Sensor device, housing and cover

Abstract

The heater section and heater terminals are positioned so that the permeable portion is heated efficiently. [Solution] The sensor device comprises an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, a housing that houses the optical device, a transmissive section 310 provided in the housing that transmits electromagnetic waves from the optical device, and a heater section 320 arranged on the outer circumference of the transmissive section 310, wherein the heater section 320 is interrupted in at least a portion of the area around the thermistor section 330, and a heater terminal 322 is further provided at the interrupted portion of the heater section 320.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device, a housing, and a cover portion.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, optical devices (e.g., LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) or RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging)) having a movable reflecting portion such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror have been developed. The movable reflecting portion of the optical device scans an object located outside the optical device with 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 portion, a scanning portion, and a light receiving portion. These light projecting portion, scanning portion, and light receiving portion are housed in the housing.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes that a heater portion and a thermistor portion are provided in a lens of a lidar. The heater portion is connected to a heater terminal. By heating the lens with the heater portion, freezing of water droplets adhering to the lens is prevented. Also, by measuring the temperature of the lens with the thermistor portion, the temperature of the lens heated by the heater portion is controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, as described in Patent Document 2, a heater unit and heater terminals may be provided to remove foreign matter such as water droplets adhering to a transparent part (e.g., a lens) through which electromagnetic waves emitted from an optical device pass by, by heating. In this case, it is desirable that the transparent part be efficiently heated by the heater unit.

[0007] One example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve is arranging the heater section and heater terminals so that the permeable section is heated efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is, An optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, A housing for the optical device, The housing is provided with a transmission section that transmits the electromagnetic waves of the optical device, A heater section is provided, with at least a portion of it located on one of the following sides when viewed from the center of the transparent section: either the right or left side, the upper side when viewed from the center of the transparent section, and the lower side when viewed from the center of the transparent section. The heater terminal connected to the heater section, Equipped with, The heater section has a recess formed in which the direction from the bottom of the recess towards the opening of the recess is directed toward the center of the transparent section. The heater terminal is a sensor device surrounded by the recess. One aspect of the present invention is, A housing for an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, The optical device includes a transmission section that transmits electromagnetic waves, A heater section is provided, with at least a portion of it located on one of the following sides when viewed from the center of the transparent section: either the right or left side, the upper side when viewed from the center of the transparent section, and the lower side when viewed from the center of the transparent section. It comprises a heater terminal connected to the heater section, The heater section has a recess formed in which the direction from the opening of the recess to the bottom of the recess is directed toward the center of the transparent section. The heater terminal is a housing surrounded by the recess. One aspect of the present invention is, A cover portion attached to a housing that contains an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, The optical device includes a transmission section that transmits electromagnetic waves, A heater section is provided, with at least a portion of it located on one of the following sides when viewed from the center of the transparent section: either the right or left side, the upper side when viewed from the center of the transparent section, and the lower side when viewed from the center of the transparent section. It comprises a heater terminal connected to the heater section, The heater section has a recess formed in which the direction from the opening of the recess to the bottom of the recess is directed toward the center of the transparent section. The heater terminal is a cover portion surrounded by the recess. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a view of the sensor device according to the embodiment, seen from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the sensor device shown. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are plan views of the second surface of the cover portion. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of the details of the heater section and heater terminals. [Figure 5] This figure shows a modified example of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows the first modified example of Figure 3. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second modified example of Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of the operation of an optical device housed in the enclosure shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0011] FIG. 1 is a view of the sensor device 10 according to the embodiment as seen obliquely from the front. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sensor device 10 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the optical device 100 housed in the housing 200 shown in FIG. 1 is not illustrated.

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

[0013] In Figures 1 and 2, the first direction X is the front-to-back direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The positive direction of the first direction X (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 opposite direction 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 the first direction X, specifically being orthogonal. 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 (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 opposite direction 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 both the first direction X and the second direction Y, specifically being orthogonal. The third direction Z is the vertical direction of the sensor device 10 (housing 200). The positive direction of the third direction Z (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 opposite direction 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 as it moves in one direction (the 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 the region in which the optical device 100 can detect objects or other targets. For example, the sensor device 10 (optical device 100) is capable of emitting 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 detachably attached to the housing 200, or it may be permanently fixed to the housing 200. If the optical device 100 is detachably attached to the housing 200, it may be fixed to the housing 200 by fasteners such as screws. In this case, the housing 200 may be manufactured and sold, or otherwise used, without the optical device 100 attached to the housing 200. If the optical device 100 is permanently fixed to the housing 200, it may be formed integrally with the housing 200 by joining processes such as welding.

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

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

[0018] Figure 3 is a plan view of the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

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

[0020] In Figure 3, the fourth direction N is perpendicular to the cover portion 300. The fourth direction N may also be, for example, the thickness direction of the cover portion 300. The positive direction of the fourth direction N (the direction from the front to the back of the page in Figure 3) is the direction from the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 to the first surface 302 (Figures 1 and 2). The positive direction of the fourth direction N may also be, for example, the normal direction of the first surface 302 (Figures 1 and 2) of the cover portion 300. The negative direction of the fourth direction N (the direction from the back to the front of the page in Figure 3) is the direction from the first surface 302 (Figures 1 and 2) of the cover portion 300 to the second surface 304. The negative direction of the fourth direction N may also be, for example, the normal direction of the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300. The fifth direction L intersects the fourth direction N, and specifically is orthogonal to it. The fifth direction L is the same direction as the second direction Y shown in Figures 1 and 2. The fifth direction L is the lateral direction (left-right direction) of the cover portion 300. The positive direction of the fifth direction L (indicated by the arrow indicating the fifth direction L) is to the left of the cover portion 300 when viewed from the second surface 304 of the cover portion 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 to the right of the cover portion 300 when viewed from the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 (the negative direction of the fourth direction N). The sixth direction V intersects both the fourth direction N and the fifth direction L, specifically being perpendicular to them. The sixth direction V is the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the cover portion 300. The positive direction of the sixth direction V (indicated by the arrow indicating the sixth direction V) is upward of the cover portion 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 downward of the cover portion 300.

[0021] The base material 300A is light-transmitting. The base material 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., infrared light) emitted from the optical device 100. The base material 300A is, for example, a light-transmitting inorganic material (e.g., glass) or a light-transmitting organic material (e.g., a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate, or an acrylic resin).

[0022] Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (fourth direction N), the base material 300A (cover portion 300) has a shape that is essentially a quadrilateral with a portion missing. "Essentially a quadrilateral" for the base material 300A (cover portion 300) means not only a strictly quadrilateral, but also shapes similar to a strictly quadrilateral, such as a chamfered quadrilateral or a quadrilateral with notched edges. In this embodiment, the quadrilateral of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) is a rectangle (including a square). However, the quadrilateral of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may be a quadrilateral other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, rhombus, or parallelogram). In this embodiment, the essentially a quadrilateral of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (the shape without the aforementioned portion missing) includes a pair of sides parallel to the fifth direction L and a pair of sides parallel to the sixth direction V. Furthermore, in the substantially rectangular shape of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), 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 cut out. According to this embodiment, the size of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), that is, the size of the housing 200, can be reduced compared to the case in which the above-mentioned portion (the above-mentioned corner) is not cut out.

[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 this embodiment, when the length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) differs 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). In this embodiment, the length LL1 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the lateral direction (fifth direction L) is the maximum length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the lateral direction (fifth direction L) when the length of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the lateral direction (fifth direction L) differs depending on the position of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) in the vertical direction (sixth direction V). Furthermore, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) has an asymmetrical shape with respect to a straight 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 shape (a chamfered pentagon).

[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 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may be greater than or equal to the length LL1 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300). Also, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have a shape that is different from a substantially quadrilateral (for example, a polygon other than a quadrilateral) with a portion missing. Alternatively, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have the shape of a substantially quadrilateral itself (a shape in which the above portion is not missing). Furthermore, in the substantial quadrilateral shape of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), not only the corners cut out in this embodiment (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) but also at least one other corner (for example, the corner between one side on the negative side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V) may be cut out. In this case, the base material 300A (cover portion 300) may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing 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 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) that is cut out from the substantial rectangle (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 of ​​the substantial rectangle itself (the substantial rectangle that is not cut out) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N). From the viewpoint of ensuring the size of the permeable portion 310 of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the area of ​​the portion of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) that is cut out from the substantial rectangle (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 of ​​the substantial rectangle itself (the substantial rectangle without the portion cut out) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N).

[0026] The permeable portion 310 is the region of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) surrounded by the region where the heater portion 320 and thermistor portion 330 are located, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (fourth direction N). In other words, the permeable portion 310 is defined by the region where the heater portion 320 and thermistor portion 330 are located, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (fourth direction N). To put it another way, the region where the heater portion 320 is located and the region where the thermistor portion 330 is located are defined while avoiding the permeable portion 310. An adhesive such as double-sided tape can be provided on the region of the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 that surrounds the permeable portion 310 for attaching the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 to the mounting frame 210 (Figure 2) of the housing 200. In this case, the adhesive overlaps with the heater portion 320 in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300). Therefore, it is desirable that the adhesive has heat resistance.

[0027] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (fourth direction N), the transparent portion 310 has a shape that is essentially a rectangle with a portion missing. "Essentially a rectangle" for the transparent portion 310 means not only a strictly defined rectangle, but also shapes similar to a strictly defined rectangle, such as a beveled rectangle or a rectangle with notched edges. In this embodiment, the rectangle of the transparent portion 310 is a rectangle (including a square). However, the rectangle of the transparent portion 310 may be a rectangle other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, rhombus, or parallelogram). In this embodiment, the substantially a rectangle of the transparent portion 310 (the shape without the aforementioned portion missing) includes a pair of sides parallel to the fifth direction L and a pair of sides parallel to the sixth direction V. Furthermore, in the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 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, and the corner between one side on the negative side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V are cut out. According to this embodiment, the area where the above-mentioned portion (the above-mentioned corner) is cut out can be secured as 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 transparent portion 310 and the thermistor portion 330, that is, the size of the housing 200, can be reduced compared to the case where the above-mentioned portion (the above-mentioned corner) is not cut out.

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

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

[0030] From the viewpoint of securing space for the thermistor section 330 (details will be described later), the area of ​​the portion of the transparent section 310 that is cut out from the substantial rectangle (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 10% or more of the area of ​​the substantial rectangle of the transparent section 310 itself (the substantial rectangle without the portion cut out) (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N). From the viewpoint of securing the size of the transparent section 310, the area of ​​the portion of the transparent section 310 that is cut out from the substantial rectangle (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N) can be, for example, 20% or less of the area of ​​the substantial rectangle of the transparent section 310 itself (the substantial rectangle without the portion cut out) (the area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction N).

[0031] In this embodiment, the width of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent portion 310 (width in the fifth direction L) is narrower than the width of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent portion 310 (width in the fifth direction L). Even though the transparent portion 310 has this shape, as explained using Figure 1, the transparent 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 of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (width in the fifth direction L) is narrower than the width of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (width in the fifth direction L). Therefore, it is permissible to make the width of the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent portion 310 (width in the fifth direction L) narrower than the width of the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent portion 310 (width in the fifth direction L).

[0032] Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base material 300A (cover portion 300) (fourth direction N), the heater portion 320 surrounds the transparent portion 310 and is interrupted in a portion of the periphery of the transparent portion 310. Specifically, the heater portion 320 is positioned on the upper side of the transparent portion 310 (positive side of the sixth direction V), on the lower side of the transparent portion 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V), and on one of the two sides of the transparent portion 310 (positive side of the fifth direction L). On the other hand, the heater portion 320 is not positioned on the other side of the transparent portion 310 (negative side of 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 positioned on one of the two sides of the transparent portion 310 (positive and negative sides of the fifth direction L) or on the upper side of the transparent portion 310 (negative side of the sixth direction V). In this case, for example, the heater unit 320 may be located only on the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V) and the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent unit 310, or only on the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V) of the transparent unit 310.

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

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

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

[0036] Furthermore, the length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V), the length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the lower side of the permeable portion 310 (the negative direction side of the sixth direction V), and the length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on one of the sides of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L) are progressively shorter in this order. In this embodiment, the amount of heat generated by the heater portion 320 on the lower side of the permeable portion 310 (the negative direction side of the sixth direction V) and the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) are each higher than the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on one of the sides of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L).

[0037] The air heated by the heater section 320 on the lower side of the permeable section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) moves upward (the positive direction of the sixth direction V) by convection. Considering air convection, if the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on the lower side of the permeable section 310 (negative direction side of the sixth direction V) is higher than the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on one of the sides of the permeable section 310 (positive direction side of the fifth direction L), then, for example, the permeable section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to the case where the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on the lower side of the permeable section 310 (negative direction side of the sixth direction V) is equal to the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on one of the sides of the permeable section 310 (positive direction side of the fifth direction L). Furthermore, if the amount of heat generated by the heater unit 320 on the lower side of the permeable portion 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) is higher than the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on one of its sides (the positive side of the fifth direction L), for example, the permeable portion 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to the case where the amount of heat generated by the heater unit 320 on the lower side of the permeable portion 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) is equal to the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on one of its sides (the positive side of the fifth direction L).

[0038] From the viewpoint of making the amount of heat generated by the heater section 320 on the lower side of the permeable section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) somewhat greater than the amount of heat generated by the heater section 320 on the lateral side of the permeable section 310 (the 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 permeable section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) to the width WS1 of the heater section 320 on one of the lateral sides of the permeable section 310 (the positive side of the fifth direction L) can be, for example, 110% or more, 150% or more, or 175% or more. From the viewpoint of ensuring a certain amount of heat generation from the heater section 320 on the side of the transparent section 310 (the positive side in the fifth direction L), the ratio WL / WS1 of the width WL of the heater section 320 on the underside of the transparent section 310 (the negative side in the sixth direction V) to the width WS1 of the heater section 320 on one of the two sides of the transparent section 310 (the positive side in 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 unit 320 on the lower side of the permeable section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) and by heating the air by the heater unit 320 on the upper side of the permeable section 310 (the positive side of the sixth direction V). Considering air convection, if the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on the upper side of the permeable section 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) is higher than the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on one of the sides of the permeable section 310 (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L), then, for example, the permeable section 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to the case where the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on the upper side of the permeable section 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) is equal to the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater section 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable section 310 on one of the sides of the permeable section 310 (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L). Furthermore, if the amount of heat generated by the heater unit 320 on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) is higher than the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on one of its sides (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L), for example, the permeable portion 310 can be heated more efficiently compared to the case where the amount of heat generated by the heater unit 320 on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) is equal to the amount of heat generated by the permeable portion 310 on one of its sides (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L).

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the length LV2 of the permeable portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) is shorter than the length LL2 of the permeable portion 310 in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L). Therefore, the heat conduction of the permeable portion 310 by the heater portion 320 spreads more quickly across the entire permeable portion 310 in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) than in the horizontal direction (fifth direction L) of the permeable portion 310. Therefore, if at least one of the heat generation per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V) and the heat generation per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the lower side of the permeable portion 310 (the negative direction side of the sixth direction V) is higher than the heat generation per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on one of the two sides of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the fifth direction L), for example, the permeable portion 310 Compared to the case where the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the upper side (positive direction side of the sixth direction V) and the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on the lower side (negative direction side of the sixth direction V) are equal to the amount of heat generated per unit length of the heater portion 320 along the outer circumference of the permeable portion 310 on one of the sides of the permeable portion 310 (positive direction side of the fifth direction L), the permeable portion 310 can be heated more efficiently.

[0041] The heater section 320 is interrupted in at least a portion of its periphery to the thermistor section 330 (details of which will be described later). In this case, compared to the case where the heater section 320 is not interrupted in any portion of its periphery to the thermistor section 330, the impact on the thermistor section 330 due to the heat generated from the heater section 320 being directly transmitted to the thermistor section 330 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the heater section 320 is interrupted on the side of the permeable section 310 where the thermistor section 330 is located (the negative side of the fifth direction L), out of the two sides of the permeable section 310 (the positive and negative sides of the fifth direction L). Specifically, when viewed from the thermistor section 330 side (the negative side of the fifth direction L) relative to the permeable section 310, the heater section 320 is interrupted in the entire region that overlaps with the thermistor section 330 (the region of the thermistor section 330 on the negative side of the fifth direction L). In this case, compared to the case where a portion of the heater portion 320 overlaps with the thermistor portion 330 when viewed from the thermistor portion 330 side (the negative direction side of the fifth direction L) relative to the permeable portion 310, the effect on the thermistor portion 330 due to the heat generated from the heater portion 320 being directly transmitted to the thermistor portion 330 can be reduced. However, the heater portion 320 does not have to be interrupted in any part around the thermistor portion 330.

[0042] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the heater portion 320 is positioned on the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A. However, the position of the heater portion 320 relative to the base material 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the heater portion 320 may be positioned on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, or it may be positioned 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 a plurality of films laminated in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A, the heater portion 320 may be positioned between adjacent films. In this way, the heater unit 320 only needs to be positioned in at least one of the following locations in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover unit 300): on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, on the second surface 304 side, or between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304.

[0043] The heater terminal 322 is located on the upper side of the permeable portion 310 (the positive direction side of the sixth direction V). In addition, a portion of the heater section 320 surrounds at least a portion of the area around the heater terminal 322. In this embodiment, the heater section 320 on the upper side (positive direction side of the sixth direction V) of the permeable portion 310 surrounds both sides (positive and negative directions of the fifth direction L) and the upper side (positive direction side of the sixth direction V) of the heater terminal 322. Generally, it is difficult to overlap the heater terminal 322 with the heater section 320 in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover section 300). Furthermore, considering air convection, the heater section 320 located on the lower side (negative direction side of the sixth direction V) of the permeable portion 310 contributes more efficiently to heating the permeable portion 310 than the heater section 320 located on the upper side (positive direction side of the sixth direction V). In this embodiment, the space provided for arranging the heater terminal 322 (a region where a portion of the heater section 320 is missing) is located on the upper side of the transmissive section 310 (the positive side of the sixth direction V). Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to the case where the heater terminal 322 is located on the lower side of the transmissive section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V), the reduction in the amount of heat generated by the heater section 320 due to the placement of the heater terminal 322 can be suppressed. In other words, the heater section 320 and the heater terminal 322 are arranged so that the transmissive section 310 is heated efficiently. 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 located on the lower side of the transmissive section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) or on the side (the positive or negative side of the fifth direction L). Furthermore, the heater section 320 may surround the entire heater terminal 322 (the upper side (positive side of the sixth direction V), the lower side (negative side of the sixth direction V), and both 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 as the thermistor section 330 (the negative side of the fifth direction L) relative to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the lateral direction (fifth direction L). Therefore, the heater wiring (not shown) connected to the heater terminal 322, the thermistor wiring (not shown) connected to the thermistor section 330, and the control circuit (not shown, e.g., integrated circuit (IC)) connected to the heater wiring and thermistor wiring can be arranged together on the same side (the negative side of the fifth direction L) relative to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the lateral direction (fifth direction L). Thus, compared to the case where the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor section 330 are located on opposite sides of each other relative to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the lateral direction (fifth direction L), the elements connected to the heater terminal 322 and thermistor section 330 (e.g., heater wiring, thermistor wiring, and control circuit) can be arranged more efficiently. However, the layout of the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor section 330 is not limited to the layout according to this embodiment. For example, the heater terminal 322 and the thermistor section 330 may be located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the center of the transmissive section 310 in the lateral direction (fifth direction L).

[0045] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the heater terminal 322 is positioned on the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A. However, the position of the heater terminal 322 relative to the base material 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the heater terminal 322 may be positioned on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, or it may be positioned 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 a plurality of films laminated in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A, the heater terminal 322 may be positioned between adjacent films. In this way, the heater terminal 322 only needs to be positioned in at least one of the following locations in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300): on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, on the second surface 304 side, or between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304.

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

[0047] The thermistor section 330 is located within the region of the transmissive section 310 where a portion of the substantial rectangle is missing. Specifically, the thermistor section 330 is located within the region of the transmissive section 310 where one corner of the substantial rectangle (the corner between the negative side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V) is missing. On the other hand, the thermistor section is not located within the region where the other corner of the substantial rectangle (the corner between the positive side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V) is missing, sharing one side of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V) with the aforementioned corner (the corner between the negative side of the fifth direction L and the negative side of the sixth direction V). Instead, a portion of the heater section 320 is located within the region where the other corner of the substantial rectangle of the transparent section 310 (the corner between the side on the positive side of the fifth direction L and the side on the negative side of the sixth direction V) is missing.

[0048] According to this embodiment, by removing a portion of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310 (the corner between one side on the negative side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V), the space for arranging the thermistor portion 330 can be formed by the amount of the portion of the transparent portion 310 that has been removed. Therefore, the space required to provide the transparent portion 310 and the thermistor portion 330 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, compared to the case where the thermistor portion 330 is arranged in the region where a portion of one side of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310 is removed (the notch in one side of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310), it is easier to arrange the region where the thermistor portion 330 is arranged along the outer edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F. However, the thermistor portion 330 may also be arranged in the region where a portion of one side of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310 is removed (the notch in one side of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310).

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by removing a portion of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 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), a space for arranging a portion of the heater portion 320 can be formed by the amount of the portion of the transparent portion 310 that has been removed. Therefore, the space required to provide the transparent portion 310 and the heater portion 320 can be reduced.

[0050] The region in which the thermistor portion 330 is located is not limited to the region according to this embodiment. For example, the thermistor portion 330 may be located in both the region in which one corner of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 310 (the corner between one side on the negative side of the fifth direction L and one side on the negative side of the sixth direction V) is missing, and the region in which the other corner of the substantially rectangular shape of the transparent portion 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. Furthermore, if the thermistor portion 330 is located on only one side (the negative side of the fifth direction L) in the lateral direction (fifth direction L) of the transmissive portion 310, as in this embodiment, then on the opposite side of the region where the thermistor portion 330 is located (the positive side of the fifth direction L), the other corner of the substantial rectangle of the transmissive portion 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 cut off.

[0051] In the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300), the thermistor portion 330 is positioned on the second surface 304 side of the base material 300A. However, the position of the thermistor portion 330 relative to the base material 300A in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300) is not limited to the position according to this embodiment. For example, the thermistor portion 330 may be positioned on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, or it may be positioned 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 a plurality of films laminated in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A, the thermistor portion 330 may be positioned between adjacent films. In this way, the thermistor portion 330 only needs to be positioned in at least one of the following locations in the thickness direction (fourth direction N) of the base material 300A (cover portion 300): on the first surface 302 side of the base material 300A, on the second surface 304 side, or between the first surface 302 and the second surface 304.

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

[0053] Figure 4 is a plan view of an example of the details of the heater section 320 and heater terminal 322 shown in Figure 3.

[0054] The heater section 320 includes a first heater section 320a and a second heater section 320b. The heater terminals 322 include 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] Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 (negative direction of the fourth direction N), the first heater portion 320a extends from the first terminal 322a, surrounds the transparent portion 310 counterclockwise, folds back on the lower right side of the transparent portion 310 (negative direction of the fifth direction L and negative direction of the sixth direction V), surrounds the transparent portion 310 clockwise, and reaches the second terminal 322b. Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the cover portion 300 (negative direction of the fourth direction N), the second heater portion 320b extends from the third terminal 322c toward the right (negative direction of the fifth direction L), folds back on the right side of the third terminal 322c (negative direction 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 circumference of the transparent 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 electrodes) that are arranged along the direction along the outer circumference of the transparent section 310 and electrically connected to each other. In these examples, the wider each of the first heater section 320a and the second heater section 320b (width in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the outer circumference of the transparent 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 circumference of the transparent section 310.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a modified version of Figure 4. The example shown in Figure 5 is the same as the example shown in Figure 4, except for the following points.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed from the thermistor section 330 side (negative direction side of the fifth direction L) relative to the transmissive section 310, a portion of the heater section 320 (second heater section 320b) may overlap with the thermistor section 330. The second heater section 320b extends from the third terminal 322c, extends in the vertical direction (sixth direction V) of the transmissive section 310 on the right side (negative direction side of the fifth direction L), and folds back on the lower right side of the transmissive section 310 (negative direction side of both the fifth direction L and the sixth direction V) to reach the second terminal 322b.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 5, the heater section 320 is interrupted in a portion of the periphery of the thermistor section 330. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300) (fourth direction N), the heater section 320 is interrupted on the lower right side of the thermistor section 330 (negative side of the fifth direction L and negative side of the sixth direction V). In this case, compared to the case where the heater section 320 is not interrupted in any part of the periphery of the thermistor section 330, the impact on the thermistor section 330 due to the heat generated from the heater section 320 being directly transferred to the thermistor section 330 can be reduced.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the first example shown in Figure 3. The example shown in Figure 6 is the same as the example shown in Figure 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] The first heater section 320 is located on the lower side of the transparent section 310 (the negative side of the sixth direction V). This heater section 320 extends in the direction along the outer circumference of the transparent section 310 (the fifth direction L). The first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b are connected to both ends of this heater section 320. Therefore, current can flow through this heater section 320 between the first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b.

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

[0064] A third heater section 320 is positioned on one of the two sides of the transparent section 310 (the positive direction side in the fifth direction L). This heater section 320 extends in a direction along the outer circumference of the transparent section 310 (a direction inclined 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, current can flow through this heater section 320 between the first terminal 322a and the second terminal 322b.

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

[0066] Figure 7 shows a second modified example of Figure 3.

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

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 7, the heater section 320 is interrupted in a portion of the periphery of the thermistor section 330. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface 304 of the base material 300A (cover section 300) (fourth direction N), the heater section 320 is interrupted on the lower right side of the thermistor section 330 (negative side of the fifth direction L and negative side of the sixth direction V). In this case, compared to the case where the heater section 320 is not interrupted in any part of the periphery of the thermistor section 330, the impact on the thermistor section 330 due to the heat generated from the heater section 320 being directly transferred to the thermistor section 330 can be reduced.

[0069] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the optical device 100 housed in the housing 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0070] The optical device 100 comprises a transmitter 110, a movable reflector 120, a receiver 130, and a beam splitter 140. In Figure 8, the transmitter 110, the movable reflector 120, the receiver 130, and the beam splitter 140 are schematically located in a single plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. However, in an actual layout, the transmitter 110, the movable reflector 120, the receiver 130, and the beam splitter 140 do not have to be located in a single plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y, or they may be located in a single plane parallel to both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0071] In Figure 8, the electromagnetic waves propagating through the transmitter 110, the movable reflector 120, the receiver 130, and the beam splitter 140 are shown 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 light. However, the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitting unit 110 may be light with a different wavelength than infrared light (e.g., visible light or ultraviolet light), or electromagnetic waves with a different wavelength than 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 capable of converting electrical energy (e.g., electric current) into electromagnetic waves (e.g., a laser diode (LD)).

[0073] The electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit 110 pass through the beam splitter 140 and enter the movable reflector 120, where they are reflected. The movable reflector 120 is, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. The movable reflector 120 is located at the predetermined position described above.

[0074] Electromagnetic waves reflected by the movable reflector 120 are transmitted through the cover 300 and emitted outwards from the sensor device 10. The electromagnetic waves emitted outwards from the sensor device 10 are incident on an object or other object (not shown in Figure 8) located outside the sensor device 10, and are reflected or scattered by the object. The electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered by the object are transmitted through the cover 300 and incident on the movable reflector 120. The electromagnetic waves incident on the movable reflector 120 are reflected by the movable reflector 120 and then by the beam splitter 140 in sequence, and then 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 (for example, an avalanche photodiode (APD)) capable of converting electromagnetic waves into electrical energy (for example, electric current).

[0075] The sensor device 10 is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. In one example, the sensor device 10 measures the distance between the sensor device 10 and an object or other object located outside the sensor device 10 based on Time of Flight (ToF). In this example, the sensor device 10 calculates the distance based on the difference between the time it takes for electromagnetic waves to be transmitted from the sensor device 10 (for example, the time it takes for electromagnetic waves to be transmitted from the transmitter 110) and the time it takes for the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the sensor device 10 and reflected or scattered by an object located outside the sensor device 10 to be received by the sensor device 10 (for example, the time it takes for electromagnetic waves to be received by the receiver 130).

[0076] Viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the field of view F widens as it moves forward of the sensor device 10 (towards the positive direction of the first direction X). Specifically, the movable reflector 120 is pivotable around the 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 oscillation angle of the movable reflector 120. When the movable reflector 120 oscillates counterclockwise by the maximum oscillation angle of the optical device 100, as viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 110 and reflected by the movable reflector 120 pass through one end of the field of view F (the left end of the field of view F in Figure 8). When viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the movable reflector 120 swings clockwise by the maximum swing angle of the optical device 100, and the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 110 and reflected by the movable reflector 120 pass through the other end of the field of view F opposite to the aforementioned end (the right end of the field of view F in Figure 8). When viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the swing angle of the movable reflector 120 is 0 degrees, and the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitter 110 and reflected by the movable reflector 120 pass through the center of the field of view F.

[0077] The movable reflective part 120 is also able to swing around an axis (not shown) that extends along a direction (second direction Y) that intersects both the above-mentioned one direction (positive direction of the first direction X) and the extension direction of the axis 122 (third direction Z), specifically an orthogonal direction. 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 through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100 (electromagnetic waves emitted toward the outside of the optical device 100 by the movable reflector 120) pass coincides with the axis through 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 also be a biaxial LiDAR. That is, the optical device 100 does not have a movable reflector 120. In this case, the axis through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the optical device 100 pass and the axis through 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 are offset from each other.

[0079] The embodiments and modified examples have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations 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. However, the field of view F of the optical device 100 may also 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 axis 130 Receiver 140 Beam Splitter 200 cabinets 210 Mounting frame 300 Cover section 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 terminals 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 for the optical device, The housing is provided with a transmission section that transmits the electromagnetic waves of the optical device, A heater section is arranged on the outer circumference of the transparent section, Equipped with, The heater section is interrupted in at least a portion of the area surrounding the thermistor section. A sensor device further equipped with heater terminals at the point where the heater section is interrupted.

2. In the detection device according to claim 1, A sensor device in which the vertical length of the transparent portion is shorter than the horizontal length of the transparent portion.

3. A housing for an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, The optical device includes a transmission section that transmits electromagnetic waves, A heater section is arranged on the outer circumference of the transparent section, Equipped with, The heater section is interrupted in at least a portion of the area surrounding the thermistor section. A housing further equipped with heater terminals at the point where the aforementioned heater section is interrupted.

4. A cover portion attached to a housing that contains an optical device that emits electromagnetic waves, The optical device includes a transmission section that transmits electromagnetic waves, A heater section is arranged on the outer circumference of the transparent section, Equipped with, The heater section is interrupted in at least a portion of the area surrounding the thermistor section. A cover portion further equipped with heater terminals at the point where the aforementioned heater portion is interrupted.

Images