Sensor device

Abstract

To make a heater heat a predetermined member constituting a detection surface of a sensor so that a temperature of the member is in a predetermined temperature range, regardless of timings of operating a cleaning device.SOLUTION: When a timing of turning on a heater comes (determination in a step 50: Yes), and when a temperature of a detection surface (cover glass) of a sensor device is not over a predetermined value T1 (determination in a step 52: No) and an environmental temperature is not over a predetermined value T2 (determination in a step 54: No), it is determined whether a cleaning device that cleans the detection surface of the sensor device is activated or not (56). Output of a heater that heats the cover glass is increased when the cleaning device is activated, more than when the cleaning device is not activated (62).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle sensor device including a cleaner that injects at least one of a liquid and a gas toward a transmission region through which electromagnetic waves emitted from a sensor in an outer cover are transmitted, and a heater that heats the transmission region.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the cleaning timing by the cleaner (cleaning device) overlaps with the heating timing by the heater, the predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor is cooled as the cleaning device cleans, so that even when heated by the heater, the temperature rise of the predetermined member falls below the assumption, and fogging of the detection surface may not be removed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object thereof is to obtain a sensor device capable of heating a predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor within a predetermined temperature range by a heater regardless of the operation timing of the cleaning device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sensor device according to the first aspect includes a control unit that increases the output of a heater that heats a predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor when a cleaning device that cleans the detection surface of the sensor is operating, compared to when the cleaning device is not operating.

[0007] The sensor device according to the second aspect includes a control unit that increases the output of a heater that heats a predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor for a predetermined time after the operation of the cleaning device that cleans the detection surface of the sensor ends.

[0008] The third aspect further includes a member temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the predetermined member in the first aspect or the second aspect, and when the temperature of the predetermined member detected by the member temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit decreases the output of the heater.

[0009] The fourth aspect is any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, and the control unit changes the output of the heater according to the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device.

[0010] The fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, and the control unit increases the output of the heater as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device increases.

[0011] The sixth aspect is any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, and as the cleaning device, a plurality of types of cleaning devices having different cleaning methods for the detection surface of the sensor are provided, and the control unit changes the output of the heater according to the operating state of each of the plurality of types of cleaning devices.

[0012] The seventh aspect further includes an environmental temperature detection unit that detects the environmental temperature in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, and when the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit stops the control to increase the output of the heater.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] In the first aspect, when the cleaning device is operating, that is, when the predetermined member is cooled more, the output of the heater is increased compared to when the cleaning device is not operating. Thereby, regardless of the operating timing of the cleaning device, the predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor can be heated by the heater so as to be within a predetermined temperature range.

[0014] In the second aspect, after the operation of the cleaning device ends, that is, after the predetermined member is further cooled, the output of the heater is increased for a predetermined time. Thereby, regardless of the operation timing of the cleaning device, the predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor can be heated by the heater so as to be within a predetermined temperature range.

[0015] In the third aspect, since the output of the heater is decreased when the temperature of the predetermined member exceeds a predetermined value, it is possible to suppress the predetermined member from entering an overheated state.

[0016] The degree to which the predetermined member is cooled during the operation of the cleaning device varies according to the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device. In the case of a configuration in which the cleaning device cleans the detection surface of the sensor by injecting a fluid onto the predetermined member, the cleaning intensity is, for example, the injection pressure or injection time of the fluid. Further, in the case of a configuration in which the cleaning device cleans the detection surface of the sensor by rotating the predetermined member, the cleaning intensity is, for example, the rotation speed or rotation time of the predetermined member. In contrast, in the fourth aspect, since the output of the heater is changed according to the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device, it is possible to heat the predetermined member by the heater so as to be within a predetermined temperature range even in a mode in which the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device is changed.

[0017] The degree to which the predetermined member is cooled during the operation of the cleaning device increases as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device increases. In contrast, in the fifth aspect, since the output of the heater is increased as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device increases, it is possible to heat the predetermined member by the heater so as to be within a predetermined temperature range even in a mode in which the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device is changed.

[0018] Cleaning devices with different cleaning methods for the detection surface of the sensor often differ from each other in the degree to which a predetermined member is cooled during the operation of the cleaning device. In contrast, in the sixth aspect, since the output of the heater is changed according to the operating state of each of the plurality of types of cleaning devices, even in a mode in which a plurality of types of cleaning devices with different cleaning methods are provided, it is possible to heat the predetermined member to be within a predetermined temperature range by the heater.

[0019] When the ambient temperature is relatively high, the heat energy received by the predetermined member from the surrounding environment increases, so even if cleaning is performed by the cleaning device, the degree of temperature drop becomes small. Based on this, in the seventh aspect, when the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value, the control to increase the output of the heater is stopped. Thereby, it is possible to heat the predetermined member to be within a predetermined temperature range while reducing the energy consumption by the heater.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] 〔First Embodiment〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 10A according to the first embodiment includes a camera 12 as an example of a sensor in the present disclosure. The camera 12 includes an imaging element 14, a lens 16 disposed in front of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 14, and a cover glass 20 held by a cover holding member 18 and disposed on the light incident side of the lens 16. In the present embodiment, the sensor device 10A is installed inside or outside the vehicle compartment of the vehicle, and the camera 12 images the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.

[0023] In the sensor device 10A, the surface of the cover glass 20 (the surface opposite to the lens 16) is an example of the "detection surface of the sensor" in the present disclosure, and the cover glass 20 is an example of the "predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor".

[0024] The sensor device 10A also includes a cleaning device 22 for cleaning the surface of the cover glass 20. As the cleaning device 22, for example, a configuration is adopted in which the surface of the cover glass 20 is cleaned by injecting a fluid (for example, a liquid such as air or a cleaning liquid) onto the surface of the cover glass 20. In this configuration, when the cleaning device 22 operates, heat dissipation from the cover glass 20 is promoted by the fluid injected onto the surface of the cover glass 20, and the cover glass 20 is cooled. Note that the cleaning device 22 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the cover glass 20 is rotated to blow off water droplets adhering to the cover glass 20 by centrifugal force to clean the surface of the cover glass 20. Also in this configuration, when the cleaning device 22 operates, heat dissipation from the cover glass 20 is promoted by the air flow generated on the surface of the cover glass 20, and the cover glass 20 is cooled.

[0025] When the cleaning device 22 satisfies a predetermined cleaning condition, it performs a cleaning process for cleaning the surface of the cover glass 20. Examples of the predetermined cleaning condition include a case where rainfall is detected by a rain sensor, or a case where the windshield wiper of the vehicle is operating. In this case, the cleaning device 22 may continuously perform the cleaning process while satisfying the predetermined cleaning condition (during rainfall), or may perform the cleaning process intermittently. Further, the predetermined cleaning condition may be a case where it is determined from an image captured by the camera 12 that dirt is attached to the surface of the cover glass 20. In this case, the cleaning device 22 may continue to perform the cleaning process, for example, until it is determined that the attached dirt has been removed. Furthermore, in a configuration where the camera 12 of the sensor device 10A is arranged to image the rear of the vehicle, the predetermined cleaning condition may be a case where the shift position of the vehicle's transmission is "R (reverse)". Also, the predetermined cleaning condition may be a case where the execution of the cleaning process is instructed by an operation of a switch or a touch panel by the vehicle occupant.

[0026] Furthermore, the sensor device 10A includes a heater device 30 that heats the cover glass 20. The heater device 30 includes a heater 32 provided to be in contact with the cover glass 20, and a heater drive unit 34 that drives the heater 32. The heater 32 may be configured of, for example, a transparent conductive film or a heat ray. The heater drive unit 34 is configured to be able to adjust the output of the heater 32 by controlling, for example, the voltage applied to the heater 32 or the current flowing through the heater 32.

[0027] The heater drive unit 34 of the cleaning device 22 and the heater device 30 is connected to a heater control unit 36. A cover temperature sensor 38 that detects the temperature of the cover glass 20 and an ambient temperature sensor 40 that detects the ambient temperature of the sensor device 10A are connected to the heater control unit 36. The cover temperature sensor 38 is an example of a member temperature detection unit in the present disclosure, and the ambient temperature sensor 40 is an example of an ambient temperature detection unit in the present disclosure.

[0028] Although not shown in the figure, the heater control unit 36 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). A predetermined program is stored in the storage unit of the heater control unit 36. The heater control unit 36 reads the predetermined program from the storage unit and expands it into the memory, and the CPU executes the predetermined program expanded in the memory to perform the heater control process described below. The heater control unit 36 is an example of the control unit in the present disclosure.

[0029] Next, as the operation of the first embodiment, for example, during the period when a user is riding in the vehicle or when the ignition switch of the vehicle is on, the heater control process repeatedly executed by the heater control unit 36 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0030] In step 50 of the heater control process, the heater control unit 36 determines whether the timing to turn on the heater 32 has arrived by determining whether a predetermined heater-on condition for turning on the heater 32 is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined heater-on condition include conditions where frost or dew is likely to adhere to the cover glass 20, specifically, when the time is in the early morning and the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature, or when it is raining or snowing. Note that the predetermined heater-on condition may be, for example, always on while the vehicle is running, or when the heater 32 is instructed to be turned on by an operation of a switch or a touch panel by a vehicle occupant.

[0031] If the determination in step 50 is negative, the heater control process ends. If the determination in step 50 is positive, the process proceeds to step 52. In step 52, the heater control unit 36 determines whether the temperature of the cover glass 20 detected by the cover temperature sensor 38 exceeds a predetermined value T1. If the determination in step 52 is positive, the heater control process ends. If the determination in step 52 is negative, the process proceeds to step 54.

[0032] In step 54, the heater control unit 36 determines whether the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 40 exceeds a predetermined value T2. If the determination in step 54 is positive, the process proceeds to step 60. If the determination in step 54 is negative, the process proceeds to step 56. In step 56, the heater control unit 36 inquires of the cleaning device 22 whether the cleaning process is in progress, and based on the result of the inquiry, determines whether the cleaning device 22 is performing the cleaning process. If the determination in step 56 is negative, the process proceeds to step 60. If the determination in step 56 is positive, the process proceeds to step 62.

[0033] In step 60, the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 with normal output by the heater driving unit 34. In step 62, the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 with an output greater than normal by the heater driving unit 34. Note that turning on the heater 32 with an output greater than normal can be achieved, for example, by increasing the voltage applied to the heater 32 or the current flowing through the heater 32 compared to normal. Then, after performing the process of step 60 or step 62, the heater control process ends.

[0034] Thus, in the first embodiment, when the cleaning device 22 is operating (when the cleaning process is being performed), the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 more than when the cleaning device 22 is not operating (when the cleaning process is not being performed). Thereby, even when the cleaning device 22 is operating and the cover glass 20 is being cooled more, the heater 32 can heat the cover glass 20 so as to be within a predetermined temperature range, and fogging or the like on the surface (detection surface) of the cover glass 20 can be removed. Further, when the cleaning device 22 is not operating, the heater 32 is turned on with normal output, so that it is possible to suppress the cover glass 20 from becoming overheated, and to prevent a user who accidentally touches the sensor device 10A from getting burned or from having an adverse effect on peripheral components such as the cover holding member 18.

[0035] Also, in the first embodiment, when the temperature of the cover glass 20 detected by the cover temperature sensor 38 exceeds a predetermined value T1, the heater control unit 36 stops turning on the heater 32. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the cover glass 20 from becoming overheated.

[0036] Also, in the first embodiment, when the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature sensor 40 exceeds a predetermined value T2, the heater control unit 36 stops the control of increasing the output of the heater 32. Thereby, it is possible to realize heating the cover glass 20 so as to be within a predetermined temperature range while reducing the energy consumption by the heater 32.

[0037] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to each part and the description of the configuration is omitted. And, as the operation of the second embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described for the heater control process according to the second embodiment.

[0038] In the heater control process according to the second embodiment, when the determination in step 56 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 58. In step 58, the heater control unit 36 inquires of the cleaning device 22 whether the cleaning process has ended, and based on the result of the inquiry, determines whether the cleaning device 22 has completed the cleaning process. If the determination is negative, step 58 is repeated until the determination becomes affirmative, and the process waits until the cleaning device 22 finishes the cleaning process.

[0039] When the determination in step 58 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 64. In step 64, the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 with a larger output than normal for a predetermined time by the heater driving unit 34. Then, when the process of step 64 is completed, the heater control process is completed.

[0040] As described above, in the second embodiment, the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 for a predetermined time after the operation of the cleaning device 22 ends, that is, after the cover glass 20 is further cooled. Thereby, regardless of the operation timing of the cleaning device 22, the cover glass 20 can be heated by the heater 32 so as to be within a predetermined temperature range. Also, since the period during which the heater 32 is turned on is shifted in time with respect to the period during which the cleaning device 22 is performing the cleaning process, the maximum value of the power consumption by the cleaning device 22 and the heater device 30 can be reduced. As described by way of example in the second embodiment, in the present disclosure, it is not necessarily required that the operation timing of the cleaning device 22 and the timing at which the output of the heater 32 is increased coincide. However, the present disclosure also includes within the scope of rights the case where the operation timing of the cleaning device 22 and the timing at which the output of the heater 32 is increased coincide.

[0041] In the second embodiment, the period during which the heater 32 is turned on and the period during which the cleaning device 22 is performing the cleaning process are temporally shifted by controlling the period during which the heater 32 is turned on. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the cleaning device 22 performs the cleaning process, it may be determined whether the heater 32 is on. If the heater 32 is on, the cleaning process may be performed after waiting until the cover glass 20 is sufficiently heated and the heater 32 is turned off.

[0042] 〔Third Embodiment〕 Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] In the third embodiment, the cleaning device 22 performs a process of changing the cleaning intensity in the cleaning process of cleaning the surface of the cover glass 20 according to a predetermined standard. An example of the predetermined standard is the rainfall detected by a rain sensor, or the operating speed of the vehicle's wiper, or the amount of dirt adhering to the surface of the cover glass 20. For example, the cleaning device 22 increases the cleaning intensity as the rainfall detected by the rain sensor increases. Also, for example, the cleaning device 22 increases the cleaning intensity as the operating speed of the vehicle's wiper increases. Also, for example, the cleaning device 22 increases the cleaning intensity as the amount of dirt adhering to the surface of the cover glass 20 increases.

[0044] When the cleaning device 22 is configured to clean the surface of the cover glass 20 by injecting a fluid onto the surface of the cover glass 20, changing the cleaning intensity can be achieved, for example, by changing the injection pressure or injection time of the fluid. Also, when the cleaning device 22 is configured to clean the surface of the cover glass 20 by rotating the cover glass 20, changing the cleaning intensity can be achieved, for example, by changing the rotation speed or rotation time of the cover glass 20. In any of the above configurations, as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 increases, the degree to which the cover glass 20 is cooled increases.

[0045] Next, as an operation of the third embodiment, regarding the heater control process according to the third embodiment, with reference to FIG. 4, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. In the heater control process according to the third embodiment, when the determination in step 56 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 66. In step 66, the heater control unit 36 acquires information representing the cleaning intensity in the cleaning process being executed by the cleaning device 22 from the cleaning device 22.

[0046] Then, in the next step 68, the heater control unit 36 causes the heater driving unit 34 to turn on the heater 32 with an output greater than normal and an output corresponding to the cleaning intensity acquired in step 66. FIG. 5 shows an example of the relationship between the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 and the output of the heater 32. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 increases.

[0047] Note that in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the cleaning by the cleaning device 22 switches in four stages (no cleaning / weak cleaning intensity / medium cleaning intensity / strong cleaning intensity), and correspondingly, the output of the heater 32 also switches in four stages. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the cleaning by the cleaning device 22 switches in three stages (no cleaning / weak cleaning intensity / strong cleaning intensity), and correspondingly, the output of the heater 32 also switches in three stages may be used. Also, for example, a configuration in which the cleaning by the cleaning device 22 switches in multiple stages of five or more stages, and correspondingly, the output of the heater 32 also switches in multiple stages of five or more stages may be used. Further, for example, a configuration in which the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 changes continuously, and correspondingly, the output of the heater 32 also changes continuously may be used.

[0048] Thus, in the third embodiment, the heater control unit 36 changes the output of the heater 32 according to the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22. More specifically, the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 increases. Thereby, in a mode where the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device 22 is changed, the heater 32 can heat the cover glass 20 so as to be within a predetermined temperature range.

[0049] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The sensor device 10B shown in FIG. 6 includes, as a cleaning device, a first cleaning device 22A and a second cleaning device 22B having different cleaning methods for the surface of the cover glass 20. Hereinafter, a mode will be described in which the first cleaning device 22A injects air onto the surface of the cover glass 20 and the second cleaning device 22B injects liquid onto the surface of the cover glass 20, but the cleaning methods of the individual cleaning devices are not limited to the above.

[0051] Next, as an operation of the fourth embodiment, the heater control process according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7, and only the parts different from those in the first embodiment will be described. In the heater control process according to the fourth embodiment, when the determination in step 54 is negative, the process proceeds to step 70.

[0052] In step 70, the heater control unit 36 inquires of the first cleaning device 22A and the second cleaning device 22B respectively whether the cleaning process is being executed. Then, based on the result of the inquiry, it determines whether at least one of the first cleaning device 22A and the second cleaning device 22B is performing the cleaning process. If neither the first cleaning device 22A nor the second cleaning device 22B is performing the cleaning process, the determination in step 70 is negated and the process proceeds to step 60. In step 60, the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 at the normal output by the heater driving unit 34. FIG. 8 shows the output of the heater 32 at this time as "First cleaning device = stopped, Second cleaning device = stopped (normal output)".

[0053] On the other hand, if the determination in step 70 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 72. In step 72, the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 by the heater driving unit 34 at an output greater than the normal output and corresponding to the type of cleaning method by the operating cleaning device 22. FIG. 8 shows an example of the relationship between the operating cleaning device 22 (type of cleaning method) and the output of the heater 32.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 as the number of operating cleaning devices 22 increases. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the number of operating cleaning devices 22 is 1, the heater control unit 36 increases the output of the heater 32 more when the second cleaning device 22B is operating than when the first cleaning device 22A is operating. This is because the cover glass 20 is cooled more by the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid when the liquid is sprayed onto the surface of the cover glass 20 than when the air is sprayed onto the surface of the cover glass 20.

[0055] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, as the cleaning device 22, a plurality of types of cleaning devices 22A and 22B with different cleaning methods for the detection surface of the sensor are provided, and the heater control unit 36 changes the output of the heater 32 according to the operating states of the cleaning devices 22A and 22B. Thereby, even in the aspect where a plurality of types of cleaning devices 22A and 22B with different cleaning methods are provided, the cover glass 20 can be heated by the heater 32 so as to be within a predetermined temperature range.

[0056] In addition, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the heater control unit 36 turns on the heater 32 with the normal output when the cleaning device 22 is not performing the cleaning process has been described. However, the normal output here is not limited to a constant output, and for example, the output of the heater 32 may be changed according to the ambient temperature.

[0057] Also, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the heater control unit 36 stops turning on the heater 32 (reduces the output to 0) when the temperature of the cover glass 20 detected by the cover temperature sensor 38 exceeds the predetermined value T1 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and when the temperature of the cover glass 20 exceeds the predetermined value T1, control may be performed to reduce the output of the heater 32 more than when the temperature of the cover glass 20 is below the predetermined value T1.

[0058] Also, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the surface of the cover glass 20 (the surface opposite to the lens 16) is applied as an example of the "detection surface of the sensor" in the present disclosure has been described. However, the "detection surface of the sensor" may be the surface of the lens 16, and a configuration may be adopted in which the cleaning device cleans the surface of the lens 16 and the heater 32 heats the lens 16 as an example of a predetermined member.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the camera 12 is applied as an example of the sensor of the sensor device has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the sensor according to the present disclosure may be, for example, a lidar or a radar.

[0060] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the sensor device according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sensor device according to the present disclosure may be a sensor device mounted on something other than a vehicle, such as a surveillance camera provided in a factory or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 10A, 10B... sensor devices, 12... camera (sensor), 20... cover glass (predetermined member), 22... cleaning device, 30... heater device, 32... heater, 36... heater control unit (control unit), 38... cover temperature sensor (member temperature detection unit), 40... ambient temperature sensor (ambient temperature detection unit)

Claims

1. A sensor device including a control unit that increases the output of a heater that heats a predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor when a cleaning device for cleaning the detection surface of the sensor is operating, as compared to when the cleaning device is not operating.

2. A sensor device including a control unit that increases the output of a heater that heats a predetermined member forming the detection surface of the sensor for a predetermined time after the operation of a cleaning device for cleaning the detection surface of the sensor has ended.

3. Further including a member temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the predetermined member, The sensor device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit decreases the output of the heater when the temperature of the predetermined member detected by the member temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the output of the heater according to the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device.

5. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit increases the output of the heater as the cleaning intensity by the cleaning device increases.

6. As the cleaning device, a plurality of types of cleaning devices having different cleaning methods for the detection surface of the sensor are provided, The sensor device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the output of the heater according to the operating state of each of the plurality of types of cleaning devices.

7. Further including an ambient temperature detection unit that detects the ambient temperature, The sensor device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit stops the control of increasing the output of the heater when the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

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