Sensor unit

Abstract

To suppress upsizing of a configuration for detecting information and deterioration of performance for detecting information.SOLUTION: A light-emitting element 241 emits detection light SL toward a detectable area DA. A light receiving element 242 outputs a detection signal DS corresponding to the strength of incident light. A rotation reflector 25 rotates and reflects, toward the light receiving element 242, return light RL generated by the detection light SL being reflected by objects 601, 602 located on the detectable area DA. A processing device 26 receives the detection signal DS in association with rotation angle of the rotation reflector 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light emitting device and a sensor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light emitting device that emits illumination light for illuminating the outside of a vehicle. A radar for detecting information about the outside of the vehicle is disposed in a lamp chamber of the light emitting device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 also discloses a sensor unit equipped with a radar, which is an example of a sensor for detecting information outside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-106199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for realizing multifunctionality in light emitting devices while preventing the devices from becoming too large (first demand).

[0006] There is a demand for suppressing an increase in size of the information detection structure and a decrease in the information detection capability (second demand). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provided to address the first need is a light emitting device, comprising: A first light source that emits a first light having a first wavelength that is a visible wavelength; A second light source that emits a second light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength; a substrate supporting the first light source and having an opening for allowing the second light to pass therethrough; a mirror that rotates or pivots to reflect the first light and the second light so that the first light is scanned in a first direction to irradiate a first region, and the second light that has passed through the opening is scanned in the first direction to travel toward a second region; It is equipped with:

[0008] By using a reflector that reflects incident light while rotating or pivoting, it is possible to make the emitted light reach a wide range with a smaller number of light sources. On the other hand, a scanning optical system including such a reflector requires a certain amount of installation space. According to the above configuration, a function different from that of the first light, which is visible light, is assigned to the second light, and the reflector used to scan the first light can also be used to scan the second light. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in installation space while applying a scanning optical system to the first light and the second light assigned to different functions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in size while realizing the multi-functionalization of the light-emitting device.

[0009] In order to address the second need, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a sensor unit, comprising: A light emitting element that emits detection light toward a predetermined area; a light receiving element that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light; a reflector that rotates or turns to reflect return light generated when the detection light is reflected by an object located in the predetermined area toward the light receiving element; a processor that receives the detection signal in relation to an angle of rotation or pivoting of the reflector; It is equipped with:

[0010] According to the above configuration, the return light from different positions in a predetermined area is sequentially reflected toward the light receiving element as the reflector rotates or turns, and the position of the origin of the return light reflected can be identified in association with the angular position of the reflector's rotation or turning, so that information on a wide area can be obtained using at least one light receiving element. In addition, the detection resolution of the information can be made to depend not on the number of light receiving elements (spatial resolution) but on the rotation or turning speed of the reflector and the acquisition cycle of the detection signal (time resolution). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the structure for detecting information and the decrease in the ability to detect information.

[0011] The term "sensor unit" used in this specification means a component unit that has a desired information detection function and that can be distributed independently.

[0012] As used herein, the term "rotate" means that a member is displaced about an axis through an angle of 360 degrees or more. As used herein, the term "pivot" means that a member is displaced about an axis through an angle of less than 360 degrees. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a configuration of a light emitting device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a vehicle on which the light emitting device of FIG. 1 is mounted. [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a rotating reflector in the light emitting device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a configuration of a first substrate in the light emitting device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a polygon mirror that may be used in place of the rotating reflector. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a MEMS mirror that may be used in place of a rotating reflector. [Figure 7] An example in which the light-emitting device of FIG. 1 is mounted on a transportation infrastructure facility is shown. [Figure 8]2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a sensor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 illustrates a configuration of a sensor unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 illustrates an example of the configuration of a substrate in the sensor unit of FIG. [Figure 11] 10 shows another example of the arrangement of light receiving elements in the sensor unit of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component is appropriately changed so that the components can be clearly seen.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. In the following description, "left" and "right" indicate the left and right directions as seen from the driver's seat.

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a configuration of a light emitting device 1 according to an embodiment. The light emitting device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 20 illustrated in Fig. 2. In this example, the light emitting device 1 is disposed on the left front part LF of the vehicle 20. The left front part LF is an area located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 is an example of a moving body.

[0017] 1, the light emitting device 1 includes a housing 11 and a light-transmitting cover 12. The housing 11 defines a lamp chamber 13 together with the light-transmitting cover 12. The light-transmitting cover 12 forms a part of the outer surface of the vehicle 20.

[0018] The light emitting device 1 includes a primary light source 141. The primary light source 141 is disposed in the lamp chamber 13. The primary light source 141 is configured to emit a first light L1. The first light L1 includes a first wavelength that is a visible wavelength. In this embodiment, the primary light source 141 is realized by a semiconductor light emitting element. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), and an EL element. The primary light source 141 may be realized by a lamp light source such as a halogen lamp.

[0019] The light emitting device 1 includes a rotating reflector 15. The rotating reflector 15 is disposed in the lamp chamber 13. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rotating reflector 15 includes a base 151 and a plurality of reflecting plates 152. The base 151 is configured as a cylindrical member that is rotatable about a rotation axis A. The plurality of reflecting plates 152 are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the base 151. The plurality of reflecting plates 152 are arranged along the rotation direction of the base 151.

[0020] 1, the rotating reflector 15 is disposed so that the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 141 is incident on one of the plurality of reflectors 152. The first light L1 reflected by one of the plurality of reflectors 152 passes through the translucent cover 12 and travels toward an area located in front of the vehicle 20.

[0021] The shape and arrangement of each reflector 152 are determined so that the traveling direction of the reflected first light L1 changes to the left and right direction of the vehicle 20 as the rotating reflector 15 rotates. In other words, each reflector 152 changes the reflection direction of the first light L1 to the left and right direction of the vehicle 20 while crossing the path of the first light L1 as the rotating reflector 15 rotates. The left and right direction of the vehicle 20 is an example of the first direction.

[0022] That is, the rotating reflector 15 reflects the first light L1 while rotating so that the first light L1 is scanned in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and illuminates the outside of the vehicle 20. In Fig. 1, a range of directions in which the first light L1 reflected by one of the multiple reflectors 152 may travel while the rotating reflector 15 is rotating is illustrated as a first scanning range SR1.

[0023] When a particular reflector 152 has finished crossing the path of the first light L1, another reflector 152 adjacent thereto in the rotational direction of the rotating reflector 15 starts crossing the path of the first light L1. This causes the first light L1 to repeatedly scan the first scanning range SR1.

[0024] A two-dimensional light distribution pattern can be formed in an area corresponding to a first scanning range SR1 located in front of the vehicle 20 by scanning the first light L1 emitted from a plurality of first light sources 141 arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle 20 in the horizontal direction of the vehicle 20 with the rotating reflector 15. Alternatively, a two-dimensional light distribution pattern can be formed by swivel the rotating reflector 15 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 20 while repeatedly scanning the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 141 in the horizontal direction of the vehicle 20. If the reflection direction of the first light L1 by the rotating reflector 15 is synchronized with the turning on and off operation of the first light source 141, a non-illuminated area can be formed at a specific position in the light distribution pattern. The area corresponding to the first scanning range SR1 located in front of the vehicle 20 is an example of a first area. The area in front of the vehicle is an example of a path of a moving body.

[0025] 3, each reflector 152 has a circumferential length CL along the rotation direction of the rotating reflector 15 (the symbol CL is shown for only one reflector 152). This circumferential length CL corresponds to the period in which the scanning of the first scanning range SR1 by the first light L1 is repeated.

[0026] 1, the light emitting device 1 includes a first substrate 161. The first substrate 161 is disposed in the lamp chamber 13. The first substrate 161 supports the primary light source 141. Although not shown in the figure, a circuit for controlling the operation of the primary light source 141 may be formed on the first substrate 161.

[0027] The light emitting device 1 includes a second light source 142. The second light source 142 is disposed in the lamp chamber 13. The second light source 142 is configured to emit a second light L2. The second light L2 is assigned to a function different from that of the first light L1 that illuminates the outside of the vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the second light L2 includes a second wavelength that is an infrared wavelength in order to realize a distance measuring function. That is, the wavelength of the first light L1 and the wavelength of the second light L2 are different.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second light source 142 is realized by a semiconductor light emitting element. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), and an EL element. The second light source 142 may be realized by a lamp light source such as an infrared lamp.

[0029] The light emitting device 1 includes a second board 162. The second board 162 is disposed inside the lamp chamber 13. The second board 162 supports the secondary light source 142. Although not shown in the figure, a circuit for controlling the turning on and off operation of the secondary light source 142 may be formed on the second board 162.

[0030] The first substrate 161 has an opening 161a. The opening 161a is open in a first main surface 161b and a second main surface 161c of the first substrate 161, and extends so as to communicate between both main surfaces. The first light source 141 is disposed on the first main surface 161b. The term "main surface of a substrate" as used in this specification means the surface having the largest area among a plurality of surfaces forming the substrate.

[0031] The first substrate 161 is disposed so as to cross the path of the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 142, but the opening 161a allows the second light L2 to pass through. Specifically, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 142 enters the opening 161a from the second main surface 161c side and exits to the first main surface 161b side.

[0032] The second light L2 that passes through the opening 161a is incident on one of the plurality of reflectors 152 in the rotating reflector 15. The second light L2 reflected by one of the plurality of reflectors 152 passes through the light-transmitting cover 12 and travels toward an area located in front of the vehicle 20.

[0033] Like the first light L1, each reflector 152 changes the reflection direction of the second light L2 to the left and right of the vehicle 20 while crossing the path of the second light L2 as the rotating reflector 15 rotates. That is, the rotating reflector 15 reflects the second light L2 while rotating so that the second light L2 is scanned in the left and right directions of the vehicle 20 and heads toward the outside of the vehicle 20. In FIG. 1, the range of directions in which the second light L2 reflected by one of the multiple reflectors 152 may travel while the rotating reflector 15 is rotating is illustrated as a second scanning range SR2.

[0034] When a particular reflector 152 has finished crossing the path of the second light L2, another reflector 152 adjacent thereto in the rotational direction of the rotating reflector 15 starts crossing the path of the second light L2. This causes the scanning of the second scanning range SR2 by the second light L2 to be repeated.

[0035] The light emitting device 1 includes a light receiving element 10. The light receiving element 10 is disposed in a lamp chamber 13. The light receiving element 10 is configured to detect return light L2' obtained as a result of the second light L2 being reflected by an object in a region corresponding to the second scanning range SR2 located in front of the vehicle 20. That is, the light receiving element 10 is configured to have sensitivity to the wavelength of the second light L2 and to output a signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident return light L2'. Examples of the light receiving element 10 include a photodiode, a phototransistor, and a photoresistor. The region corresponding to the second scanning range SR2 located in front of the vehicle 20 is an example of the second region. The first region and the second region may or may not overlap at least partially.

[0036] The distance to the object associated with the return light L2' can be obtained based on the time from when the second light L2 is emitted from the second light source 142 to when the return light L2' is detected by the light receiving element 10. By accumulating such distance information in association with the scanning direction of the rotating reflector 15, information on the shape of the object associated with the return light L2' can also be obtained. These processes can be performed by a processing device (not shown). The processing device may be disposed in the lamp chamber 13 or outside the housing 11. The function of the processing device may be realized by a control device mounted on the vehicle 20.

[0037] By using a scanning optical system such as the rotating reflector 15, it is possible to make the emitted light reach a wide range with a smaller number of light sources. On the other hand, the scanning optical system requires a certain amount of installation space. According to the above-mentioned configuration, a function different from the first light L1 for illuminating the outside of the vehicle 20 is assigned to the second light L2, and the rotating reflector 15 used for scanning the first light L1 can also be used for scanning the second light L2. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in installation space while applying the scanning optical system to the first light L1 and the second light L2 assigned to different functions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in size while realizing the multi-functionalization of the light-emitting device 1.

[0038] For example, a distance measuring function can be realized by using infrared light as the second light L2. Alternatively, the second light L2 including visible wavelengths can be reflected by the rotating reflector 15 toward the road surface, and information such as a specific mark can be drawn on the road surface located within the second scanning range SR2 by appropriately synchronizing the turning on and off operation of the second light source 142 with the rotation operation of the rotating reflector 15.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 161b corresponding to the traveling direction of the second light L2 that has passed through the opening 161a, the second light source 142 is positioned so as to be hidden behind the first substrate 161.

[0040] With such a configuration, the size of the light emitting device 1, particularly in the direction along the main surface of the first substrate 161, can be prevented from increasing.

[0041] 4, in this embodiment, the opening 161a formed in the first substrate 161 is a pinhole. The pinhole has a circular cross section when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 161b and the second main surface 161c of the first substrate 161. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 161a is isotropic when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 161b and the second main surface 161c of the first substrate 161.

[0042] The radius r of the pinhole can be determined, for example, by the following formula: r 2 = λb λ is the wavelength of the second light L2, and b is the focal length of the rotating reflector 15 with respect to the reflecting plate 152.

[0043] Since the pinhole can be formed in a limited space, it has little effect on the layout of the first light source 141 and its driving circuit on the first substrate 161. In addition, it is easy to ensure isotropy in the shape of the light spot formed by the second light L2 passing through the pinhole in the normal direction of the first main surface 161b and the second main surface 161c, so that the optical system can be prevented from becoming complicated. Therefore, an optical system in which the first light source 141 and the second light source 142 share the rotating reflector 15 can be configured by a very simple method with a high degree of freedom.

[0044] However, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 161a may have a short side direction and a long side direction when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 161b or the second main surface 161c. Examples of such a shape of the opening 161a include a slit or a notch. In this case, it is preferable that the slit or the notch is formed so that the direction on the first substrate 161 corresponding to the scanning direction by the rotating reflector 15 is the short side direction. In this case, the dimension of the light spot formed by the second light L2 passing through the opening 161a in the direction along the scanning direction can be reduced, so that a decrease in scanning resolution can be suppressed.

[0045] 1, the light emitting device 1 may include a focusing optical system 17. The focusing optical system 17 is configured and arranged to focus the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 142 toward the opening 161a.

[0046] According to this configuration, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 142 can be efficiently passed through the opening 161a. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of the second light L2 can be improved.

[0047] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. The configurations according to the above-described embodiment may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the rotating reflector 15 can be replaced with a polygon mirror 18 illustrated in FIG. 5 or a MEMS mirror 19 illustrated in FIG. 6, as long as the first light L1 and the second light L2 can be scanned in a desired direction.

[0049] The polygon mirror 18 has a base 181 that can rotate around a rotation axis A. The base 181 has a polygonal cross section when viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A extends. Reflectors 182 are disposed at portions corresponding to the sides of the polygonal shape. When the base 181 rotates around the rotation axis A, one of the multiple reflectors 182 changes the reflection direction of the first light L1 and the second light L2 while crossing the paths of the first light L1 and the second light L2. When a specific reflector 182 has finished crossing the paths of the first light L1 and the second light L2, another reflector 182 adjacent to the rotation direction of the polygon mirror 18 starts crossing the paths of the first light L1 and the second light L2. This causes the first scanning range SR1 by the first light L1 and the second scanning range SR2 by the second light L2 to be scanned repeatedly.

[0050] The MEMS mirror 19 includes a frame 191, a reflector 192, a torsion bar 193, and a coil 194. The reflector 192 is supported by the frame 191 via the torsion bar 193. By placing the coil 194 in a magnetic field generated by a magnet (not shown) and passing a current through it, a force is generated that rotates the reflector 192 around the torsion bar 193. As the reflector 192 rotates, the reflection directions of the first light L1 and the second light L2 change. As the reflector 192 rotates repeatedly, scanning of the first scanning range SR1 by the first light L1 and the second scanning range SR2 by the second light L2 is repeated.

[0051] The light emitting device 1 may also be mounted on a right front RF of the vehicle 20. The right front RF is an area located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 20. The light emitting device 1 mounted on the right front RF may have a configuration symmetrical to the light emitting device 1 illustrated in FIG.

[0052] The light emitting device 1 may also be mounted on the left rear LB and right rear RB of the vehicle 20. The left rear LB is an area located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and rear of the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 20. The right rear RB is an area located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and rear of the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 20. The light emitting device 1 mounted on the left rear LB may have a configuration symmetrical in the front-rear direction with the light emitting device 1 exemplified in FIG. 1. The light emitting device 1 mounted on the right rear RB may have a configuration symmetrical in the left-right direction with the light emitting device 1 mounted on the left rear LB.

[0053] The moving object on which the light emitting device 1 is mounted is not limited to the vehicle 20. Other examples of the moving object include a train, an aircraft, an airplane, a ship, etc. The moving object on which the light emitting device 1 is mounted does not need to require a driver.

[0054] The light emitting device 1 does not need to be mounted on a moving object. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the light emitting device 1 can also be mounted on traffic infrastructure facilities such as a street light 30 or a traffic signal 40.

[0055] When the light-emitting device 1 is mounted on a street lamp 30, the area A1 is illuminated by visible light emitted from the first light source 141, and a pedestrian 50, a vehicle, or the like located within the area A1 can be detected by infrared light emitted from the second light source 142. The pedestrian 50 is also an example of a moving body. The area A1 is an example of a path of a moving body. For example, when a distance measuring function using infrared light detects that a pedestrian 50 or a vehicle is about to enter an intersection, the information can be notified to a vehicle 20 that is about to enter the intersection from another direction via communication.

[0056] When the light-emitting device 1 is mounted on a traffic signal 40, the first light source 141 may be used to draw information in an area A2 on a traffic road surface. The area A2 is an example of a path of a moving object. As in the above example, the infrared light emitted from the second light source 142 may be used to detect a pedestrian 50, a vehicle, or the like located within the area A1. For example, when a distance measurement function using infrared light detects that a pedestrian 50 or a vehicle is about to enter an intersection, information (such as characters, a sign, or a flashing warning color) that alerts a vehicle 20 about to enter the intersection from another direction may be drawn in the area A2.

[0057] The light-emitting device 1 may also be mounted on a lighting device installed in a house, a facility, etc. For example, the lighting device may be configured to turn on the first light source 141 to illuminate a predetermined area when a moving object that has entered the area is detected using infrared light emitted from the second light source 142.

[0058] Fig. 8 illustrates a configuration of a sensor unit 2 according to an embodiment. The sensor unit 2 is mounted on a vehicle 20 illustrated in Fig. 2. In this example, the sensor unit 2 is disposed on the left front part LF of the vehicle 20.

[0059] 8, the sensor unit 2 includes a housing 21 and a light-transmitting cover 22. The housing 21 defines an accommodation space 23 together with the light-transmitting cover 22. The light-transmitting cover 22 forms a part of the outer surface of the vehicle 20.

[0060] The sensor unit 2 includes a light-emitting element 241. The light-emitting element 241 is disposed in the accommodation space 23. The light-emitting element 241 is configured to emit detection light SL. The detection light SL emitted from the light-emitting element 241 passes through the light-transmitting cover 22 and travels toward an area located in front of the vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the detection light SL includes an infrared wavelength.

[0061] In this embodiment, the light emitting element 241 is realized by a semiconductor light emitting element. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), and an EL element. The light emitting element 241 may be realized by a lamp light source such as a halogen lamp.

[0062] The sensor unit 2 includes a light receiving element 242. The light receiving element 242 is disposed in the accommodation space 23. The light receiving element 242 is configured to detect return light RL obtained as a result of the detection light SL being reflected by an object present in the detectable area DA. That is, the light receiving element 242 is configured to have sensitivity to the wavelength of the detection light SL and to output a detection signal DS according to the intensity of the incident return light RL. The light receiving element 242 can be realized by a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photoresistor, or the like. In this example, the detectable area DA is set ahead of the vehicle 20. The area ahead of the vehicle 20 is an example of a path of a moving body.

[0063] The sensor unit 2 includes a rotating reflector 25. The rotating reflector 25 is disposed in the accommodation space 23. The rotating reflector 25 includes a base 251 and a plurality of reflecting plates 252. The configuration of the rotating reflector 25 is the same as the configuration of the rotating reflector 15 illustrated in Fig. 3, and therefore repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0064] 8, the rotating reflector 25 is disposed so that the return light RL coming from the detectable area DA is incident on one of the plurality of reflectors 252. The return light RL reflected by one of the plurality of reflectors 252 travels toward the light receiving element 242.

[0065] The shape and arrangement of each reflector 252 are determined so that the position within the detectable area DA at which the return light RL reflected toward the light receiving element 242 may occur changes in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 as the rotating reflector 25 rotates. In other words, the shape and arrangement of each reflector 252 are determined so that the incident direction of the return light RL reflected toward the light receiving element 242 changes in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 as the rotating reflector 25 rotates. The left-right direction of the vehicle 20 is an example of a first direction.

[0066] 8, an object 601 and an object 602 are located within a detectable area DA. Since the detection light SL emitted from the light emitting element 241 is irradiated onto the entire detectable area DA, the objects 601 and 602 simultaneously generate return light RL.

[0067] According to the above-mentioned configuration, at time t1 when the reflector 252 of the rotating reflector 25 takes a certain position and posture, a path is formed along which the return light RL generated by the object 601 is reflected to the light receiving element 242. Then, at time t2 when the reflector 252 takes a different position and posture, a path is formed along which the return light RL generated by the object 602 at another position within the detectable area DA is reflected to the light receiving element 242. In this specification, the operation of sequentially reflecting the return light RL from a plurality of positions within the detectable area DA that have different angles with respect to the reflector 252 in this manner is referred to as "reflection scanning."

[0068] When the reflective scanning of the detectable area DA by a particular reflector 252 is completed, another reflector 252 adjacent to the rotating reflector 25 in the rotational direction starts reflective scanning of the detectable area DA. As a result, reflective scanning of the detectable area DA is repeated as the rotating reflector 25 rotates.

[0069] Each reflector 252 has a circumferential length along the rotation direction of the rotating reflector 25. This circumferential length corresponds to the period at which the rotating reflector 25 repeats the reflective scanning of the detectable area DA.

[0070] The sensor unit 2 includes a processing device 26. The processing device 26 is configured to output a control signal CS1 that controls the operation of the light-emitting element 241. The processing device 26 is configured to receive a detection signal DS output from the light-receiving element 242. The processing device 26 is configured to output a control signal CS2 that controls the rotational operation of the rotating reflector 25.

[0071] The processing device 26 is configured to receive the detection signal DS in association with the rotation angle of the rotating reflector 25 around the rotation axis A. Specifically, the rotation angle of the rotating reflector 25 can be identified based on the control signal CS2. By identifying the rotation angle of the rotating reflector 25, it is possible to identify which of the multiple reflectors 252 is performing reflective scanning and from which position within the detectable area DA the return light RL is being reflected to the light receiving element 242.

[0072] In order to simultaneously detect return light from a detectable area DA having a large area, an array in which multiple light receiving elements are arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally is required. In this case, a larger space is required to install the light receiving elements. In addition, the detection resolution of the information within the detectable area DA depends on the number of multiple light receiving elements that make up the array.

[0073] On the other hand, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the return light RL from different positions within the detectable area DA is sequentially reflected toward the light receiving element 242 as the rotating reflector 25 rotates, and the position from which the reflected return light RL comes can be identified in association with the rotation angle position of the rotating reflector 25, so that information within the detectable area DA having a spread can be acquired using at least one light receiving element 242. Furthermore, the detection resolution of the information can be made to depend not on the number of light receiving elements 242 (spatial resolution) but on the rotation speed of the rotating reflector 25 and the acquisition cycle of the detection signal DS (time resolution). Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the structure for detecting information of the area located in front of the vehicle 20 and a decrease in the ability to detect information.

[0074] As an example of information about the area located in front of the vehicle 20, the distance to an object at a position within the detectable area DA associated with a certain rotational position can be determined based on the time from when the detection light SL is emitted from the light-emitting element 241 to when the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 at that rotational position is detected by the light-receiving element 242.

[0075] As another example of information about the area located in front of the vehicle 20, attributes such as the material of an object at a position within the detectable area DA associated with a certain rotational position can be identified based on the difference between the waveform of the detection light SL emitted from the light-emitting element 241 and the waveform of the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 at that rotational position and detected by the light-receiving element 242.

[0076] The processing device 26 having the above functions may be provided as a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with a general-purpose memory, or as a dedicated integrated circuit element. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a RAM and a ROM. Examples of the dedicated integrated circuit element include a microcontroller, an ASIC, and an FPGA. The processing device 26 may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit element.

[0077] The sensor unit 2 may include a first imaging optical system 201. The first imaging optical system 201 is configured and arranged to collect the return light RL towards the rotating reflector 25.

[0078] According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the area of ​​the region required for reflecting the return light RL in the rotating reflector 25 while maintaining the size of the detectable area DA. Since it is possible to prevent the rotating reflector 25 from becoming large, it is possible to further prevent the configuration for detecting information from becoming large.

[0079] The sensor unit 2 may include a second imaging optical system 202. The second imaging optical system 202 is configured and arranged to collect the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 toward the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 242.

[0080] According to such a configuration, the return light RL from an object located within the detectable area DA can be efficiently imaged on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 242, and a decrease in the detection resolution of information within the detectable area DA can be further suppressed.

[0081] Fig. 9 illustrates the configuration of a sensor unit 2 according to another embodiment. Elements substantially the same as those in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0082] In this embodiment, the detection light SL emitted from the light-emitting element 241 is also reflected by the rotating reflector 25. The light-emitting element 241 is disposed so that the emitted detection light SL is incident on one of the plurality of reflectors 252. The detection light SL reflected by one of the plurality of reflectors 252 passes through the light-transmitting cover 22 and travels toward an area located in front of the vehicle 20.

[0083] The shape and arrangement of each reflector 252 are determined so that the traveling direction of the reflected detection light SL changes to the left and right of the vehicle 20 as the rotating reflector 25 rotates. In other words, each reflector 252 changes the reflection direction of the detection light SL to the left and right of the vehicle 20 while crossing the path of the detection light SL as the rotating reflector 25 rotates.

[0084] That is, the rotating reflector 25 reflects the detection light SL while rotating so that the detection light SL is scanned in the left-right direction of the vehicle 20 and heads toward the outside of the vehicle 20. In Fig. 9, the range of directions in which the detection light SL reflected by one of the multiple reflectors 252 may travel while the rotating reflector 25 is rotating is illustrated as a scanning range SR.

[0085] When a particular reflector 252 has finished crossing the path of the detection light SL, another reflector 252 adjacent thereto in the rotational direction of the rotating reflector 25 starts crossing the path of the detection light SL. This causes the scanning of the scanning range SR by the detection light SL to be repeated.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 2 includes a substrate 271. The substrate 271 is disposed in the accommodation space 23. The substrate 271 supports the light-emitting element 241. Although not shown in the figure, a circuit for controlling the operation of the light-emitting element 241 may be formed on the substrate 271.

[0087] A pinhole 271a is formed in the substrate 271. The pinhole 271a opens in a first main surface 271b and a second main surface 271c of the substrate 271, and extends so as to communicate between both main surfaces. The light emitting element 241 is disposed on the first main surface 271b.

[0088] The substrate 271 is disposed so as to cross the path of the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25, but the pinhole 271a allows the return light RL to pass through. Specifically, the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 enters the pinhole 271a from the first main surface 271b side and exits to the second main surface 271c side. The return light RL that passes through the pinhole 271a is incident on the light receiving element 242.

[0089] 10, the pinhole 271a has a circular cross section when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 271b and the second main surface 271c of the substrate 271. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the pinhole 271a is isotropic when viewed from the normal direction of the first main surface 271b and the second main surface 271c of the substrate 271.

[0090] The radius r of the pinhole can be determined, for example, by the following formula: r 2 = λb λ is the wavelength of the return light RL, and b is the focal length for the light receiving element 242.

[0091] The pinhole 271a configured as described above can function as the second imaging optical system described above. Since the pinhole 271a can be formed in a limited space, it has little effect on the layout of the light emitting element 241 and its driving circuit on the substrate 271. In addition, since it is easy to ensure isotropy in the shape of the light spot formed by the return light RL passing through the pinhole 271a in the normal direction of the first main surface 271b and the second main surface 271c, it is possible to suppress the optical system from becoming complicated. Therefore, the imaging optical system can be configured by a very simple method with a high degree of freedom.

[0092] 8 in which the detection light SL emitted from the light-emitting element 241 travels to the outside of the vehicle 20 without being reflected by the rotating reflector 25. The pinhole 271a can be formed in an appropriate substrate disposed on a path along which the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 reaches the light-receiving element 242.

[0093] 11, the light receiving element 242 can be disposed between the substrate 271 supporting the light emitting element 241 and the rotating reflector 25. That is, the return light RL reflected by the rotating reflector 25 can be received by the light receiving element 242 without passing through the substrate 271. In this case, a decrease in the intensity of the return light RL incident on the light receiving element 242 can be suppressed.

[0094] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. The configurations according to the above-described embodiment may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] If the return light RL can be reflected toward the light receiving element 242 while performing reflective scanning, the rotating reflector 25 can be replaced with a polygon mirror 18 illustrated in FIG. 5 or a MEMS mirror 19 illustrated in FIG.

[0096] When the base 181 of the polygon mirror 18 rotates about the rotation axis A, the angle of incidence of the return light RL reflected toward the light receiving element 242 changes. When a particular reflector 182 finishes reflective scanning of the detectable area DA, another reflector 182 adjacent to it in the rotation direction of the polygon mirror 18 starts reflective scanning of the detectable area DA. This causes the reflective scanning of the detectable area DA to be repeated.

[0097] As the reflector 192 of the MEMS mirror 19 rotates, the angle of incidence of the return light RL reflected toward the light receiving element 242 changes. As the reflector 192 rotates repeatedly, reflective scanning of the detectable area DA is repeated.

[0098] The sensor unit 2 may also be mounted on the right front RF of the vehicle 20. The sensor unit 2 mounted on the right front RF may have a configuration symmetrical to the sensor unit 2 illustrated in FIG.

[0099] The sensor unit 2 may also be mounted on the left rear LB and right rear RB of the vehicle 20. The sensor unit 2 mounted on the left rear LB may have a configuration symmetrical in the front-rear direction to the sensor unit 2 illustrated in Fig. 8. The sensor unit 2 mounted on the right rear RB may have a configuration symmetrical in the left-right direction to the sensor unit 2 mounted on the left rear LB.

[0100] The moving body on which the sensor unit 2 is mounted is not limited to the vehicle 20. Other examples of the moving body include a train, an aircraft, an airplane, a ship, etc. The moving body on which the sensor unit 2 is mounted does not need to require a driver.

[0101] The sensor unit 2 does not need to be mounted on a moving object. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the sensor unit 2 can be mounted on a traffic infrastructure facility such as a street light 30 or a traffic signal 40.

[0102] When the sensor unit 2 is mounted on the street light 30, a pedestrian 50, a vehicle, etc. located within the area A1 can be detected by the detection light SL emitted from the light emitting element 241. The pedestrian 50 is also an example of a moving object. The area A1 is an example of a path of the moving object.

[0103] When the sensor unit 2 is mounted on a traffic signal 40, the detection light SL emitted from the light emitting element 241 can be used to detect a pedestrian 50, a vehicle, etc. located within the area A1. For example, when it is detected that a pedestrian 50 or a vehicle is about to enter an intersection, information (such as letters, a sign, or a flashing warning color) that alerts a vehicle 20 about to enter the intersection from another direction can be drawn in the area A2 by another light source that emits visible light.

[0104] The contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-039752 filed on March 9, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-039753 filed on March 9, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-210429 filed on December 18, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-210430 filed on December 18, 2020 are incorporated by reference as part of the description of this application.

Claims

1. A light emitting element that emits detection light toward a predetermined area; a light receiving element that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light; a reflector that rotates or turns to reflect return light generated when the detection light is reflected by an object located in the predetermined area toward the light receiving element; a processor that receives the detection signal in relation to an angle of rotation or pivoting of the reflector; Equipped with Sensor unit.

2. the processing device calculates a distance to the object based on a timing at which the detection light is emitted and a timing at which the return light is incident on the light receiving element. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

3. a first focusing optical system that focuses the return light toward the reflector; The sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a second imaging optical system that allows the return light reflected by the reflector to pass therethrough; The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

5. The second imaging optical system includes a member having a pinhole formed therein. The sensor unit according to claim 4.

6. the detection light is directed toward the predetermined area without being reflected by the reflector; The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

7. The detection light is reflected by the reflector and directed toward the predetermined area. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

8. The predetermined area is set to be located on the path of the moving object. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

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