Sensor device

Abstract

To reduce a space required for providing a transmission part and a thermistor part.SOLUTION: The cover portion 300 includes a transmissive portion 310, a heater portion 320, and a thermistor portion 330. The heater unit 320 is disposed in at least a part of the periphery of the transmissive portion 310. The thermistor portion 330 is disposed at a part of the periphery of the transmissive portion 310. The transmissive portion 310 has a shape in which a part of a substantially rectangular shape is missing. The thermistor portion 330 is disposed in the region where the part of the substantially quadrangular shape is cut out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, optical devices (e.g., LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging)) having movable reflectors such as MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirrors have been developed. The movable reflectors of the optical devices scan an object located outside the optical device using electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays.

[0003] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, an optical device may be housed in a housing. The optical device of Patent Document 1 has a light-projecting unit, a scanning unit, and a light-receiving unit. These light-projecting unit, scanning unit, and light-receiving unit are housed in a housing.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes that a heater and a thermistor are provided on the lens of a laser radar. The heater is connected to a heater terminal. Heating the lens with the heater prevents water droplets adhering to the lens from freezing. Furthermore, the thermistor measures the temperature of the lens, thereby controlling the temperature of the lens heated by the heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-128236 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-157830 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, as described in Patent Document 2, a heater unit may be provided to remove, by heating, foreign matter such as water droplets adhering to a transmission unit (e.g., a lens) through which electromagnetic waves emitted from an optical device pass. Also, a thermistor unit may be provided to measure the temperature of the transmission unit. In this case, it is desirable that the space required to provide the transmission unit and the thermistor unit be small.

[0007] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the space required to provide a transmission section and a thermistor section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves; a housing that houses the optical device; a transmission portion provided in the housing and transmitting the electromagnetic wave of the optical device; a heater portion disposed at least partially around the transmission portion; a thermistor portion disposed on a part of the periphery of the transmission portion; Equipped with the transmission portion has a shape that is substantially rectangular with a part thereof missing, The thermistor portion is a sensor device that is disposed within the region of the substantially rectangular shape from which the portion is removed. One aspect of the present invention is A housing that houses an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, a transmission portion of the optical device that transmits the electromagnetic wave; a heater portion disposed at least partially around the transmission portion; a thermistor portion disposed on a part of the periphery of the transmission portion; Equipped with the transmission portion has a shape that is substantially rectangular with a part thereof missing, The thermistor portion is a housing that is disposed within the region of the substantially rectangular shape from which the portion is cut out. One aspect of the present invention is A cover attached to a housing that houses an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, a transmission portion of the optical device that transmits the electromagnetic wave; a heater portion disposed at least partially around the transmission portion; a thermistor portion disposed on a part of the periphery of the transmission portion; Equipped with the transmission portion has a shape that is substantially rectangular with a part thereof missing, The thermistor portion is a cover portion disposed within the region of the substantially rectangular shape from which the portion is cut out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the sensor device according to the embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sensor device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view of a second surface of the cover portion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a plan view showing an example of details of a heater portion and a heater terminal shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first modified example of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second modified example of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical device housed in the housing shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a view of a sensor device 10 according to an embodiment as seen from the diagonal front. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the sensor device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 2 does not show the optical device 100 housed in the housing 200 shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The sensor device 10 includes an optical device 100, a housing 200, and a cover unit 300. The optical device 100 emits electromagnetic waves. The housing 200 houses the optical device 100. The cover unit 300 is attached to the housing 200. The cover unit 300 has a first surface 302 and a second surface 304. The first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 are opposite to each other.

[0013] 1 and 2, the first direction X is the front-to-rear direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The positive direction of the first direction X (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the first direction X) is the front direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The negative direction of the first direction X (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the first direction X) is the rear direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The second direction Y intersects with the first direction X, specifically, is perpendicular to it. The second direction Y is the left-to-right direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The positive direction of the second direction Y (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the second direction Y) is the right direction when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (housing 200) (the positive direction of the first direction X). The negative direction of the second direction Y (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the second direction Y) is the left direction when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (housing 200) (the positive direction of the first direction X). The third direction Z intersects with both the first direction X and the second direction Y, and specifically, is perpendicular to them. The third direction Z is the up-down direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The positive direction of the third direction Z (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z) is the upward direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The negative direction of the first direction X (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z) is the forward direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200).

[0014] The optical device 100 has a field of view F that expands in one direction (positive direction of the first direction X) from a predetermined position. The predetermined position is the starting point where the field of view F begins to expand. The predetermined position is located inside the housing 200. The field of view F is an area in which the optical device 100 can detect targets such as objects. For example, the sensor device 10 (optical device 100) can emit electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays in any direction within the field of view F from the predetermined position.

[0015] The optical device 100 may be removably attached to the housing 200, or may be fixed so as not to be removable from the housing 200. If the optical device 100 is removably attached to the housing 200, the optical device 100 may be fixed to the housing 200 with a fastener such as a screw. In this case, the housing 200 may be manufactured and sold or used in a state in which the optical device 100 is not attached to the housing 200. If the optical device 100 is fixed so as not to be removable from the housing 200, the optical device 100 may be formed integrally with the housing 200 by a joining process such as welding.

[0016] The cover unit 300 is a cover in which both the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 are flat and parallel. The second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 is attached to the mounting frame 210 of the housing 200 with an adhesive such as double-sided tape. As a result, the cover unit 300 is disposed on the front side (positive side of the first direction X) of the housing 200 such that the first surface 302 of the cover unit 300 is disposed on the front side (positive side of the first direction X) of the housing 200 (sensor device 10) of the housing 200 relative to the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300. In other words, when the cover unit 300 is attached to the housing 200, the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 are the front surface (positive side of the first direction X) and the rear surface (negative side of the first direction X) of the cover unit 300, respectively. Note that the method of attaching the cover unit 300 to the housing 200 is not limited to the method according to this embodiment. Also, the cover portion 300 may be integrated with the housing 200. Furthermore, the cover portion 300 may be a lens in which at least one of the first surface 302 of the cover portion 300 and the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 is curved.

[0017] The cover unit 300 intersects with the field of view F of the optical device 100. In this embodiment, the cover unit 300 is inclined obliquely with respect to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200 such that the upper portion of the cover unit 300 (the portion on the positive side of the third direction Z) protrudes further forward (in the positive direction of the first direction X) of the sensor device 10 (housing 200) than the lower portion of the cover unit 300 (the portion on the negative side of the third direction Z). In other words, the lower portion of the cover unit 300 (the portion on the negative side of the third direction Z) is located closer to the predetermined position of the field of view F in the one direction (positive direction of the first direction X) of the field of view F than the upper portion of the cover unit 300 (the portion on the positive side of the third direction Z). However, the arrangement of the cover unit 300 with respect to the housing 200 is not limited to the arrangement according to this embodiment. For example, the cover unit 300 may be arranged parallel to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 shown in FIGS.

[0019] The cover section 300 has a base material 300A, a heater section 320, a heater terminal 322, and a thermistor section 330. The cover section 300 (base material 300A) also has a transmissive section 310 (i.e., an area defined as the transmissive section 310). In Fig. 3, the outer edge of the intersection between the field of view F (Fig. 1) of the optical device 100 and the cover section 300 is shown as an intersection section CP.

[0020] In FIG. 3 , the fourth direction N is a direction perpendicular to the cover unit 300. The fourth direction N may be, for example, the thickness direction of the cover unit 300. The positive direction of the fourth direction N (the direction from the front to the back of the paper in FIG. 3 ) is the direction from the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 to the first surface 302 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The positive direction of the fourth direction N may be, for example, the normal direction of the first surface 302 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the cover unit 300. The negative direction of the fourth direction N (the direction from the back to the front of the paper in FIG. 3 ) is the direction from the first surface 302 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the cover unit 300 to the second surface 304. The negative direction of the fourth direction N may be, for example, the normal direction of the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300. The fifth direction L intersects with the fourth direction N, specifically, is perpendicular to it. The fifth direction L is the same direction as the second direction Y shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The fifth direction L is the horizontal direction (left-right direction) of the cover unit 300. The positive direction of the fifth direction L (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the fifth direction L) is the leftward direction of the cover unit 300 when viewed from the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 (the negative direction of the fourth direction N). The negative direction of the fifth direction L (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the fifth direction L) is the rightward direction of the cover unit 300 when viewed from the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 (the negative direction of the fourth direction N). The sixth direction V intersects with both the fourth direction N and the fifth direction L, and is specifically perpendicular to them. The sixth direction V is the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the cover unit 300. The positive direction of the sixth direction V (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the sixth direction V) is the upward direction of the cover unit 300. The negative direction of the sixth direction V (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the sixth direction V) is the downward direction of the cover unit 300.

[0021] The substrate 300A is optically transparent. The substrate 300A has a transmittance of, for example, more than 50%, preferably 75% or more, and more preferably 95% or more for electromagnetic waves (e.g., light such as infrared rays) emitted from the optical device 100. The substrate 300A is, for example, an optically transparent inorganic material (e.g., glass) or an optically transparent organic material (e.g., an optically transparent resin such as polycarbonate, or an acrylic resin).

[0022] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) (fourth direction N), the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) has a shape that is substantially rectangular with a portion missing. The term "substantially rectangular" as used herein refers not only to a strict rectangular shape but also to shapes similar to a strict rectangular shape, such as a chamfered rectangular shape or a rectangular shape with notched sides. In this embodiment, the rectangular shape of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) is a rectangle (including a square). However, the rectangular shape of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) may be a rectangular shape other than a rectangle (e.g., a trapezoid, a rhombus, or a parallelogram). In this embodiment, the substantially rectangular shape (without the missing portion) of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) includes a pair of sides parallel to the fifth direction L and a pair of sides parallel to the sixth direction V. Furthermore, the substantially rectangular shape of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) has a corner missing between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V. According to this embodiment, the size of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), i.e., the size of the housing 200, can be made smaller than when the portion (the corner) is not missing.

[0023] The length LV1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is shorter than the length LL1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). In the present embodiment, when the length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) varies depending on the position of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L), the length LV1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is the maximum length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V). The length LL1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) is the maximum length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) when the length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) varies depending on the position of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) as in this embodiment. Furthermore, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) has an asymmetric shape with respect to a line passing through the center of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the fifth direction L along the sixth direction V. It can also be said that the base material 300A (cover portion 300) has a substantially pentagonal (chamfered pentagonal) shape.

[0024] The shape of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) is not limited to the shape according to this embodiment. For example, the length LV1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) may be equal to or greater than the length LL1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). The base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have a shape that is different from a substantial rectangle (for example, a polygon other than a rectangle) with a portion missing. Alternatively, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have a substantially rectangular shape itself (a shape with the portion not missing). Furthermore, in the substantially rectangular shape of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), not only the corner missing in this embodiment (the corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) but also at least one other corner (for example, the corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) may be missing. In this case, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a line that passes through the center of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the fifth direction L along the sixth direction V.

[0025] From the viewpoint of reducing the size of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in order to reduce the size of the housing 200 in the first direction X or the second direction Y, the area of ​​the portion missing from the substantial rectangle of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, or 10% or more of the area (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) of the substantial rectangle of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) itself (the substantial rectangle with no missing portion). In order to ensure the size of the transmissive portion 310 of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300), the area of ​​the portion missing from the substantial rectangle of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 30% or less, 25% or less, or 20% or less of the area (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) of the substantial rectangle of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) itself (the substantial rectangle with no missing portion).

[0026] The transmissive portion 310 is a region of the base material 300A that is surrounded by regions in which the heater portion 320 and the thermistor portion 330 are disposed when viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300). That is, the transmissive portion 310 is defined by regions in which the heater portion 320 and thermistor portion 330 are disposed when viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300). In other words, the region in which the heater portion 320 is disposed and the region in which the thermistor portion 330 is disposed are defined so as to avoid the transmissive portion 310. An adhesive such as double-sided tape can be provided in a region of the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 that surrounds the transmissive portion 310 to attach the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 to the mounting frame 210 ( FIG. 2 ) of the housing 200. In this case, the adhesive overlaps the heater section 320 in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300). For this reason, it is desirable that the adhesive has heat resistance.

[0027] When viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the transmissive portion 310 has a shape of a substantial rectangle with a portion missing. The term "substantially quadrilateral" used with respect to the transmissive portion 310 refers not only to a strict quadrilateral but also to shapes similar to a strict quadrilateral, such as a chamfered quadrilateral or a quadrilateral with notched sides. In this embodiment, the quadrilateral of the transmissive portion 310 is a rectangle (including a square). However, the quadrilateral of the transmissive portion 310 may be a quadrilateral other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a rhombus, or a parallelogram). In this embodiment, the substantial quadrilateral (the shape with no missing portion) of the transmissive portion 310 includes a pair of sides parallel to the fifth direction L and a pair of sides parallel to the sixth direction V. Furthermore, the substantially rectangular shape of the transmissive portion 310 is missing a corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V, and a corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V. According to this embodiment, the area where the above-mentioned portions (the above-mentioned corners) are missing can be secured as a space for providing the thermistor portion 330 (details will be described later). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the size of the space required to provide the transmissive portion 310 and the thermistor portion 330, i.e., the size of the housing 200, can be reduced compared to when the above-mentioned portions (the above-mentioned corners) are not missing.

[0028] The length LV2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is shorter than the length LL2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). When the length of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) varies depending on the position of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) as in this embodiment, the length LV2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is the maximum length of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V). When the length of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) varies depending on the position of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) as in this embodiment, the length LL2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) is the maximum length of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). Furthermore, the transmissive portion 310 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a line that passes through the center of the transmissive portion 310 in the fifth direction L along the sixth direction V. It can also be said that the transmissive portion 310 has a substantially hexagonal shape.

[0029] The shape of the transmissive portion 310 is not limited to the shape according to this embodiment. For example, the length LV2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) may be equal to or greater than the length LL2 of the transmissive portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). The transmissive portion 310 may have a shape that is different from a substantial rectangle (for example, a polygon other than a rectangle) with a portion missing. Alternatively, the transmissive portion 310 may have a substantial rectangle shape itself (a shape with the portion not missing). The substantially rectangular shape of the transmissive portion 310 may not have one of the two corners missing in this embodiment (the corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V, and the corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V). In this case, the transmissive portion 310 may have an asymmetric shape with respect to a line passing through the center of the transmissive portion 310 in the fifth direction L along the sixth direction V.

[0030] From the viewpoint of ensuring a space for providing the thermistor unit 330 (details will be described later), the area of ​​the portion cut out from the substantial rectangle of the transmissive unit 310 (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 10% or more of the area (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) of the substantial rectangle itself of the transmissive unit 310 (the substantial rectangle with no cut out portion). From the viewpoint of ensuring the size of the transmissive unit 310, the area of ​​the portion cut out from the substantial rectangle of the transmissive unit 310 (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 20% or less of the area (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) of the substantial rectangle itself of the transmissive unit 310 (the substantial rectangle with no cut out portion).

[0031] In this embodiment, the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310 is narrower than the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310. Even if the transmissive portion 310 has such a shape, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the transmissive portion 310 (cover portion 300) is inclined with respect to the height direction (third direction Z) of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). In this case, the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F is narrower than the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F. Therefore, it is permissible to make the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310 narrower than the width (width in the fifth direction L) of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310.

[0032] When viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the heater portion 320 surrounds the transmissive portion 310 and is interrupted at a portion of the periphery of the transmissive portion 310. Specifically, the heater portion 320 is disposed above the transmissive portion 310 (positive side in the sixth direction V), below the transmissive portion 310 (negative side in the sixth direction V), and on one of the two lateral sides of the transmissive portion 310 (positive side in the fifth direction L). On the other hand, the heater portion 320 is not disposed on the other lateral side of the transmissive portion 310 (negative side in the fifth direction L). However, the layout of the heater portion 320 is not limited to the layout according to this embodiment. For example, the heater portion 320 does not have to be disposed on one of the lateral sides of the transmissive portion 310 (positive and negative sides in the fifth direction L) or above the transmissive portion 310 (negative side in the sixth direction V). In this case, for example, the heater section 320 may be arranged only on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 and the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310, or only on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310.

[0033] The heater section 320 extends from one of the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) and lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 to the other, via one of the two lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310. The heater section 320 may extend from one of the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) and lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 to the other, via both lateral sides (positive side and negative side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310. In other words, the heater section 320 may extend from one of the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) and lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 to the other, via at least one of the two lateral sides of the transmissive section 310.

[0034] The heater section 320 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310, the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310, and the heater section 320 on one of the lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310 are electrically connected to one another. Therefore, a common current (the same current) flows through the heater section 320 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310, the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310, and the heater section 320 on one of the lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310.

[0035] The amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the periphery of the transmissive section 310 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 and the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the periphery of the transmissive section 310 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 are each higher than the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the periphery of the transmissive section 310 on one of the two lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310. The heater section 320 is, for example, a film heater. For example, the heater section 320 includes wiring (e.g., meander wiring) that extends while alternately folding back along the direction along the periphery of the transmissive section 310. Alternatively, the heater section 320 may include a plurality of electrodes (e.g., comb-shaped electrodes) that are aligned along the periphery of the transmissive section 310 and electrically connected to each other. In these examples, the wider the width of the heater section 320 (the width in the direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310), the higher the heat generation per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310. When viewed from the direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover section 300) (the fourth direction N), the width WL (the width in the direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310) of the heater section 320 on the lower side (the negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 and the width WU (the width in the direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310) of the heater section 320 on the upper side (the positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 are each wider than the width WS1 (the width in the direction perpendicular to the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310) of the heater section 320 on one of the two lateral sides (the positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to adjust the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310. However, the method for adjusting the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 is not limited to this example.

[0036] Furthermore, the length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310, the length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310, and the length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310 are shorter in this order. In this embodiment, the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 and the heat generation amount of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 are each higher than the heat generation amount of the transmission section 310 on one of the lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310.

[0037] The air heated by the heater section 320 below the transmission section 310 (negative side in the sixth direction V) moves upward (positive direction in the sixth direction V) by convection. Taking air convection into consideration, when the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is higher than the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L), the transmission section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to when, for example, the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is equal to the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the lateral sides of the transmission section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L). Furthermore, when the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmitting section 310 is higher than the heat generation amount of the transmitting section 310 on one of the two lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmitting section 310, the transmitting section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to, for example, when the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmitting section 310 is equal to the heat generation amount of the transmitting section 310 on one of the lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmitting section 310.

[0038] In order to make the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmitting section 310 somewhat greater than the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the lateral side (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmitting section 310, the ratio WL / WS1 of the width WL of the heater section 320 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmitting section 310 to the width WS1 of the heater section 320 on one of the lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmitting section 310 can be, for example, 110% or more, 150% or more, or 175% or more. In order to ensure a certain level of heat generation from the heater section 320 on the side of the transmitting section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L), the ratio WL / WS1 of the width WL of the heater section 320 on the lower side of the transmitting section 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V) to the width WS1 of the heater section 320 on one of the two side sides of the transmitting section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L) can be, for example, 300% or less, 250% or less, or 225% or less.

[0039] Air convection can be promoted by heating the air by the heater section 320 on the lower side of the transmission section 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V) and by heating the air by the heater section 320 on the upper side of the transmission section 310 (positive side of the sixth direction V). Taking air convection into consideration, when the heat generation per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is higher than the heat generation per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310, for example, the transmission section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to when the heat generation per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is equal to the heat generation per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310. Furthermore, when the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is higher than the heat generation amount of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310, the transmission section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to, for example, when the heat generation amount of the heater section 320 on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is equal to the heat generation amount of the transmission section 310 on one of the lateral sides (positive side of the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the length LV2 of the transmission portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is shorter than the length LL2 of the transmission portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). Therefore, the heat conduction of the transmission portion 310 by the heater portion 320 spreads faster throughout the entire transmission portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) of the transmission portion 310 than in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) of the transmission portion 310. Therefore, when at least one of the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 and the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 is higher than the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section 310 (positive side in the fifth direction L), for example, The transmission section 310 can be heated more efficiently than when the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) and the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transmission section 310 are each equal to the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L).

[0041] The heater section 320 is interrupted at least in a portion around the thermistor section 330 (details will be described later). In this case, compared to when the heater section 320 is not interrupted anywhere around the thermistor section 330, the influence of heat generated by the heater section 320 directly transferred to the thermistor section 330 on the thermistor section 330 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the heater section 320 is interrupted on the side where the thermistor section 330 is arranged (the negative side in the fifth direction L) of both lateral sides (the positive and negative sides in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310. Specifically, when viewed from the thermistor section 330 side (the negative side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310, the heater section 320 is interrupted throughout the entire region overlapping with the thermistor section 330 (the region on the negative side in the fifth direction L of the thermistor section 330). In this case, compared to when part of the heater section 320 overlaps with the thermistor section 330 when viewed from the thermistor section 330 side (the negative side in the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310, it is possible to reduce the effect on the thermistor section 330 of the heat generated from the heater section 320 being directly transmitted to the thermistor section 330. However, the heater section 320 does not have to be interrupted anywhere around the thermistor section 330.

[0042] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A (cover section 300), the heater section 320 is disposed on the second surface 304 side of the substrate 300A. However, the position of the heater section 320 relative to the substrate 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A (cover section 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the heater section 320 may be disposed on the first surface 302 side of the substrate 300A, or may be disposed on both the first surface 302 side and the second surface 304 side of the substrate 300A. Alternatively, for example, when the substrate 300A has multiple films stacked in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A, the heater section 320 may be disposed between adjacent films. In this way, the heater section 320 only needs to be arranged in at least one of the first surface 302 side, the second surface 304 side, and between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300) in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300).

[0043] The heater terminal 322 is disposed on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310. A portion of the heater portion 320 surrounds at least a portion of the periphery of the heater terminal 322. In this embodiment, the heater portion 320 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310 surrounds both lateral sides (positive and negative sides in the fifth direction L) and the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the heater terminal 322. In general, it is difficult to overlap the heater terminal 322 with the heater portion 320 in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300). In addition, considering air convection, the heater portion 320 disposed on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310 contributes to more efficient heating of the transmissive portion 310 than the heater portion 320 disposed on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310. In this embodiment, a space (a region where a part of the heater section 320 is missing) provided for arranging the heater terminal 322 is arranged above the transmissive section 310 (on the positive side in the sixth direction V). Therefore, according to this embodiment, a reduction in the amount of heat generated by the heater section 320 due to the arrangement of the heater terminal 322 can be suppressed compared to when the heater terminal 322 is arranged below the transmissive section 310 (on the negative side in the sixth direction V). That is, the heater section 320 and the heater terminal 322 are arranged so that the transmissive section 310 is efficiently heated. However, the position of the heater terminal 322 is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the heater terminal 322 may be arranged below the transmissive section 310 (on the negative side in the sixth direction V) or to the side (on the positive or negative side in the fifth direction L). In addition, the heater section 320 may surround the entire heater terminal 322 (the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V), lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V), and both side sides (positive side of the fifth direction L and negative side of the fifth direction L) of the heater terminal 322).

[0044] The heater terminal 322 is located on the same side (negative side of the fifth direction L) as the thermistor section 330 with respect to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). Therefore, a heater wiring (not shown) connected to the heater terminal 322, a thermistor wiring (not shown) connected to the thermistor section 330, and a control circuit (not shown, for example, an integrated circuit (IC)) connected to the heater wiring and thermistor wiring can be arranged together on the same side (negative side of the fifth direction L) with respect to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). Therefore, compared to a case where the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor section 330 are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L), elements connected to the heater terminal 322 and thermistor section 330 (for example, heater wiring, thermistor wiring, and control circuit) can be arranged more efficiently. However, the layout of the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor unit 330 is not limited to the layout according to this embodiment. For example, the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor unit 330 may be located on opposite sides of the center of the transmissive unit 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L).

[0045] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300), the heater terminal 322 is disposed on the second surface 304 side of the substrate 300A. However, the position of the heater terminal 322 relative to the substrate 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A (cover portion 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the heater terminal 322 may be disposed on the first surface 302 side of the substrate 300A, or may be disposed on both the first surface 302 side and the second surface 304 side of the substrate 300A. Alternatively, for example, when the substrate 300A has multiple films stacked in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the substrate 300A, the heater terminal 322 may be disposed between adjacent films. In this way, the heater terminal 322 may be arranged in at least one of the first surface 302 side, the second surface 304 side, and between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the base material 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300).

[0046] 3, the area where the thermistor section 330 may be disposed is indicated by a hatched triangle. The thermistor section 330 is disposed in at least a portion of the area indicated by the hatched triangle. In this case, the thermistor section 330 may be disposed in only a portion of the area indicated by the hatched triangle, or may be disposed over the entire area indicated by the hatched triangle.

[0047] The thermistor unit 330 is disposed in a region where the portion of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive unit 310 is missing. Specifically, the thermistor unit 330 is disposed in a region where one corner (the corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive unit 310 is missing. On the other hand, no thermistor unit is disposed in a region where another corner (the corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) of the substantial rectangle that shares one side (the side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) of the substantial rectangle with the one corner (the corner between the side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and the side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive unit 310 is missing. Instead, a portion of the heater section 320 is arranged within an area where the other corner of the substantially rectangular shape of the transmission section 310 (the corner between one side on the positive side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V) is missing.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, by removing a portion of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 310 (the corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V), a space for arranging the thermistor portion 330 can be formed by removing the portion of the transmissive portion 310. Therefore, the space required for providing the transmissive portion 310 and the thermistor portion 330 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is easier to provide a region where the thermistor portion 330 is disposed along the outer edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F, compared to, for example, a case where the thermistor portion 330 is disposed in a region where one side of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 310 is removed (a notch on one side of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 310). However, the thermistor portion 330 may also be disposed in a region where one side of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 310 is removed (a notch on one side of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 310).

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by removing a portion of the substantially rectangular shape of the transmissive portion 310 (a corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V), it is possible to form a space for arranging a portion of the heater portion 320 by the amount of the removed portion of the transmissive portion 310. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space required to provide the transmissive portion 310 and the heater portion 320.

[0050] The region in which the thermistor unit 330 is disposed is not limited to the region according to this embodiment. For example, the thermistor unit 330 may be disposed in both a region in which the one corner of the substantially rectangular shape of the transmissive unit 310 is missing (a corner between one side on the negative side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V) and a region in which the other corner of the substantially rectangular shape of the transmissive unit 310 is missing (a corner between one side on the positive side in the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side in the sixth direction V). Furthermore, when the thermistor section 330 is arranged on only one side (the negative side of the fifth direction L) in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) of the transmissive section 310 as in this embodiment, on the opposite side (the positive side of the fifth direction L) of the area where the thermistor section 330 is arranged, the other corner of the essentially rectangular shape of the transmissive section 310 (the corner between one side on the positive side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V) does not need to be missing.

[0051] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover unit 300), the thermistor unit 330 is disposed on the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A. However, the position of the thermistor unit 330 relative to the base material 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover unit 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the thermistor unit 330 may be disposed on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, or may be disposed on both the first surface 302 side and the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A. Alternatively, for example, when the base material 300A has multiple films stacked in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A, the thermistor unit 330 may be disposed between adjacent films. In this way, the thermistor section 330 only needs to be arranged in at least one of the first surface 302 side, the second surface 304 side, and between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300) in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300).

[0052] In this embodiment, the heater section 320, heater terminal 322, and thermistor section 330 are aligned in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300). However, the heater section 320, heater terminal 322, and thermistor section 330 may be offset in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300), for example, such that the heater section 320 and heater terminal 322 are aligned on the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A and the thermistor section 330 is aligned on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an example of details of the heater portion 320 and the heater terminal 322 shown in FIG.

[0054] The heater section 320 includes a first heater section 320a and a second heater section 320b. The heater terminal 322 includes a first terminal 322a, a second terminal 322b, and a third terminal 322c. The first terminal 322a, the second terminal 322b, and the third terminal 322c are arranged in this order from the positive direction of the fifth direction L to the negative direction of the fifth direction L. One end of the first heater section 320a is connected to the first terminal 322a, and the other end of the first heater section 320a is connected to the second terminal 322b. One end of the second heater section 320b is connected to the third terminal 322c, and the other end of the second heater section 320b is connected to the second terminal 322b.

[0055] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 (the negative direction of the fourth direction N), the first heater unit 320a extends from the first terminal 322a, surrounds the transmissive unit 310 in a counterclockwise direction, turns back at the lower right side of the transmissive unit 310 (the negative side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V), surrounds the transmissive unit 310 in a clockwise direction, and reaches the second terminal 322b. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the cover unit 300 (the negative direction of the fourth direction N), the second heater unit 320b extends from the third terminal 322c to the right (the negative side of the fifth direction L), turns back at the right side of the third terminal 322c (the negative side of the fifth direction L), and reaches the second terminal 322b.

[0056] Each of the first heater section 320a and the second heater section 320b includes, for example, wiring (e.g., meander wiring) that extends while alternately folding back along the direction along the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310. Alternatively, each of the first heater section 320a and the second heater section 320b may include a plurality of electrodes (e.g., comb-shaped electrodes) that are aligned along the direction along the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310 and electrically connected to each other. In these examples, the wider the width of each of the first heater section 320a and the second heater section 320b (the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310), the higher the amount of heat generated per unit length of each of the first heater section 320a and the second heater section 320b in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmissive section 310.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of Fig. 4. The example shown in Fig. 5 is similar to the example shown in Fig. 4 except for the following points.

[0058] 5, when viewed from the thermistor unit 330 side (negative side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive unit 310, a portion of the heater unit 320 (second heater unit 320b) may overlap with the thermistor unit 330. The second heater unit 320b extends from the third terminal 322c, extends in the vertical direction of the transmissive unit 310 (sixth direction V) on the right side of the transmissive unit 310 (negative side in the fifth direction L), turns back at the lower right side of the transmissive unit 310 (negative side in the fifth direction L and negative side in the sixth direction V), and reaches the second terminal 322b.

[0059] 5, the heater section 320 is also interrupted in a portion of the periphery of the thermistor section 330. Specifically, when viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300), the heater section 320 is interrupted on the lower right side of the thermistor section 330 (the negative side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V). In this case, compared to a case in which the heater section 320 is not interrupted anywhere around the thermistor section 330, the effect on the thermistor section 330 of the heat generated by the heater section 320 being directly transmitted to the thermistor section 330 can be reduced.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a first modified example of Fig. 3. The example shown in Fig. 6 is similar to the example shown in Fig. 3 except for the following points.

[0061] The cover portion 300 has three heater portions 320 and six heater terminals 322 (three first terminals 322a and three second terminals 322b).

[0062] A first heater section 320 is disposed below the transmitting section 310 (on the negative side in the sixth direction V). The heater section 320 extends in a direction (fifth direction L) along the outer periphery of the transmitting section 310. A first terminal 322a and a second terminal 322b are connected to both ends of the heater section 320. Therefore, a current can flow between the first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b of the heater section 320.

[0063] A second heater section 320 is disposed above the transmitting section 310 (on the positive side in the sixth direction V). This heater section 320 extends in a direction (fifth direction L) along the outer periphery of the transmitting section 310. A first terminal 322a and a second terminal 322b are connected to both ends of this heater section 320. Therefore, a current can flow between the first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b of this heater section 320.

[0064] A third heater section 320 is disposed on one of the two lateral sides (the positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmission section 310. This heater section 320 extends in a direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 (a direction tilted from the sixth direction V toward the fifth direction L). A first terminal 322a and a second terminal 322b are connected to both ends of this heater section 320. Therefore, a current can flow between the first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b of this heater section 320.

[0065] In this modified example, by adjusting the current flowing through each heater element 320, it is possible to adjust the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater element 320 in the direction along the periphery of the transmissive portion 310. In this modified example, even if the width WL of the heater element 320 on the lower side (negative side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310, the width WU of the heater element 320 on the upper side (positive side in the sixth direction V) of the transmissive portion 310, and the width WS1 of the heater element 320 on one of the two lateral sides (positive side in the fifth direction L) of the transmissive portion 310 are all equal, for example, At least one of the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side of the transmission section 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V) and the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on the lower side of the transmission section 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V) can be made higher than the heat generation amount per unit length of the heater section 320 in the direction along the outer periphery of the transmission section 310 on one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L).

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second modified example of FIG.

[0067] The cover portion 300 (base material 300A) and the transmissive portion 310 have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0068] 7, the heater section 320 is also interrupted in a portion of the periphery of the thermistor section 330. Specifically, when viewed from a direction (fourth direction N) perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300), the heater section 320 is interrupted on the lower right side of the thermistor section 330 (on the negative side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V). In this case, compared to a case in which the heater section 320 is not interrupted anywhere around the thermistor section 330, the effect on the thermistor section 330 of the heat generated by the heater section 320 being directly transmitted to the thermistor section 330 can be reduced.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical device 100 housed in the housing 200 shown in FIGS.

[0070] The optical device 100 includes a transmitting unit 110, a movable reflecting unit 120, a receiving unit 130, and a beam splitter 140. In Fig. 8, the transmitting unit 110, the movable reflecting unit 120, the receiving unit 130, and the beam splitter 140 are schematically shown positioned in a plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. However, in an actual layout, the transmitting unit 110, the movable reflecting unit 120, the receiving unit 130, and the beam splitter 140 do not necessarily have to be positioned in a plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y, or may be positioned in a plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0071] In FIG. 8, the electromagnetic waves propagating through the transmitting section 110, the movable reflecting section 120, the receiving section 130 and the beam splitter 140 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0072] The transmitting unit 110 transmits electromagnetic waves. In one example, the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitting unit 110 are light, specifically, infrared rays. However, the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitting unit 110 may be light of a wavelength different from that of infrared rays (e.g., visible light or ultraviolet rays), or may be electromagnetic waves of a wavelength different from that of light (e.g., radio waves). In one example, the transmitting unit 110 transmits pulse waves. However, the transmitting unit 110 may transmit continuous waves (CW). In one example, the transmitting unit 110 is an element (e.g., a laser diode (LD)) capable of converting electrical energy (e.g., current) into electromagnetic waves.

[0073] The electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter 110 passes through the beam splitter 140, enters the movable reflector 120, and is reflected by the movable reflector 120. The movable reflector 120 is, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. The movable reflector 120 is located at the predetermined position.

[0074] The electromagnetic waves reflected by the movable reflecting unit 120 pass through the cover unit 300 and are emitted toward the outside of the sensor device 10. The electromagnetic waves emitted toward the outside of the sensor device 10 are incident on a target (not shown in FIG. 8 ) such as an object present outside the sensor device 10 and are reflected or scattered by the target. The electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered by the target pass through the cover unit 300 and are incident on the movable reflecting unit 120. The electromagnetic waves incident on the movable reflecting unit 120 are reflected by the movable reflecting unit 120 and the beam splitter 140 in this order, and then are incident on the receiving unit 130. The receiving unit 130 receives the electromagnetic waves incident on the receiving unit 130. In one example, the receiving unit 130 is an element (e.g., an avalanche photodiode (APD)) that can convert electromagnetic waves into electrical energy (e.g., current).

[0075] The sensor device 10 is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device. In one example, the sensor device 10 measures the distance between the sensor device 10 and an object, such as an object, present outside the sensor device 10 based on ToF (Time of Flight). In this example, the sensor device 10 calculates the distance based on the difference between the time when an electromagnetic wave is transmitted from the sensor device 10 (e.g., the time when the electromagnetic wave is transmitted from the transmitter 110) and the time when the electromagnetic wave, which was transmitted from the sensor device 10 and reflected or scattered by an object present outside the sensor device 10, is received by the sensor device 10 (e.g., the time when the electromagnetic wave is received by the receiver 130).

[0076] When viewed from the positive side of the third direction Z, the field of view F widens toward the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive side of the first direction X). Specifically, the movable reflecting unit 120 is swingable around an axis 122. The axis 122 extends along the third direction Z. The field of view F of the optical device 100 is determined according to the maximum swing angle of the movable reflecting unit 120. When viewed from the positive side of the third direction Z, the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitting unit 110 and reflected by the movable reflecting unit 120 passes through one end of the field of view F (the left end of the field of view F in FIG. 8 ). When viewed from the positive side of the third direction Z, when the movable reflecting unit 120 has swung clockwise by the maximum swing angle of the optical device 100, the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 110 and reflected by the movable reflecting unit 120 pass through the other end (the right end of the field of view F in FIG. 8 ) opposite to the one end of the field of view F. When viewed from the positive side of the third direction Z, when the swing angle of the movable reflecting unit 120 is 0 degrees, the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 110 and reflected by the movable reflecting unit 120 pass through the center of the field of view F.

[0077] The movable reflector 120 is also capable of swinging about an axis (not shown) that extends along a direction (second direction Y) that intersects, specifically, orthogonal to, both the one direction (positive direction of the first direction X) and the extension direction of the axis 122 (third direction Z). Therefore, when viewed from the positive or negative direction of the second direction Y, the field of view F widens as it moves toward the front of the sensor device 10 (positive direction of the first direction X).

[0078] In this embodiment, the optical device 100 is a coaxial LiDAR. That is, the axis along which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100 (electromagnetic waves emitted by the movable reflector 120 toward the outside of the optical device 100) pass is coincident with the axis along which the electromagnetic waves returning to the optical device 100 (electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100, reflected or scattered by an object outside the optical device 100, and incident on the movable reflector 120) pass. However, the optical device 100 may be a biaxial LiDAR. That is, the optical device 100 does not need to have the movable reflector 120. In this case, the axis along which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100 pass is shifted from the axis along which the electromagnetic waves returning to the optical device 100 (electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100, reflected or scattered by an object outside the optical device 100, and incident on the optical device 100) pass.

[0079] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0080] For example, in this embodiment, the field of view F of the optical device 100 is the field of view of an optical scanning device such as a LiDAR, etc. However, the field of view F of the optical device 100 may be the field of view of an imaging device such as a camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Sensor device 100 Optical equipment 110 Transmitter 120 Movable reflector 122 axes 130 Receiving unit 140 Beam Splitter 200 cabinets 210 Mounting frame 300 Cover 300A base material 302 Page 1 304 2nd page 310 Transparent part 320 Heater section 320a First heater section 320b Second heater section 322 heater terminal 322a 1st terminal 322b 2nd terminal 322c 3rd terminal 330 Thermistor section CP intersection F field of view L 5th direction N 4th direction V 6th direction X 1st direction Y Second direction Z 3rd direction

Claims

1. an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves; a housing that houses the optical device; a transmitting portion provided in the housing, the transmitting portion transmitting the electromagnetic wave of the optical device and having a length in a vertical direction shorter than a length in a horizontal direction; first heater sections that extend at least in the horizontal direction and are arranged above and below the transmission section among positions surrounding the transmission section; a thermistor portion disposed within a region of the transmission portion where a portion of the substantially rectangular shape is cut off; Equipped with The sensor device, wherein the first heater section is discontinued at one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section on which the thermistor section is disposed.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, a second heater section extending in the vertical direction, the second heater section being located on one of two lateral sides of the position surrounding the transmission section; the second heater portion is located at an end portion where the thermistor portion is not disposed, The sensor device, wherein the first heater portion and the second heater portion are electrically connected to each other to form a continuous heater.

3. A housing that houses an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, a transmitting portion provided in the housing, the transmitting portion transmitting the electromagnetic wave of the optical device and having a length in a vertical direction shorter than a length in a horizontal direction; first heater sections that extend at least in the horizontal direction and are arranged above and below the transmission section among positions surrounding the transmission section; a thermistor portion disposed within a region of the transmission portion where a portion of the substantially rectangular shape is cut off; Equipped with The housing, wherein the first heater section is discontinued at one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section on which the thermistor section is disposed.

4. A cover attached to a housing that houses an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, a transmitting section provided in the housing, which transmits the electromagnetic wave of the optical device and has a vertical length shorter than a horizontal length; first heater sections that extend at least in the horizontal direction and are arranged above and below the transmission section among positions surrounding the transmission section; a thermistor portion disposed within a region of the transmission portion where a portion of the substantially rectangular shape is cut off; Equipped with The first heater section is discontinued at one of the two lateral sides of the transmission section on which the thermistor section is disposed.

Images