting the signal related to the electric wave EW1 to the control section CO, and the reception section 26 can also stop without outputting the signal Se related to the electric wave EW2 to the control section CO. Thereby, the detection signal Sd is not generated based on the signals from the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. Since at least one of the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 is turned off, the power consumption is suppressed compared to the case where both the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 are turned on, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. In addition, in the case where at least one of the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 is turned off, in step SP13, after the heater 30 is turned on for a prescribed period, both the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 are controlled to be turned on. Thereby, the transmission section 25 emits the electric wave EW1 toward the housing 12, and the reception section 26 receives the reflected electric wave EW2 among the emitted electric wave EW1. Further, the transmission section 25 outputs the signal related to the transmitted electric wave EW1 to the control section CO, and the reception section 26 outputs the signal related to the received electric wave EW2 to the control section CO. The control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd generated based on the signals respectively input from the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26, and returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0159] In step SP12, the control section CO can also output the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the prescribed period in which the heater 30 is turned off. Further, in step SP13, the control section CO can also stop the output of the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the prescribed period in which the heater 30 is turned on.

[0160] In the case where the control section CO returns the control flow from step SP13 to step SP11, in step SP13, after the heater 30 is turned on for a prescribed period, the control section CO can also return the control flow to step SP11. Thereby, compared to the case where the control flow is returned from step SP13 to step SP11 before the prescribed period elapses, the interval of the intensity is determined to be longer in step SP11, and the burden on the control section CO can be reduced.

[0161] Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

[0162] By using Figure 3 A first modification will be described. Figure 3 is a timing chart related to the turning on / off of the heater 30 and the outputting / stopping of the detection signal Sd in the present modification.

[0163] During the period when heater 30 is on, if the intensity is above a second threshold, control unit CO stops outputting detection signal Sd. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold, indicating that the amount of attached material is greater than the amount in the first threshold. Furthermore, during the period when heater 30 is on, if the intensity is above the first threshold but less than the second threshold, control unit CO outputs detection signal Sd. As described in the first embodiment, this intensity is the intensity of radio wave EW2, represented by signal Se from receiver 26, and varies according to the amount of attached material on the transmission region AR.

[0164] exist Figure 3 At time t11, the intensity is less than the first threshold, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs a detection signal Sd. At time t12, after time t11, if the deposit adheres to the transmission region AR, the intensity exceeds the first threshold. At time t12, a large amount of deposit adheres, and the intensity exceeds the second threshold. In this case, the control unit CO turns the heater 30 on and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. As time passes from time t12, the deposit generally melts due to the heat from the heater 30, decreasing over time. If the deposit decreases, the reflection of electromagnetic waves reflected by the deposit decreases, thus reducing the intensity. At time t13, after time t12, when the intensity is above the first threshold but less than the second threshold, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd while keeping the heater 30 on. From time t13 onwards, as time passes, the deposit further decreases, and the intensity further decreases. At time t14, after time t13, when the intensity is less than the first threshold, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 to off, but still outputs the detection signal Sd. Alternatively, at time t14, the heater 30 can also remain on.

[0165] As described above, generally, during the period when the heater 30 is on, there is a tendency for the adherent to adhere to the transmission region AR. In the vehicle sensor device 1, if the adherent adheres to the transmission region AR, a portion of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion 20 is reflected by the adherent and received by the sensor portion 20. Since the more the amount of the adherent adheres, the more the reflection of the electromagnetic wave by the adherent increases, there is a tendency for the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 to be high. Generally, in the order of the case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR, the case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region AR, there is a tendency for the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 to be high. In this case, the above-mentioned first threshold value is set to a value lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 in the case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR. Further, the above-mentioned second threshold value is set to a value higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR, and lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 in the case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region AR. In the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases compared to the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. Thus, since the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to utilize, the time during which power is wasted becomes long. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modified example, in the case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, since the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped, the time during which power is wasted can be shortened.

[0166] Further, if the adherent starts to melt and becomes less, the reflection of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and the intensity decreases. In the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, since the amount of the adherent is small, the hindrance of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device 1, even if the detection signal Sd is output, compared to the case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, high-accuracy information can be obtained, and by utilizing this information, the safety during the travel of the vehicle can be improved.

[0167] Next, the utilization of the vehicle sensor device 1 will be described. Figure 4 The second modified example will be described. Figure 4 is a timing chart relating to the on / off of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in the present modified example in accordance with the intensity.

[0168] In a case where the intensity is more than a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be on for a prescribed period after the intensity becomes more than the second threshold value. Further, during the period in which the heater 30 is on, the control section CO sets the output stop period of the detection signal Sd to be longer than the output period of the detection signal Sd. The intensity, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value are set to be the same as the intensity, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value in the first modified example.

[0169] In Figure 4 At the time t21, the intensity is less than the first threshold value, and the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be off and outputs the detection signal Sd. At the time t22 after the time t21, if a large amount of the adherent adheres to the transmission region AR, the intensity becomes more than the second threshold value. In this case, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be on and stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Further, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be on for a prescribed period. The time after the prescribed period has elapsed from the time t22 is set to be the time t25. Further, the control section CO sets the time between the time t22 and the time t25 to be the time t24. The time t24 is set so that the period from the time t22 to the time t24 is longer than the period from the time t24 to the time t25. If a period of time elapses from the time t22, the adherent is heated and becomes less, and the intensity decreases. At the time t23 between the time t22 and the time t24, even if the intensity becomes more than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the control section CO maintains the heater 30 in the on state and maintains the output of the detection signal Sd in the stop state. If it becomes the time t24, the control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd while the heater 30 is maintained in the on state. Further, if it becomes the time t25, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be off, but still outputs the detection signal Sd.

[0170] As described above, in a case where the intensity of the electromagnetic wave becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the heater 30 becomes on for the predetermined period. In the period during which the heater 30 is on, in a case where the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the output stop period of the detection signal Sd, as described above, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be reduced because the adherent is attached to the transmission region AR in a large amount. Thus, since information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, the time during which the electric power is wasted becomes long. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example, since the output stop period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the output period of the detection signal Sd, the time during which the electric power is wasted can be shortened. In addition, the timing at which the detection signal Sd is switched from stop to output is appropriately changed depending on the time during which the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value and the time during which the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. Thus, the timing can be when the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, or can be when the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. Further, at the time t25, the heater 30 can also be kept in the on state.

[0171] Next, the use of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example will be described. Figure 5 A third modification example will be described. Figure 5 is a timing chart related to the on / off of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in the present modification example in accordance with the intensity.

[0172] In a case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, the control portion CO sets the heater 30 to be on for the predetermined period after the intensity becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. In addition, in the period during which the heater 30 is on, the control portion CO sets the output period of the detection signal Sd to be longer than the output stop period of the detection signal Sd. The intensity, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value are set to be the same as the intensity, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value in the first modification example.

[0173] In the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example, the heater 30 is set to be on for the predetermined period after the intensity becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value. Figure 5At the time t31, the intensity is less than the first threshold value, and the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be off, and outputs the detection signal Sd. At the time t32 after the time t31, the adherent adheres to the transmission region AR, and the intensity of this case is set to be more than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. In this case, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be on, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Further, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be on for a prescribed period. The time at which the prescribed period elapses from the time t32 is set to be the time t34. Further, the control section CO sets the time between the time t32 and the time t34 to be the time t33. The time t33 is set so that the period from the time t33 to the time t34 is longer than the period from the time t32 to the time t34. If time elapses from the time t32, the adherent is heated and becomes less, and the intensity decreases. At the time t33, the control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd while maintaining the state in which the heater 30 is on. If it becomes the time t34, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be off, but still outputs the detection signal Sd.

[0174] As described above, in the case in which the intensity is more than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the amount of the adherent is small compared to the case in which the intensity is more than the second threshold value, the hindrance of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adherent is suppressed, and the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modified example, since the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the stop period of the output of the detection signal Sd, compared to the case in which the intensity is more than the second threshold value, information of high accuracy can be obtained, and by using this information, the safety during the travel of the vehicle VE can be improved. In addition, at the time t34, the heater 30 can also be maintained to be on.

[0175] By using Figure 6 The fourth modified example will be described. Figure 6 is a timing chart relating to the on / off of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in the present modified example in correspondence with the temperature of the transmission region AR.

[0176] During the period in which the heater 30 is on, in the case in which the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 that measures the temperature of the transmission region AR indicates a temperature that is less than a prescribed temperature, the control section CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Further, during the period in which the heater 30 is on, in the case in which the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature that is more than the prescribed temperature, the control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd. The prescribed temperature can also be a value that is set in advance in the storage section 52.

[0177] Temperature sensor 50 is mounted, for example, on the outer surface of housing 12, and measures the temperature of the transmission region AR through the outer surface of housing 12. Since the temperature of the transmission region AR is approximately the same as that of the outer surface, temperature sensor 50 measures the temperature of the transmission region AR as the temperature of the outer surface. Alternatively, temperature sensor 50 can be configured in the transmission region AR in a manner that does not impede the propagation of electromagnetic waves to measure the temperature of the transmission region AR. Temperature sensor 50 is electrically connected to control unit CO and outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature to control unit CO.

[0178] exist Figure 6 At time t41, the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the specified temperature, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs a detection signal Sd. At time t42, after time t41, the control unit CO turns the heater 30 on and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. If the heater 30 is on, the temperature of the transmission region AR rises due to heat from the heater 30. If this temperature is lower than the specified temperature, the control unit CO maintains the state of stopping the output of the detection signal Sd. At time t43, after time t42, if the temperature reaches or exceeds the specified temperature, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd while keeping the heater 30 on. From time t43 until time t44, after a certain period, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd while keeping the heater 30 on. If time t44 arrives, the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 but still outputs the detection signal Sd. Alternatively, at time t44, the heater 30 may remain on.

[0179] When the temperature of the transmission region AR is below the specified temperature, compared to when the temperature of the transmission region AR is above the specified temperature, the adhering material is difficult to melt even when heated, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves is hindered by the adhering material, resulting in a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. Consequently, the information obtained under these circumstances becomes difficult to utilize, and the time for wasting power increases. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, when the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 indicates a temperature below the specified temperature during the period when the heater 30 is on, the time for wasting power can be shortened because the output of the detection signal Sd stops.

[0180] Furthermore, when the temperature of the transmission area AR is above a specified temperature, compared to when the temperature of the transmission area AR is below a specified temperature, the adhering material becomes easier to melt, and the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation caused by the adhering material is suppressed, thus preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. In this case, even when the output detection signal Sd is in the vehicle sensor device 1, compared to when the temperature of the transmission area AR is below a specified temperature, high-precision information can be utilized, and by utilizing this information, the safety of the vehicle during driving can be improved.

[0181] Next, the case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the predetermined temperature will be described. Figure 7 The 5th modification example will be described. Figure 7 is a timing chart relating to the on / off of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in the present modification example.

[0182] In a case where the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 after the heater 30 becomes on for the predetermined period indicates a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature, the control portion CO sets the output stop period of the detection signal Sd longer than the output period of the detection signal Sd within the period during which the heater 30 is on.

[0183] In a case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control portion CO sets the heater 30 off and outputs the detection signal Sd. Figure 7 At the time t51 shown, the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control portion CO sets the heater 30 off and outputs the detection signal Sd. At the time t52 after the time t51, the control portion CO switches the heater 30 on and stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Further, the control portion CO sets the heater 30 on for the predetermined period. The time at which the predetermined period elapses from the time t52 is set as the time t54. Further, the control portion CO sets the time between the time t52 and the time t54 as the time t53. The time t53 is set so that the period from the time t52 to the time t53 is longer than the period from the time t53 to the time t54. During the period from the time t52 to the time t53, the control portion CO maintains the output of the detection signal Sd while maintaining the heater 30 on. If it becomes the time t53, the attached matter is heated and becomes less than in the case of the time t52. Therefore, if it becomes the time t53, the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd while maintaining the heater 30 on. Further, if it becomes the time t54, the control portion CO switches the heater 30 off but still outputs the detection signal Sd. In addition, the heater 30 can be maintained on at the time t54.

[0184] In a case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the predetermined temperature, such as the temperature of the attached matter, compared with a case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is the predetermined temperature or more, the attached matter is difficult to melt even if it is heated, and the propagation of the electromagnetic wave is hindered by the attached matter. In this case, even if the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the output stop period of the detection signal Sd, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 is reduced. Thus, since the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to utilize, the time during which the electric power is wasted becomes long. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example, according to the above structure, the time during which the electric power is wasted can be shortened.

[0185] Next, the case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is lower than the predetermined temperature will be described. Figure 8 The 6th modification example will be described. Figure 8is a timing chart related to outputting / stopping of the detection signal Sd corresponding to the temperature of the transmission region AR in the present modification.

[0186] In a case where the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 after the heater 30 becomes on for the prescribed period indicates a temperature of the prescribed temperature or higher, the control portion CO sets the output period of the detection signal Sd longer than the output stop period of the detection signal Sd during the period in which the heater 30 is on.

[0187] In Figure 8 At the time t61 shown, the temperature of the transmission region AR is less than the prescribed temperature, and the control portion CO sets the heater 30 to be off and outputs the detection signal Sd. At the time t62 after the time t61, the control portion CO switches the heater 30 to be on and stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Further, the control portion CO sets the heater 30 to be on for the prescribed period. The time at which the prescribed period elapses from the time t62 is set as the time t65. Further, the control portion CO sets the time between the time t62 and the time t65 as the time t64. The time t64 is set so that the period from the time t64 to the time t65 is longer than the period from the time t62 to the time t64. If the heater 30 becomes on, the temperature of the transmission region AR rises due to heat from the heater 30. In a case where the temperature is less than the prescribed temperature, the control portion CO maintains the state in which the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. At the time t63 between the time t62 and the time t64 at which the temperature becomes the prescribed temperature or higher, the control portion CO also maintains the state in which the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped while maintaining the state in which the heater 30 is on. Further, during the period from the time t63 to the time t64, the control portion CO maintains the state in which the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped while maintaining the state in which the heater 30 is on. If it becomes the time t64, the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd while maintaining the state in which the heater 30 is on. Further, if it becomes the time t65, the control portion CO switches the heater 30 to be off, but still outputs the detection signal Sd. In addition, at the time t65, the heater 30 can also be maintained to be on.

[0188] In a case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is the prescribed temperature or higher, such as the temperature of the adhering matter, the adhering matter becomes easy to melt compared to a case where the temperature of the transmission region AR is less than the prescribed temperature, the hindrance to the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adhering matter is suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification, according to the above structure, it is possible to utilize the information with high accuracy compared to a case where the temperature of the heater 30 is lower than the prescribed temperature, and it is possible to improve the safety during the travel of the vehicle VE by utilizing the information.

[0189] Next, the use of Figure 9 The seventh modification will be described.Figure 9 is a timing chart concerning respective ON / OFF of the light source section 61 and the heater 30 in this modification example, and output / stop of the detection signal Sd.

[0190] The control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd during the period in which the light source section 61 is ON and emits light toward the outside of the vehicle VE via the cover 12. If the non-illustrated light source switch is OFF, the control signal indicating that the light source section 61 is ON is not input to the control section CO from the light source switch, and if the light source switch is ON, the control signal is input to the control section CO from the light source switch.

[0191] In Figure 9 At the time t71 shown, the light source section 61 is OFF, the control signal is not input to the control section CO, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to OFF, and the detection signal Sd is output. Further, at the time t72 after the time t71, the light source section 61 remains in the OFF state, the control signal remains in the state of not being input to the control section CO, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to ON, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. Further, at the time t73 after the time t72, if the light source section 61 is ON, the control signal is input to the control section CO, the control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd while maintaining the heater 30 in the ON state. Further, at the time t74 after the time t73, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to OFF, but still outputs the detection signal Sd. At the time t73, the light source section 61 is ON, but can also be OFF.

[0192] In the vehicle sensor device 1, the cover 12 including the transmission region AR is heated by light transmitted through the cover 12 and emitted from the light source section 61. Therefore, the adherent is heated by both heat from the heater 30 and light from the light source section 61, and can be quickly melted and removed compared to the case of being heated by heat from the heater 30. If the adherent is removed, even if the detection signal Sd is output, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. Therefore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modification example, it is possible to use information with high accuracy compared to the case where the adherent is not removed, and it is possible to improve the safety during travel of the vehicle VE by using the information.

[0193] Next, the use Figure 10 The eighth modification example will be described. Figure 10 is a timing chart concerning ON / OFF of the heater 30 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle VE and output / stop of the detection signal Sd in this modification example.

[0194] The control section CO controls the heater 30 to be ON in the state where the vehicle VE is stopped, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd during the period in which the heater 30 is ON.

[0195] At Figure 10 At the time t81 shown, the vehicle VE is stopped, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to be on, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. Further, at the time t82 after the time t81, if the vehicle VE is running, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be off, and the detection signal Sd is output. Further, at the time t83 after the time t82, if the vehicle VE is stopped, the control section CO switches the heater 30 to be on, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped.

[0196] Generally, in a state where the vehicle VE is stopped, in order to improve the safety of the vehicle VE in a case where the vehicle VE moves, the removal of the adhering matter is more required than the detection of the object. In the vehicle sensor device 1, in a state where the vehicle VE is stopped, the heater 30 is made to be on, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped during the period when the heater 30 is on. The state where the vehicle VE is stopped includes at least a part of the period from when an unillustrated ignition switch of the vehicle VE is made to be on to when an instruction to drive the vehicle VE is input from the ECU 100 to the control section CO. Further, the state where the vehicle VE is stopped also includes a case where a shift lever of the vehicle VE is positioned at a parking position. If the heater 30 is made to be on, the adhering matter is removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, in a case where the vehicle starts to move, the hindrance of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adhering matter is suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. Further, in the above structure, since the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped, compared to a case where the detection signal Sd is output, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the electric power caused by the output of the detection signal Sd.

[0197] Further, in a state where the vehicle VE is moving, the control section CO controls the heater 30 to be off, and the detection signal Sd is output during the period when the heater 30 is off.

[0198] Generally, in a state where the vehicle VE is moving, the detection of the object in order to improve the safety of the vehicle VE at the time of running is more required than the removal of the adhering matter. In the vehicle sensor device 1, in a state where the vehicle VE is moving, the heater 30 is made to be off, and the detection signal Sd is output during the period when the heater 30 is off. Thereby, in the state where the vehicle VE is moving, the object is detected by the detection signal Sd, and it is possible to improve the safety of the vehicle VE at the time of running. Further, generally, if the vehicle VE moves, the adhering matter tends to be removed by the wind pressure and to become less. Therefore, the hindrance of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave caused by the adhering matter is suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. Further, in the above structure, since the heater 30 is made to be off, compared to a case where the heater 30 is on, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the electric power caused by the heater 30.

[0199] In addition, in the present modification example, the control portion CO can also control the heater 30 to be turned on during at least a part of the period in which the vehicle VE is stopped, and output the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the period in which the heater 30 is turned on. Further, the control portion CO can also control the heater 30 to be turned off during at least a part of the period in which the vehicle VE is moving, and output the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the period in which the heater 30 is turned off.

[0200] As the criterion for the determination of the turning on / off of the heater 30, a speed can also be used. In this case, a signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle VE measured by a not-shown measuring portion is input to the control portion CO. If the signal is input, the control portion CO determines whether the speed is greater than a prescribed value. In the case where the speed is greater than the prescribed value, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 to be turned off during at least a part of the period in which the speed of the vehicle VE is greater than the prescribed value, and outputs the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the period in which the heater 30 is turned off. Further, in the case where the speed is equal to or less than the prescribed value, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 to be turned on during at least a part of the period in which the speed is equal to or less than the prescribed value, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the period in which the heater 30 is turned on.

[0201] In addition, the criterion for the determination of the turning on / off of the heater 30 can also use the outside air temperature or a not-shown heater switch.

[0202] If the outside air temperature becomes less than a prescribed temperature, an adherent such as frost can sometimes adhere to the transmission region AR. In this case, if the outside air temperature becomes equal to or more than the prescribed temperature, the adherent such as frost is removed from the outer cover 12 by melting due to the outside air temperature even if it adheres to the transmission region AR. In this case, if a signal indicative of the outside air temperature being equal to or more than the prescribed temperature is input to the control portion CO from the temperature sensor 50, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP12. Further, if a signal indicative of the outside air temperature being less than the prescribed temperature is input to the control portion CO from the temperature sensor 50, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP13.

[0203] Alternatively, if the heater switch becomes off, the control signal is not input from the heater switch to the control section CO, and the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP12. Further, if the heater switch becomes on, the control signal indicating that the heater 30 becomes on is input from the heater switch to the control section CO, and the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP13. If the heater switch becomes off, the control signal from the heater switch is not input to the power supply circuit 32, and in the power supply circuit 32, the current from the not-shown power supply does not flow through the electric heating wire 31, and the heater becomes off. If the heater switch becomes on, the power supply circuit 32 causes the current from the not-shown power supply to flow through the electric heating wire 31 according to the control signal from the heater switch, and the heater 30 becomes on.

[0204] As described above, the control of the on / off of the heater 30 is not particularly limited, and the control section CO can output the detection signal Sd during the period in which the heater 30 is off, and stop the output of the detection signal Sd during the period in which the heater 30 is on.

[0205] (2nd Embodiment)

[0206] A 2nd embodiment as a 2nd aspect of the present application will be described. In addition, for the same or equivalent constituent elements as those of the 1st embodiment, the same reference numerals are marked and repeated description is omitted except for the case where particular description is made. Since the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment is structurally the same as the vehicle lamp VL of the 1st embodiment, description is omitted.

[0207] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, specifically, the driving period and the setting of the voltage, and the operation of applying the voltage during the driving period will be described. Figure 11 is a drawing showing an example of a control flow chart of the control section CO in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 11 , the control flow of the present embodiment includes steps SP11, and steps SP21 to SP24.

[0208] In the initial state shown in Figure 11 , the not-shown ignition switch of the vehicle VE is switched from off to on, and the transmission section 25 emits the electric wave EW1. Further, the signal Se indicating the intensity of the electric wave EW2 at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from off to on is input from the reception section 26 to the control section CO. In the initial state, the control section CO sets the heater 30 to off and does not apply the voltage to the heater 30. Therefore, the power supply circuit 32 does not apply the voltage to the electric heating wire 31 from the not-shown power supply according to the control signal from the control section CO. If the voltage is not applied, the current does not flow through the electric heating wire 31, and the electric heating wire 31 does not generate heat, and the housing 12 is not heated.

[0209] (Step SP11)

[0210] In this step, in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se input from the receiving section 26 is less than the first threshold value, the control section CO repeatedly performs the step SP11. On the other hand, in a case where the intensity is the first threshold value or more, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to the step SP21.

[0211] In a case where the control flow repeatedly performs the step SP11, the control section CO controls the sensor section 20 to be on in a state where the heater 30 is controlled to be off. Thereby, the heater 30 is kept stopped, and as described in the first embodiment, the transmitting section 25 emits the electric wave EW1, and the receiving section 26 receives the electric wave EW2. Further, the transmitting section 25 outputs the signal relating to the transmitted electric wave EW1 to the control section CO, and the receiving section 26 outputs the signal Se relating to the received electric wave EW2 to the control section CO. The control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd generated based on the signal input from the transmitting section 25 and the signal Se input from the receiving section 26.

[0212] (Step SP21)

[0213] In this step, the control section CO sets the driving period of the heater 30 and the electric power of the heater 30 in the driving period based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se. In addition, in the following, the power consumption of the power supply circuit 32 is ignored. Therefore, in the following, the resistance value of the heater 30 is substantially the resistance value of the heating wire 31, which is a fixed value, and the electric power of the heater 30 can be understood as the electric power consumed by the heating wire 31, and the voltage applied to the heater 30 can be understood as the voltage applied to the heating wire 31. The electric power of the heater 30 is found by accumulating the power consumed by the heater 30 over the driving period. Further, the power of the heater 30 is found by the voltage applied to the heater 30 and the resistance value of the heater 30, which is a fixed value. In the following, the driving period of the heater 30 represents the period in which the voltage is applied to the heating wire 31.

[0214] The application time of the voltage as the driving period and the voltage are set in advance based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 as the electromagnetic wave represented by the signal Se, and are stored in the table of the storage section 52. Figure 12is a graph showing an example of the table showing the relationship of the above-mentioned range of intensity, the driving period, and the voltage. The table stores the 1st range and the 2nd range. The 1st range indicates that the above-mentioned intensity is equal to or higher than a 1st threshold value and lower than a 2nd threshold value which is higher than the 1st threshold value. The 2nd range indicates that the intensity is equal to or higher than the 2nd threshold value. As described in the 1st embodiment, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section 20 has a tendency to become higher in the order of dust or water droplets, ice and snow. In this case, the 1st threshold value is set to a value lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of dust or water droplets is attached to the transmission region AR. Further, the 2nd threshold value is set to a value higher than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of dust or water droplets is attached to the transmission region AR and lower than the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor section 20 in the case where ice and snow is attached to the transmission region AR. Therefore, if the attachment such as dust or water droplets is attached to the transmission region AR, the intensity is included in the 1st range which is equal to or higher than the 1st threshold value and lower than the 2nd threshold value. Further, if the attachment such as ice and snow is attached to the transmission region AR, the intensity is included in the 2nd range which is equal to or higher than the 2nd threshold value. In the table, the driving period and the voltage are stored in each range. The 1st range is provided with a prescribed period T1 as the driving period and a prescribed value V1 as the voltage value, and the 2nd range is provided with a prescribed period T2 as the driving period and a prescribed value V2 as the voltage value. The prescribed periods T1, T2 are values set in advance, for example, 15 minutes. The prescribed values V1, V2 are values set in advance, and the prescribed value V1 is lower than the prescribed value V2. In addition, the prescribed period T1 can be longer than the prescribed period T2 or shorter than the prescribed period T2, and the prescribed value V1 can be equal to or higher than the prescribed value V2.

[0215] In the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 is in the 1st range, in the present embodiment, the control section CO causes the voltage applied to the heater 30 to sharply rise from 0 V to the prescribed value V1 as described later. By "sharply", it is meant that the voltage changes like one step with the passage of time. Further, if the voltage becomes the prescribed value V1, the control section CO maintains the voltage at the prescribed value V1 for the prescribed period T1. Further, if the voltage becomes the prescribed value V1 after the prescribed period T1 elapses, the control section CO causes the voltage to sharply fall from the prescribed value V1 to 0 V. In the case where the intensity is in the 2nd range, the control section CO controls the voltage in the same manner as in the case where the intensity is in the 1st range except that the prescribed value V1 is set to the prescribed value V2 and the prescribed period T1 is set to the prescribed period T2. Figure 14

[0216] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the driving period described in step SP21 and the electric power of the heater 30 in the driving period.

[0217] (step SP31)​

[0218] This step is a step in which the control section CO determines whether the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is in a first range that is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se. As described above, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is included in the first range in the case where dust or a water droplet is attached to the transmission region AR. In the case where the intensity is in the above-described first range, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP32. On the other hand, in the case where the intensity is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP33.

[0219] (Step SP32)

[0220] In this step, the control section CO reads the drive period and the voltage corresponding to the first range from the table, sets the drive period to the prescribed period Tl, and sets the voltage to the prescribed value VI. Next, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP22.

[0221] (Step SP33)

[0222] As described above, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is included in the second range in the case where ice or snow is attached to the transmission region AR. In this step, the control section CO reads the drive period and the voltage corresponding to the second range from the table, sets the drive period to the prescribed period T2, and sets the voltage to the prescribed value V2. Next, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP22.

[0223] (Step SP22)

[0224] Next, returning to Figure 11 , the description will be continued. In this step, the control section CO applies the voltage of the prescribed value VI set in step SP32 or the voltage of the prescribed value V2 set in step SP33 to the heater 30. Thereby, the voltage sharply rises from 0 V to the prescribed value VI or the prescribed value V2, and the heat from the heater 30 is transferred to the housing 12, and the housing 12 including the transmission region AR is heated to a prescribed temperature. The attached matter attached to the transmission region AR starts to melt due to the heat from the housing 12. Since the rise in the voltage is more rapid, the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 rises more sharply in a short time, and thus the attached matter can be rapidly heated and melted.

[0225] In this step, as well as in the above, the transmission section 25 emits the electric wave EW1, and the reception section 26 receives the electric wave EW2. Further, as well as in the above, the transmission section 25 outputs the signal relating to the electric wave EW1 to the control section CO, the reception section 26 outputs the signal relating to the electric wave EW2 to the control section CO, and the control section CO generates the detection signal Sd based on the signal inputted from the transmission section 25 and the signal Se inputted from the reception section 26. However, in this step, unlike the case where the heater 30 is turned off, the control section CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd. Therefore, in this step, instead of the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 being stopped, the control section CO does not output the detection signal Sd. In this step, since the detection signal Sd is not outputted, the consumption of electric power is suppressed compared to the case where the detection signal Sd is outputted.

[0226] If the control section CO applies the voltage of the prescribed value VI for the prescribed period Tl or the voltage of the prescribed value V2 for the prescribed period T2 to the heater 30, the control flow proceeds to step SP23.

[0227] (Step SP23)

[0228] In this step, the control section CO determines whether or not the prescribed periods Tl, T2 as the drive periods set in step SP32 and step SP33 have elapsed. In the case where the prescribed periods Tl, T2 have not elapsed, the control section CO returns to step SP22 and applies the voltage to the heater 30 until the prescribed periods Tl, T2 elapse. In the case where the prescribed periods Tl, T2 have elapsed, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP24.

[0229] (Step SP24)

[0230] In this step, the control section CO stops applying the voltage to the heater 30. Thereby, the voltage sharply drops from the prescribed value VI or the prescribed value V2, and the heater 30 becomes off. In general, the attached matter has a tendency to be removed and become less as the heating time is longer. Therefore, after the prescribed period Tl, T2 elapses, the attached matter has a tendency to become less as compared with the process of the prescribed period Tl, T2 being elapsed. Therefore, the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 can also be set low. Further, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the voltage rises to the prescribed value VI or the prescribed value V2, and sharply drops after the prescribed period Tl, T2 elapses. Thereby, as compared with the case where the voltage does not sharply drop, the waste of the electric energy of the heater 30 can be suppressed. Further, since the residual heat can remain on the cover 12 even if the voltage drops, a little attached matter remaining on the cover 12 can be removed by the residual heat. If the voltage application is stopped, the control section CO returns the control flow to step SP11. In this control flow, as described above, the control section CO receives the signal Se from the reception section 26. Therefore, if the control flow returns to step SP11 from step SP24, in step SP11, the control section CO judges whether or not the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is less than the 1st threshold value.

[0231] Figure 14 is a timing chart relating to the driving period and the voltage in the present embodiment. In Figure 14 the 1st range is explained, but the same action and effect as the 1st range can be obtained in the 2nd range.

[0232] In Figure 14At the time t110, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 is less than the first threshold value, and the control section CO does not apply a voltage to the heater 30, and sets the heater 30 to be off. At the time t111 after the time t110, if the intensity becomes the first threshold value or more, the control section CO makes the control flow proceed from the step SP11 to the step SP21. As described in the step SP21, the step SP31, and the step SP32, in a case where the intensity is the first threshold value or more and less than the second threshold value, the control section CO sets the prescribed period T1 and the prescribed value V1. Next, as described in the step SP22, the control section CO applies a voltage of the prescribed value V1 to the heater 30 from the time t111. In the present embodiment, the voltage sharply rises from 0 V to the prescribed value V1 at the time t111, and maintains the prescribed value V1 for the prescribed period T1 after rising to the prescribed value V1. If the time t112 elapses from the time t111 by the prescribed period T1, the control section CO makes the control flow proceed from the step SP22 to the step SP24 via the step SP23. In this case, in the present embodiment, the voltage sharply falls from the prescribed value V1 to 0 V at the time t112 elapses from the time t111 by the prescribed period T1. In addition, in a case where the intensity is the second range, the profile of the voltage also becomes substantially the same as the profile of the intensity. Figure 14

[0233] In the vehicle sensor device of Patent Literature 1, however, not limited to the case of detecting an object, as described above, even if the adhering object adheres to the cover, the electromagnetic wave is emitted. In this case, it is necessary to control the turning on and off of the light fixture unit as a heater based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave all the time, and the burden on the control section is increased.

[0234] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment includes: a cover 12; and a sensor section 20 configured on an inner side of the vehicle VE compared to the cover 12, which transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave via the cover 12, and outputs a signal for indicating the intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident to the inner side of the cover 12. In addition, the vehicle sensor device 1 includes: a heater 30 provided to the cover 12, which heats a transmission region AR of the cover 12, through which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor section 20 is transmitted; and a control section CO. The control section CO sets a driving period of the heater 30 and an electric energy of the heater 30 in the driving period based on the intensity, and applies a voltage under the set electric energy to the heater 30 for the period of the set driving period.

[0235] ​In the vehicle sensor device 1, in a case where the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor portion 20 toward the outside of the vehicle VE is transmitted through the transmission region AR by being reflected by the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave and the object outside of the vehicle VE, the electromagnetic wave can be received by the sensor portion 20, and the object can be detected on the basis of the signal related to the electromagnetic wave. In the vehicle sensor device 1, the control portion CO sets the driving period of the heater 30 and the electric energy of the heater 30 in the driving period on the basis of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The electric energy of the heater 30 is found by accumulating the electric power of the heater 30 in the driving period of the heater 30. Further, the electric power is found by the voltage applied to the heater 30 and the electric resistance of the heater 30 as a fixed value. The control portion CO applies the voltage under the set electric energy to the heater 30 in the set driving period. In general, in the period in which the heater is on, the adherent has a tendency to adhere to the transmission region AR. Further, in the period in which the heater is on, since the adherent is heated by the heat from the heater, the adherent has a tendency to melt less as time passes. The less the adherent becomes, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion has a tendency to be lower due to the decrease in reflection of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the adherent. In the vehicle sensor device 1, since the driving period of the heater 30 and the electric energy of the heater 30 are set on the basis of the intensity as described above, the burden of the control portion CO can be reduced as compared with a case where the electric energy of the heater 30 is controlled on the basis of the intensity every time the intensity changes.

[0236] In general, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the sensor portion 20 has a tendency to be higher in order of a case where dust or a water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR, a case where ice or snow adheres to the transmission region AR. In this way, the more the adherent is, the higher the intensity becomes, and the more the electric energy required for removal of the adherent becomes. In the vehicle sensor device 1, since the electric energy is set on the basis of the intensity, a case where the electric energy is set too little or too much with respect to the amount of adhesion of the adherent is suppressed, and the adherent can be appropriately removed by the electric energy corresponding to the intensity.

[0237] During the period in which the heater 30 is on, as described above, the adherent has a tendency to adhere to the transmission region AR, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves is impeded by the adherent, so that the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can decrease. Therefore, sometimes the information obtained by the detection is difficult to utilize, and the electric power for outputting the detection signal Sd containing the information is wasted. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control section CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd during all of the period in which the heater 30 is on. That is, the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped during all of the period in which the adherent is removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, the waste of electric power can be suppressed. In addition, the control section CO can also stop the output of the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the prescribed period in which the heater 30 is on. Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the control section CO outputs the detection signal Sd during the period in which the heater 30 is off. During the period in which the heater 30 is off, the adherent has a tendency not to adhere. In this case, since the impeding of the propagation of electromagnetic waves by the adherent is suppressed, the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In addition, the control section CO can also output the detection signal Sd during at least a part of the prescribed period in which the heater 30 is off.

[0238] Further, if the unillustrated ignition switch of the vehicle VE is switched from off to on, the control portion CO outputs to the storage portion 52 a signal indicative of the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se from the receiving portion 26, and the storage portion 52 can store the intensity based on the signal Se. During the ignition switch is on, the storage portion 52 stores the intensity. Further, the storage portion 52 also stores the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from on to off. Further, if the storage portion 52 also stores the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the intensity stored in addition can be deleted. If the ignition switch is switched from on to off and then switched from off to on again, the control portion CO reads from the storage portion 52 the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from on to off. Further, if the ignition switch is switched from off to on again, as described above, the control portion CO is inputted the signal Se from the receiving portion 26, and the control portion CO acquires the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se. If the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from off to on is higher than the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from on to off, the attached matter has a tendency to be more in the case where the engine of the vehicle VE is driven than in the case where the engine is stopped. In the case where the intensity at the time of on in the case where the ignition switch is switched from off to on is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the driving period of the heater 30 and the electric energy of the heater 30 are set based on the intensity, and the heater 30 is driven with the driving period and the electric energy set. In this case, the attached matter can be removed quickly compared to the case where the heater 30 is not driven in the case where the ignition switch is switched from off to on.

[0239] In step SP24, the control portion CO does not need to stop applying the voltage to the heater 30, and if step SP24 is omitted and the driving period elapses, the control portion CO can return the control flow to step SP11.

[0240] In the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 is in the first range, the voltage can be increased and decreased from the prescribed value Vl without maintaining the prescribed value Vl. Further, the voltage can be less than the prescribed value Vl or equal to or higher than the prescribed value Vl without being reduced to 0 V. In the case where the intensity is in the second range, the voltage can be changed as described above from the prescribed value V2.

[0241] Further, the control portion CO can calculate the driving period and the electric energy based on the intensity, and set the driving period and the electric energy to the calculated driving period and electric energy.

[0242] Further, in step SP22, in the case where the signal outputted from the temperature sensor 50 that measures the temperature outside the vehicle VE represents a temperature less than the prescribed temperature, the control portion CO can increase the voltage applied to the heater 30.

[0243] When the temperature outside the vehicle's VE is lower than a specified temperature, such as the temperature of the adhering substance or the freezing point of water, the adhering substance is less likely to melt and more likely to freeze compared to when the temperature outside the vehicle's VE is above the specified temperature. In the vehicle sensor device 1, according to the above structure, the adhering substance can be quickly melted and removed compared to the case where the voltage does not increase.

[0244] Next, variations of this embodiment will be described. In each variation, the first scope will be used for description, but the same function and effect can be obtained in the second scope as in the first scope.

[0245] use Figure 15 The first variation will be explained. Figure 15 This is a timing diagram involving the driving period and voltage in this variation.

[0246] In this variation, the voltage rises in stages to a predetermined value V1. In this case, the voltage changes like multiple steps over time. At time t120 in this example, the intensity of radio wave EW2 is less than the first threshold, and the control unit CO does not apply voltage to the heater 30, setting the heater 30 to off. At time t121, after time t120, the intensity becomes above the first threshold but less than the second threshold, and the control unit CO is set to period T4 within a predetermined period T1 and the predetermined value V1, and the voltage rises in stages to the predetermined value V1 during the period from time t121 to time t122 ​​after period T4. Period T4 is, for example, 3 minutes. Furthermore, the example of the predetermined period T1 in this variation differs from the example of the predetermined period T1 in the above embodiment.

[0247] Furthermore, in this modified example, if the voltage rises to a predetermined value V1, the predetermined value V1 is maintained for a period from time t122 ​​to period T5 within a predetermined period T1. The control unit CO sets period T5 within the predetermined period T1, and continuously applies the predetermined value V1 voltage to the heater 30 during period T5. Period T5 is set to, for example, 15 minutes longer than period T4. Alternatively, period T5 can be set to be the same as period T4, or it can be set to be shorter than period T4.

[0248] Furthermore, in this modified example, the voltage gradually decreases from a predetermined value V1 to 0V. At time t123, after a period T5 from time t122, the control unit CO sets a period T6 within the predetermined period T1. During the period from time t123 to time t124 after period T6, the voltage gradually decreases from the predetermined value V1 to 0V. Period T6 can also be set to be, for example, the same as period T5. However, period T6 can also be set to be the same as each of the periods T4 and T5, or it can be set to be shorter or longer than each of the periods.

[0249] In the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example, the control section CO controls the heater 30 at the timing at which the voltage is made to rise in stages. Therefore, compared to the case in which the voltage does not rise in stages, the burden on the control section CO can be alleviated.

[0250] Further, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example, the control section CO controls the heater 30 at the timing at which the voltage is made to fall in stages. Therefore, compared to the case in which the voltage does not fall in stages, the burden on the control section CO can be alleviated. Further, compared to the case in which the voltage does not fall in stages but falls sharply, the time during which the housing 12 is heated with high temperature can be extended, and the adhering matter can become easy to melt.

[0251] Next, the use of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modification example will be described. Figure 16 The second modification example will be described. Figure 16 is a time chart relating to the driving period and the voltage in the present modification example.

[0252] In the present modification example, the voltage is slowly raised to the prescribed value VI. In this case, the voltage is preferably raised at a constant rate of change. Alternatively, the rate of change can be made larger or smaller as time passes. At time t130 in the present example, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 is less than the first threshold value, and the control section CO does not apply a voltage to the heater 30, setting the heater 30 to be off. At time t131 after time t130, the intensity becomes equal to or more than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, and the control section CO sets the period T4 in the prescribed period T1 and the prescribed value VI, slowly raising the voltage to the prescribed value VI during a period from time t131 to time t132 at which the period T4 has elapsed. The period T4 can be different from the period T4 in the first modification example, for example. Alternatively, in the present modification example, the example of the prescribed period T1 is also different from the example of the prescribed period T1 in the above-described embodiment, as in the first modification example.

[0253] Further, in the present modification example, as in the first modification example, if the voltage is raised to the prescribed value VI, the state of the prescribed value VI is maintained during a period T5 in the prescribed period T1 from time t132.

[0254] Further, in the present modification example, the voltage is slowly lowered from the prescribed value VI to 0 V. At time t133 at which the period T5 has elapsed from time t132, the control section CO sets a period T6 in the prescribed period T1, and slowly lowers the voltage from the prescribed value VI to 0 V during a period from time t133 to time t134 at which the period T6 has elapsed. The period T6 can be different from the period T6 in the first modification example, for example.

[0255] In the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modified example, the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 is slowly increased. Thereby, the rapid temperature change of the housing 12 can be suppressed, and the case where the thermal shock caused by the rapid temperature change is applied to the housing 12 can be suppressed.

[0256] Further, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present modified example, the rapid temperature change of the housing 12 can be suppressed compared to the case where the voltage is not slowly decreased, and the case where the thermal shock caused by the rapid temperature change is applied to the housing 12 can be suppressed.

[0257] In the setting of the voltage, for example, in the combination of the present embodiment and the first modified example or the second modified example, the voltage can be slowly decreased after being rapidly increased. Or, in the combination of the first modified example and the present embodiment or the second modified example, the voltage can be rapidly or slowly decreased after being increased in stages. Or, in the combination of the second modified example and the present embodiment or the first modified example, the voltage can be rapidly or in stages decreased after being slowly increased. Or, in the combination of the present embodiment and the first modified example or the second modified example, the voltage can be increased in stages or slowly after being rapidly increased. In the above, the order of the increase is not particularly limited. Or, in the combination of the present embodiment and the first modified example or the second modified example, the voltage can be decreased in stages or slowly after being rapidly decreased. In the above, the order of the decrease is not particularly limited. In the above combination, the voltage can be repeatedly increased in any one of the present embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, and decreased in any one of the present embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example. In the above combination, a period in which the state where the voltage is maintained at the prescribed value V1, V2 becomes constant can be provided. The above combination is one example, and the setting of the voltage can be appropriately combined with the above embodiments and the modified examples, respectively.

[0258] (Third Embodiment)

[0259] A third embodiment as a third aspect of the present application will be described. For the same or equivalent constituent elements as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and repeated description is omitted except for the case where specifically described. Since the structure of the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle lamp VL of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0260] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, specifically, the operation of removing the adhering matter adhering to the outer surface 12o of the outer cover 12 will be described. As the adhering matter of the present embodiment, in addition to the ice and snow, the dust, or the water droplet described in the above embodiment, mud can be cited. The intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor portion 20 generally has a tendency to decrease in the order of the case where mud adheres to the transmission region AR, the case where ice and snow adhere to the transmission region AR, and the case where the dust or the water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR. Figure 17 is a drawing showing an example of a control flowchart of the control portion CO in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 17 , the control flow of the present embodiment includes the step SP11, and the steps SP41 to SP45.

[0261] In the state at the start shown in Figure 17 , the sensor portion 20 emits the electric wave EW1, and outputs the signal Se indicating the intensity of the received electric wave EW2.

[0262] (Step SP11)

[0263] In the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se input from the reception portion 26 is less than the first threshold value, the control portion CO repeatedly performs the step SP11. On the other hand, in the case where the intensity is the first threshold value or more, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to the step SP41.

[0264] (Step SP41)

[0265] As with the step SP31, this step is a step in which the control portion CO judges whether or not the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is in a first range which is the first threshold value or more and less than a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value. In the case where the dust or the water droplet adheres to the transmission region AR, the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se can be caused to be included in the first range. Then, in the case where the intensity is in the first range, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to the step SP42. On the other hand, in the case where the intensity is not the first threshold value or more and is less than the second threshold value, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to the step SP43.

[0266] (Step SP42)

[0267] This step is a step in which the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in a prescribed period becomes the first operation. The prescribed period can be constant or can vary depending on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20. In this first operation, at least the cleaner 40 is driven in at least a part of the prescribed period. The first operation of this embodiment is an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 ejects gas from the gas unit 45 toward the transmission region AR for only 3 seconds. Therefore, the control section CO controls the valve 45b so that the valve 45b is opened for only 3 seconds. By opening the valve 45b, gas is ejected from the ejection nozzle 45c toward the transmission region AR. Further, the prescribed period in the first operation is 3 seconds and the cleaner 40 is driven throughout the prescribed period. Alternatively, the first operation can be an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 intermittently ejects gas. Then, the control section CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0268] (Step SP43)

[0269] This step is a step in which the control section CO determines whether the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in a second range that is greater than a second threshold value and less than a third threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20. In this embodiment, the third threshold value is set to a value that is higher than the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of ice and snow is attached to the transmission region AR and lower than the intensity of the electric wave EW2 received by the sensor section 20 in the case where a prescribed amount of mud is attached to the transmission region AR. Therefore, in the case where ice and snow is attached to the transmission region AR, the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 can be included in the second range. Further, in the case where mud is attached to the transmission region AR, the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 can be included in a third range that is greater than the third threshold value. Then, in the case where the intensity is in the above-described second range, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP44. On the other hand, in the case where the intensity is not greater than the second threshold value and less than the third threshold value, that is, in the case where the intensity is in the third range, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP45.

[0270] (Step SP44)

[0271] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time within a prescribed period becomes a second action. The prescribed period in the second action can be constant, can vary depending on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor portion 20, and can be the same as or different from the prescribed period in the first action. In the second action, the heater 30 is driven at least during at least a part of the prescribed period, and the second action is different from the first action in step SP42. The second action of the present embodiment is an action in which the cleaner 40 is not driven and the heater 30 is driven, for example, for only 15 minutes. Therefore, the control portion CO controls the power supply circuit 32 so that the current flows through the electric heating wire 31 for only 15 minutes. The current flows through the electric heating wire 31, and the electric heating wire 31 generates heat, and the housing 12 is heated. Further, the prescribed period in the second action is 15 minutes, and the heater 30 is driven throughout the prescribed period. In addition, the second action can also be an action in which the cleaner 40 is not driven and the heater 30 is intermittently driven. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0272] (Step SP45)

[0273] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time within a prescribed period becomes a third action. The prescribed period in the third action can be constant, can vary depending on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor portion 20, and can be the same as or different from the prescribed period in the first action or the second action. In the third action, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period, and the third action is different from the second action in step SP44. That is, the first action and the third action are different from the second action. The third action of the present embodiment is an action in which the heater 30 is not driven and liquid is sprayed from the liquid unit 41 of the cleaner 40 toward the transmission region AR for only, for example, 3 seconds. Therefore, the control portion CO controls the pump 41b so that the pump 41b operates for only 3 seconds. By the operation of the pump 41b, liquid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 41c toward the transmission region AR. Further, the prescribed period in the third action is 3 seconds, and the cleaner 40 is driven throughout the prescribed period. In addition, the third action can also be an action in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 intermittently ejects liquid. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0274] On the cover of the vehicle sensor device, in addition to ice or snow or frost, there are cases where, for example, mud or the like is attached, and even if the cover is heated, the mud or the like cannot be removed. Therefore, it is required to appropriately remove the attached matter attached to the cover, and to suppress a decrease in the precision of the object detection.

[0275] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with: an outer cover 12; a sensor portion 20; a heater 30; a cleaner 40; and a control portion CO. The sensor portion 20 is disposed on the inside of the vehicle VE as compared with the outer cover 12, and transmits and receives electric waves via the outer cover 12. The sensor portion 20 outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the electric wave EW2 incident to the inside of the outer cover 12. The heater 30 is provided to the outer cover 12, and heats a transmission region AR through which the electric wave EW1 emitted from the sensor portion 20 is transmitted in the outer cover 12. The cleaner 40 sprays at least one of a liquid and a gas toward the transmission region AR from the outside of the vehicle VE as compared with the outer cover 12.

[0276] The control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that at least the heater 30 is driven for at least a part of the prescribed period when the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the above-mentioned second range. Further, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that at least the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a part of the prescribed period when the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the first range or the third range which is different from the second range. Therefore, if the second range is set as the prescribed range and the range composed of the first range and the third range is set as the specific range, it can be understood that the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that at least the heater 30 is driven for at least a part of the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the prescribed range and at least the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a part of the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the specific range which is different from the prescribed range. Further, the second action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the second range is different from the first action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the first range. Further, the second action is different from the third action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the third range. That is, it can be understood that the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the specific range is different from the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period when the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the prescribed range.

[0277] As described above, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 that follow the passage of time within the prescribed period can be changed depending on the kind of the adherent of the cover 12. Also, the vehicle sensor device of the present embodiment can remove dust or water droplets adhering to the cover 12 by the gas from the cleaner 40. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can melt and remove ice or snow adhering to the cover 12 by the heating of the cover 12 by the heater 30. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can remove mud adhering to the cover 12 by the liquid from the cleaner 40. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately remove the adherent, and can suppress the reduction in the accuracy of the object detection, compared with the case where the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 changes depending on the strength of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20.

[0278] Further, from the viewpoint of appropriately removing the adherent, at least the heater 30 can be driven for at least a part of the prescribed period in the case where the strength of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is within a prescribed range, at least the cleaner 40 can be driven for at least a part of the prescribed period in the case where the strength is within a specific range different from the prescribed range, and the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 in the case where the strength is within the specific range and the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 in the case where the strength is within the prescribed range can be different from each other. For example, the 2nd operation can be the operation shown in FIG. 9, and the control section CO can control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 become the operation shown in FIG. 10. Figure 18 Figure 18 Figure 18 is a timing chart schematically showing a modification example of the 2nd operation.

[0279] As described above, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 that follow the passage of time within the prescribed period can be changed depending on the kind of the adherent of the cover 12. Also, the vehicle sensor device of the present embodiment can remove dust or water droplets adhering to the cover 12 by the gas from the cleaner 40. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can melt and remove ice or snow adhering to the cover 12 by the heating of the cover 12 by the heater 30. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can remove mud adhering to the cover 12 by the liquid from the cleaner 40. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can appropriately remove the adherent, and can suppress the reduction in the accuracy of the object detection, compared with the case where the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 changes depending on the strength of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20. Figure 18 ​​As shown, the heater 30 starts driving at time t201, and starts heating the cover 12. The cleaner 40 starts the liquid injection at time t202 later than time t201, and ends the liquid injection at time t203, for example, 3 seconds after time t202. Thus, the cleaner 40 injects the liquid toward the transmission region AR for 3 seconds from time t202. Further, the cleaner 40 starts the gas injection at time t204 later than time t203, and ends the gas injection at time t205, for example, 3 seconds after time t204. Thus, the cleaner 40 injects the gas toward the transmission region AR for 3 seconds from time t204. The timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 starts is time t202 as the timing at which the liquid injection starts, and the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 ends is time t205 as the timing at which the gas injection ends. Further, the heater 30 stops driving at time t206 later than time t205. Thus, the heater 30 heats the cover 12 during a period from time t201 to time t206.

[0280] In this second operation, the prescribed period is a period from time t201 to time t206, and time t202 as the timing at which the liquid injection of the cleaner 40 starts is after time t201 as the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 starts. That is, in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the second range, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in such a manner. Thus, by forming such a structure, it is possible to inject the liquid toward the ice and snow after a state in which water is interposed in at least a part between the ice and snow adhering to the cover 12 and the cover 12 is formed by the heating of the cover 12. In a case where water exists between the ice and snow and the cover 12, the adhesion of the ice and snow to the cover 12 has a tendency to be smaller than in a case where no water exists between the ice and snow and the cover 12. Thus, by such a structure, it is possible to easily remove the ice and snow compared to a case where the cover 12 is not heated before the liquid is injected toward the cover 12.

[0281] Further, from the viewpoint of easily removing the ice and snow from the outer cover 12, the timing t202 at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is started can be later than the timing t201 at which the driving of the heater 30 is started. For example, the heater 30 can also end the driving before the timing t202, within the period TW during which the cleaner 40 sprays the liquid, within the period TA during which the cleaner 40 sprays the gas, or the like. Further, the cleaner 40 can also spray only the liquid or only the gas. In the case where the cleaner 40 sprays only the gas, the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is started is the timing t204, which is after the timing t201. In this case, after at least a part of the ice and snow that is attached to the outer cover 12 is sandwiched with water, the gas can be sprayed toward the ice and snow. Therefore, even in this case, the ice and snow can be easily removed. Further, the heater 30 can also be intermittently driven, and the cleaner 40 can also intermittently spray the liquid or the gas. However, the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is started can be made to be before the timing at which the driving of the heater is started.

[0282] Further, in this second operation, there is a period during which the heater 30 is driven after the timing t205 at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended. That is, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in this manner. Therefore, even after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended, the outer cover 12 is heated. Therefore, by adopting such a structure, freezing of the liquid that is attached to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended can be suppressed, or the liquid can be vaporized and removed. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer cover 12 is not heated after the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended, a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection can be suppressed.

[0283] Further, in this second operation, there is a period during which the heater 30 is driven after the timing t205 at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended. That is, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in this manner. Therefore, even after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended, the outer cover 12 is heated. Therefore, by adopting such a structure, freezing of the liquid that is attached to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended can be suppressed, or the liquid can be vaporized and removed. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer cover 12 is not heated after the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended, a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection can be suppressed.

[0284] Further, in this second operation, there is a period during which the heater 30 is driven after the timing t205 at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended. That is, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in this manner. Therefore, even after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended, the outer cover 12 is heated. Therefore, by adopting such a structure, freezing of the liquid that is attached to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of the liquid or the gas to the outer cover 12 is ended can be suppressed, or the liquid can be vaporized and removed. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer cover 12 is not heated after the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is ended, a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection can be suppressed.

[0285] In addition, from the viewpoint of inhibiting freezing of the liquid from the cleaner 40 or vaporizing and removing the liquid, it is sufficient that the period during which the heater 30 is being driven exists after the time t203 which is the timing at which the liquid injection by the cleaner 40 ends. For example, the heater 30 can also start to be driven within the period TW or after the time t203, the heater 30 can also be intermittently driven, and the cleaner 40 can also intermittently inject the liquid. However, it is also possible to end the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 before the driving of the heater 30 ends.

[0286] Further, in this second operation, the time t204 which is the timing at which the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 starts is later than the time t203 which is the timing at which the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends. That is, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in such a manner. Therefore, after the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends, the gas is injected toward the outer case 12. Therefore, by being configured in such a manner, it is possible to remove the liquid adhering to the outer case 12 using the gas from the cleaner 40 after the injection of the liquid toward the outer case 12 ends.

[0287] In addition, from the viewpoint of removing the liquid adhering to the outer case 12, it is sufficient that the time t204 which is the timing at which the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 starts is later than the time t203 which is the timing at which the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends. For example, the cleaner 40 can also intermittently inject the liquid or the gas. However, it is also possible to start the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 before the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends.

[0288] Further, the third operation can also be Figure 19 the operation illustrated in FIG. 6, the control section CO can control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 becomes Figure 19 the operation illustrated in FIG. 7. Figure 19 FIG. 8 is a timing chart schematically illustrating a first modification example of the third operation.

[0289] As Figure 19 illustrated in FIG. 8, the cleaner 40 starts the injection of the liquid at the time t211, and ends the injection of the liquid at the time t212 which is, for example, 3 seconds after the time t211. Further, the cleaner 40 does not inject the gas. The heater 30 starts to be driven at the time t213 which is later than the time t212, starts to heat the outer case 12, and stops to be driven at the time t214 which is, for example, 15 minutes after the time t213.

[0290] In this third operation, the prescribed period is a period from time t211 to time t214, and there is a period in which the heater 30 is being driven after time t212, which is the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 ends. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated after the injection of the liquid toward the outer cover 12 ends. Thus, by being configured in this way, it is possible to suppress the liquid, such as the liquid from the cleaner 40, that adheres to the outer cover 12 from freezing after the injection of the liquid toward the outer cover 12 ends, or to vaporize and remove the liquid.

[0291] Further, in this third operation, time t211, which is the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 starts, is before time t213, which is the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 starts. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is not heated before the liquid is injected toward the outer cover 12. Here, if the outer cover 12 is heated and the moisture of the dirt such as mud that adheres to the outer cover 12 decreases, the adhesion of the dirt such as mud to the outer cover tends to increase. Therefore, by being configured in this way, it is possible to easily remove the dirt such as mud compared to a case in which the liquid is injected toward the outer cover 12 after the outer cover 12 is heated.

[0292] In addition, from the viewpoint of easily removing the dirt such as mud, it is only necessary that time t211, which is the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 starts, be earlier than time t213, which is the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 starts. For example, the heater 30 can start to be driven during the period TW in which the cleaner 40 is injecting the liquid.

[0293] Further, the third operation can also be Figure 20 As illustrated in the operation, the control section CO can control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 becomes Figure 20 the operation illustrated in the operation. Figure 20 is a timing chart that schematically illustrates a second modification example of the third operation.

[0294] As illustrated in the operation, the control section CO can control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 becomes Figure 20 the operation illustrated in the operation. Figure 19 In the third operation of the present modification example, the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 starts is later than the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 starts, unlike the third operation illustrated in the operation. The heater 30 starts to be driven at time t221, starts to heat the outer cover 12, and stops to be driven at time t224. The cleaner 40 starts to inject the liquid at time t222, which is later than time t221 and earlier than time t224, and ends to inject the liquid at time t223, which is earlier than time t224. Further, the cleaner 40 does not inject the gas.

[0295] In this third operation, the specified period is from time t221 to time t224. The time t222, which is the timing for the start of liquid injection from the cleaner 40, is later than the time t221, which is the timing for the start of the heater 30's operation. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated before the liquid is injected. Here, if the temperature outside the vehicle VE is at a freezing point for water, the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 tends to freeze. By configuring it in this way, the liquid can be injected after the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 has melted due to heating. Therefore, this is useful in cases where the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 has frozen.

[0296] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of properly removing the mud in the event of freezing moisture in the mud, it is sufficient that the timing of starting the drive of the cleaner 40 is later than the timing of starting the drive of the heater 30. For example, the heater 30 may also stop driving before the timing of starting the liquid spraying of the cleaner 40, or the cleaner 40 may spray gas instead of liquid.

[0297] In addition, the third action can also be Figure 21 The control unit CO can also control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to make the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 become Figure 21 The actions shown. Figure 21 This is a timing diagram schematically showing a third variation of the third action.

[0298] like Figure 21 As shown, the cleaner 40 begins liquid injection at time t231 and ends liquid injection at time t232, for example, 3 seconds after time t231. Furthermore, the cleaner 40 begins gas injection at time t233, which is later than time t232, and ends gas injection at time t235, for example, 3 seconds after time t233. The heater 30 starts operating at time t234, which is later than time t233 but earlier than time t235, to begin heating the outer casing 12, and stops operating at time t236, for example, 15 minutes after time t234.

[0299] In this third operation, the specified period is from time t231 to time t236. The time t233, which marks the start of the gas injection from the cleaner 40, is later than the time t232, which marks the end of the liquid injection from the cleaner 40. Therefore, after the liquid injection from the cleaner 40 has finished, gas is injected towards the outer casing 12. Thus, by configuring the structure in this way, after the liquid injection towards the outer casing 12 has finished, the liquid adhering to the outer casing 12 can be removed using the gas from the cleaner 40.

[0300] Furthermore, in this third action, withFigure 19 The third action shown is also a period in which the heater 30 is being driven after the timing at which the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated after the injection of the liquid to the outer cover 12 ends. Therefore, by being configured in this way, it is possible to suppress the liquid adhering to the outer cover 12, such as the liquid from the cleaner 40, from freezing, or to vaporize and remove the liquid, after the injection of the liquid to the outer cover 12 ends.

[0301] Further, although the explanation of the illustration is omitted, the third action can also be an action in which the heater 30 is not driven, and the cleaner 40 injects the liquid and the gas. In this case, from the viewpoint of removing the liquid adhering to the outer cover 12, the timing at which the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 starts can be after the timing at which the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends, but the timing at which the injection of the gas starts can also be before the timing at which the injection of the liquid starts. Figure 21 The third action shown is also, preferably, the timing at which the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 starts is after the timing at which the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 ends, but the timing at which the injection of the gas starts can also be before the timing at which the injection of the liquid starts. Further, the third action can be an action in which the heater 30 is driven, and the cleaner 40 injects only the gas, or an action in which the heater 30 is not driven, and the cleaner 40 injects only the gas. Further, the third action can also be an action similar to the second action. Figure 18 The second action shown is also an action similar to the second action. In addition, in step SP44, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the actions of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 become Figure 18 In the case of the second action shown, for example, at least one of the period TH in which the heater 30 is being driven, the period TW in which the cleaner 40 is injecting the liquid, and the period TA in which the cleaner 40 is injecting the gas is different in the third action and the second action.

[0302] Further, the first action can also be Figure 22 The action shown, the control section CO can also control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the actions of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 become Figure 22 The action shown. Figure 22 is a timing chart that schematically shows the first action.

[0303] As Figure 22 The heater 30 starts to be driven at time t241, starts to heat the outer cover 12, and stops to be driven at time t244. The cleaner 40 starts to inject the gas at time t242, which is later than time t241 and earlier than time t244, and ends to inject the gas at time t243, which is earlier than time t244. Further, the cleaner 40 does not inject the liquid.

[0304] In this first operation, the specified period is from time t241 to time t244. The time t242, which is the timing for the start of the gas injection from the cleaner 40, is later than the time t241, which is the timing for the start of the drive of the heater 30. Therefore, the outer casing 12 is heated before the gas is injected towards it. Here, if the temperature outside the vehicle VE is at a freezing point (like water), there is a tendency for ice to adhere to the dust. By configuring it in this way, the gas can be injected after the ice adhering to the dust on the outer casing 12 has melted due to heating. Therefore, this is useful when ice adheres to the dust on the outer casing 12.

[0305] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of properly removing dust when ice adheres to it, it is sufficient as long as the timing of starting the drive of the cleaner 40 is after the timing of starting the drive of the heater 30. For example, the heater 30 may also stop driving before the timing of starting the gas injection of the cleaner 40, or the cleaner 40 may inject liquid instead of gas.

[0306] In addition, the first action can also be Figure 23 The control unit CO can also control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to make their operation... Figure 23 The actions shown. Figure 23 This is a timing diagram schematically showing a second variation of the first action.

[0307] like Figure 23 As shown, heater 30 is not driven. Cleaner 40 starts injecting gas at time t251 and ends injecting gas at time t252, for example, 3 seconds after time t251. In addition, cleaner 40 starts injecting liquid at time t253, which is later than time t252, and ends injecting gas at time t254, for example, 1 second after time t253.

[0308] In this first operation, the specified period is from time t251 to time t254. The time t253, which marks the start of the liquid injection from the cleaner 40, is later than the time t252, which marks the end of the gas injection. Therefore, dust adhering to the outer casing 12 that was not removed by the gas injection can be removed by the liquid injection, resulting in more reliable dust removal. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more reliable dust removal, it is sufficient that the start time of the liquid injection is later than the end time of the gas injection. In this example, the liquid injection period TW is shorter than the gas injection period TA, but it could also be longer than TA. Additionally, the cleaner 40 can intermittently inject either liquid or gas.

[0309] Further, the first operation can be the same as the third operation. For example, the first operation can be an operation in which the heater 30 is driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only liquid, or an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only liquid.

[0310] (4th Embodiment)

[0311] Next, a 4th embodiment as a 3rd aspect of the present application will be described in detail. For the same or equivalent constituent elements as those of the above embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned and repeated description is omitted except for the case where specifically described.

[0312] The structure of the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle lamp VL of the 3rd embodiment. However, the operation of the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment to remove the attached matter of the vehicle sensor device 1 is different from that of the 3rd embodiment.

[0313] Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control section CO in the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 24 the control flowchart of the present embodiment is different from the control flowchart of the 3rd embodiment in that steps SP51 to SP58 are provided instead of steps SP42 to SP45 of the control flowchart of the 3rd embodiment.

[0314] In the present embodiment, in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in a 1st range that is equal to or higher than a 1st threshold value and lower than a 2nd threshold value, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP51 in step SP41. On the other hand, in a case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the 2nd threshold value, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP54.

[0315] (step SP51)

[0316] This step is a step in which the control section CO determines whether the temperature indicated by the signal from the temperature sensor 50 is equal to or lower than a prescribed temperature. The prescribed temperature is set to a temperature at which water or the like starts to freeze or a temperature close to the temperature, for example, and is set to 0°C in the present embodiment. Then, in a case where the temperature indicated by the signal is equal to or lower than the prescribed temperature, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP52. On the other hand, in a case where the temperature indicated by the signal exceeds the prescribed temperature, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP53.

[0317] (step SP52)

[0318] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period becomes the 4th action. In this 4th action, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period. The 4th action of the present embodiment is an action in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such a 4th action. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11. Figure 22 The 4th action of the present embodiment is an action in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such a 4th action. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0319] In the present step, the temperature outside the vehicle VE is a temperature at which water or the like freezes, and in the 4th action, the timing at which the injection of the gas of the cleaner 40 starts is later than the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 starts. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can inject the gas after the state in which the ice attached to the dust attached to the outer cover 12 is melted by the heating of the outer cover 12, and can more easily remove the dust. Further, since the cleaner 40 does not inject the liquid, the liquid does not attach to the outer cover 12 or freeze.

[0320] (Step SP53)

[0321] In the present step, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period becomes the 5th action. In this 5th action, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period. The 5th action of the present embodiment is an action in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 only injects the gas for 3 seconds, and the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such a 5th action. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0322] In this 5th action, since the gas is injected from the cleaner 40 toward the transmission region AR, the dust or the water droplets attached to the outer cover 12 can be removed using the gas.

[0323] (Step SP54)

[0324] This step is the same as step SP43, and is a step in which the control portion CO determines whether or not the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor portion 20 is in the 2nd range that is equal to or higher than the 2nd threshold value and lower than the 3rd threshold value. In the present embodiment, in the case where the intensity of the electric wave is in the 2nd range, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP55. On the other hand, in the case where the intensity is not equal to or higher than the 2nd threshold value and lower than the 3rd threshold value, that is, in the case where it is in the 3rd range that is equal to or higher than the 3rd threshold value, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP56.

[0325] (Step SP55)

[0326] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period becomes the sixth action. In this sixth action, at least the heater 30 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period, and this sixth action is different from the fourth action in Step SP52 and the fifth action in Step SP53. The sixth action of this embodiment is the same action as the second action shown in FIG. 6, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such an action. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to Step SP11. Figure 18

[0327] In this step, ice and snow adhering to the outer cover 12 can be removed by the heating of the outer cover 12 and the liquid from the cleaner 40. Further, after the injection of the liquid to the outer cover 12 ends, the liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 can be removed by the gas from the cleaner 40.

[0328] (Step SP56)

[0329] This step is the same as Step SP51, a step in which the control portion CO determines whether the temperature indicated by the signal from the temperature sensor 50 is below the prescribed temperature. Then, in the case where the temperature indicated by the signal is below the prescribed temperature, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to Step SP57. On the other hand, in the case where the temperature indicated by the signal exceeds the prescribed temperature, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to Step SP58.

[0330] (Step SP57)

[0331] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period becomes the seventh action. In this seventh action, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period, and this seventh action is different from the sixth action in Step SP55. The seventh action of this embodiment is the same action as the third action shown in FIG. 7, the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such an action. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to Step SP11. Figure 20

[0332] ​​In this step, the temperature outside the vehicle VE is a temperature at which water or the like freezes, and in the seventh operation, the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 is started is later than the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 is started. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can inject the liquid after the state in which the moisture in the mud adhering to the cover 12 is melted by the heating of the cover 12, and can more easily remove the mud.

[0333] Further, in the seventh operation, there is a period in which the heater 30 is driven after the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 is ended. Therefore, in the case where the temperature outside the vehicle VE is a temperature at which water or the like freezes, the cover 12 is heated even after the timing at which the injection of the liquid of the cleaner 40 is ended. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the liquid adhering to the cover 12, such as the liquid from the cleaner 40, from freezing after the injection of the liquid is ended.

[0334] (Step SP58)

[0335] This step is a step in which the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in a prescribed period becomes the eighth operation. In this eighth operation, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period, and this eighth operation is different from the sixth operation in step SP55. The eighth operation of the present embodiment is an action in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 only injects the liquid, such as for 3 seconds, and the control portion CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to become such an eighth operation. Then, the control portion CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0336] In this eighth operation, since the liquid is injected from the cleaner 40 toward the transmission region AR, it is possible to remove the mud adhering to the cover 12 with the liquid.

[0337] Here, if the second range is set as the prescribed range and the range composed of the first range and the third range is set as the specific range, it can be understood that, as in the third embodiment, the control section CO of the present embodiment controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that, in the case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is in the prescribed range, at least the heater 30 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period, and, in the case where the intensity is in the specific range different from the prescribed range, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the prescribed period. Further, the sixth action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period in the case where the intensity is in the second range is different from the fourth action and the fifth action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period in the case where the intensity is in the first range. Further, the sixth action is different from the seventh action and the eighth action composed of the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period in the case where the intensity is in the third range. That is, it can be understood that the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period in the case where the intensity is in the specific range is different from the combination of the action of the heater 30 and the action of the cleaner 40 accompanying the passage of time in the prescribed period in the case where the intensity is in the prescribed range. Therefore, as in the third embodiment, the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment can suppress the reduction in the accuracy of the object detection.

[0338] Further, as described above, in the step SP53 and the step SP58, the heater 30 is not driven and only the cleaner 40 is driven. Therefore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 according to the present embodiment, in the case where the temperature outside the vehicle VE exceeds the temperature at which water or the like freezes and mud or dust or the like adheres to the outer cover 12, it is possible to cause the heater not to be driven and only the cleaner 40 to be driven. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to remove the mud or dust adhering to the outer cover 12 while reducing the opportunity of the heater 30 being driven.

[0339] In addition, the 6th operation of the present embodiment can also be the same operation as the 2nd operation of the 3rd embodiment or the modification example of the 2nd operation. Furthermore, the 4th operation, the 5th operation, the 7th operation, and the 8th operation can each be the same operation as any one of the 1st operation, the 3rd operation, the modification example of the 1st operation, and the modification example of the 3rd operation of the 3rd embodiment. Furthermore, at least two of the 4th operation, the 5th operation, the 7th operation, and the 8th operation can also be the same operation as each other. However, from the viewpoint of properly removing mud or dust and the like, it is preferable that the 4th operation and the 7th operation be operations in which the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 are driven, and the timing at which the driving of the cleaner 40 is started be later than the timing at which the driving of the heater 30 is started. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the opportunities for the driving of the heater 30, the 5th operation and the 8th operation are preferably operations in which the heater 30 is not driven and only the cleaner 40 is driven. Furthermore, the prescribed periods of the 4th operation, the 5th operation, the 7th operation, and the 8th operation can each be constant, or can vary in accordance with the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor section 20. Furthermore, these prescribed periods can be the same as each other, or can be different from each other.

[0340] The above has been described with the 3rd, 4th embodiments and the modification examples as examples of the 3rd aspect of the present application, but the present application is not limited to this.

[0341] Further, in the third, fourth embodiments and the above-described modification example, the specific range is explained as the first range in which the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value, and the third range in which the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal is equal to or higher than the third threshold value. Further, the prescribed range is explained as the second range in which the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value and lower than the third threshold value. However, the prescribed range and the specific range are not limited to this. For example, the specific range can be the first range, and the prescribed range can be the second range. Further, the specific range can be the third range, and the prescribed range can be the second range. In the latter case, for example, in the step SP11 of the third embodiment, the control section CO repeatedly performs the step SP11 in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se from the sensor section 20 is lower than the second threshold value, and causes the control flow to proceed to the step SP43 in a case where the intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. Further, the specific range can be the second range and the third range, and the prescribed range can be the first range, or the specific range can be the first range and the second range, and the prescribed range can be the third range. In the latter case, for example, in the step SP42 of the third embodiment, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to become the first operation, in the step SP44, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to become the third operation, and in the step SP45, the control section CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to become the second operation. The boundary between the prescribed range and the specific range can also have a width. Further, the values of the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the third threshold value are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set.

[0342] Further, in the operation of the heater 30, the amount of heat per unit time applied to the transmission region AR is also included, for example, the current value flowing through the electric heating wire 31 is also included. The operation of the cleaner 40 also includes the injection speed of the liquid or the injection speed of the gas. Therefore, the control section CO can also change the current value flowing through the electric heating wire 31, or change the injection speed of the liquid, or change the injection speed of the gas, according to the intensity of the electric wave EW2 represented by the signal Se from the sensor section 20. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the current value flowing through the electric heating wire 31 in the sixth operation can also be more than the current value flowing through the electric heating wire 31 in the seventh operation. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the injection speed of the liquid in the seventh operation can also be faster than the injection speed in the eighth operation.

[0343] Further, the control section CO can also control the transmission section 25 so as to stop the emission of the electromagnetic wave from the transmission section 25 in at least a part of the period TW in which the cleaner 40 is injecting the liquid.

[0344] Further, in step SP55 of the fourth embodiment, the sixth operation can also be changed depending on the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor 50. For example, the length of the period TH during which the heater 30 is being driven can also be changed depending on the temperature indicated by the signal.

[0345] Further, the length of the period TH during which the heater 30 is being driven, the length of the period TW during which the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid, and the length of the period TA during which the cleaner 40 is spraying gas can be appropriately set. However, the length of the period TH is preferably one minute or more, and the lengths of the periods TW and TA are preferably 0.5 seconds or more.

[0346] Further, the lengths of these periods TW, TA, and TH can also not be predetermined. For example, the control portion CO can also control the cleaner 40 so as to end the spraying of liquid in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal output from the sensor portion 20 during the spraying of liquid becomes a first prescribed value or less than the intensity at the start of the spraying of liquid. The first prescribed value can be, for example, a predetermined value, or can be 7 / 10 of an initial intensity that is the intensity at the start of the spraying of liquid, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, 1 / 10 of the initial intensity, or the like. By being configured in such a manner, for example, the spraying of liquid in a state where the adhering matter of the cover 12 has been removed can be suppressed. Further, in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 at a prescribed time from the start of the spraying of liquid is greater than the first prescribed value, the control portion CO can also cause the cleaner 40 to end the spraying of liquid and output a signal indicating an abnormality to the ECU.

[0347] Further, the control portion CO can also control the cleaner 40 so as to end the spraying of gas in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 indicated by the signal output from the sensor portion 20 during the spraying of gas becomes a second prescribed value or less than the intensity at the start of the spraying of gas. The second prescribed value can be, for example, a predetermined value, or can be 7 / 10 of an initial intensity that is the intensity at the start of the spraying of gas, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, 1 / 10 of the initial intensity, or the like. By being configured in such a manner, for example, the spraying of gas in a state where the adhering matter of the cover 12 has been removed can be suppressed. Further, in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 at a prescribed time from the start of the spraying of gas is greater than the second prescribed value, the control portion CO can also cause the cleaner 40 to end the spraying of gas and output a signal indicating an abnormality to the ECU, or can cause the cleaner 40 to end the spraying of gas and start the spraying of liquid. The period TW in a case where the spraying of liquid is started can also be predetermined. Alternatively, the control portion CO can also cause the cleaner 40 to end the spraying of liquid as described above in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the spraying of liquid becomes the first prescribed value or less.

[0348] Further, the control portion CO can also control the heater 30 so as to end the driving of the heater 30 in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 output from the sensor portion 20 during the driving of the heater 30 becomes a third prescribed value or less than the intensity at the start of the driving of the heater 30. The third prescribed value can be, for example, a predetermined value, or can be 7 / 10 of the intensity at the start of the driving of the heater 30, i.e., the initial intensity, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, 1 / 10 of the initial intensity, or the like. By providing such a configuration, for example, the driving of the heater 30 in a state where the adhering matter of the cover 12 is removed can be suppressed. Further, the control portion CO can also cause the heater 30 to stop and output a signal indicating an abnormality to the ECU in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 at a prescribed time from the start of the driving of the heater 30 is greater than the third prescribed value.

[0349] Further, for example, in the second operation shown in Figure 18 or the third operation shown in Figure 21 , the control portion CO controls the cleaner 40 so as to end the ejection of the liquid in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the ejection of the liquid becomes the first prescribed value or less, thereby starting the ejection of the gas in a case where the intensity becomes the first prescribed value or less. That is, the control portion CO controls the cleaner 40 so as to switch from the ejection of the liquid to the ejection of the gas in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the ejection of the liquid becomes the first prescribed value or less. The period TA in this case can also be predetermined. Alternatively, the control portion CO can also cause the cleaner 40 to end the ejection of the liquid in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the ejection of the gas becomes the second prescribed value or less as described above, the second prescribed value being smaller than the first prescribed value in this case.

[0350] Further, the control portion CO can also control the cleaner 40 so as to switch from the ejection of the gas to the ejection of the liquid in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the ejection of the gas becomes the second prescribed value or less. The period TW in this case can also be predetermined. Alternatively, the control portion CO can also cause the cleaner 40 to end the ejection of the liquid in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the ejection of the liquid becomes the first prescribed value or less as described above, the first prescribed value being smaller than the second prescribed value in this case. As the operation in which the control portion CO performs such control, for example, the first operation shown in Figure 23 can be cited.

[0351] Further, the control section CO can also stop the cleaner 40 and drive the heater 30 in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the liquid injection process becomes the first prescribed value or less, or in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the gas injection process becomes the second prescribed value or less. The period TH in this case can also be determined in advance. Or, as described above, the control section CO can also control the heater 30 so as to end the drive in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the drive becomes the third prescribed value or less, the third prescribed value in this case being smaller than the first prescribed value or the second prescribed value. As the action of the control section CO to perform such control, for example, the third action shown in Fig. 6 can be cited. Further, the control section CO can also stop the heater 30 and start the injection of the liquid or the gas by the cleaner 40 in a case where the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the drive of the heater 30 becomes the third prescribed value or less. The period TW, the period TA in this case can also be determined in advance. Or, the control section CO can also end the injection of the liquid by the cleaner 40 based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the injection process of the liquid, or end the injection of the gas by the cleaner 40 based on the intensity of the electric wave EW2 during the injection process of the gas, as described above. Figure 19

[0352] (5th Embodiment)

[0353] The 5th embodiment as the 4th aspect of the present application will be described. For the same or equivalent constituent elements as those of the 1st embodiment, the same reference numerals are marked and the repeated description is omitted except for the case where specifically described. Since the structure of the vehicle lamp VL of the present embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle lamp VL of the 1st embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0354] Next, the action of the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the case where the electromagnetic wave is transmitted and received by the sensor section 20 will be described. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the action of the control section CO.

[0355] <Step SP61>

[0356] In the start of the example described in Figure 25 , the vehicle VE is parked at a parking lot or the like, and the engine is in a stopped state. In this state, when the driver uses the vehicle VE, first in the present step, the driver turns on the ignition device of the vehicle VE. If the ignition device is turned on, a signal that the ignition is turned on is input from the ECU 100 of the vehicle VE to the control section CO.

[0357] <Step SP62>

[0358] ​If a signal of ignition ON is input to the control section CO, a signal related to the outside air temperature of the vehicle VE is input to the control section CO from the temperature sensor 50. If the signal related to the outside air temperature is input, the control section CO determines in this step whether the outside air temperature indicated by the signal is lower than a prescribed temperature or higher than the prescribed temperature. If the outside air temperature indicated by the signal is lower than the prescribed temperature, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP63. The prescribed temperature is set to 3°C, for example. On the other hand, in the case where the outside air temperature indicated by the signal is higher than the prescribed temperature, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP64.

[0359] <Step SP63>

[0360] In this step, the control section CO controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to apply a prescribed voltage to the electric wire 31. The prescribed voltage can be a constant voltage or a voltage that varies with time. Therefore, a current flows through the electric wire 31, and the electric wire 31 generates heat. Thus, even if frost or the like is attached to the outer surface 120 of the cover 12, the frost or the like can be melted. In this step, the control section CO does not cause the sensor section 20 to operate. Therefore, a signal related to the electromagnetic wave is not input from the sensor section 20 to the control section CO, and the control section CO does not output the detection signal Sd of the object. Alternatively, the control section CO can cause the sensor section 20 to operate, perform emission of the electromagnetic wave from the transmission section 25 and reception of the electromagnetic wave by the reception section 26, and input a signal Se related to the electromagnetic wave from the sensor section 20 to the control section CO. However, in this step, even if the signal Se related to the electromagnetic wave is input from the sensor section 20 to the control section CO, the control section CO does not output the detection signal Sd of the object. Alternatively, the control section CO can control the sensor section 20 to cause the transmission section 25 and the reception section 26 to perform transmission and reception of the electromagnetic wave as described above, but not output the signal Se related to the electromagnetic wave from the sensor section 20.

[0361] <Step SP64>

[0362] In this step, the control section CO determines whether the signal of the gear input from the ECU 100 is a signal indicating a state in which the vehicle VE is drivable. The state in which the vehicle VE is drivable means a state in which the vehicle VE can be driven if no brake is applied, such as a state in which the gear is in the drive range or the reverse range. In the case where the signal indicating the state in which the vehicle VE is drivable is not input from the ECU 100, the control section CO repeatedly performs this step. On the other hand, if the signal input from the ECU 100 is the signal indicating the state in which the vehicle VE is drivable, the control section CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP65.

[0363] <Step SP65>

[0364] In this step, the gear position is, for example, a state in which the drive or the reverse is entered. In this embodiment, in this state, the vehicle VE can be stationary with the brake applied or the vehicle VE can be moving. In this step, the sensor portion 20 and the heater 30 are caused to operate. Figure 26 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the electromagnetic wave transmitted and received by the sensor portion 20 in this step, the detection signal Sd output by the control portion CO, and the operation of the heater 30. In Figure 26 , the sensor portion 20 periodically transmits and receives electromagnetic waves as shown by the solid line. The period is, for example, 5 milliseconds to 200 milliseconds. If the sensor portion 20 receives an electromagnetic wave, a signal Se related to the electromagnetic wave is output, and the signal Se is input to the control portion CO. In this example, the signal Se is periodically input from the sensor portion 20 to the control portion CO.

[0365] The control portion CO processes the signal Se input from the sensor portion 20 to periodically output a detection signal Sd of an object located outside the housing 12 at a prescribed time interval. The period in which the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd is the same period as the period in which the sensor portion 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. However, as shown by the arrow in Figure 26 , the timing at which the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd is delayed with respect to the timing at which the sensor portion 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. Further, in each period, as shown by the Figure 26 , the length of the period in which the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd is different from the length of the period in which the sensor portion 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. However, the length of the period in which the control portion CO outputs the detection signal Sd and the length of the period in which the sensor portion 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves can be the same.

[0366] As described above, the detection signal Sd output by the control portion CO uses the electromagnetic wave periodically transmitted and received by the sensor portion 20 as shown by the solid line in Figure 26 . Therefore, the transmission and reception period Ta in which the electromagnetic wave used by the detection signal Sd output by the control portion CO is transmitted and received by the sensor portion 20 is the period in which the electromagnetic wave shown by the solid line in Figure 26 is transmitted and received.

[0367] Further, in a period Tb sandwiched by this transmission and reception period Ta, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can or can not be performed in the sensor portion 20. For example, as shown by the Figure 26As shown by the dotted line, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can also be performed continuously in the sensor section 20. Even in this case, since the detection signal Sd is output from the control section CO at a prescribed time interval, the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor section 20 are not all used for the detection signal Sd, and the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are periodically transmitted and received by the sensor section 20. Therefore, in this case, in the sensor section 20, electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd and electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd are alternately transmitted and received. Therefore, even in this case, the above-described transmission and reception period Ta is a period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received, and the above-described period Tb is a period in which the electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received. Figure 26 As shown by the dotted line, the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can also be performed continuously in the sensor section 20. Even in this case, since the detection signal Sd is output from the control section CO at a prescribed time interval, the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor section 20 are not all used for the detection signal Sd, and the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are periodically transmitted and received by the sensor section 20. Therefore, in this case, in the sensor section 20, electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd and electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd are alternately transmitted and received. Therefore, even in this case, the above-described transmission and reception period Ta is a period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received, and the above-described period Tb is a period in which the electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received. Figure 26 In the example shown by the dotted line, even if the signal Se related to the electromagnetic waves is output from the sensor section 20 to the control section CO during the period Tb, the control section CO does not output the detection signal Sd using the signal Se. Alternatively, the sensor section 20 can not output the signal Se related to the electromagnetic waves received during the period Tb. In this way, during the period Tb, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor section 20 become electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd.

[0368] Further, the control section CO controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to apply a voltage to the electrically heated wire 31. At this time, the control section CO sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to a first voltage VI during at least a part of the above-described transmission and reception period Ta, and sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to a second voltage V2 during at least a part of the period Tb sandwiched by the transmission and reception period Ta. The first voltage VI is set to a lower voltage than the second voltage V2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control section CO sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to the first voltage VI during all of the transmission and reception period Ta, and sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to the second voltage V2 during all of the period Tb. Therefore, in this example, the period during which the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 is the first voltage VI coincides with the transmission and reception period Ta, and the period during which the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 is the second voltage V2 coincides with the period Tb. Figure 26 Further, the control section CO controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to apply a voltage to the electrically heated wire 31. At this time, the control section CO sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to a first voltage VI during at least a part of the above-described transmission and reception period Ta, and sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to a second voltage V2 during at least a part of the period Tb sandwiched by the transmission and reception period Ta. The first voltage VI is set to a lower voltage than the second voltage V2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control section CO sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to the first voltage VI during all of the transmission and reception period Ta, and sets the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 to the second voltage V2 during all of the period Tb. Therefore, in this example, the period during which the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 is the first voltage VI coincides with the transmission and reception period Ta, and the period during which the voltage applied to the electrically heated wire 31 is the second voltage V2 coincides with the period Tb.

[0369] In this way, a current flows through the electrically heated wire 31, and the electrically heated wire 31 generates heat. By this heat, even if snow or ice is attached to the cover 12, they can be melted. Further, even if moisture is attached to the cover 12, the moisture can be evaporated.

[0370] In addition, in the present embodiment, even if the vehicle VE becomes the state in which the vehicle VE is running thereafter, the control portion CO continues the present step. That is, in the present example, the control portion CO continues the present step in all the state in which the vehicle VE is running. In addition, in the present embodiment, the control portion CO can perform the step SP65 in at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is running. That is, in a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is running, the control portion CO can not perform the step SP65. As an example of such control, the control portion CO can be cited which performs the step SP65 in the state in which the vehicle VE is running at 5 km / h or more and does not perform the step SP65 in the state in which the vehicle VE is running at less than 5 km / h.

[0371] As a heater which melts ice or snow or frost adhering to the cover of the vehicle sensor device, an electric heating wire provided on the cover can be cited. If a voltage is applied to the electric heating wire and a current flows, a magnetic field is generated around the electric heating wire. There is a concern that the sensitivity of the radar device is affected by the magnetic field and the accuracy of object detection is reduced.

[0372] Therefore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the control portion CO outputs a detection signal Sd of an object located outside the cover 12 at a prescribed time interval on the basis of a signal Se related to an electromagnetic wave from the sensor portion 20, and sets the first voltage applied to the electric heating wire 31 in at least a part of a transmission / reception period Ta in which the electromagnetic wave for the detection signal Sd is transmitted / received by the sensor portion 20 to be a lower voltage than the second voltage applied to the electric heating wire 31 in at least a part of a period Tb sandwiched by the transmission / reception period.

[0373] Therefore, the strength of the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire in at least a part of the transmission / reception period Ta in which the first voltage VI is applied to the electric heating wire is lower than the strength of the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire 31 in at least a part of the period Tb sandwiched by the transmission / reception period in which the second voltage V2 is applied to the electric heating wire. Therefore, compared with the case in which the second voltage V2 is continuously applied to the electric heating wire 31, it is possible to suppress the influence of the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor portion 20. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of object detection.

[0374] In addition, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the control portion CO sets the voltage applied to the electric heating wire 31 to the first voltage VI in all the transmission / reception periods Ta. Therefore, compared with the case in which the voltage applied to the electric heating wire 31 is set to the first voltage VI in a part of the transmission / reception periods Ta and the voltage applied to the electric heating wire 31 is set to the second voltage V2 in another part of the transmission / reception periods Ta, it is possible to suppress the influence of the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor portion 20.

[0375] Further, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the control portion CO stops the output of the detection signal Sd and applies the voltage to the electrically heated wire 31 during a period from when a signal indicating that the ignition is on is input to the control portion CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state is input to the control portion CO. During the period from when the ignition is on until the vehicle VE starts moving, in general, there is a tendency for the concern for safety to be low. Therefore, during the period from when the ignition is on until the vehicle VE is in the drivable state, the voltage is applied to the electrically heated wire 31, so that the melting of snow or the like adhering to the outer cover is prioritized over the detection of objects around the vehicle VE. Thus, the amount of snow or the like accumulated on the outer cover can be reduced, and a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection of the vehicle sensor device 1 after the vehicle VE starts moving can be suppressed. Then, in the state where the vehicle VE is running, the control portion CO proceeds to step SP65. Therefore, in the state where the vehicle VE is running, compared to the case where the second voltage V2 is continuously applied to the electrically heated wire 31, the sensitivity of the magnetic field generated from the electrically heated wire 31 affecting the sensor portion 20 can be suppressed, and a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection can be suppressed.

[0376] Further, in the present embodiment, the output of the detection signal Sd can be stopped and the voltage can be applied to the electrically heated wire 31 during a part of the period from when a signal indicating that the ignition is on is input to the control portion CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state is input to the control portion CO, instead of the entire period. Further, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control portion CO can stop the output of the detection signal Sd and apply the voltage to the electrically heated wire 31 during at least a part of the period in the state where the vehicle VE is stopped, instead of the period from when a signal indicating that the ignition is on is input to the control portion CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state is input to the control portion CO. For example, the control portion CO can stop the output of the detection signal Sd and apply the voltage to the electrically heated wire 31 during a period from when a signal indicating that the speed is 0 is input to the control portion CO from the speed sensor or the ECU 100 or the like. Since there is a tendency for the concern for safety to be low in the state where the vehicle VE is stopped, compared to the state where the vehicle VE is moving, by this action of the control portion CO, the amount of snow or the like accumulated on the outer cover during the parking of the vehicle VE can be reduced, and a decrease in the accuracy of the object detection of the vehicle sensor device 1 after the vehicle VE starts moving can be suppressed.

[0377] Further, in the present embodiment, step SP62 can be omitted. In this case, the control portion CO proceeds to step SP63 after step SP61, regardless of the outside air temperature.

[0378] Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0379] (Modification 1)

[0380] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. Additionally, in Figure 27 In the middle, it is represented by a dashed line. Figure 26 The operation of heater 30. For example... Figure 27 As shown by the solid line, this variation differs from the previous embodiment in that the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating wire 31 is shorter than that in the previous embodiment. In the previous embodiment, the period during which the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 is the first voltage V1 coincides with the transmission / reception period Ta. Therefore, in this variation, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 to the first voltage V1 for a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0381] According to this modified example, since the period during which a voltage lower than the second voltage V2, i.e., the first voltage V1, is applied is shorter than the transmission and reception period Ta, the electrical energy applied to the heating wire 31 is greater than that in the above embodiment, thus enabling more efficient snow melting and the like.

[0382] (Variation Example 2)

[0383] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. Additionally, in Figure 28 In, with Figure 27 Similarly, dashed lines are used to represent... Figure 26 The operation of heater 30. For example... Figure 28 As shown by the solid line, this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the period for applying the first voltage V1 to the heating wire 31 is longer than the period for applying the first voltage V1 to the heating wire 31 in the above embodiment. In this modified example, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 to the first voltage V1 during a period longer than the transmission and reception period Ta. Furthermore, in Figure 28 In the example shown, the control unit CO changes the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 from the second voltage V2 to the first voltage V1 before the start of the transmission / reception period Ta, and changes the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 after the end of the transmission / reception period Ta. However, the control unit CO may also change the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 from the second voltage V2 to the first voltage V1 at the start of the transmission / reception period Ta. Alternatively, the control unit CO may also change the voltage applied to the heating wire 31 from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 at the end of the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0384] According to this modified example, since a voltage lower than the second voltage V2, namely the first voltage V1, is applied to the heating wire at at least one of the beginning and end of the transmission and reception period Ta, the influence of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor section 20 can be more appropriately suppressed compared with the above embodiment.

[0385] (Variation Example 3)

[0386] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. Additionally, in Figure 29 In, with Figure 27 Similarly, dashed lines are used to represent... Figure 26 The operation of heater 30. For example... Figure 29 As shown by the solid line, this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the first voltage V1 applied to the heating wire 31 during the transmission and reception period Ta is 0. A first voltage V1 applied to the heating wire 31 being 0 means that no voltage is applied to the heating wire 31. That is, in this modified example, during the transmission and reception period Ta, the control unit CO does not apply voltage to the heating wire 31.

[0387] According to this modified example, no voltage is applied to the heating wire 31 during the transmission and reception period Ta. Therefore, compared with the above embodiment, the magnetic field radiated from the heating wire can be suppressed during the transmission and reception period Ta, and the influence of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20 can be further suppressed.

[0388] Furthermore, Modification 3 can also be applied to Modification 1 or Modification 2. When Modification 3 is applied to Modification 1, the control unit CO applies a first voltage V1 of zero magnitude to the heating wire 31 during a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta. When Modification 3 is applied to Modification 2, the control unit CO applies a first voltage V1 of zero magnitude to the heating wire 31 for a period longer than the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0389] (Variation Example 4)

[0390] Figure 30This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit CO in step SP65 of this modified example to modified example 7 described later. Step SP71 is a determination step that selects whether to proceed to step SP72 or step SP73 based on whether the vehicle VE is in a specific state. In this modified example, the specific state is that the vehicle VE is at a speed greater than a specified speed. Therefore, in step SP71 of this modified example, based on the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE input from the ECU 100, etc., to the control unit CO, the control unit CO determines whether the speed of the vehicle VE indicated by the signal is greater than a specified speed. If the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE indicates a speed greater than a specified speed, the control unit CO initiates the control flow to step SP72, controlling the power circuit 32 of the heater 30 to put the heater 30 into a first operating state. On the other hand, if the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE does not indicate a speed greater than a specified speed, that is, if the signal indicates a speed less than a specified speed, the control unit CO initiates the control flow to step SP73 to set the heater 30 to a second operating state. This speed is, for example, set to 5 km / h.

[0391] In this modified example, the control unit CO in the first operating state, for example as follows: Figure 27 The modified example 2 shown or Figure 29 As shown in Modification 3, a voltage is applied to the heating wire 31. In the second operating state, for example, as shown in Modification 3, a voltage is applied to the heating wire 31. Figure 26 The above-described embodiments or Figure 27 As shown in Modification 1, voltage is applied to the heating wire 31. Furthermore, in the first operating state, such as in the above embodiment, Modification 2, or Modification 3, the control unit CO applies voltage to the heating wire 31; in the second operating state, such as... Figure 27 As shown in Modification 1, a voltage is applied to the heating wire 31. That is, in this modification, the control unit CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when the speed of vehicle VE is greater than a predetermined speed smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage when the speed of vehicle VE is less than a predetermined speed. Alternatively, the control unit CO makes the period for applying the first voltage V1 when the speed of vehicle VE is greater than a predetermined speed longer than the period for applying the first voltage V1 when the speed of vehicle VE is less than a predetermined speed.

[0392] (Variation Example 5)

[0393] In this variation, Figure 30The specific state shown is a state in which the distance between the vehicle VE and the object detected outside the vehicle is less than a prescribed distance. Therefore, in step SP71 of the present modification example, the control portion CO determines whether the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is in a state in which it is less than a prescribed distance. In a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than a prescribed distance, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP72, and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operation state explained in Modification Example 4. On the other hand, in the case of a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is a prescribed distance or more, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP73, and sets the heater 30 to the second operation state explained in Modification Example 4. This prescribed distance is set to 5 m, for example. That is, in the present modification example, the control portion CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than a prescribed distance smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is a prescribed distance or more. Alternatively, the control portion CO makes the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than a prescribed distance longer than the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is a prescribed distance or more.

[0394] (Modification Example 6)

[0395] In the present modification example, Figure 30 The specific state shown is a state in which the vehicle VE is in rainy weather. Therefore, in step SP71 of the present modification example, the control portion CO determines whether a signal indicating rainy weather is input to the control portion CO from the rain sensor 51. In a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is input to the control portion CO, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP72, and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operation state explained in Modification Example 4. On the other hand, in the case of a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is not input to the control portion CO, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP73, and sets the heater 30 to the second operation state explained in Modification Example 4. That is, in the present modification example, the control portion CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is input to the control portion CO smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is not input. Alternatively, the control portion CO makes the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is input to the control portion CO longer than the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which a signal indicating rainy weather is not input.

[0396] (Modification Example 7)

[0397] In the present modification example, Figure 30The specific state shown is a state in which the vehicle VE has the headlamps turned on. Therefore, in step SP71 of the present modification example, the control portion CO determines, based on a signal input to the control portion CO from the ECU 100 or the like, whether the signal indicates that the headlamps of the vehicle VE are turned on. In a state in which a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is input to the control portion CO, low beams or high beams are emitted from the lamp unit LU. In the case where a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is input to the control portion CO, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP72, and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operation state explained in Modification Example 4. On the other hand, in the case where a signal indicating that the headlamps of the vehicle VE are turned on is not input to the control portion CO, the control portion CO causes the control flow to proceed to step SP73 to set the heater 30 to the second operation state explained in Modification Example 4. That is, in the present modification example, the control portion CO causes the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is input to the control portion CO to be smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage VI in a state in which a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is not input to the control portion CO. Alternatively, the control portion CO causes the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is input to the control portion CO to be longer than the period during which the first voltage VI is applied in a state in which a signal indicating that the headlamps are turned on is not input to the control portion CO.

[0398] The state in which the speed of the vehicle VE is large, the state in which the distance from the vehicle VE to the object is small, the state in rainy weather, or the state in which the headlamps are turned on, which are explained in Modification Examples 4 to 7 above, are states in which the occupant more needs information about the surroundings of the vehicle VE to be acquired by a method other than vision. In these states, by reducing the magnitude of the first voltage VI to reduce the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire 31, or by extending the period during which the first voltage VI is applied to extend the period during which the magnetic field generated from the electric heating wire 31 is suppressed, the vehicle sensor device 1 can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection, and can further contribute to safety.

[0399] The above explains the fourth aspect of the present application with the fifth embodiment as an example, but the present application is not limited to the above explanation.

[0400] For example, in the fifth embodiment, the control portion CO performs step SP65 in at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is running. However, in the present application, the control portion CO can perform step SP65 in at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is parked and at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is running. Therefore, for example, the control portion CO can also perform step SP65 in at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is parked. However, the state in which the vehicle VE is running is a state in which the occupant needs information about the surroundings of the vehicle VE to be acquired by a method other than vision, compared to the state in which the vehicle VE is parked. Therefore, it is preferable that the control portion CO perform step SP65 in at least a part of the state in which the vehicle VE is running.

[0401] Further, for example, the steps SP62 to SP64 of the fifth embodiment can be omitted, and the step SP65 can be performed by the control section CO after the step SP61. In this case, for example, the control section CO performs the step SP65 in a state where all the vehicles VE are parked and in a state where all the vehicles VE are running.

[0402] Further, in the fifth embodiment, the vehicle sensor device 1 can have at least the housing 12, the sensor section 20, the electrically heated wire 31, and the control section CO, and for example, the light unit LU can not be arranged in the accommodation space 13 of the case 10. In this case, the light unit LU is arranged in a case different from the case 10.

[0403] Further, in the fifth embodiment, the cleaner 40 is not necessarily provided, and the vehicle sensor device 1 can not have the cleaner 40. Alternatively, in a case where the cleaner 40 is provided as in the above-described embodiments, the cleaner 40 can be made to operate in the step SP63 of the above-described embodiment. Figure 25 Further, in the step SP63 of the above-described embodiment, the cleaner 40 can be made to operate when the electrically heated wire 31 is applied with the prescribed voltage. For example, the liquid can be sprayed from the spray nozzle 41c of the liquid unit 41 toward the transmission region AR before the voltage is applied to the heating wire 31.

[0404] The above-described embodiments and modifications are examples of the present application, but the present application is not limited to these.

[0405] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the vehicle sensor device 1 provided in the vehicle lamp VL as a headlamp is described as an example. However, the vehicle sensor device 1 can be provided in a blinker or a brake lamp, or the like as a vehicle lamp. Further, the vehicle sensor device 1 can not be provided in a vehicle lamp. As such a structure of the vehicle sensor device 1, for example, a structure in which the vehicle lamp VL does not have the light unit LU in the above-described embodiments can be cited.

[0406] According to the first aspect of the present application, a vehicle sensor device capable of suppressing a decrease in detection accuracy and suppressing waste of electric power is provided, according to the second aspect of the present application, a vehicle sensor device capable of reducing a burden on a control section is provided, and according to the third and fourth aspects of the present application, a vehicle sensor device capable of suppressing a decrease in accuracy of object detection is provided, and can be applied to the field of automobiles and the like.

Claims

1. A sensor device for a vehicle, characterized by comprising: Possessing: an outer cover; a sensor portion configured on an inner side of a vehicle compared to the outer cover, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputting a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident to the inner side of the outer cover; a heater provided to the outer cover, heating a transmission region in the outer cover that transmits the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion; and a control portion, the control portion outputs a detection signal of an object located outside the outer cover based on the signal from the sensor portion during at least a part of a period in which the heater is off, and stops the output of the detection signal during at least a part of a period in which the heater is on, the sensor portion emits the electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover and receives the electromagnetic waves incident to the inside of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover during a period in which the heater is on, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves to the control portion, the control portion stops the output of the detection signal during at least a part of a period in which the signal related to the electromagnetic waves is input during a period in which the heater is on.

2. The sensor device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control portion stops the output of the detection signal when the intensity of the electromagnetic waves indicated by the signal is equal to or greater than a second threshold value during a period in which the heater is on, and outputs the detection signal when the intensity is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value, and indicating that the amount of attachment of the attached matter to the transmission region is greater than the amount of attachment in the first threshold value.

3. The sensor device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control portion stops the output of the detection signal when a signal output from a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the transmission region indicates a temperature less than a prescribed temperature during a period in which the heater is on, and outputs the detection signal when the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature equal to or greater than the prescribed temperature.

4. The sensor device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control portion outputs the detection signal during a period in which a light source portion that emits light toward the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover is on during a period in which the heater is on.

5. The sensor device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control portion controls the heater to be on during at least a part of a period in which the vehicle is stopped, and stops the output of the detection signal during at least a part of a period in which the heater is on.

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