System for cleaning a vehicle's own optical sensor and method for doing so

Abstract

Cleaning system for a vehicle's own optical sensor, including: a car wash pump that supplies a cleaning fluid; an air pump which includes an outlet valve and discharges air through the outlet valve, the outlet valve opening when air is compressed in the air pump; a nozzle element having an ejection opening that ejects a gas-liquid mixture towards a sensor surface of a vehicle-integrated optical sensor in order to remove foreign substances from the sensor surface, wherein the cleaning fluid from the washer pump and the air from the air pump are mixed in the gas-liquid mixture; a control unit that controls the washer pump and the air pump, whereby The control unit is configured to expel the gas-liquid mixture by storing the cleaning fluid in the nozzle element to cover the discharge opening, and then supplying air to the nozzle element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for cleaning a vehicle-integrated optical sensor and a method for cleaning a vehicle-integrated optical sensor.

[0002] Newer vehicles often have onboard optical sensors at the front or rear to utilize the images captured by these sensors. Foreign substances such as dirt can accumulate on the sensor surface (e.g., lens or protective glass) of an onboard optical sensor. Therefore, for example, Japanese patent application JP 2001-171491A proposes a cleaning system for an onboard optical sensor that expels water and air at high pressure (water / compressed air) from a nozzle onto the sensor surface to remove the foreign substances.

[0003] The cleaning system for a vehicle's optical sensor, such as the one described above, uses a compressed air generation unit, but it does not specifically mention how the high-pressure cleaning fluid (water) is ejected. There is a need for a technique to eject the cleaning fluid at higher pressure to increase the cleaning effect.

[0004] The following are cited as state of the art: DE 10 2014 113 402 A1, US 2013 / 0 092 758 A1, US 2015 / 0 040 953 A1, DE 696 30 134 T2, US 9 505 382 B2, US 2002 / 0 005 440 A1 and JP 2001 - 171 491 A. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor and a method for cleaning a vehicle-integrated optical sensor, which can expel a gas-liquid mixture in which a cleaning fluid and air are mixed under high pressure.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of main claim 1 and dependent claim 16. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is a cleaning system for a vehicle's optical sensor, comprising a washer pump that supplies a cleaning fluid, an air pump, a nozzle element, and a control unit. The air pump includes an outlet valve and discharges air through this valve. The outlet valve opens when air is compressed within the air pump. The nozzle element has a discharge orifice that expels a gas-liquid mixture toward a sensor surface of the vehicle's optical sensor to remove contaminants from the sensor surface. The cleaning fluid from the washer pump and the air from the air pump are mixed in the gas-liquid mixture. The control unit controls the washer pump and the air pump.The control unit is configured to expel the gas-liquid mixture by storing the cleaning fluid in the nozzle element to cover the discharge opening, and then supplying air to the nozzle element.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for cleaning a vehicle's optical sensor, which expels a gas-liquid mixture, in which a cleaning fluid and air are mixed, towards a sensor surface of the vehicle's optical sensor in order to remove foreign substances from the sensor surface. The method involves storing a cleaning fluid in a nozzle element to cover an ejection opening of the nozzle element, and then supplying air to the nozzle element to expel the gas-liquid mixture.

[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the inventive principle by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention, along with its tasks and advantages, is best understood by referring to the following description of the currently preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1A a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 1B a schematic view of the in Fig. 1A shown advertisement; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 1A shown vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the in Fig. 1A shown vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit; Fig. 4 a front view of the in Fig. 3 vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit shown; Fig. 5 a rear view of the in Fig. 3 vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit shown; Fig. 6 a perspective cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 3 Mounting bracket of the vehicle's own optical sensor shown; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view showing a lower part of the Fig. The mounting bracket of the vehicle's own optical sensor is shown in Figure 6; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view showing an upper part of the Fig. The mounting bracket of the vehicle's own optical sensor is shown in Figure 6; Fig. 9A a perspective exploded view of a piston unit; Fig. 9B a perspective exploded view of an intake housing element; Fig. 9C a perspective exploded view of a nozzle unit; Fig. 9D a perspective view of the nozzle unit; Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of the nozzle unit, which is arranged in a non-cleaning position; Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the nozzle unit; Fig. 12 a cross-sectional view of an air pump; Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B Partially enlarged cross-sectional views showing the operation of the air pump; Fig. 14 a time diagram showing the operation of a car wash pump and the air pump; Fig. 15 a cross-sectional view showing part of a modified example of the nozzle unit of the first embodiment; Fig. 16 a cross-sectional view showing part of a modified example of the nozzle unit of the first embodiment; Fig. 17A a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 17B a schematic view of the in Fig. 17A shown in the advertisement; Fig. 18 a perspective view of the in Fig. 17A vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit; Fig. 19 a perspective view of the in Fig. 17A vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit; Fig. 20 a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 18 vehicle-integrated optical sensor units shown; Fig. 21 a cross-sectional view of a nozzle unit; Fig. 22 a perspective exploded view of a distal nozzle element and a nozzle tip; Fig. 23 a cross-sectional view showing part of the nozzle unit; Fig. 24 a cross-sectional view showing part of the nozzle assembly; and Fig. 25 an enlarged cross-sectional view showing part of the vehicle's optical sensor unit. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] The following describes a first embodiment of a vehicle with reference to the Fig. Items 1 to 14 were discussed.

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1a, a rear door 2 is located at the rear of a vehicle 1, and a vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit 3 is arranged on the rear door 2. The vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit 3 of the first embodiment is fixed in a position that lies slightly towards the driver's seat side (right side) from a lateral center line C of the vehicle 1.

[0013] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the vehicle's optical sensor unit 3 includes a vehicle's camera 5, which functions as a vehicle's optical sensor, a nozzle unit 6, which functions as a cleaning device for the vehicle's optical sensor, and a mounting bracket 7 for the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle's camera 5 has a cube-shaped body 5a that accommodates an image capture element (not shown) and a lens 5b that is located on a surface of the body 5a and acts as a sensor surface (external image capture surface).

[0015] For example, in the Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, when a gearshift lever SL of a gearshift device is moved into a reverse position, the vehicle's camera 5 transmits a captured image of the rear of the vehicle 1 to a vehicle's DSP display to show the image. The vehicle's camera 5 is fixed to the rear door 2 with the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor, such that the lens 5b is angled downwards to capture an oblique downward image of the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0016] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 9D, Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the entire outline of the nozzle unit 6 is cylindrical. The nozzle unit 6 includes a nozzle element 9 with discharge openings 8. When it is in a non-cleaning position (see Figure 11), the entire outline of the nozzle unit 6 is cylindrical. Fig. 2 and Fig. 10) to a cleaning position (see Fig. 11) is moved, the nozzle element 9 protrudes outwards and expels a fluid from the ejection openings 8 towards the lens 5b (see Fig. 2) In the present embodiment, the fluid is a mixture of a cleaning fluid, air and a gas-liquid mixture.

[0017] How Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's own optical sensor is formed in one piece by a sensor receptacle 7a, which accommodates the vehicle's own camera 5 and exposes a lens 5b to the outside, a nozzle receptacle 7b, which accommodates the nozzle unit 6, and a vehicle mounting part 7c.

[0018] Specifically, the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor includes a rectangular tube 7d, which contains an interior that defines the sensor receptacle 7a, which accommodates the cube-shaped vehicle camera 5, and a circular tube 7e, which contains an interior that defines the nozzle receptacle 7b, which accommodates the cylindrical nozzle unit 6. The rectangular tube 7d and the circular tube 7e are positioned side by side with their side walls joined. Specifically, the rectangular tube 7d includes a distal portion with a circular access bore 7f that exposes the lens 5b of the vehicle camera 5 to the outside, and a basal portion that is open to accommodate the vehicle camera 5.The round tube 7e comprises a distal section, which is provided with a nozzle bore 7g that is continuous with the exposure bore 7f and allows the nozzle element 9 to move forwards and backwards, and a basal section that opens to receive the nozzle unit 6. The round tube 7e is inclined relative to the rectangular tube 7d, such that the round tube 7e is increasingly closer to the rectangular tube 7d towards its distal side. The round tube 7e (nozzle receptacle 7b) is located on the driver's seat side (right side) of the rectangular tube 7d (sensor receptacle 7a) in the lateral direction of the vehicle 1 (see figure). Fig. 1A).

[0019] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a fastening element 11 is attached to the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor by means of screws 12. The vehicle's camera 5, which is mounted in the sensor receptacle 7a, includes a rear end that engages with the fastening element 11. This prevents the vehicle's camera 5 from being removed from the sensor receptacle 7a and secures the camera 5 to the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0020] The nozzle unit 6, which is housed in the nozzle receptacle 7b, includes fastening elements 13 that protrude from the nozzle receptacle 7b. The fastening elements 13 are attached to the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor by screws 14. This prevents the nozzle unit 6 from being removed from the nozzle receptacle 7b.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor in the present embodiment includes fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k at locations corresponding to the discharge openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 when it is in the non-cleaning position. The fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k are cavities that can receive the cleaning fluid that has leaked from the discharge openings 8. The sensor receptacle 7a and the nozzle receptacle 7b are in communicative communication with each other at locations corresponding to the discharge openings 8; that is, no partition is formed. This forms the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k in the sensor receptacle 7a and in the nozzle receptacle 7b.More specifically, if the cleaning fluid leaks from the ejection openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 when it is in the non-cleaning position, the cleaning fluid can flow into the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k, which are formed in the sensor receptacle 7a and in the nozzle receptacle 7b.

[0022] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the liquid dispensing parts 7j, 7k are provided with outlet bores 7m, 7n that open in directions other than the exposure bore 7f (lens 5b). In the present embodiment, the outlet bores 7m, 7n open in the direction of gravity (downwards). In the present embodiment, the outlet bore 7m corresponds to the liquid dispensing part 7j of the sensor receptacle 7a, and the outlet bores 7n correspond to the liquid dispensing part 7k of the nozzle receptacle 7b.

[0023] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the outlet bore 7m of the sensor receptacle 7a has an inner rim with an inclined surface 7p at a location corresponding to the distal end of the vehicle's own camera 5. The inclined surface 7p enlarges a gap (i.e., fluid dispensing part 7j) between the vehicle's own camera 5 and the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's own optical sensor and directs the cleaning fluid, which has leaked into the fluid dispensing part 7j, to the outlet bore 7m.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the outlet bore 7m of the sensor mount 7a has an outer edge with inclined surfaces 7q at two ends at positions corresponding to the distal end of the vehicle's camera 5. The inclined surfaces 7q allow the cleaning fluid to discharge from the outlet bore 7m in the fluid dispensing section 7j, exiting the sensor mount 7a. The inclined surfaces 7q are arranged so that they extend in the direction of gravity.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the nozzle receptacle 7b includes an upper part which has a rotation-limiting element 16. The rotation-limiting element 16 is a groove which, in a circumferential direction, engages with a projecting rotation-limiting part 15 (see Figure 8). Fig. 9D) is undergoing an intervention that will be described later.

[0026] The vehicle mounting part 7c is flange-shaped and projects from the basal parts of the square tube 7d and the round tube 7e. The vehicle mounting part 7c is provided with mounting holes 7r and is fastened by mounting pins (not shown) when inserted through the mounting holes 7r on the vehicle.

[0027] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 and 9 to 11, the nozzle unit 6 includes an elongated tubular cylinder housing 21, a piston unit 28 and an intake housing element 22.

[0028] As in the Fig. 9C and Fig. As shown in Figure 9D, the cylindrical housing 21 has the shape of an elongated tube and includes an outer circumferential surface. The rotationally restricted part 15 projects from the outer circumferential surface and is connected to the rotationally restricted part 16 (see Figure 9D). Fig. 8) in the circumferential direction. In addition, a tubular elastic element R is mounted on the outer circumference of the cylinder housing 21. When it is received in the nozzle receptacle 7b, the cylinder housing 21 is in press contact with an inner surface of the nozzle receptacle 7b, with the elastic element R lying between them. In addition, a holder support 21a extends radially inward from a distal part of the cylinder housing 21 and engages with a spring retainer 23 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9c), which will be described later.

[0029] As in Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the piston unit 28 includes the nozzle element 9 and a helical compression spring 27. The nozzle element 9 includes a piston-nozzle element 24 and a flange element 25. The piston-nozzle element 24 includes an elongated tube 24a and a nozzle 24b. The nozzle 24b is projected from a distal part of the tube 24a to a radially outer side. The nozzle 24b includes a distal element that defines the discharge openings 8. The flange element 25 is fixed to a basal end of the piston nozzle. In the present invention, the piston-nozzle element 24 of the nozzle element 9 includes a distal interior (interior of discharge openings 8) that defines a common intake chamber D capable of drawing in the cleaning fluid and the air. The flange element 25 includes an outer pass tube 25a, which is placed on a basal part of the tube 24a, and a basal flange 25b, which projects radially outwards from a basal part of the outer pass tube 25a.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the basal flange 25b includes a seal installation recess 25c that extends around its entire circumference and opens radially outwards. A lip seal 26 is installed in the seal installation recess 25c. The lip seal 26 comprises an annular fitting part 26a, a lip part 26b, and an annular sliding part 26c. The fitting part 26a is fitted into the seal installation recess 25c. The lip part 26b extends axially from a radially outer end of the fitting part 26a towards the basal side. The sliding part 26c extends from a distal outer circumferential surface of the lip part 26b and has an arcuate cross-section. The sliding part 26c slides on an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder housing 21. Furthermore, the seal installation recess 25c of the present embodiment includes separation limiting grooves 25d that extend axially.The separation limit grooves 25d of the present embodiment extend in an annular manner along two axial surfaces of the seal installation recess 25c. The fitting part 26a of the lip seal 26 includes a pair of separation limit projections 26e which are fitted into the separation limit grooves 25d.

[0031] The piston unit 28 includes the nozzle element 9, the spring retainer 23 coupled to the nozzle element 9, and the helical compression spring 27. The spring retainer 23, which is mounted on the tube 24a, allows axial sliding of the tube 24a and limits its relative axial rotation. The helical compression spring 27 is mounted on the tube 24a and is held in a compressed state between the spring retainer 23 and the basal flange 25b. More specifically, the piston unit 28 is formed by attaching the spring retainer 23 and the helical compression spring 27 to the piston-nozzle element 24 from a basal end of the tube 24a and then attaching the outer fitting tube 25a of the flange element 25 to the basal part of the tube 24a.

[0032] The cylinder housing 21 is designed to receive the piston assembly 28. When coupling the assembled piston assembly 28, the piston assembly 28 is inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from a basal end. The nozzle 24b protrudes from the distal part of the cylinder housing 21. The spring holder 23 engages with the holder support 21a, which is located on the distal part of the cylinder housing 21, to limit the further movement of the spring holder 23. As shown in the Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the spring holder 23 includes a disc-shaped part 23a with a larger diameter than the holder support 21a, which is located at the distal part of the cylinder housing 21. This restricts the removal of the spring holder 23 from the distal part of the cylinder housing 21. The spring holder 23 has an engagement part 23b that fits into the holder support 21a and engages circumferentially with the holder support 21a. This restricts the rotation of the spring holder 23 relative to the cylinder housing 21. The above arrangement allows the nozzle element 9 to move forward and backward while housed in the cylinder housing 21. When the basal flange 25b is forced toward the discharge openings 8 by applying pressure of a fluid, the nozzle element 9 moves forward against the preload force of the helical compression spring 27 to the cleaning position (see Figure 10). Fig. 11) If the feed pressure is not applied, the nozzle element 9 moves backward to the non-cleaning position due to the preload force of the helical compression spring 27.

[0033] The intake housing element 22 is coupled to a basal part of the cylinder housing 21.

[0034] As in the Fig. 9B and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the intake housing element 22 includes an inlet element 31, an intake element 32, a cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 and an air-side check valve 34.

[0035] The inlet element 31 comprises a tubular outer fitting 31a, a basal flow passage 31b, an inner extension 31c, and a tubular inlet 31d. The outer fitting 31a is located on the basal part of the cylinder housing 21. The basal flow passage 31b extends axially from a basal part of the outer fitting 31a. The inner extension 31c extends inward from the basal part of the outer fitting 31a. The inlet 31d extends from the inner extension 31c to an end opposite the basal flow passage 31b. The basal flow passage 31b has the shape of an elongated tube, which, viewed in the direction of travel (axial direction), is formed by parallel lines and arcs connected to the parallel lines. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the inner extension 31c is inclined inwards to separate from the basal flow passage 31b. The cylinder housing 21 is provided with a space SP between the inner extension 31c and the basal flange 25b. The outer diameter of the inlet 31d is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 24a, so that the inlet 31d is loosely fitted to an inner surface of the tube 24a when inserted from the basal end of the nozzle element 9. The basal part of the outer fitting 31a of the inlet element 31 includes the fastening elements 13 (see Figure 10). Fig. 5), which are attached to the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's own optical sensor by the screws 14.

[0036] The intake element 32 comprises an outer fitting 32a, a tubular cleaning fluid intake channel 32c, and an air intake channel 32d. The outer fitting 32a is placed on the basal flow passage 31b of the inlet element 31 and includes a basal closed end 32b. The cleaning fluid intake channel 32c and the air intake channel 32d extend from the closed end 32b parallel to the axial direction. Specifically, the outer fitting 32a has the shape of an elongated tube that corresponds to the elongated tubular basal flow passage 31b and can be placed onto the basal flow passage. The closed end 32b has the shape of an elongated disk. The closed end 32b is provided with an air-side passage 32e at a point corresponding to the axial center of one of the arcs of the basal flow passage 31b.The air intake channel 32d is in linear communicating connection with the air-side passage section 32e. Furthermore, the closed end 32b is provided with a cleaning fluid-side passage section 32f at a location corresponding to the axial center of the other arc of the basal flow passage 31b. The cleaning fluid intake channel 32c is connected to an outer surface of the cleaning fluid-side passage section 32f (in . Fig. 10 (the side opposite the air intake duct 32d) and is in communicating communication with the cleaning fluid-side passage 32f. Therefore, while the distance between the cleaning fluid intake duct 32c and the air intake duct 32d is long enough to connect a cleaning fluid hose H1 and an air hose H2, the distance between the cleaning fluid-side passage 32f and the air-side passage 32e is short. This reduces the size of the basal flow passage 31b of the inlet element 31 and the outer fitting 32a of the intake element 32. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 is located in a position that communicates with the cleaning fluid-side passage 32f in the basal flow passage 31b of the inlet element 31 between the cleaning fluid intake duct 32c and the common intake chamber D.The air-side check valve 34 is located in a position that communicates with the air-side passage 32e in the basal flow passage 31b of the inlet element 31 between the air intake channel 32d and the common intake chamber D. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 and the air-side check valve 34 of the present embodiment are each of the duckbill type and include a downstream portion (the portion facing the common intake chamber D) with a constricted opening. This allows downstream flow of a fluid and blocks upstream flow of the fluid.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the cleaning fluid intake channel 32c is connected to a washer pump WP via the cleaning fluid hose H1. The air intake channel 32d is connected to an air pump AP via the air hose H2.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the washer pump WP can supply the cleaning fluid, which is a fluid stored in a container T. When a built-in pump motor (not shown) is driven, the cleaning fluid is supplied (suctioned) to the nozzle unit 6 (special cleaning fluid intake channel 32c) through the cleaning fluid hose H1.

[0039] The AP air pump can deliver compressed, high-pressure air instantly. When it is driven, air is supplied (drawn in) through the air hose H2 to the nozzle unit 6 (special air intake channel 32d).

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the air pump AP of the present embodiment is a positive displacement pump and delivers air with a fixed volume flow rate. The air pump AP comprises an elongated tubular cylinder 41, a piston 42 which moves back and forth within the cylinder 41, and a motor 43 which is located on a return-movement side of the piston 42 (in Fig. 12 of the left side). The motor 43 drives the piston 42 back and forth.

[0041] As in the Fig. 13A and Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, the air pump AP includes an exhaust valve 45 and a suction valve 47. The exhaust valve 45 performs an opening and closing operation to open and close an exhaust valve port 44, which connects the inside and outside of the cylinder 41. The suction valve 47 performs an opening and closing operation to open and close suction valve ports 46, which connect the inside and outside of the piston 42. The exhaust valve 45 opens when the air in the air pump AP is compressed to a predetermined pressure. More specifically, the piston 42 includes an actuating element 67, which will be described later, and the exhaust valve 45 includes an actuating projection 53. When the actuating element 67 pushes the actuating projection 53 forward, the exhaust valve 45 opens.As the piston 42 moves forward to reduce the internal volume (pump chamber P) in the cylinder 41, the air in the cylinder 41 is compressed. The exhaust valve 45 then opens and expels the compressed air through the exhaust valve opening 44. As the piston 42 moves backward, the intake valve 47 opens and draws air from the intake valve openings 46 into the cylinder 41.

[0042] More specifically, the cylinder 41 is tubular and has a closed end, which defines a closed end 41a (in Fig. 13 the right end). The closed end 41a includes a central part with a central hole 41b. The central hole 41b includes an outer opening that defines the exhaust valve opening 44. The outer surface of the closed end 41a of the cylinder 41 is fixed to a tubular valve housing 49, which has a closed end. The valve housing 49 includes a valve chamber 48 that communicates with the exhaust valve opening 44. The closed end of the valve housing 49 is provided with a tubular air outlet channel 49a that projects from and communicates with the valve chamber 48. The air outlet channel 49a is connected to the air hose H2.

[0043] The exhaust valve 45 comprises an exhaust valve element 54 and a disc-shaped rubber element 55. The exhaust valve element 54 is formed integrally by a disc 51, a tube 52, and the actuating projection 53. The disc 51 is shaped to conform to an inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber 48. The tube 52 extends axially from an edge of the disc 51 (in Fig. 13 to the right) and guides the axial movement of the tube 52. The actuating projection 53 extends from the center of the disk 51 towards an inner surface of the cylinder 41. The disc-shaped rubber element 55 is attached to a basal part of the actuating projection 53. An outlet connection bore 51a extends axially through part of a circumferential portion of the disk 51. The outlet valve 45 is movable in the forward-reverse direction of the piston 42. The outlet valve 45 is capable of closing in a direction in which the rubber element 55 comes into close contact with the outlet valve opening 44, i.e., closing the outlet valve opening 44. The outlet valve 45 is also capable of opening in a direction in which the rubber element 55 is separated from the outlet valve opening 44, i.e., opening the outlet valve opening 44. The exhaust valve 45 is held inwards by a coil spring 56 (in Fig. 13 of the left side) of the cylinder 41 is pre-tensioned, which is supported against the closed end of the valve housing 49. The spring coefficient of the coil spring 56 or the like is fixed such that the exhaust valve 45 does not perform the opening process with compressed air only, as will be described later.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the piston 42 comprises a disc-shaped piston body 62, two rods 63, and a disc-shaped disk 64. A sealing ring 61 is attached to the circumference of the piston body 62. The piston body 62 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 41, with the sealing ring 61 positioned between them. The rods 63 extend axially from outer circumferential portions of the piston body 62. The disk 64 is flange-shaped and coupled to a distal end of each rod 63. Piston connection bores 65 extend axially through circumferential portions of the piston body 62. The piston connection bores 65 include inner openings (openings facing the closed end 41a of the cylinder 41) that define the suction valve openings 46. The piston connection bores 65 are arranged in a position (angled) where the piston body 62 is free of the rods 63. The disk 64 is also equipped with communication parts 66 that communicate in the axial direction.

[0045] The suction valve 47 of the present embodiment is a shield valve and is formed by a disc-shaped central support 47a and an elastically deformed part 47b that extends radially outwards from the central support 47a. The suction valve 47 is fixed to the piston body 62 by the actuating element 67 on the central support 47a, such that the elastically deformed part 47b covers the suction valve openings 46. More specifically, a large-diameter tubular part 62a projects axially from the center of the piston body 62. A small-diameter tubular part 62b also projects from the center of the large-diameter part 62a. The central support 47a of the suction valve 47 sits on the small-diameter part 62b and lies axially between the large-diameter part 62a and the disc plate 68.Furthermore, the disc plate 68 is fixed by a head 67a of the actuating element 67, which is screwed or pressed into a central hole 62c extending through the small-diameter part 62b and the large-diameter part 62a via a thread. The central support 47a is thereby held in place (between the large-diameter part 62a and the disc plate 68). The actuating element 67 opens the exhaust valve 45 by pushing the actuating projection 53 of the exhaust valve 45 forward in accordance with the forward-backward movement of the piston 42 (see figure). Fig. 13B).

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the piston 42 has damping elements 71, each formed integrally by a forward motion damper 71a and a reverse motion damper 71b. The forward motion dampers 71a come into contact with a forward motion limiter 70 at the end of their forward motion. The reverse motion dampers 71b come into contact with a reverse motion limiter 72 at the end of their reverse motion. More specifically, several mounting holes 64a are arranged circumferentially and extend axially through the disk 64 of the piston 42. Each damping element 71 includes a shaft 71c, which is received in a mounting hole 64a, with the forward motion damper 71a located at one end of the shaft 71c and the reverse motion damper 71b located at the other end of the shaft 71c.The forward motion damper 71a and the reverse motion damper 71b of the present embodiment are each hemispherical and have a slightly larger diameter than the shaft 71c. When the forward motion damper 71a is pressed into the mounting hole 64a, for example, the shaft 71c is fixed in the mounting hole 64a. The forward motion restraint 70 extends inward from the inner surface of the cylinder 41 to make contact with the forward motion dampers 71a at the end of the forward movement of the piston 42. An end housing 73, which serves as a housing for the motor 43, is fixed to an opening of the cylinder 41 and closes the opening. The end housing 73 includes an end face that defines the reverse motion restraint 72, which makes contact with the reverse motion dampers 71b at the end of the piston 42's reverse movement.

[0047] The disk 64 of the piston 42 includes a central part provided with a threaded hole 64b. The threaded hole 64b engages with a threaded spindle 74, which rotates when driven by the motor 43. When the threaded spindle 74 rotates, the piston 42, which has a rotational limit, is driven forwards and backwards by the thread action. More specifically, the motor 43 includes a tubular yoke housing 75 with a closed end and the end housing 73, which has an opening ( Fig. 12 the left end) of the yoke housing 75. The motor 43 includes a magnet 76, which is fixed to an inner surface of the yoke housing 75, a rotating shaft 77, which is rotatably mounted from an axial center of the yoke housing 75, and an armature core 78 and a commutator 79 (with helical windings) which are fixed to the rotating shaft 77. The threaded spindle 74 is coupled to the rotating shaft 77 and rotatably mounted integrally with it.

[0048] Axial connecting bores 73a extend through the end housing 73 of the motor 43. The connecting bore 73a connects the interior of the motor 43 and the space that accommodates the piston 42 in the cylinder 41. An outer connecting bore 73b also extends radially (in Fig. 12 in the vertical direction) through the end housing 73 and connects the interior of the motor 43 and an external space by means of communication. Thus, the intake valve opening 46, on which the intake valve 47 is located, communicates with the outside via the piston connecting bores 65, the communication parts 66, the connecting bore 73a and the outer connecting bore 73b.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the air pump AP and the washer pump WP, configured as described above, are electrically connected to and driven by a control unit 81.

[0050] The following describes the function and effect of the control unit 81, which is included in the cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor (cleaning device for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor) that has the above configuration.

[0051] If the washer pump WP and the air pump AP are not driven, the nozzle unit 6 is in a state in which the nozzle element 9 is moved backwards to the non-cleaning position by the preload force of the helical compression spring 27 (see Fig. 10) The nozzle element 9 is therefore received in the nozzle receptacle 7b of the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor and does not protrude from the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor. The ejection openings 8 (distal part of the nozzle element 9) are located outside the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 5. Therefore, the ejection openings 8 (distal part of the nozzle element 9) do not interfere with image acquisition when an image is captured if cleaning is not performed. Furthermore, the nozzle unit 6, including the nozzle element 9, is precisely received in the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0052] When a signal to start cleaning is received, for example when a switch SW (see Fig. 1A), which is located in the vehicle, is activated or the shift lever SL of the gearshift device is placed in the reverse position, the control unit 81 controls the driving of the washer pump WP (pump motor) and the air pump AP (motor 43) to expel the fluid from the discharge openings 8.

[0053] Specifically, the control unit 81 controls the washer pump WP and the air pump AP as follows. The cleaning fluid is stored in the common intake chamber D, located inside the nozzle element 9, to cover the discharge openings 8. Air is then supplied to the nozzle element 9. This causes a gas-liquid mixture of the cleaning fluid and air to be expelled. After the gas-liquid mixture has been expelled, the control unit 81 also controls the air pump AP so that it expels only air.

[0054] More specifically, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 81 drives the washer pump WP (pump motor) for a predetermined time period T1. This supplies the cleaning fluid from the washer pump WP to the cleaning fluid intake channel 32c via the cleaning fluid hose H1. The cleaning fluid is then fed from the cleaning fluid intake channel 32c through the cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 into the nozzle element 9. At this point, the nozzle unit 6 is mounted in the nozzle receptacle 7b and secured with the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor, so that the discharge openings 8 are located below the common intake chamber D in the direction of gravity. The cleaning fluid fed into the nozzle element 9 is therefore stored in the common intake chamber D and covers the discharge openings 8 (cleaning fluid can leak out of the discharge openings 8 almost imperceptibly).In this case, the cleaning fluid also flows through a gap formed due to the loose fit of the tube 24a and the inlet 31d into the space SP, which is located close to the basal flange 25b.

[0055] After the washer pump WP (pump motor) is switched off, the control unit 81 drives the air pump AP (motor 43). Specifically, the control unit 81 drives the motor 43 in the forward direction of rotation (see time interval T2 in Fig. 14) The rotating shaft 77 and the threaded spindle 74 are thereby rotated forward, and the piston 42 is moved forward. The forward movement of the piston 42 reduces the volume (pump chamber P) in the cylinder 41 and compresses the air in the volume (pump chamber P).

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, the outlet valve 45 opens when the actuating element 67 of the piston 42 reaches and pushes the actuating projection 53. The compressed high-pressure air is immediately expelled through the outlet valve opening 44 and the outlet connection bore 51a from the air outlet channel 49a. Consequently, the air is supplied by the air pump AP through the air hose H2 to the air intake channel 32d of the nozzle unit 6 and then fed from the air intake channel 32d through the air-side check valve 34 into the nozzle element 9. The air mixes with the cleaning fluid stored in the common intake chamber D and is expelled as the gas-liquid mixture from the discharge openings 8. At this point, the main flow of fluid (air) is directed linearly from the inlet 31d to the distal end (discharge openings 8) of the nozzle element 9.Furthermore, a sidestream of the fluid (air) also flows through the gap formed by the loose fit between tube 24a and inlet 31d into space SP, which is located near the basal flange 25b. The feed pressure moves the nozzle element 9 forward (see figure). Fig. 11). Consequently, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the discharge openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 are from the non-cleaning position (see Figure 1B). Fig. 10) moved to the cleaning position (see Fig. 11) to approach the center point X of an image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's own camera 5. The image acquisition area of ​​the present embodiment is an area of ​​an image captured by the vehicle's own camera 5 (image acquisition element) through the lens 5b, that is, an area shown on a display. Fig. Figure 1B shows the view displayed on the DSP screen and an ejection opening 8 (distal part of the nozzle element 9) located within the image acquisition area. It also shows Fig. Figure 1B schematically shows an ejection opening 8 (distal part of the nozzle element 9), which is located outside the image acquisition area in the non-cleaning position indicated by double dashed lines. At this point, the stored cleaning fluid covers the ejection openings 8. This immediately increases the pressure of the drawn-in air even further. The cleaning fluid mixes with the air forced forward by the high pressure and is expelled from the ejection openings 8. The lens 5b is thus satisfactorily cleaned by the gas-liquid mixture expelled under high pressure.

[0057] Then the control unit 81 drives the motor 43 in the reverse direction (see T3 in Fig. 14). This causes the threaded spindle 74 to rotate in the reverse direction with the rotating shaft 77, and the piston 42 moves backward. The reverse movement enlarges the space (pump chamber P) between the piston 42 and the cylinder 41, creating a vacuum in the chamber. This vacuum opens the intake valve 47 and draws air from the intake valve openings 46 into the cylinder 41 (pump chamber P). Specifically, air from outside the air pump AP is drawn into the cylinder 41 (pump chamber P) through the outer connecting bore 73b and the connecting bore 73a of the motor 43, the communication parts 66, and the piston connecting bores 65 (intake valve openings 46). At this point, the actuating element 67 of the piston 42 is separated from the actuating projection 53 of the exhaust valve 45. Thus, the exhaust valve 45 performs the closing process to close the exhaust valve opening 44.

[0058] Then the control unit 81 drives the motor 43 of the air pump AP in the forward direction of rotation (see time interval T4 in Fig. 14), as described above, without driving the washer pump WP (pump motor), so that only air is expelled. This draws air from the air pump AP through the air hose H2 to the air intake duct 32d and then feeds it from the air intake duct 32d through the air-side check valve 34 into the nozzle element 9. Consequently, the discharge openings 8 only expel air when the nozzle element 9 moves forward (to the cleaning position). As a result, the cleaning fluid applied to the lens 5b during the expulsion of the gas-liquid mixture is blown away by the expulsion of only air.

[0059] The control unit 81 drives the motor 43 of the air pump AP in the reverse direction of rotation, as described above (see time interval T5 in Fig. 14) and ends the control with air drawn into cylinder 41 (pump chamber P).

[0060] The first embodiment has the advantages described below. (1) The control unit 81 controls the washer pump WP and the air pump AP. The cleaning fluid is stored in the nozzle element 9 (common intake chamber D) to cover the discharge openings 8. Air is then supplied to the nozzle element 9. This causes the gas-liquid mixture of the cleaning fluid and air to be expelled. In this configuration, the cleaning fluid is stored and covers the discharge openings 8 when air is supplied to the nozzle element 9. The air pressure is therefore immediately increased further. The cleaning fluid is mixed with the air forced forward by the high pressure and expelled from the discharge openings 8. The gas-liquid mixture is thus expelled under higher pressure. The lens 5b is thereby effectively cleaned. (2) The control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so that, after the gas-liquid mixture is expelled, it expels only air. By expelling only air, the cleaning fluid applied to the lens 5b during the expulsion of the gas-liquid mixture is blown away. This allows the display SDP to show a captured image with limited distortion caused by the cleaning fluid. (3) The nozzle element 9 can move forward and backward while housed in the cylinder housing 21. The nozzle element 9 also includes a distal portion equipped with the discharge openings 8, which is forced and moved forward by air supply pressure. Therefore, the distal portion does not protrude when no air is supplied. This improves the aesthetic appearance when cleaning is not performed. Furthermore, in the non-cleaning position, the nozzle element 9 is located outside the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 5 and does not interfere with image acquisition when cleaning is not performed. When cleaning is performed, the nozzle element 9 moves to the cleaning position, which is near the center X of the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 5, and discharges the fluid from a position near the front surface of the lens 5b. This effectively cleans the lens 5b. (4) After the washer pump WP (pump motor) is switched off, the control unit 81 drives the air pump AP (motor 43) to expel the gas-liquid mixture. This ensures that air is supplied after the cleaning fluid has been stored. This guarantees that the gas-liquid mixture is expelled under higher pressure. (5) The supply pressure of the fluid (air) moves the nozzle element 9 forward. The fluid is expelled from the discharge openings 8, located in the distal part of the nozzle element 9, towards the lens 5b. The gas-liquid mixture of the cleaning fluid and air can be expelled, for example, by supplying the cleaning fluid and then air to the common intake chamber D. This removes an object from the lens 5b. Alternatively, only air can be expelled by supplying only air to the common intake chamber D. This blows the cleaning fluid away from the lens 5b. Furthermore, the air-side check valve 34 prevents backflow of the cleaning fluid towards the air intake channel 32d when the cleaning fluid is supplied to the common intake chamber D.The non-return valve 33 on the cleaning fluid side also prevents air from flowing back towards the cleaning fluid intake channel 32c when air is supplied to the common intake chamber D. This ensures that the gas-liquid mixture and the air are selectively expelled in an appropriate manner. (6) The inlet element 31 includes a tubular inlet 31d, which communicates with the downstream side of the cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 and the downstream side of the air-side check valve 34 and is loosely attached to the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle element 9 from its basal end. This directs the main fluid flow linearly towards the distal end (exhaust ports 8) of the nozzle element 9. Additionally, the bypass flow of the fluid also flows through the gap formed by the loose fit towards the side of the basal flange 25b (space SP). The feed pressure moves the nozzle element 9 forward. In this configuration, some of the cleaning fluid may remain in space SP between the basal flange 25b and the basal end of the cylinder housing 21.Even in this case, when only air is expelled, almost exclusively air can be expelled without trapping the remaining cleaning fluid because the main flow path in inlet 31d and the SP chamber are separated by inlet 31d. This prevents the cleaning fluid from mixing when only air is to be expelled. Lens 5b can therefore be free of the cleaning fluid, for example, because the cleaning fluid is blown away from lens 5b along with the air that is almost exclusively expelled. (7) The piston assembly 28 is formed by an assembly in which the piston-nozzle element 24, the flange element 25, the spring retainer 23, and the helical compression spring 27 are coupled. The piston assembly 28 is coupled by insertion into the cylinder housing 21 from the basal end of the cylinder housing 21. This improves, for example, the coupling efficiency compared with a coupling arrangement in which the piston-nozzle element 24 is inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from the distal end of the cylinder housing 21, and other elements, including the flange element 25, are each inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from the basal end of the cylinder housing 21. (8) The separation limiting grooves 25d extend axially in the seal installation recess 25c, which opens outwards in the radial direction of the basal flange 25b. The fitting part 26a of the lip seal 26, which is fitted into the seal installation recess 25c, includes the separation limiting projections 26e. The separation limiting projections 26e are fitted into the separation limiting grooves 25d. This limits situations in which the lip seal 26 is disengaged from the basal flange 25b. (9) The sensor receptacle 7a, which accommodates the vehicle's camera 5, and the nozzle receptacle 7b, which accommodates the nozzle unit 6, are formed as a single unit. The vehicle's camera 5 and the nozzle unit 6 can therefore be coupled to the vehicle 1 while retaining the advantageous decorative feature. (10) The mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor includes fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k, which can receive the cleaning fluid at locations corresponding to the ejection openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 when it is in the non-cleaning position. This limits leakage of the cleaning fluid to the outside, even if, for example, the cleaning fluid leaks almost imperceptibly from the ejection openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 when it is in the non-cleaning position. Therefore, situations in which the cleaning fluid leaks from the ejection openings 8 and is applied to the lens 5b of the vehicle's camera 5 are limited.The liquid dispensing parts 7j, 7k of the present embodiment are formed in the sensor receptacle 7a and in the nozzle receptacle 7b by bringing the sensor receptacle 7a and the nozzle receptacle 7b into communicative contact with each other at locations corresponding to the ejection openings 8, i.e., without forming a partition. This allows the cleaning fluid to be received, i.e., it prevents the cleaning fluid from leaking towards the lens 5b, compared to a structure in which a liquid dispensing part is located on one side. (11) The liquid dispensing section 7j is provided with outlet bores 7m, 7n, which open in directions other than the exposure bore 7f (lens 5b). In the present embodiment, the outlet bores 7m, 7n open in the direction of gravity (downwards). The cleaning fluid exiting from the discharge openings 8 as leakage to the liquid dispensing section 7j (received from the discharge openings 8) is drained from the outlet bores 7m, 7n. This prevents, for example, leakage of the cleaning fluid towards the lens 5b. (12) The nozzle receptacle 7b includes the rotation-limiting part 16, which engages with the rotation-limited part 15, which is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder housing 21 of the nozzle unit 6. The cylinder housing 21 can therefore be easily positioned. This ensures that the discharge openings 8 of the nozzle element 9, i.e., the fluid discharge, are directed precisely onto the lens 5b. (13) The vehicle's optical sensor unit 3 is fixed in a position slightly towards the driver's seat side (right side) from the lateral centerline C of the vehicle 1. The sensor mount 7a and the vehicle's camera 5 are therefore located towards one side (driver's seat side) of the lateral centerline C of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the nozzle mount 7b and the nozzle element 9 are located further to the side relative to the vehicle's camera 5. The cleaning fluid, which is the fluid expelled from the ejection openings 8 towards the lens 5b, is expelled towards the lateral centerline C of the vehicle 1. This limits situations in which the cleaning fluid is distributed towards an outer side of the vehicle 1. (14) The intake valve openings 46 are the outlets of the piston connecting bores 65 formed in the piston 42. The intake valve openings 46 are connected to the outside via the piston connecting bores 65 and the outer connecting bore 73b located in the end casing of the engine 43. This increases the distance between the outer connecting bore 73b and the intake valve openings 46 and reduces the emission of noise to the outside, such as a whistling sound generated in the intake valve openings 46 and a rattling noise of the intake valve 47 when the piston 42 moves back. (15) The actuating element 67 is attached to the piston 42 and performs the opening process by forcing the exhaust valve 45 forward during the forward movement of the piston 42. The suction valve 47 is attached to the piston 42 via the actuating element 67. The actuating element 67 for forcing the exhaust valve 45 therefore also serves to secure the suction valve 47. (16) The piston 42 incorporates the damping elements 71. The damping elements 71 are each formed integrally by a forward motion damper 71a, which comes into contact with a forward motion limiter 70 at the end of the forward motion, and a reverse motion damper 71b, which comes into contact with a reverse motion limiter 72 at the end of the reverse motion. Therefore, shocks at the end of the forward motion and the end of the reverse motion can be absorbed, while the number of components is smaller compared to a design in which a forward motion damper and a reverse motion damper are separate bodies.

[0061] The first embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, an orifice plate 82 can be located in a downstream position between the cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 and the air-side check valve 34 of the first embodiment. The orifice plate 82 reduces the cross-section of the cleaning fluid-side flow passage so that it is smaller than the cross-section of the air-side flow passage. With this design, for example, the flow rate of the cleaning fluid supplied to the common intake chamber D can be easily controlled. Furthermore, the cross-section of the air flow passage is maintained without any reduction. This keeps the supply air pressure constant. The cleaning fluid can remain in the space located immediately downstream of the cleaning fluid-side check valve 33.Even in such a case, when only air is expelled, almost exclusively the air can be expelled without any remaining cleaning fluid, because the aperture piece 82 separates the airflow passage from the chamber. This limits the amount of cleaning fluid mixed with the air when only air is to be expelled. The lens 5b can therefore be free of cleaning fluid, for example, because the cleaning fluid is blown away with the air that is almost exclusively expelled.

[0063] The first embodiment can be described as in Fig. 16 shown to be modified. In this example, the inlet element 31 (see Fig. 10) of the first embodiment is modified into an inlet communication element 91, which includes a cleaning fluid inlet 91a and an air communication channel 91b. The cleaning fluid inlet 91a is in communication with the downstream side of the cleaning fluid intake channel 32c. The cleaning fluid inlet 91a is tubular and loosely mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle element 9 from the basal end of the nozzle element 9. The air communication channel 91b connects the space SP, which lies between the basal flange 25b and the basal end of the cylinder housing 21, with the downstream side of the air intake channel 32d. In this example ( Fig. 16) have components that are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment (see Fig. 10), the same reference marks.

[0064] The cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 is located at the distal part of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. Specifically, a distal tube 91c, which has a closed end with a reduced diameter, extends from the distal part of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. A through-hole 91d extends radially outward from an interior of the distal tube 91c through the distal tube 91c. The closed end of the distal tube 91c is provided with a valve mounting hole 91e, which extends parallel to the through-hole 91d. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 is fixed to the valve mounting hole 91e. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 92, which is a shield valve, comprises a support shaft 92a and an elastically deformed part 92b, which extends radially outward from one end of the support shaft 92a. The support shaft 92a is inserted into theThe cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 is inserted and fixed in the valve mounting hole 91e, so that the elastically deformed part 92b covers the through-hole 91d. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 therefore allows the cleaning fluid to flow from the cleaning fluid inlet 91a to the common intake chamber D, which is located at the distal end of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a, and blocks any fluid flowing from the common intake chamber D into the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 is located on the small-diameter portion of the distal part of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. A step formed by the large-diameter and small-diameter portions thus prevents a situation in which the cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 interferes with the forward and backward movement of the nozzle element 9.

[0065] The air-side check valve 93 is located between a radially inner side of the nozzle element 9 and the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. Specifically, the basal part of the nozzle element 9 includes a valve receptacle 94 that opens radially inward. The valve receptacle 94 houses the air-side check valve 93. The air-side check valve 93 is made of a rubber material and includes a support tube 93a, which is installed in and fixed to the valve receptacle 94, and a valve part 93b, which projects radially inward from the basal part of the support tube 93a and extends obliquely to the distal side. The valve part 93b is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. The valve part 93b allows air to flow from the chamber SP, located at the basal end of the cylinder housing 21, to the common intake chamber D and blocks any fluid flowing from the common intake chamber D to the chamber SP.In this design, the cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 and the air-side check valve 93 are arranged next to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 21 (direction of movement of the nozzle element 9 forwards and backwards, longitudinal direction of the nozzle element 9).

[0066] In this design, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the common intake chamber D, a small space located at the distal end of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. The air-side check valve 93 is located on the radially inner side of the nozzle element 9 (between the nozzle element 9 and the cleaning fluid inlet 91a). This prevents the cleaning fluid from entering the chamber SP, which is located at the basal end of the cylinder housing 21. Furthermore, the air communication channel 91b connects the chamber SP and the downstream side of the air intake channel 32d. The nozzle element 9 is thus moved forward by the supply air pressure, and air is also supplied from the chamber SP through the air-side check valve 93 and the gap formed by the loose fit into the common intake chamber D.In this design, the common intake chamber D is a small space located at the distal end of the cleaning fluid inlet 91a, and air is supplied through the gap formed by the loose fit and located outside the cleaning fluid inlet 91a. Thus, even when the cleaning fluid is supplied to the common intake chamber D and then air is supplied to expel the gas-liquid mixture, the cleaning fluid is almost completely removed from the airflow passages, including the common intake chamber D. This limits the amount of cleaning fluid in the mixture when only air is to be expelled. The lens 5b can therefore be free of the cleaning fluid, for example, by the cleaning fluid being blown away from the lens 5b along with the air, which is almost exclusively expelled.Furthermore, the cleaning fluid-side check valve 92 and the air-side check valve 93 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 21. This allows the size to be reduced in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, for example, compared to a design with a longitudinal arrangement. In the same way as in the first embodiment, in this example (see . Fig. 16) The cleaning fluid intake channel 32c and the air intake channel 32d are arranged side by side in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. However, a cleaning fluid intake channel and an air intake channel can, for example, be arranged in the longitudinal direction. This can reduce the size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the inlet element 31 includes the tubular inlet 31d, which connects the downstream side of the cleaning fluid-side check valve 33 and the downstream side of the air-side check valve 34 and is loosely attached to the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle element 9 from its basal end. However, the inlet 31d (inlet element 31) can be omitted from the design.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the piston unit 28 is formed by an assembly in which the piston-nozzle element 24, the flange element 25, the spring retainer 23, and the helical compression spring 27 are coupled. The piston unit 28 is configured to be coupled to the cylinder housing 21 by being inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from its basal end. However, the piston unit 28 can be configured not to be coupled in this way. For example, as shown in Fig. Figure 16 shows that the spring retainer 23 of the first embodiment can be omitted. In this case, the coupling assembly can be such that the piston-nozzle element 24 is inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from the distal end of the cylinder housing 21, while the helical compression spring 27 and the flange element 25 are inserted into the cylinder housing 21 from the basal end of the cylinder housing 21.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the separation limit grooves 25d extend axially in the seal installation recess 25c, and the separation limit projections 26e, which are fitted into the separation limit grooves 25d, project from the fitting part 26a of the lip seal 26. However, the separation limit grooves 25d and the separation limit projections 26e can be omitted.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the mounting bracket 7 of the vehicle's optical sensor includes the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k, which can receive the cleaning fluid, at locations corresponding to the discharge openings 8 of the nozzle element 9 when it is in the non-cleaning position. However, the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k can be omitted from the design. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k are formed in the sensor receptacle 7a and in the nozzle receptacle 7b. However, only one of the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k may also be present.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the fluid dispensing parts 7j, 7k are provided with outlet bores 7m, 7n that open in directions other than the exposure bore 7f (lens 5b). In the first embodiment, the outlet bores 7m, 7n are open in the direction of gravity (downwards). However, the outlet bores 7m, 7n can be omitted from the design. Alternatively, the design can have only the outlet bore 7m of the sensor receptacle 7a and the outlet bores 7n of the nozzle receptacle 7b. This design also limits leakage of the cleaning fluid to the outside when the amount of cleaning fluid is small. This limits the application of the cleaning fluid to the lens 5b of the vehicle's camera 5.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the nozzle receptacle 7b has the rotation-limiting part 16, which engages with the rotation-limited part 15, which is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder housing 21 of the nozzle unit 6. Alternatively, another configuration or process for positioning the cylinder housing 21 can be used.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the sensor mount 7a and the vehicle's camera 5 are positioned to one side (towards the driver's seat) of the vehicle's lateral centerline C. Furthermore, the nozzle mount 7b and the nozzle element 9 are positioned further to the side relative to the vehicle's camera 5. However, the components can also be located in other positions. For example, if the sensor mount 7a and the vehicle's camera 5 are positioned to one side of the vehicle's lateral centerline C, the nozzle mount 7b and the nozzle element 9 can be positioned to the other side relative to the vehicle's camera 5. Alternatively, the sensor mount 7a and the vehicle's camera 5 can be positioned on the vehicle's lateral centerline C.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the suction valve openings 46 are commutingly connected to the outside via the outer connecting bore 73b, which is located in the end housing 73. Alternatively, an outer connecting bore can be located in a different housing of the motor 43. The yoke housing 75 can be provided with an additional outer connecting bore through which the suction valve openings 46 are commutingly connected to the outside.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the actuating element 67 for pre-pressing the outlet valve 45 also functions for securing the suction valve 47. Alternatively, the functions can have independent designs.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the AP air pump is used as part of the cleaning system for a vehicle's own optical sensor. However, the air pump can also be used for a different system.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so that it expels only air after expelling the gas-liquid mixture. Alternatively, the control can be terminated when the gas-liquid mixture is expelled without expelling any air. Furthermore, for example, if a liquid such as raindrops is applied to the lens 5b, only air can be expelled without expelling the gas-liquid mixture.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the nozzle element 9 is able to move forward and backward while housed in the cylinder housing 21. Furthermore, the nozzle element 9 has a distal part equipped with the discharge openings 8, which is biased forward and moved forward by the pressure of a fluid (air). Alternatively, the nozzle element 9 can be modified into a stationary nozzle element that is located in the vehicle 1 and does not move forward or backward.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the control unit 81 starts to drive the air pump AP (motor 43) so that the gas-liquid mixture is expelled after the washer pump WP (pump motor) has been switched off. However, the configuration can be changed to a different control, as long as the cleaning fluid is stored in the nozzle element 9 (common intake chamber D) to cover the discharge openings 8, and then air is supplied to the nozzle element 9.

[0080] For example, the air pump AP (motor 43) can be driven before the washer pump WP (pump motor) is switched off. More specifically, the control can be configured so that, for example, the washer pump WP (pump motor) and the air pump AP (motor 43) are driven simultaneously. Then, after the washer pump WP (pump motor) is switched off, the actuating element 67 of the air pump AP can be pressed against the actuating projection 53 of the outlet valve 45 to open the outlet valve 45. This shortens the time until the gas-liquid mixture is expelled.

[0081] In the first embodiment, when the piston 42 moves forward, the actuating element 67 pushes the actuating projection 53 of the exhaust valve 45 forward and opens the exhaust valve 45. Alternatively, the exhaust valve 45 can open using air compressed by the forward movement of the piston 42. The actuating projection 53 can therefore be omitted.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 3 is arranged on the rear door 2. However, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 3 can be arranged at any position on a rear part of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 3 can be arranged on a front part or a side part (near the door mirror) of the vehicle 1.

[0083] A second embodiment of the vehicle will now be described with reference to the Fig. Described in sections 17A to 25.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17A, the rear door 2 is located at the rear of the vehicle 1, and a vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit 103 is arranged on the rear door 2. The vehicle-integrated optical sensor unit 103 of the second embodiment is fixed in a position that lies slightly towards the driver's seat side (right side) from the lateral center line C of the vehicle 1.

[0085] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 18 to 20, the vehicle's optical sensor unit 103 includes a vehicle's camera 105, which functions as a vehicle's optical sensor, a nozzle unit 106, which functions as a cleaning device for the vehicle's optical sensor, and a mounting bracket 107 for the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0086] The vehicle's own camera 105 comprises a cube-shaped body 105a, which houses an image capture element (not shown), and a lens 105b, which is located on a surface of the body 105a and functions as a sensor area (external image capture area). The lens 105b has a central main part that defines an active area 105c, which is a region of the surface of the lens 105b corresponding to the image capture area W (see Fig. 25) corresponds to the image capture element.

[0087] As in the Fig. 17A, Fig. As shown in Figure 17B, for example, when the gearshift lever SL of the gearshift device is moved into the reverse position, the vehicle's camera 105 transmits a captured image of the rear of the vehicle 1 to the vehicle's display DSP to show the image. The vehicle's camera 105 is fixed to the rear door 2 with the mounting bracket 107 of the vehicle's optical sensor, such that the lens 105b (active surface 105c) is angled downwards to capture an oblique downward image of the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0088] As in the Fig. 18 and Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the mounting bracket 107 of the vehicle's optical sensor is formed in one piece by a sensor mounting part 107a, which secures the vehicle's camera 105, a nozzle receptacle 107b, which accommodates the nozzle unit 106, and a vehicle mounting part 107c.

[0089] As in the Fig. 20, Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the overall outline of the nozzle unit 106 is cylindrical. The nozzle unit 106 includes a movable nozzle element 109 with discharge openings 108. When it is in the non-cleaning position (see Figure 25), the nozzle unit 106 is cylindrical. Fig. 18, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21) to the cleaning position (see Fig. 19 and Fig. 25) When the nozzle element 109 is moved, it protrudes outwards and expels a fluid from the discharge openings 108 towards the lens 105b. In the present invention, the fluid is a mixture of a cleaning fluid, air, and a gas-liquid mixture.

[0090] More specifically, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the nozzle unit 106 includes an elongated tubular cylinder housing 121, the nozzle element 109, an inlet element 122 and an intake element 123.

[0091] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the cylinder housing 121 has the shape of an elongated tube and includes an outer circumference. The cylinder housing 121 is held in place when the outer circumference is inserted into the nozzle receptacle 107b of the mounting bracket 107 of the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0092] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the nozzle element 109 includes an elongated tubular piston element 124, a distal nozzle element 125 which is fixed to a distal part of the piston element 124, and a nozzle tip 126 which is fixed to the distal nozzle element 125.

[0093] A basal flange 124a projects radially outward from a basal part of the piston element 124. A lip seal 127 is attached to the piston element 124 at a point located further basally from the basal flange 124a. When the piston element 124 can move forward and backward within the cylinder housing 121, the lip seal 127 slides in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder housing 121. The distal nozzle element 125 includes an inner guide tube 125a, which is integrated into the distal part of the piston element 124, and a curved tip receptacle 125b, which communicates with a distal part of the inner guide tube 125a.

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the nozzle tip 126 is a block that can be installed on the tip holder 125b. As shown in the Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 25, when installed in the tip receptacle 125b, the nozzle tip 126 forms the ejection openings 8 together with part of the inner surface of the tip receptacle 125b. This also determines an ejection direction (ejection axis F) (see Figure 25). Fig. 25)) and an ejection pattern of the fluid. The ejection axis F of the second embodiment is inclined inwards from a direction that is parallel to the direction of movement forwards and backwards (in Fig. 25, the forward-backward axis of movement L1) of the nozzle element 109 is orthogonal, that is, in a direction in which the nozzle element 109 moves closer to the center of the lens 105b when moved forward. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the ejection axis F is related to the center line of the fluid ejected from the ejection openings 108. In the second embodiment, the piston element 124 (ejection openings 108) includes an inner space that defines the common intake chamber D, which is capable of drawing in a cleaning fluid and air.

[0095] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the distal nozzle element 125 (tip receptacle 125b) includes a distal surface to which a cover 128 is fixed.

[0096] The inlet element 122 comprises a tubular outer fitting 122a attached to a basal part of the cylinder housing 121, a tube 122b having a diameter that decreases axially (towards the basal side) from a basal end of the outer fitting 122a, an inner extension 122c extending radially inwards from the basal end of the outer fitting 122a, and a tubular inlet 122d extending distally (in the axial direction) from the inner extension 122c into the cylinder housing 121. The cylinder housing 121 is provided with a space SP formed between the inner extension 122c and the basal flange 124a (lip seal 127).In the nozzle element 109, the basal flange 124a is pre-tensioned towards the basal side, i.e., the inner extension 122c, of the cylinder housing 121 by a helical compression spring 129, which has one end supported on the distal part of the cylinder housing 121. The outer diameter of the inlet 122d is set slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the piston element 124, so that the inlet 122d is loosely attached to the inner circumferential surface of the piston element 124 from the basal end of the nozzle element 109.

[0097] As in the Fig. 18, Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the intake element 123 comprises the first to third intake elements 131 to 133. The first intake element 131 comprises an outer fitting 131a, which is placed on the tube 122b of the inlet element 122, and a round rod 131b, which covers the basal part of the tube 122b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, a first cleaning fluid flow passage 131c extends through a circumferential portion of the rod 131b, which is radially outward in the axial direction (forward-backward movement axis L1). The rod 131b also has a radially inward-facing portion provided with an annular airflow passage 131d that opens to the distal side (inlet element 122). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, a tubular air intake channel 131e projects radially outward from a circumferential portion of the rod 131b and includes an interior that is in communicative communication with the airflow passage 131d. Furthermore, an air-side check valve 134 is located near an open end of the airflow passage 131d between the air intake channel 131e and the common intake chamber D (inside the piston element 124). The air-side check valve 134, which is a shield valve, includes a support shaft 134a and an elastically deformed portion 134b that extends radially outward from one end of the support shaft 134a. The support shaft 134a is inserted and fixed into the axial central hole 131f formed in the rod 131b, so that the elastically deformed part 134b covers the opening of the airflow passage 131d.The air-side check valve 134 therefore allows air to flow from the air intake duct 131e (air flow passage 131d) to the common intake chamber D and blocks any fluid flowing from the common intake chamber D to the air intake duct 131e (air flow passage 131d).

[0098] The second intake element 132 has an inner fitting 132a, which is inserted into and fixed to a basal part of the first intake element 131, and a valve receiving tube 132b, which extends and has a slightly smaller diameter than the rod 131b. Furthermore, a second cleaning fluid flow passage 132c extends axially from the interior of the valve receiving tube 132b through a circumferential part of the second intake element 132 and communicates with the first cleaning fluid flow passage 131c. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the third intake element 133 has an inner fitting 133a, which is inserted into and fixed to the basal opening of the valve receiving tube 132b, and a tubular cleaning fluid intake channel 133b, which communicates with and is bent away from an inner surface of the inner fitting 133a located in the valve receiving tube 132b and projects radially outwards (in the present embodiment in the same direction as the air intake channel 131a). The valve receiving tube 132b accommodates a cleaning fluid-side check valve 135 between the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b and the common intake chamber D (the second cleaning fluid flow passage 132c). The cleaning fluid-side check valve 135, which is a spring-type check valve, comprises a valve element 136 and a valve spring 137, which biases the valve element 136.The valve element 136 of the second embodiment is formed by a resin element 136a and a rubber element 136b. The rubber element 136b is biased towards an open end of the third intake element 133 by the preload force of the valve spring 137. The cleaning fluid-side check valve 135 therefore allows the cleaning fluid to flow from the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b to the common intake chamber D (first and second cleaning fluid flow passages 131c, 132c) and blocks any fluid flowing from the common intake chamber D to the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b. In the design of the second embodiment, the cleaning fluid-side check valve 135 and the air-side check valve 134 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 21 (direction of movement of the nozzle element 109 forwards and backwards).

[0099] As in Fig. As shown in 17A, the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b is connected to the washing system pump WP via the cleaning fluid hose H1 and the air intake channel 131e is connected to the air pump AP via the air hose H2.

[0100] The washing system pump WP can supply the cleaning fluid, which is a fluid stored in container T. When the built-in pump motor (not shown) is driven, the cleaning fluid is fed (suctioned) through the cleaning fluid hose H1 into the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b.

[0101] The AP air pump is capable of instantly expelling compressed, high-pressure air. When it is driven, air is supplied (drawn in) to the nozzle unit 6 (specifically the air intake duct 32d) through the air hose H2.

[0102] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17A, the air pump AP and the washer pump WP, configured as described above, are electrically connected to and driven by the control unit 81.

[0103] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, in the second embodiment the nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable, so that the discharge axis F of the fluid discharged from the discharge openings 108 passes (over) a separation center Y (see e.g. Fig. 18 and Fig. 19) intersects (runs) the lens 105b (active surface 105c) into two parts. More specifically, the separation center Y intersects a center line X1 of the image acquisition area and runs through the vertex of the lens 105b. The separation center Y divides the surface of the lens 105b into two parts, that is, a region near the nozzle element 109 and a region farther from the nozzle element 109.

[0104] More specifically, the nozzle element 109 of the second embodiment is arranged to move forward and backward in a direction inclined relative to the center line X1 of the image acquisition area, so that the ejection openings 108 approach the center line X1 of the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 105 when it is moved forward. That is, the forward-backward movement axis L1 of the nozzle element 109 is adjusted to be inclined relative to the center line X1 of the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 105. The nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable so that the ejection axis F passes through an effective area Z1 (the area corresponding to the image acquisition area W), which extends from one end to the other of the effective surface 105c, and furthermore through a lens area Z2, which extends from one end to the other of the lens 105b.The nozzle element 109 is set so that it becomes unable to move (forward) and stops when the ejection axis F passes through the lens area Z2, which extends from one end to another end of the lens 105b, and the other end (in . Fig. 25 the left end) of lens 105b reached.

[0105] Furthermore, the nozzle element 109 is adjusted such that a cleaning angle θ, formed by the ejection axis F and a tangent S of the lens 105b where the cleaning fluid strikes, is 22° or greater. More specifically, the cleaning angle θ is set to 22° or greater, and 32° in the second embodiment, when the ejection axis F reaches the far end of the lens 105b (see Fig. 25). The fact that the cleaning angle θ is 22° or greater is obtained from test results. In the test, lens 105b was satisfactorily cleaned (smear marks were almost completely removed) when the cleaning angle θ was 22° or greater.

[0106] The following describes the function and effect of the control unit 81 of the cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor (cleaning device for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor) with the above configuration.

[0107] If the washer pump WP and the air pump AP are not driven, the nozzle element 109 is held in place by the preload force of the helical compression spring 129 (see Fig. 18, Fig. 20 and Fig. 23) moved backwards to the cleaning position. The nozzle element 109 (expulsion openings 108) is therefore outside the image capture area of ​​the vehicle's own camera 105 (see double dashed line in Fig. 17B). Therefore, the ejection orifices 108 (the distal part of the nozzle element 109) do not interfere with image acquisition when an image is acquired if cleaning is not performed.

[0108] When a signal to start cleaning is received, e.g. when switch SW (see Fig. 17A), which is located in the vehicle, is actuated or the shift lever SL of the gearshift device is placed in the reverse position, the control unit 81 controls the driving of the washer pump WP (pump motor) and the air pump AP (motor 43), so that the fluid is expelled from the discharge openings 108.

[0109] Specifically, the control unit 81 controls the washer pump WP and the air pump AP as follows. The cleaning fluid is stored in the common intake chamber D, located inside the nozzle element 109, to cover the discharge openings 108. Air is then supplied to the nozzle element 109. This causes a gas-liquid mixture of the cleaning fluid and air to be discharged. Furthermore, after the gas-liquid mixture has been discharged, the control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so that it discharges only air.

[0110] Specifically, the control unit 81 drives the washer pump WP (pump motor) for a predetermined period. This supplies the cleaning fluid from the washer pump WP to the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b via the cleaning fluid hose H1. The cleaning fluid drawn from the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b then moves the cleaning fluid-side check valve 135 against the preload force and is fed into the nozzle element 9 (common intake chamber D). At this point, the cleaning fluid also flows through a gap formed by the loose fit of the piston element 124 and the inlet 122d into the chamber SP, which is located near the basal flange 25b.

[0111] After the washer pump WP (pump motor) is switched off, the control unit 81 drives the air pump AP (motor 43). Consequently, air is supplied by the air pump AP through the air hose H2 to the air intake duct 131e of the nozzle unit 106 and then fed from the air intake duct 131e through the air-side check valve 134 into the nozzle element 109 (common intake chamber D). The air is mixed with the cleaning fluid stored in the common intake chamber D and expelled as a gas-liquid mixture from the discharge openings 108. At this point, the main flow of the fluid (air) is directed linearly from the inlet 122d to the distal end (discharge openings 108) of the nozzle element 109. In addition, a side flow of fluid (air) also flows through the gap formed due to the loose fit between the piston element 124 and the inlet 122d into the space SP, which is located near the basal flange 124a.The feed pressure moves the nozzle element 109 forward (see . Fig. 19, Fig. 24 and Fig. 25). Consequently, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17B, the ejection openings 108 of the nozzle element 109 are moved from the non-cleaning position to the cleaning position to approach the center line X1 of the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 105. More specifically, the fluid is ejected from the ejection openings 108 while the fluid supply pressure moves the nozzle element 109 (forward). This cleans the lens 105b. Fig. Figure 17B shows a schematic representation of the view shown on the display SDP and an ejection opening (108) located in the image acquisition area W (the distal part of the nozzle element 109). Figure 17B also shows Fig. 1B schematically shows an ejection opening 8 (distal part of the nozzle element 9) which is located outside the image acquisition area in the non-cleaning position indicated by double dashed lines.

[0112] The control unit 81 then re-energizes the air pump AP without driving the washer pump WP (pump motor), so that only air is expelled. This supplies air from the air pump AP through the air hose H2 to the air intake duct 131e. When the air from the air intake duct 131e is fed through the air-side check valve 134 into the nozzle element 109 (common intake chamber D), the nozzle element 109 moves forward (to the cleaning position). Then, only air is expelled from the discharge openings 8. Consequently, the cleaning fluid applied to the lens 5b during the expulsion of the gas-liquid mixture is blown away by the expulsion of only air.

[0113] The second embodiment has the advantages described below.

[0114] (17) The nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable, so that the discharge axis F of the fluid discharged from the discharge openings 108 passes through a separation center Y that divides the lens 105b (effective area 105c) into two parts. Compared to a nozzle element that becomes immovable when the discharge axis F reaches the separation center from one side of the separation center Y (the region near the nozzle element 109), the other side of the separation center Y (left side in Fig. 25 (the region furthest from the nozzle element 109) can be cleaned satisfactorily. This allows a wide area of ​​lens 105b to be cleaned satisfactorily.

[0115] (18) The nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable so that the ejection axis F passes through the effective area Z1 (the area corresponding to the image acquisition area W), which extends from one end to the other end of the effective surface 105c of the lens 105b. In this way, the entire effective area Z1 can be cleaned satisfactorily.

[0116] (19) The image capture area W (see Fig. 25) The corresponding active surface 105c is located on the central part of the lens 105b. The nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable so that the ejection axis F passes through the lens area Z2, which extends from one end to the other end of the lens 105b. In this way, the entire lens area Z2, which includes a periphery of the active surface 105c, can be satisfactorily cleaned.

[0117] (20) The nozzle element 109 ejects the fluid from the ejection openings 108 while being moved (forward) by the fluid supply pressure. This eliminates the need for, for example, an electric drive device to move the nozzle element 109 and simplifies the design.

[0118] (21) The nozzle element 109 is adjusted such that the cleaning angle θ, formed by the ejection axis F and the tangent to the lens 105b where the cleaning fluid strikes, is 22° or greater (32° in the second embodiment) based on the test results. The lens 105b can therefore continue to be cleaned satisfactorily (with smear marks being almost completely removed).

[0119] (22) The nozzle element 109 is arranged to move forward and backward in a direction inclined relative to the center line X1 of the image acquisition area, so that when it moves forward, the ejection openings 108 approach the center line X1 of the image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's camera 105. Furthermore, the ejection axis F is set so that it is inclined inward from a direction orthogonal to the forward and backward direction of movement (forward-backward movement axis L1) of the nozzle element 109. This reduces the lateral size (sideways direction in Fig. 20) of the device while simultaneously achieving satisfactory cleaning. Specifically, the cleaning angle θ must be increased (e.g., 22° or greater) for satisfactory cleaning as described above. If the ejection axis F extends in a direction orthogonal to the forward and backward direction of movement (forward-backward movement axis L1) of the nozzle element 109, the forward and backward direction of movement of the nozzle element 109 would have to be strongly inclined relative to the center line X1 of the image acquisition area. This increases the lateral size of the device. In this respect, in the embodiment described above, the cleaning angle θ can be increased (e.g., 22° or greater) without strongly inclined the forward and backward direction of movement (forward-backward movement axis L1) of the nozzle element 109 relative to the center line X1 of the image acquisition area. This reduces the lateral size of the device while simultaneously achieving satisfactory cleaning.

[0120] (23) The cleaning fluid-side check valve 135, which includes the valve element 136 and the valve spring 137 that biases the valve element 136, is a spring-type check valve. This prevents leakage of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid intake channel 133b to the common intake chamber D, even if, for example, the vehicle begins to move or vibrates while driving. It therefore avoids a situation in which the cleaning fluid inadvertently escapes from the discharge openings 108 and is applied to the lens 105b of the vehicle's camera 105. The spring-type check valve is usually larger compared to a duckbill-type check valve or the like.However, when this configuration is specifically applied to the present embodiment of the cleaning device of the vehicle's own optical sensor, the magnification can be limited in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder housing 121.

[0121] The second embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0122] In the second embodiment, the nozzle element 109 is arranged to be movable, so that the ejection axis F passes through the lens area Z2, which extends from one end to the other end of the lens 105b and includes the outside of the effective surface 105c, which corresponds to the image acquisition area W (see Fig. 25). Instead, the ejection axis F can move in a different area. The nozzle element 109 can be arranged, for example, to be movable so that the ejection axis F passes through the effective area Z1, which extends from one end to the other end of the effective surface 105c, but does not pass through the lens area Z2 (does not reach the far end of the lens 105b (lens area Z2)). Alternatively, the nozzle element 109 can be arranged, for example, to be movable so that the ejection axis F passes through the separation center Y, which divides the lens 105b into two parts, but does not pass through the effective area Z1 (does not reach the far end of the effective area Z1).

[0123] In the second embodiment, the nozzle element 109 ejects the fluid from the discharge openings 108 while being moved (forward) by the fluid supply pressure. Alternatively, the fluid can, for example, be ejected from the discharge openings 108 while the nozzle element 109 is moved (forward) by a separately arranged electric drive device.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the nozzle element 109 is adjusted such that the cleaning angle θ, formed by the ejection axis F and the tangent of the lens 105b where the cleaning fluid strikes, is 22° or greater. More specifically, the cleaning angle θ in the second embodiment is 32° when the ejection axis F reaches the far end of the lens 105b (see Fig. 25). However, the cleaning angle θ can be changed to a different angle.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the ejection axis F is adjusted such that it is inclined inwards in a direction that is orthogonal to the forward and backward direction of movement (forward-backward movement axis L1) of the nozzle element 109. However, the ejection axis F is not limited to this configuration and can, for example, be adjusted in a direction that is orthogonal to the forward and backward direction of movement (forward-backward movement axis L1) of the nozzle element 109.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the control unit 81 controls the air pump AP so that it expels only air after expelling the gas-liquid mixture. Alternatively, the control can be terminated when the gas-liquid mixture is expelled without expelling only air. Furthermore, for example, only air can be expelled without expelling the gas-liquid mixture when a liquid such as raindrops is applied to the lens 5b.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 103 is arranged on the rear door 2. However, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 103 can be arranged at any position on the rear section of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle's own optical sensor unit 103 can be arranged on a front section or a side section (near the door mirror) of the vehicle 1.

[0128] The present examples and embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative and not limiting, and the invention is not to be limited to the details mentioned herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Cleaning system for a vehicle's own optical sensor, comprising: a car wash pump that supplies a cleaning fluid; an air pump which includes an outlet valve and discharges air through the outlet valve, the outlet valve opening when air is compressed in the air pump; a nozzle element having an ejection opening that ejects a gas-liquid mixture towards a sensor surface of a vehicle-integrated optical sensor in order to remove foreign substances from the sensor surface, wherein the cleaning fluid from the washer pump and the air from the air pump are mixed in the gas-liquid mixture; a control unit that controls the washer pump and the air pump, whereby The control unit is configured to expel the gas-liquid mixture by storing the cleaning fluid in the nozzle element to cover the discharge opening, and then supplying air to the nozzle element. [2] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the air pump so that it only expels air after expelling the gas-liquid mixture. [3] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a cylinder housing that accommodates the nozzle element, wherein the nozzle element can move forwards and backwards in the cylinder housing, the nozzle element includes a distal part which is provided with the ejection orifice, and The nozzle element is pre-tensioned and moved forward by the air pressure. [4] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a cleaning fluid intake channel that draws in the cleaning fluid; an air intake duct that draws in the air; a check valve on the cleaning fluid side and an air-side check valve, wherein the nozzle element includes a distal part which is provided with the ejection orifice, the nozzle element includes a common intake chamber located therein, wherein the common intake chamber can draw in the cleaning fluid and the air through the cleaning fluid intake channel and the air intake channel, The non-return valve on the cleaning fluid side is located between the cleaning fluid intake channel and the common intake chamber, and The air-side check valve is located between the air intake duct and the common intake chamber. [5] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 4, which further comprises: an inlet element designed to connect a downstream side of the cleaning fluid-side check valve and a downstream side of the air-side check valve in a communicating manner, wherein The inlet element includes a tubular inlet that is loosely attached to an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle element from a basal end of the nozzle element. [6] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: a pen holder and a helical compression spring, wherein The nozzle element includes a piston-nozzle element and a flange element. The piston-nozzle element comprises a tube and a nozzle, wherein the nozzle protrudes radially outwards from a distal part of the tube and includes a distal end that defines the ejection orifice. the flange element includes a basal flange and is fixed to a basal end of the piston-nozzle element, the spring holder is configured to be placed on the tube and to allow axial sliding of the tube, the helical compression spring is placed on the tube and is held in a compressed state between the spring holder and the basal flange, a nozzle element, the spring holder and the helical compression spring are coupled to assemble a piston unit; the assembled piston unit is inserted into the cylinder housing from a basal end of the cylinder housing and coupled to it, the cylinder housing being designed to receive the piston unit, the nozzle protrudes from a distal part of the cylinder housing and the spring holder engages with the distal part of the cylinder housing to limit further movement of the spring holder. [7] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 6, which further comprises: a lip seal, whereby The basal flange of the nozzle element includes a sealing installation recess that extends through the entire circumference and opens radially outwards. The lip seal includes a ring-shaped fitting part that is fitted into the seal installation recess and a sliding part that slides on an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder housing. the sealing installation recess has a separation limitation groove that runs axially, and The fitting part has a separation restriction projection that is fitted into the separation restriction groove. [8] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the cleaning fluid-side check valve and the air-side check valve are arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle element. [9] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning fluid-side check valve is a spring-type check valve and includes a valve element and a valve spring that preloads the valve element. [10] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle element is movable, so that an ejection axis of a fluid ejected from the ejection opening divides a separation center into two parts, which passes through the sensor surface from one side to the other, and the fluid is a mixture of cleaning fluid, air, and gas-liquid mixture. [11] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle element is movable, so that an ejection axis of a fluid ejected from the ejection opening passes through an effective area that extends from one end to the other end of an effective surface of the sensor surface, and the fluid is a mixture of cleaning fluid, air, and gas-liquid mixture. [12] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to one of claims 1, 10 and 11, wherein the nozzle element can move forwards and backwards in a direction that is inclined relative to a center line of an image acquisition area of ​​the vehicle's own optical sensor, the nozzle element is configured so that the ejection orifice approaches the centerline of the image acquisition area when the nozzle element is biased and moved forward by the air supply pressure, an ejection axis of a fluid ejected from the ejection opening is adjusted so that it is inclined inwards from a direction that is orthogonal to a forward and backward direction of movement of the nozzle element, and the fluid is a mixture of cleaning fluid, air, and gas-liquid mixture. [13] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: a mounting bracket for the vehicle's own optical sensor, which includes a sensor receptacle and a nozzle receptacle formed in one piece, wherein The sensor mount accommodates the vehicle's own optical sensor, so that the sensor surface is exposed to the outside, the nozzle receptacle is configured to accommodate a nozzle unit that includes the nozzle element, the nozzle element is configured to move forward and backward to a non-cleaning position and a cleaning position, the nozzle element is configured to expel fluid from the ejection orifice towards the sensor surface when the nozzle element is moved from the non-cleaning position to the cleaning position and protrudes from the nozzle receptacle, and the fluid is a mixture of cleaning fluid, air, and gas-liquid mixture. [14] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to claim 13, wherein the mounting bracket of the vehicle-integrated optical sensor includes a liquid dispensing part which can receive the cleaning fluid at a location corresponding to the ejection opening of the nozzle element when it is in the non-cleaning position. [15] Cleaning system for a vehicle-integrated optical sensor according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The air pump includes the following: a tubular cylinder, a piston that can be moved forwards and backwards in the cylinder, a motor located on the reverse-movement side of the piston, the motor driving the piston forwards and backwards, the exhaust valve, which includes an exhaust valve opening and is actuated to open and close the exhaust valve opening, wherein the inside and outside of the cylinder are communicatively connected through the exhaust valve opening, and a suction valve which includes a suction valve opening and is actuated to open and close the suction valve opening, wherein the inside and outside of the cylinder are communicatively connected through the suction valve opening, When the piston is moved forward to reduce the space in the cylinder, the air in the cylinder is compressed, and the exhaust valve opens and the compressed air is expelled through the exhaust valve opening, When the piston moves backwards, the intake valve opens and draws air from the intake valve opening into the cylinder, the suction valve opening is an outlet of a piston connection bore located in the piston and The suction valve opening is connected to the outside through the piston connection bore and an outer connection bore located in a housing for the engine. [16] Method for cleaning a vehicle-integrated optical sensor, wherein the method expels a gas-liquid mixture in which a cleaning fluid and air are mixed towards a sensor surface of the vehicle-integrated optical sensor in order to remove foreign substances from the sensor surface, wherein the method comprises: Storing a cleaning fluid in a nozzle element to cover an ejection opening of the nozzle element, and then Supplying air to the nozzle element to expel the gas-liquid mixture. [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising: Moving the nozzle element forward by supplying air to the nozzle element. [18] The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising: Expulsion of only newly compressed air after the expulsion of the gas-liquid mixture.

Images