Optical distance measuring device

Abstract

An optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000), comprising: a housing (10, 710, 810) containing an opening surface (12, 712, 812); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) configured to emit light and receive the light after reflection, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) is contained in the housing (10, 710, 810), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, by combining optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), and the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) overlap with each other in the aperture area (12, 712, 812) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended, the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) are arranged within a minimum opening area, the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) contains a specific light projection and light reception area, in a horizontal direction of the opening area (12, 712, 812) an optical path of the specific light projection and light reception area is larger than the optical path of each remaining light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), and the minimum aperture area is defined on the basis of a viewing angle (θ2, θ4) of the specified light projection and light reception area and a distance (a, a1) between the aperture area (12, 712, 812) and a virtual image emission point of the specified light projection and light reception area.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical distance measuring device which detects a target in a wide-angle range. Technical background

[0002] An optical distance measuring device capable of detecting a target in a wide-angle range may incorporate a distance measuring device described in JP 2014-55 860 A. In the distance measuring device disclosed in JP 2014-55 860 A, several laser projection and laser reception areas are arranged radially along a virtual plane. This type of distance measuring device can detect the target in the wide-angle range with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which a device moves within a distance measuring surface using a rotating mirror.

[0003] DE 10 2014 109 240 A1 discloses an optical distance measuring device comprising: a plurality of light projection and light reception areas configured to emit light and to receive the light after reflection, wherein the light is provided by a laser light, wherein, by combining optical paths of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas, the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is extended compared to a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas, wherein the optical paths of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas overlap with each other in the aperture area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is extended.and where optical axes of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas intersect. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a distance measuring device according to JP 2014-55 860 A, for the purpose of detecting a target in a wide-angle area, all laser projection and laser reception areas are arranged in such a way that optical paths of the respective laser projection and laser reception areas do not overlap.

[0005] For laser light to pass through a housing, an opening must be defined in the housing through which the optical paths of the respective laser projection and laser reception areas pass. In the device of JP 2014-55 860 A, the optical paths of the respective laser projection and laser reception areas are arranged so as not to overlap. In this configuration, the difficulty arises that the opening must be large. In particular, in the device of JP 2014-55 860 A, the multiple optical paths are arranged in a horizontal direction to avoid overlapping, so that the length of the opening in the horizontal direction must be considerable.

[0006] The optical distance measuring device may be attached to an object, such as a vehicle, which performs a process using the optical distance measuring device. In this case, a translucent cover larger than the opening must be attached to the object. Even if the translucent cover is not attached to the object and the opening is exposed, a through-hole must be defined in the object to which the optical distance measuring device is attached.

[0007] For an opening to be wide, this means, in particular, that a length in one of the opening's latitudes is wide, a length in one of the opening's heights is wide, or the lengths are wide in both the latitude and height directions. Conversely, for an opening to be small, this means that the length in the opening's latitude is narrow, the length in the opening's height is short, or the lengths in both the latitude and height directions are short. The latitude direction is oriented to any arbitrary linear direction, such as horizontal. The height direction is perpendicular to the latitude direction. If the latitude direction is oriented horizontally, the height direction is oriented vertically.

[0008] If the opening is wide in the horizontal direction, the cover for the object to which the optical distance measuring device is attached must also be wide in the horizontal direction. If the opening is wide in the vertical direction, the cover for the object to which the optical distance measuring device is attached must also be wide in the vertical direction. If the opening is wide in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the cover for the object to which the optical distance measuring device is attached must also be wide in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0009] To detect the target within the wide-angle range, the laser light may be emitted and received within this range. In this case, the laser light may enter the translucent cover, which protects the opening of the optical distance measuring device, at an acute, small, or narrow angle.

[0010] When laser light enters the transparent cover at an acute angle, significant Fresnel reflection can occur. Typically, the cover is coated with an anti-reflective coating (AR) to limit this reflection, but AR coatings have thermal resistance. If the optical distance measuring device is used at a temperature exceeding the thermal resistance of the AR coating, and the coating is ineffective, limiting Fresnel reflection becomes difficult.

[0011] In view of the aforementioned difficulties, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an optical distance measuring device which detects a target in a wide-angle range with a simple configuration and which has a small aperture area. This object is achieved by a distance measuring device with the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims are directed to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical distance measuring device is provided. The optical distance measuring device comprises a housing and several light projection and light reception areas. The housing includes an opening surface or opening side. The several light projection and light reception areas emit light and receive the light after it has been reflected. The several light projection and light reception areas are contained within the housing. The light is provided by a laser light source. By combining optical paths of the several light projection and light reception areas, the viewing angle or image angle of the optical distance measuring device is extended or widened or enlarged compared to the viewing angle of one of the several light projection and light reception areas.The optical paths of the multiple light projection and light reception areas overlap in the aperture area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is extended.

[0013] The optical distance measuring device described above incorporates multiple light projection and reception areas. Therefore, the optical distance measuring device can detect a target within a wide-angle range using a simple configuration. The viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is increased compared to the viewing angle of a single area within the multiple light projection and reception areas. The optical paths of the multiple light projection and reception areas overlap within the aperture area when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is increased.With this configuration, viewed from the direction perpendicular to the direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device is enlarged, the aperture area can be smaller than the aperture area in a case where the optical paths of the multiple light projection and light reception areas do not overlap. Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The foregoing and further tasks, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are further clarified by the following detailed description, which is prepared with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an optical distance measuring device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a diagram which shows a configuration of a system in the Fig. 1 shows the light projection and light reception unit; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view, which follows a line III-III of the Fig. 2 is recorded; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view, which follows a line IV-IV of the Fig. 2 is recorded; Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an entire viewing angle in a horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of a peripheral area of ​​the optical distance measuring device, as shown in the Fig. 5 shown, shows; Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an arrangement of the light projection and light reception units of an optical distance measuring device according to a first modification; Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of the optical distance measuring device according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the entire detection range of the optical distance measuring device according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a comparison of the detection ranges between the optical distance measuring device according to the first embodiment and the optical distance measuring device according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a sixth embodiment; Fig. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a seventh embodiment; Fig. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the entire viewing angle in a horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device; Fig. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of a periphery of the optical distance measuring device, as shown in the Fig. 16 shown, shows; Fig. Figure 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to an eighth embodiment; Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view, which runs along a line XIX-XIX of the Fig. 18 is recorded; Fig. 20 is an entire optical path of the light projection and light reception unit; Fig. Figure 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical distance measuring device according to a ninth embodiment; Fig. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an optical path of an optical distance measuring device according to a tenth embodiment; and Fig. Figure 23 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an optical distance measuring device is attached to the front edge of a vehicle. Embodiments for carrying out the invention<Erste Ausführungsform>

[0015] The following descriptions of embodiments will be given with reference to the drawings. It is possible that an optical distance measuring device 1, or a device for optical distance measurement of a first embodiment, is attached to a vehicle. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, one z-axis direction is located in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The z-axis direction is perpendicular to window 13. One y-axis direction is perpendicular to the vehicle. One x-axis direction is located in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0016] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the optical distance measuring device 1 contains three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C in a housing 10. The housing 10 has a cubic shape, and an opening area 12 is defined on a front wall 11 of the housing 10. The opening area 12 represents an area of ​​an opening that penetrates the housing 10. The front wall 11 of the housing 10 has a thickness. If the position is not mentioned, the opening area 12 is located in a thickness direction of the front wall 11 on an outer surface of the front wall 11. Alternatively, the opening area 12 may be located in the thickness direction of the front wall 11 within the thickness of the front wall 11. Even if the opening area 12 is located within the thickness of the front wall 11, the area of ​​the opening area 12 does not change. Window 13 covers opening area 12.Window 13 is provided with a translucent part.

[0017] In the present embodiment, each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C has the same configuration as the others. Therefore, if there is no need to distinguish the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C, each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C will be described as a single light projection and light reception unit 20. The light projection and light reception unit 20 corresponds to a light projection and light reception area.

[0018] The light projection and light reception unit 20 emits a projection light, which is provided by a laser light, and it receives a reflected light. The reflected light is generated by the reflection of the projection light off an external target. [Configuration of the light projection and light reception unit 20]

[0019] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the light projection and light reception unit 20 comprises a light projection area 21 and a light reception area 22. A unit housing 29 accommodates the light projection area 21 and the light reception area 22 in a housing-like manner. The light projection area 21 and the light reception area 22 are arranged in a vertical direction, and this direction is perpendicular to the propagation direction of the projected light.

[0020] The light projection area 21 contains a light-emitting element 211 and a light projection lens 212. The light-emitting element 211 may be a laser diode, and it emits the projected light towards the light projection lens 212. The light reception area 22 contains a light reception lens 221 and a light-receiving element 222. The light reception lens 221 collects the reflected light and transmits it to the light-receiving element 222. The light-receiving element may be a photodiode.

[0021] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the light projection lens 212 deflects the projection light emitted by the light-emitting element 211 and emits the deflected light within an angular range of 50 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The light projection lens 212 has a lens arrangement structure.

[0022] The light projection area 21 emits the projection light at an angle of 50 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. Additionally, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the light-receiving element 222 of the light-receiving area 22 is adjusted with respect to a size to have a viewing angle of 50 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. [Arrangement of the light projection and light reception unit 20]

[0023] Each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C has a 50-degree viewing angle in the horizontal direction. Each of the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C, through which the projected light and the reflected light pass, sets the angular range within 50 degrees.

[0024] To arrange the three optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C in the same position in the vertical direction, the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are arranged in the horizontal direction and at the same height relative to each other. That is, the position of the optical distance measuring device 1 is determined such that the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0025] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the three optical paths 23A, 23B, and 23C pass through the opening area 12. The three optical paths 23A, 23B, and 23C overlap with each other within the opening area 12. In particular, optical path 23A and optical path 23C completely overlap at an outer surface 13a of the window 13. As described above, the window 13 covers the opening area 12. Within the opening area 12, each of the optical paths 23A and 23C contains the entirety of optical path 23B and is wider than optical path 23B. Optical axes 24A, 24B, and 24C, which are the respective centerlines of optical paths 23A, 23B, and 23C, intersect at a single point.

[0026] If the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are arranged such that the respective optical axes 24A, 24B, 24C intersect at the single point shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the total viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 1 is defined as an angle θ1+θ2+θ3. An angle θ2 represents the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20A. An angle θ3 represents the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20C. An angle θ1 represents a viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20B that does not overlap with the viewing angles in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception units 20A and 20C. A 0-degree direction is defined as a frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 1. The optical axis 24B of the light projection and reception unit 20B is oriented towards the 0-degree direction.

[0027] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C of the respective light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are combined. With this configuration, the overall viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 1 is wider than the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of one of the light projection and light reception units 20.

[0028] On the other hand, as described above, the positions of the three optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C are equal to each other in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the total viewing angle in the vertical direction of the optical distance measuring device 1 is equal to the viewing angle in the vertical direction of each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C.

[0029] In the horizontal and vertical directions, the horizontal direction is the direction in which the total field of view of the optical distance measuring device 1 becomes wider than the field of view of any one of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C by combining the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the total field of view of the optical distance measuring device 1 becomes wider than the field of view of any one of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C.

[0030] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a peripheral area of ​​the optical distance measuring device 1, as shown in the Fig. 5 shown. As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the optical paths 23A, 23C overlap on the outer surface 13a of the window 13. Let the distance from the outer surface 13a of the window 13 to each of the virtual image emission points 25A, 25C be defined as a distance a. In this case, a minimum length b of the outer surface 13a of the window 13 in the horizontal direction may satisfy the following equation 1. The minimum length b is equal to a minimum size of the opening of the aperture area 12 in the horizontal direction. It may be that a length of the aperture area 12 in the horizontal direction is equal to the minimum length b. In this case, the aperture area 12 is a minimum aperture area. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in the present embodiment the length of the aperture area 12 in the horizontal direction is longer than the minimum length b. Therefore, the aperture area 12 is larger than the minimum aperture area. Each of the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C lies within the region of the minimum length b. That is, each of the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C lies within the minimum aperture area.

[0031] In the case described above, angle θ2 represents the viewing angle of a specific light projection and reception unit. This specific light projection and reception unit is one of the units 20A, 20B, or 20C. The specific light projection and reception unit has the longest optical path length in the aperture area 12 along the horizontal direction below the optical paths 23A, 23B, or 23C of the respective light projection and reception unit 20A, 20B, or 20C. If angle θ3 is equal to angle θ2, then, in Formula 1, a calculation result obtained using angle θ3 is the same as a calculation result obtained using angle θ2. Therefore, in this case, angle θ2 is used instead of angle θ3 in Formula 1. If angle θ3 is larger than angle θ2, angle θ3 is used instead of angle θ2. (Formula 1) b=a*tan(θ12+θ2)−a*tan(θ12)=a*(tan(θ12+θ2)−tan(θ12))

[0032] If the angles θ1=θ2=θ3=50 degrees, the minimum length b in the horizontal direction is calculated using formula 2. Formula 2) b=a*tan(50°2+50°)−a*tan(50°2)a*(3.73−0.47)=3.26*a

[0033] The virtual image emission point 25A is an intersection of the boundary lines of the view of the light projection and reception unit 20A. The virtual image emission point 25C is an intersection of the boundary lines of the view of the light projection and reception unit 20C. Therefore, the virtual image emission points 25A and 25C differ from the respective actual light emission points. The relationships between the light emission points of the light projection and reception units 20A and 20C and the respective virtual image emission points 25A and 25C can be known in advance. If the length of the outer surface 13a of the window 13 in the horizontal direction is defined as the minimum length b, then the distance from the window 13a to each of the light projection and reception units 20A and 20C can be determined. [Summary of the first embodiment]

[0034] The optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment includes the multiple light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C. This configuration can detect the target in the wide-angle range with the simple configuration compared to a configuration in which a device moves in a distance measuring area using a rotating mirror.

[0035] The optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C of the respective light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C overlap with each other in the aperture area 12. With this configuration, the aperture area 12 can be made smaller than an aperture area 12 in which the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C do not overlap.

[0036] In the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment, the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C overlap in the aperture area 12 and intersect the optical axes 24A, 24B, 24C. In a Fig. In the first modification shown in Figure 7, which differs from the configuration of the first embodiment, the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C overlap in the aperture area 12, but the optical axes 24A, 24B, 24C do not intersect. The optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment, which arranges the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C such that the optical axes 24A, 24B, 24C intersect, can increase the overlap of the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C in the aperture area 12 compared to the optical distance measuring device of the first embodiment. Therefore, the aperture area 12 of the first embodiment can be smaller than the aperture area 12 of the first modification.

[0037] In the first modification, the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are arranged such that the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C overlap in the aperture area 12. Therefore, if an optical distance measuring device contains three or more optical paths, not every optical path needs to overlap with all of the remaining optical paths in the aperture area 12. At least two optical paths may overlap with each other in the aperture area 12. In this case, the aperture area 12 can be made smaller compared to a case where no optical path overlaps in the aperture area 12. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0038] A second embodiment will be described. In every embodiment from the second embodiment onward, a region designated by the same reference numeral used is the same as the region bearing the same reference numeral in the earlier embodiment, unless the region is specifically described. From the second embodiment onward, if only part of a configuration is described, the described configuration can be used in any remaining configuration.

[0039] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 8, an optical distance measuring device 100 of the second embodiment includes three light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C. Each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C has the same configuration as the others. If there is no need to distinguish the three light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C, each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C will be described as a single light projection and light reception unit 120.

[0040] Optical axes 124A, 124B, 124C of the respective light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C intersect at a point which is identical to that of the first embodiment. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, in the second embodiment, optical paths 123A, 123B, 123C of the respective light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C overlap with each other in the opening area 12. In the Fig. The light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C are omitted.

[0041] A difference between each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C and the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment is a detection range. Detection ranges 127A, 127B, 127C are defined in each of the detection ranges 126A, 126B, 126C and viewing angles 125A, 125B, 125C. Each of the viewing angles 125A, 125C of a corresponding light projection and light reception unit 120A, 120C has the same angle, and it is narrower than the viewing angle 125B of the light projection and light reception unit 120B.

[0042] Each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C contains the light-emitting element 211, which is included in the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment. In each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C, the viewing angle is set by the light projection lens, which deflects the projection light emitted by the light-emitting element 211. The viewing angle of each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120C is relatively narrow compared to the viewing angle of the light projection and light reception unit 120B. Therefore, the power density of each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120C is relatively high compared to the power density of the light projection and light reception unit 120B.Each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C contains the light reception area 22, which is contained in the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment. The light sensitivity of each of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C is the same as the light sensitivity of the light projection and light reception unit of the first embodiment.

[0043] With the configuration described above, as in the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the detection distances 126A, 126C of the respective light projection and light reception units 120A, 120C are longer than the detection distance 126B of the light projection and light reception unit 120B. Therefore, in the optical distance measuring device 100 of the second embodiment, each of the detection distances which is contained in a corresponding end of the detection angle range in the z-axis direction of the entire device (i.e. a frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 100) is longer than the detection distance of the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0044] The optical distance measuring device 100 has the longest detection range in the z-axis direction at both ends of the detection angle range of the entire device, i.e., at the areas furthest away in the frontal direction. The optical distance measuring device 100 may be mounted on a side of the vehicle. Fig. The optical distance measuring devices 1 and 100 are mounted at the same positions on both sides of the respective vehicles 30 and 40. The frontal directions of the optical distance measuring devices 1 and 100 are aligned with the lateral directions of the respective vehicles 30 and 40. The relative position of a target 51 to vehicle 30 is the same as the relative position of a target 61 to vehicle 40. Similarly, the relative position of a target 52 to vehicle 30 is the same as the relative position of a target 62 to vehicle 40.

[0045] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 10, targets 51 and 52 are located outside a detection range 27 of the optical distance measuring device 1. Therefore, the optical distance measuring device 1 is unable to detect targets 51 and 52. On the other hand, objects 61 and 62 are located within detection ranges 127A and 127C of the optical distance measuring device 100. Therefore, the optical distance measuring device 100 is able to detect targets 61 and 62. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the detection areas 127A, 127B, and 127C partially overlap, but in the Fig. For the sake of simplicity, the partial overlap of the detection areas 127A, 127B, 127C is omitted. <Gemeinsame Beschreibung für eine dritte bis sechste Ausführungsform>

[0046] As it is in the Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, each of the optical distance measuring devices 300, 400, 500, 600 of a corresponding embodiment of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments contains the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C, which are identical to those of the first embodiment. The light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are arranged in the housing 10 such that the optical axes 24A, 24B, 24C of the respective light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C are configured identically to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in each of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments, the optical paths of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C overlap with each other in the opening area 12.Each of the optical distance measuring devices 300, 400, 500, 600 of the corresponding embodiment of the embodiments third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiment can provide similar advantages to the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0047] The difference between each of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments and the first embodiment is a window that covers the opening area 12 of the housing 10. Each of the windows 313, 413, 513, 613 in the corresponding embodiment of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments corresponds to a translucent cover. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0048] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the window 313 of the optical distance measuring device 300 of the third embodiment projects towards the inside of the housing 10 with respect to the opening surface 12. The window 313 comprises side areas 313A, 313C and a central area 313B. The side areas 313A, 313C and the central area 313B have disc shapes.

[0049] The side section 313A is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis 24A of the light projection and light reception unit 20A. The side section 313C is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis 24C of the light projection and light reception unit 20C. The auxiliary section 313B, or central section, is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis 24B of the light projection and light reception unit 20B.

[0050] The angle of incidence at which the optical axis 24B enters the window 313 is the same as the angle of incidence at which the optical axis 24B enters the opening area 12. The angle of incidence (i.e., 0 degrees) at which the optical axis 24A enters the window 313 is smaller than the angle 28A at which the optical axis 24A enters the opening area 12. The angle of incidence (i.e., 0 degrees) at which the optical axis 24C enters the window 313 is smaller than the angle 28C at which the optical axis 24C enters the opening area 12. With this configuration, Fresnel reflection in response to the input of the projected light into the window 313 can be limited compared to the case where the window 13 has a flat disk shape and covers the opening area 12, as in the first embodiment.The Fresnel reflection is limited due to the shape of window 313, so that the Fresnel reflection may also be limited at a high temperature.

[0051] The window 313 is recessed or cut away from the inside of the housing 10 with respect to the opening area 12. This configuration can reduce the size of the optical distance measuring device 300 in one depth direction. This configuration can also limit damage to the window 313. <Vierte Ausführungsform>

[0052] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a window 413 of the optical distance measuring device 400 of the fourth embodiment has a convex curve shape. An inner surface and an outer surface of the window 413 project towards the inside of the housing 10. Vertices of the convex curve surface are located at the center and the midpoint of the lateral direction of the window 413, respectively, and the optical axis 24B in the light projection and light reception unit 20B passes through the vertex.

[0053] With the window 413 described above, the angle at which the projected light enters the window 413 is smaller in all areas except the direction of the optical axis 24B than the corresponding angle of the first embodiment. With this configuration, the Fresnel reflection in response to the input of the projected light into the window 413 can be limited.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, the shape of the window 413 can limit Fresnel reflection even at high temperatures, similarly to the third embodiment. The window 413 is recessed towards the inside of the housing 10 with respect to the opening area 12. This configuration can reduce the size of the optical distance measuring device 400 in a depth direction. This configuration can also limit damage to the window 413. <Fünfte Ausführungsform>

[0055] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 13, a window 513 of the optical distance measuring device 500 of the fifth embodiment has a convex curve shape. An inner surface and an outer surface of the window 513 project towards the outside of the housing 10, which is the opposite of the configuration of the fourth embodiment. Vertices of the convex curve surface are arranged at the center of the lateral direction of the window 513, and the optical axis 24B of the light projection and light reception unit 20B passes through the vertex.

[0056] With the window 513 described above, the angle at which the projected light enters the window 513 is smaller in all regions except along the direction of the optical axis 24B than the corresponding angle in the first embodiment. With this configuration, the Fresnel reflection in response to the input of the projected light into the window 513 can be limited. In the fifth embodiment, the shape of the window 513 can also limit the Fresnel reflection at high temperatures. <Sechste Ausführungsform>

[0057] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 14, in a window 613 of the optical distance measuring device 600 of the sixth embodiment, an inner surface, oriented towards the inside of the optical distance measuring device 600, has a concave curve shape. The window 613 has the concave curve shape to deflect the projection light emitted by the light projection and light reception unit 20 over a wide area. The entire viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 600 may be configured to be equal to the entire viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment. In this case, in the sixth embodiment, the angular range of the projection light emitted by the light projection and light reception unit 20 and the angular range of the reflected light received by the light projection and light reception unit 20 may be small compared to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0058] If the light projection area 21 deflects the projected light over a wide area, the number of lenses must be increased, or a lens must be provided instead of a lens that is difficult to manufacture. Therefore, in the light projection area 21, a lens with a narrow deflection angle can reduce manufacturing costs compared to a lens with a wide deflection angle. If the light reception area 22 receives the light over a wide area, the number of lenses must be increased, or a lens must be provided instead of a lens that is difficult to manufacture. In the sixth embodiment, the manufacturing costs can be reduced by configuring the window 613, which has the concave lens shape. <Siebte Ausführungsform>

[0059] Each of the optical distance measuring devices 1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600 described contains the three light projection and light reception units 20 or the three light projection and light reception units 120. As described in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, an optical distance measuring device 700 of a seventh embodiment comprises two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B in a housing 710. The optical distance measuring device 700 may be mounted on the vehicle, which is similar to the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, a z-axis direction of the optical distance measuring device 700 is located in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0060] The housing 710 has a cubic shape, and an opening area 712 is defined on a front wall 711 of the housing 710. A window 713, which is provided by a translucent part, covers the opening area 712.

[0061] Each of the two light projection and light reception units 720A and 720B has the same configuration as the other. If there is no need to differentiate between the two light projection and light reception units 720A and 720B, each will be described as a single light projection and light reception unit 720. The light projection and light reception unit 720 corresponds to the light projection and light reception range.

[0062] The light projection and light reception unit 720, similar to the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment, contains a light projection area and a light reception area. The configurations of the light projection area and the light reception area contained in the light projection and light reception unit 720 are identical to the configurations of the light projection area 21 and the light reception area 22 of the first embodiment. The difference between the light projection and light reception unit 720 and the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment is the viewing angle. The light projection and light reception unit 720 of the seventh embodiment has a wider viewing angle than the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment.The viewing angle of the 720 light projection and reception unit may be set to 62.5 degrees. To widen the viewing angle of the 720 light projection and reception unit, the deflection angle of a light projection lens or the size of a light reception lens may need to be adjusted.

[0063] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, an optical path 723A of the light projection and light reception unit 720A and an optical path 723B of the light projection and light reception unit 720B pass through the opening area 712. The two optical paths 723A and 723B completely overlap within the opening area 712. That is, within the opening area 712, a position where optical path 723A passes through corresponds to the position where optical path 723B passes through. The optical axes 724A and 724B of the respective optical paths 723A and 723B intersect at a single point.

[0064] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the total viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 700 is set to an angle θ4+θ5. An angle θ4 represents a viewing angle of the light projection and light reception unit 720A. An angle θ5 represents a viewing angle of the light projection and light reception unit 720B. When the angles θ4 and θ5 are set to 62.5 degrees, the total viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 700 becomes 125 degrees.

[0065] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 17, if the two optical paths 723A, 723B overlap on an outer surface 713a of the window 713, a minimum length b1 of the outer surface 713a of the window 713 in the horizontal direction satisfies the following formula 3. In formula 3, a distance a1 is defined as a distance from the outer surface 713a of the window 713 to each of the virtual image emission points 725A, 725B. Formula 3 is calculated in a case where the angles θ4 ≥ θ5. In a case where the angles θ4 < θ5, the angle θ5 is substituted for the angle θ4 in formula 3. (Formula 3) b1=a1*tan(θ4)

[0066] In the seventh embodiment, the two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B are contained in the housing 710. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to the case where the three light projection and light reception units are contained in one housing. <Achte Ausführungsform>

[0067] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the optical distance measuring device 800 of an eighth embodiment contains, in the same way as the optical distance measuring device 700 of the seventh embodiment, two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B. A housing 810 accommodates the two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B in a housing-like manner.

[0068] The housing 810 has a cubic shape, just like the housing 710 of the seventh embodiment. The housing 810 has a space in a vertical direction, so that the two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction.

[0069] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the two light projection and light reception units 720A and 720B partially overlap when viewed from a y-axis direction, that is, from the vertical direction. To achieve this, the two light projection and light reception units 720A and 720B, as described above, are shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the two light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B are arranged in different positions without overlapping in the vertical direction.

[0070] Two optical paths 723A, 723B are combined such that, in the horizontal direction, the total viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 is wider than the viewing angle of either of the light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B. The viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 is 125 degrees in the same way as in the seventh embodiment.

[0071] The direction in which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 is further than the viewing angle of one of the light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B is the horizontal direction.

[0072] In the Fig. In 19, it appears that the view is also expanded in the vertical direction. Fig. Figure 20 shows the complete optical paths 723A, 723B of the respective light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B in the optical distance measuring device 800. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 20, it is taken into consideration that the optical paths 723A, 723B largely overlap with each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, the total viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 in the vertical direction is no wider than the viewing angle of either of the light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B.

[0073] It is possible that the projection light is provided by diffused or diffusionized light. In this case, as in the Fig. Figure 20 shows that, viewed from a direction parallel to an xy-plane, the optical paths 723A and 723B extend far away from the measuring device 800 in the y-axis direction. In this configuration, it is assumed that the two optical paths 723A and 723B largely overlap. Therefore, in the vertical direction, the total viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 is no greater than that of either the light projection and light reception units 720A or 720B.

[0074] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 19, in the eighth embodiment the positions in the y-axis direction of the light projection and light reception unit 720A and the position in the y-axis direction of the light projection and light reception unit 720B are different from each other. With this configuration, the two optical paths 723A, 723B do not overlap with each other in an opening area 812.

[0075] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 18, viewed from the y-axis direction, the two optical paths 723A and 723B overlap in the aperture area 812. Additionally, the optical axes 724A and 724B intersect at a single point when viewed from the y-axis direction.

[0076] In the eighth embodiment, the y-axis direction is set up to be perpendicular to the direction in which the total viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 800 is wider than the viewing angle of one of the light projection and light reception units 720A, 720B by combining the two optical paths 723A, 723B.

[0077] Viewed from the y-axis direction, the two optical paths 723A, 723B overlap in the aperture area 812. Therefore, viewed from the y-axis direction, in the present embodiment, the length of the aperture area 812 in an x-axis direction is shorter than the length of the aperture area when the two optical paths 723A, 723B do not overlap in the aperture area 812. <Neunte Ausführungsform>

[0078] The Fig. Figure 21 shows an optical distance measuring device 900 according to a ninth embodiment. The optical distance measuring device 900 includes a light projection and light reception unit 920 instead of the light projection and light reception unit 20 of the first embodiment. The light projection and light reception unit 920 corresponds to the light projection and light reception area.

[0079] The Fig. Figure 21 shows one light projection and light reception unit 920, but the optical distance measuring device 900 contains three light projection and light reception units 920. The three respective light projection and light reception units 920 are arranged in the same positions as the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, and 20C. The light projection and light reception units 920 are arranged in the housing 10. In the housing 10, the opening area 12 is defined on the front wall 11 in the same way as in the first embodiment, and the window 13 covers the opening area 12.

[0080] The light projection and light reception unit 920 comprises two light projection areas 921 and one light reception area 922, which are housed in a unit casing 929. The two light projection areas 921 comprise an upper light projection area 921A and a lower light projection area 921B. The upper light projection area 921A, the lower light projection area 921B, and the light reception area 922 are arranged in the described order from top to bottom in the y-axis direction.

[0081] Each of the upper light projection area 921A and lower light projection area 921B contains a light-emitting element 9211 and a light projection lens 9212. The light-emitting elements 9211 emit projection light towards the respective light projection lenses 9212. The two light projection lenses 9212 deflect the light and emit the deflected light. The two light projection lenses 9212 are arranged such that their respective optical axes are in the horizontal direction.

[0082] The relative position of the light-emitting element 9211 to the light projection lens 9212 in the upper light projection area 921A and the lower light projection area 921B is different. In the upper light projection area 921A, a portion from which the light-emitting element 9211 emits the projection light is positioned above the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212. With this configuration, a viewing angle 925A of the upper light projection area 921A is positioned below the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212.

[0083] In the lower light projection area 921B, a portion from which the light-emitting element 9211 emits the projection light is arranged below the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212. With this configuration, a viewing angle 925B of the upper light projection area 921B is arranged above the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 21, each of the viewing angles 925A of the upper light projection area 921A and viewing angle 925B of the lower light projection area 921B represents an angle at which, or in which, the optical path of the projected light spreads. The optical path 923A of the upper light projection area 921A and the optical path 923B of the lower light projection area 921B completely overlap in the vertical direction within the opening area 12.

[0084] The light-receiving area 922 comprises a light-receiving lens 9221 and a light-receiving element 9222. The light-receiving lens 9221 collects reflected light generated by the projection light emitted from the upper light projection area 921A and reflected light generated by the projection light emitted from the upper light projection area 921B. The light-receiving lens 9221 transmits the collected light to the light-receiving element 9222. The light-receiving element 9222 detects the reflected light collected by the light-receiving lens 9221.

[0085] The light projection and light reception unit 920 contains two light projection areas 921A and 921B. With this configuration, the view in the vertical direction can be greater than when only one light projection area 921 is included, or the number of areas in the vertical direction can be increased. Additionally, in this embodiment, the detection distance can be maintained at the same level as when only one light projection area 921 is included in the housing.

[0086] The optical path 923A of the upper light projection area 921A and the optical path 923B of the lower light projection area 921B completely overlap in the aperture area 12 in the vertical direction. This configuration can reduce the aperture area 12 in the vertical direction compared to the case where the optical paths 923A and 923B do not overlap in the aperture area 12.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and light reception unit 920 is not limited. It is possible that the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and light reception unit 920 is configured to be the same as that of one of the light projection and light reception units 20, 120, or 720 described above. In this case, the light projection and light reception unit 920 is used instead of one of the light projection and light reception units 20, 120, or 720. <Zehnte Ausführungsform>

[0088] The Fig. Figure 22 shows an optical distance measuring device 1000 according to a tenth embodiment. In the optical distance measuring device 1000 of the tenth embodiment, the viewing angles of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C, which are included in the optical distance measuring device 1 of the first embodiment, are modified. The difference between the first embodiment and the tenth embodiment lies in the viewing angles of three light projection and light reception units 20. Therefore, a diagram of a detailed configuration of the optical distance measuring device 1000 according to the tenth embodiment is omitted. Identical or similar areas are designated by the same or similar reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0089] The optical distance measuring device 1000 contains the three light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C, each of which contains optical paths 1023A, 1023B, 1023C, as shown in the Fig. Figure 22 shows that, as described above, in the optical distance measuring device 1000, the viewing angles of the three light projection and light reception units 20 of the first embodiment are modified. Therefore, the optical paths 1023A, 1023B, 1023C overlap with each other in the aperture area 12, and the optical axes of the optical paths 1023A, 1023B, 1023C intersect at a point.

[0090] The viewing angles of the three light projection and light reception units 20 of the first embodiment are modified in a similar manner to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the optical paths 123A, 123C of the three optical paths 123A, 123B, 123C, which are arranged at the ends of the entire angular range of the optical distance measuring device 100, are narrower than the optical path 123B, which is arranged for the frontal angular range of the optical distance measuring device 100.

[0091] On the other hand, in the tenth embodiment, the optical path 1023B, which is configured for the frontal angular range of the optical distance measuring device 1000, is narrower than any of the optical paths 1023A, 1023C, which are configured for the corresponding end of the entire angular range of the optical distance measuring device 1000.

[0092] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 22, angles θ6, θ7, and θ8 correspond to angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 of the first embodiment. Angle θ7 represents the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20A. Angle θ8 represents the viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20C. Angle θ6 represents a viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception unit 20B that does not overlap with the viewing angles in the horizontal direction of the light projection and reception units 20A and 20C.

[0093] Optical path 1023B is relatively narrow compared to optical paths 1023A and 1023C, which is contrary to the second embodiment. As stated in the Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the detection distance of a detection range 1027B, which is configured for the frontal angular range of the optical distance measuring device 1000, is longer than the detection distance of each detection range 1027A, 1027C, which is configured for one end of the entire angular range of the optical distance measuring device 1000, i.e., an area furthest away in the frontal direction. The detection ranges 1027A, 1027B, 1027C are the detection ranges that are each configured for the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C.

[0094] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the optical distance measuring device 1000 of the tenth embodiment is mounted on a frontal area of ​​the vehicle 40. The optical distance measuring device 1000 provides a detection range in one direction of travel of the vehicle 40. When the optical distance measuring device 1000 is mounted on the front area of ​​the vehicle 40, the frontal detection distance of the vehicle 40 can be configured to be longer than a diagonal frontal detection distance of the vehicle 40.

[0095] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. It is possible that the present disclosure is implemented in various other modifications, and these modifications will be described below. <Zweite Modifikation>

[0096] In the embodiment described above, each of the light projection and light reception units 20, 120, 720, 920 contains two or three light projection and light reception units. Alternatively, each of the light projection and light reception units 20, 120, 720, 920 may contain the same number or more than four light projection and light reception units. <Dritte Modifikation>

[0097] In the window 613 of the sixth embodiment, the inner surface, which is oriented towards the inside of the optical distance measuring device 600, has the concave curve shape. Alternatively, the outer surface, which is oriented towards the outside of the optical distance measuring device 600, may have the concave curve shape. <Vierte Modifikation>

[0098] If the objective is to limit Fresnel reflection, the optical paths 23A, 23B, 23C of the respective light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C do not need to overlap with each other in the aperture area 12. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the position of the light projection and light reception unit 20A and the position of the light projection and light reception unit 20C may be exchanged or changed. <Fünfte Modifikation>

[0099] It is possible that the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, 120C will be used instead of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, 20C. <Sechste Modifikation>

[0100] In the second embodiment, the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20B, and 20C may be used instead of the light projection and light reception units 120A, 120B, and 120C. In this case, the light emission power or light emission energy of the light-emitting element 211 of the light projection and light reception unit 20B is configured to be lower than the light emission power of the light-emitting element 211 of each of the light projection and light reception units 20A and 20C.

[0101] With this configuration, the detection range of each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20C can be greater than the detection range of the light projection and light reception unit 20B. The viewing angle of each of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20C is set to one of the end angular ranges of the optical distance measuring device 100. The viewing angle of the light projection and light reception unit 20B is set to the frontal angular range of the optical distance measuring device 100. <Siebte Ausführungsform>

[0102] It is possible that the optical distance measuring device 1000 of the tenth embodiment is attached to a rear area of ​​the vehicle 40. <Achte Modifikation>

[0103] In the ninth embodiment, the light-emitting element 9211 is positioned above or below the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212. Alternatively, the light-emitting element 9211 may be positioned on the optical axis of the light projection lens 9212, and the light-emitting element 9211 and the light projection lens 9212 may rotate in the vertical plane. This configuration can extend the image vertically or increase the number of areas in the vertical direction. <Neunte Modifikation>

[0104] It is possible that in the second embodiment the light projection and light reception unit 120C is removed. In this case, the detection area 127A, which is directed towards the rear of the vehicle 40, is removed from or incorporated into the Fig.The three detection areas 127A, 127B, and 127C shown in Figure 10 are located away. In some systems that use a measurement result from the optical distance measuring device 100, the optical distance measuring device 100 does not necessarily have to measure the distance of the target located behind the vehicle 40. In this case, the light projection and light reception unit 120C may be located away, as described above.

[0105] When the light projection and light reception unit 120C is at a distance, the light projection and light reception unit 120A is the furthest or widest viewing angle along the frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 100 within the entire angular range of the optical distance measuring device 100. The detection distance of the light projection and light reception unit 120A is longer than the detection distance of the light projection and light reception unit 120B, in which the viewing angle is aligned with the frontal viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 100.

[0106] On the other hand, in another system, the detection area 127C, which is directed towards the front of the vehicle 40, may not be required. In this case, the light projection and light reception unit 120A is removed. <Zehnte Modifikation>

[0107] It is possible that in the tenth embodiment, one of the light projection and light reception units 20A, 20C is removed. In this case, one of the detection areas 1027A, 1027C is removed from the three detection areas 1027A, 1027B, 1027C.

[0108] Then, when the light projection and light reception unit 20A is at a distance, in the tenth embodiment the light projection and light reception unit 20C is the furthest viewing angle along the frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device 1000 within the entire angular range of the optical distance measuring device 1000. In the light projection and light reception unit 20B, which is configured for the frontal viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device 1000, the detection distance is longer and the viewing angle is narrower compared to the light projection and light reception unit 20C.

Claims

[1] An optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000), comprising: a housing (10, 710, 810) containing an opening surface (12, 712, 812); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) configured to emit light and receive the light after reflection, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) is contained in the housing (10, 710, 810), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, by combining optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), and the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) overlap with each other in the aperture area (12, 712, 812) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended, the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) are arranged within a minimum opening area, the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) contains a specific light projection and light reception area, in a horizontal direction of the opening area (12, 712, 812) an optical path of the specific light projection and light reception area is larger than the optical path of each remaining light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), and the minimum aperture area is defined on the basis of a viewing angle (θ2, θ4) of the specified light projection and light reception area and a distance (a, a1) between the aperture area (12, 712, 812) and a virtual image emission point of the specified light projection and light reception area. [2] The optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) according to claim 1, wherein optical axes (24A, 24B, 24C, 124A, 124B, 124C, 724A, 724B, 1024A, 1024B, 1024C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) intersect with each other. [3] The optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein by combining the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) in a horizontal direction, the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended compared with the viewing angle of one light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), and the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920) are arranged in the horizontal direction. [4] The optical distance measuring device (900) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (920) contains a multiple light projection areas (921A, 921B) configured to emit the light, the positions of the multiple light projection areas (921A, 921B) differ relative to each other in a vertical direction, and the optical paths (923A, 923B) of the multitude of light projection areas (921A, 921B) overlap with each other in the opening area (12). [5] The optical distance measuring device (300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a translucent cover (313, 413, 513) which is attached to the opening surface (12, 712, 812), where an optical axis (24A, 24B, 24C, 124A, 124B, 124C) of each light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) enters the translucent cover (313, 413, 513) at an angle of incidence, at least one of the angles of incidence is smaller than an angle formed by the optical axis (24A, 24B, 24C, 124A, 124B, 124C) corresponding to the angle of incidence and the aperture area (12), and each of the angles of incidence is equal to or smaller than the angle formed by the optical axis (24A, 24B, 24C, 124A, 124B, 124C) corresponding to the angle of incidence and the aperture area (12). [6] The optical distance measuring device (300, 400) according to claim 5, wherein the translucent cover (313, 413) has a shape which projects towards an inside of the housing (10) with respect to the opening surface (12). [7] The optical distance measuring device (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a translucent cover (613) which is attached to the opening surface (12) and which has a concave lens shape. [8] The optical distance measuring device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120) has a viewing angle which includes an area that is furthest away in a frontal direction under a total detection angle range of the optical distance measuring device (100), and one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) has a longer detection distance (126A, 126C) compared with another of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), which has a viewing angle in the frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device (100). [9] The optical distance measuring device (100) according to claim 8, wherein one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) has an optical axis (124A, 124C) which, compared with an optical axis (124B) of another of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), is relatively far from the frontal direction, and one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120) has a narrower viewing angle than one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120). [10] The optical distance measuring device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (20) has a viewing angle (θ6) in a frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device (1000), another of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (20) containing a viewing angle (θ7, θ8) has a surface furthest away in the frontal direction under a total detection angle range of the optical distance measuring device (1000), one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) has a longer detection distance than the detection distance of the other light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20), and one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) has a narrower viewing angle (θ6) than the viewing angle (θ7, θ8) of the other a light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20). [11] An optical distance measuring device (800) comprising: a housing (810) containing an opening surface (812); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720) configured to emit light and to receive the light after the light has been reflected, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720) is contained in the housing (810), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, optical paths (723A, 723B) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720) overlap with each other in the aperture area (812) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (800) is extended, by combining the optical paths (723A, 723B) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720) in a horizontal direction, the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (800) is extended compared with the viewing angle of a light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720). the positions of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (720) differ from each other in a vertical direction, and In the vertical direction, the positions of the optical paths (723A, 723B) of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (720) differ from each other in the aperture area (812). [12] The optical distance measuring device (800) according to claim 11, wherein the optical paths (723A, 723B) of the multitude of light projection and light reception areas (720) overlap with each other in the opening area (812), the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (800) is extended compared with the viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720), and optical axes (724A, 724B) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (720) intersect when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (800) is extended. [13] An optical distance measuring device (900) comprising: a housing (10) containing an opening surface (12); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (920) configured to emit light and to receive the light after the light has been reflected, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (920) is contained in the housing (10), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, by combining optical paths (923A, 923B) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (920), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (900) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (920), and the optical paths (923A, 923B) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (920) overlap with each other in the aperture area (12) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (900) is extended. one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (920) contains a multiple light projection areas (921A, 921B) configured to emit the light, the positions of the multiple light projection areas (921A, 921B) differ relative to each other in a vertical direction, and the optical paths (923A, 923B) of the multitude of light projection areas (921A, 921B) overlap with each other in the opening area (12). [14] An optical distance measuring device (600) comprising: a housing (10) containing an opening surface (12); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) configured to emit light and to receive the light after the light has been reflected, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) is contained in the housing (10), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, and a translucent cover (613) attached to the opening surface (12) and having a concave lens shape, where, by combining optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (600) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20), and the optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) overlap with each other in the opening area (12) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (600) is extended. [15] An optical distance measuring device (100) comprising: a housing (10) containing an opening surface (12); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) configured to emit light and to receive the light after the light has been reflected, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) is contained in the housing (10), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, by combining optical paths (123A, 123B, 123C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (100) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), and the optical paths (123A, 123B, 123C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) overlap with each other in the aperture area (12) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (100) is extended, one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120) has a viewing angle which includes an area that is furthest away in a frontal direction under a total detection angle range of the optical distance measuring device (100), and one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) has a longer detection distance (126A, 126C) compared with another of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), which has a viewing angle in the frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device (100). [16] The optical distance measuring device (100) according to claim 15, wherein one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120) has an optical axis (124A, 124C) which, compared with an optical axis (124B) of another of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (120), is relatively far from the frontal direction, and one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120) has a narrower viewing angle than one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (120). [17] An optical distance measuring device (1000) comprising: a housing (10) containing an opening surface (12); and a plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) configured to emit light and to receive the light after the light has been reflected, wherein the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) is contained in the housing (10), and wherein the light is provided by a laser light, where, by combining optical paths (23A, 23B, 23C, 123A, 123B, 123C, 723A, 723B, 923A, 923B, 1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), a viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) is extended compared with a viewing angle of one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20, 120, 720, 920), the optical paths (1023A, 1023B, 1023C) of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) overlap with each other in the aperture area (12) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the viewing angle of the optical distance measuring device (1000) is extended, one of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (20) has a viewing angle (θ6) in a frontal direction of the optical distance measuring device (1000), another of the multiple light projection and light reception areas (20) containing a viewing angle (θ7, θ8) has a surface furthest away in the frontal direction under a total detection angle range of the optical distance measuring device (1000), one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) has a longer detection distance than the detection distance of the other light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20), and one of the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20) has a narrower viewing angle (θ6) than the viewing angle (θ7, θ8) of the other a light projection and light reception area of ​​the plurality of light projection and light reception areas (20).

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