Sensor device

Abstract

This invention provides a sensor device with a smaller housing for the optical device. [Solution] The optical device 100 has a field of view F that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position. The housing 200 has a transmissive section 210. The transmissive section 210 intersects with the field of view F. The housing 200 houses the optical device 100. The transmissive section 210 includes a first side 212 and a second side 214. The second side 214 is located on the opposite side of the first side 212. The width of the transmissive section 210 on the second side 214 is narrower than the width of the transmissive section 210 on the first side 212. The second side 214 of the transmissive section 210 is located closer to the predetermined position in the above direction than the first side 212 of the transmissive section 210.

Description

Technical Field

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

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 part such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror have been developed. The movable reflecting part of the optical device scans an object such as an object existing 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 part, a scanning part, and a light receiving part. These light projecting part, scanning part, and light receiving part are housed in the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The housing for housing the optical device needs to be provided with a transmission part that transmits the electromagnetic wave emitted from the optical device. The housing is preferably small due to various requirements such as the space where the housing is installed.

[0006] As an example of the problem to be solved by the present invention, reducing the size of the housing for housing the optical device can be mentioned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first invention is, An optical device having a field of view that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position, A housing having a transparent portion that intersects with the field of view and housing the optical device, Equipped with, The transparent portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side. The width of the second side of the transparent portion is narrower than the width of the first side of the transparent portion. The sensor device is such that the second side of the transparent portion is located closer to the predetermined position in one direction than the first side of the transparent portion.

[0008] The second invention is, A housing for an optical device having a field of view that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position, It comprises a transparent portion that intersects with the aforementioned field of view, The transparent portion has a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side. The width of the second side of the transparent portion is narrower than the width of the first side of the transparent portion. The second side of the transparent portion is located closer to the predetermined position in one direction than the first side of the transparent portion, and this is a housing. [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 a front view of the sensor device shown. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the relationship between the transmission area and the portion of the optical device's field of view that intersects with the transmission area (the intersection point), when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transmission area. [Figure 4] 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] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1 is a view of the sensor device 10 according to the embodiment, seen from an oblique angle from the front. Figure 2 is a front view of the sensor device 10 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the transparent portion 210 and the portion of the field of view F of the optical device 100 that intersects with the transparent portion 210 (intersection portion CP), when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transparent portion 210. Figure 4 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.

[0012] The sensor device 10 comprises an optical device 100 and a housing 200.

[0013] In each figure, the first direction X is the front-to-back direction of the sensor device 10. The positive direction of the first direction X (the direction indicated by the arrows indicating the first direction X in Figures 1 and 4, and the direction indicated by the dotted white circle indicating the first direction X in Figure 2 (the direction from the back of the page to the front)) is the front direction of the sensor device 10. The negative direction of the first direction X (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrows indicating the first direction X in Figures 1 and 4, and the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the dotted white circle indicating the first direction X in Figure 2 (the direction from the front of the page to the back)) is the rear direction of the sensor device 10. 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. The positive direction of the second direction Y (the direction indicated by the arrows indicating the second direction Y) is the right direction when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (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 to the left when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (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 up and down direction of the sensor device 10. The positive direction of the third direction Z (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z in Figures 1 and 2, and the direction indicated by the dotted white circle indicating the third direction Z in Figure 4 (the direction from the back of the page to the front)) is the upward direction of the sensor device 10. The negative direction of the third direction Z (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z in Figures 1 and 2, and the opposite direction indicated by the dotted white circle indicating the third direction Z in Figure 4 (the direction from the front of the page to the back)) is the downward direction of the sensor device 10.

[0014] In Figure 3, the fourth direction U is perpendicular to the transparent portion 210, specifically perpendicular to the front surface (the positive side of the first direction X) or the rear surface (the negative side of the first direction X) of the transparent portion 210. The fourth direction U may also be, for example, parallel to the thickness of the transparent portion 210. The fourth direction U intersects with the second direction Y, specifically perpendicular to it. The positive direction of the fourth direction U (indicated by the dotted white circle indicating the fourth direction U (direction from the back of the paper towards the front)) is the direction from the rear surface (the negative side of the first direction X) of the transparent portion 210 to the front surface (the positive side of the first direction X) of the transparent portion 210. The positive direction of the fourth direction U may also be, for example, the normal direction to the front surface (the positive side of the first direction X) of the transparent portion 210. The negative direction of the fourth direction U (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the dotted white circle representing the fourth direction U (the direction from the front to the back of the paper)) is the direction from the front of the transparent portion 210 (the side on the positive side of the first direction X) to the rear of the transparent portion 210 (the side on the negative side of the first direction X). The negative direction of the fourth direction U may also be, for example, the normal direction of the rear of the transparent portion 210 (the side on the negative side of the first direction X). The fifth direction V intersects both the second direction Y and the fourth direction U, and is specifically orthogonal. The fifth direction V may be parallel to the front of the transparent portion 210 (the side on the positive side of the first direction X) or the rear of the transparent portion 210 (the side on the negative side of the first direction X). The positive direction of the fifth direction V (the direction indicated by the arrow representing the fifth direction V) is the direction from the second side 214 to the first side 212 of the transparent portion 210, which will be described later. The negative direction of the fifth direction V (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow showing the fifth direction V) is the direction from the first side 212 to the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210.

[0015] The sensor device 10 will be described using Figures 1 and 2.

[0016] The optical device 100 has a viewing field F that expands in one direction (the positive direction of the first direction X) from a predetermined position (the details of this predetermined position will be described later). The housing 200 has a transmissive portion 210. The transmissive portion 210 intersects the viewing field F. The housing 200 houses the optical device 100. The transmissive portion 210 includes a first side 212 (upper side), a second side 214 (lower side), a third side 216 (left side), and a fourth side 218 (right side). The second side 214 is located on the opposite side of the first side 212. The third side 216 is located between the first side 212 and the second side 214. The fourth side 218 is located on the opposite side of the third side 216. The width in the second direction Y on the second side 214 side (the lower side of the transmissive portion 210 (the negative direction side of the third direction Z)) of the transmissive portion 210 (the width W2 shown in FIG. 3 described later) is narrower than the width in the second direction Y on the first side 212 side (the upper side of the transmissive portion 210 (the positive direction side of the third direction Z)) of the transmissive portion 210 (the width W1 shown in FIG. 3 described later). The second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210 is located closer to the predetermined position in the one direction (the positive direction of the first direction X) than the first side 212 of the transmissive portion 210. That is, the transmissive portion 210 is inclined obliquely with respect to the height direction (the third direction Z) of the housing 200 from the first side 212 to the second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210. Specifically, the transmissive portion 210 is inclined obliquely with respect to the height direction (the third direction Z) of the housing 200 toward the rear (the negative direction of the first direction X) of the sensor device 10 as it goes downward (the negative direction of the third direction Z) of the sensor device 10.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the width in the second direction Y on the second side 214 side of the transmissive portion 210 of the portion (intersection portion CP) of the viewing field F that intersects the transmissive portion 210 is narrower than the width in the second direction Y on the first side 212 side of the transmissive portion 210 of the intersection portion CP of the viewing field F. Therefore, it is allowed to make the width on the second side 214 side (the lower side of the transmissive portion 210) of the transmissive portion 210 shorter than the width on the first side 212 side (the upper side of the transmissive portion 210). Therefore, the housing 200 can be made smaller by the amount by which the width on the second side 214 side (the lower side of the transmissive portion 210) of the transmissive portion 210 is shorter than the width on the first side 212 side (the upper side of the transmissive portion 210).

[0018] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the height direction (the third direction Z) of the housing 200, the first side 212 of the transmissive portion 210 is located above the second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210 (on the positive direction side of the third direction Z). Therefore, the normal direction of the front surface (the surface on the positive direction side of the first direction X) of the transmissive portion 210 is obliquely inclined from the direction facing forward of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X) toward the lower side (the negative direction of the third direction Z) of the sensor device 10. In this case, compared with the case where the normal direction of the front surface (the surface on the positive direction side of the first direction X) of the transmissive portion 210 is obliquely inclined from the direction facing forward of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X) toward the upper side (the positive direction of the third direction Z) of the sensor device 10, noise (for example, sunlight) from obliquely above the sensor device 10 (the oblique direction from the positive direction of the first direction X toward the positive direction of the third direction Z) is less likely to enter the inside of the housing 200 through the transmissive portion 210. Also, in the case described above, compared with the case where the normal direction of the front surface (the surface on the positive direction side of the first direction X) of the transmissive portion 210 is obliquely inclined from the direction facing forward of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X) toward the upper side (the positive direction of the third direction Z) of the sensor device 10, foreign matter (for example, water droplets) adhering to the front surface (the surface on the positive direction side of the first direction X) of the transmissive portion 210 is less likely to remain on the front surface (the surface on the positive direction side of the first direction X) of the transmissive portion 210.

[0019] Note that the first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210 do not necessarily have to be the upper side and the lower side of the transmissive portion 210, respectively. For example, the first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210 may be the lower side and the upper side of the transmissive portion 210, respectively. Alternatively, the first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transmissive portion 210 may be both side edges (the left side edge (the side on the negative direction side of the second direction Y) and the right side edge (the side on the positive direction side of the second direction Y)) of the transmissive portion 210.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The predetermined position described above is the starting point where the field of view F begins to expand. Furthermore, this 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 is capable of emitting electromagnetic waves, such as infrared rays, from the predetermined position in any direction within the field of view F.

[0022] The field of view F extends in two dimensions along both the second direction Y and the third direction Z when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X). Specifically, when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X), the upper edge of the field of view F (the edge on the positive side of the third direction Z) is inclined downwards from the sensor device 10 (the negative direction of the third direction Z) as it moves from the center of the upper edge of the field of view F in the second direction Y toward both sides of the second direction Y. Similarly, when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X), the lower edge of the field of view F (the edge on the negative side of the third direction Z) is inclined downwards from the sensor device 10 (the negative direction of the third direction Z) as it moves from the center of the lower edge of the field of view F in the second direction Y toward both sides of the second direction Y. However, the shape of the field of view F is not limited to this example. For example, when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X), the upper edge of the field of view F (the edge on the positive side of the third direction Z) may be parallel to the first side 212 of the transparent portion 210. Also, when viewed from the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X), the lower edge of the field of view F (the edge on the negative side of the third direction Z) may be parallel to the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210.

[0023] The transparent portion 210 is a transparent cover with both its front surface (the positive side in the first direction X) and its rear surface (the negative side in the first direction X) being flat and parallel. The transparent portion 210 is attached to the housing 200 by double-sided tape provided along at least a portion of the first side 212, second side 214, third side 216, and fourth side 218 of the rear surface (the negative side in the first direction X). The transparent portion 210 may also have a curved lens on at least one of its front surface (the positive side in the first direction X) and its rear surface (the negative side in the first direction X).

[0024] The housing 200 has a frame 220. The frame 220 surrounds the transparent portion 210. The portion of the frame 220 that extends along the first side 212 of the transparent portion 210 (the upper side of the frame 220 (the positive side of the third direction Z)) protrudes forward of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X) more than the portion of the frame 220 that extends along the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210 (the lower side of the frame 220 (the negative side of the third direction Z)). Specifically, the portion of the frame 220 from the positive side (upper side) of the third direction Z to the center of the third direction Z is inclined diagonally with respect to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200 toward the rear of the sensor device 10 (the negative direction of the first direction X) as it moves toward the bottom of the sensor device 10 (the negative direction of the third direction Z). Furthermore, the portion of the frame 220 on the negative side (lower side) of the third direction Z is parallel to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200. In this case, the portion of the frame 220 from the center of the third direction Z to the negative side (lower side) of the third direction Z can be made smaller than the portion in this embodiment which protrudes further forward (positive direction of the first direction X) of the sensor device 10. However, the shape of the frame 220 is not limited to the shape in this embodiment. For example, the entire frame 220, that is, the portion of the frame 220 from the positive side (upper side) of the third direction Z to the negative side (lower side) of the third direction Z, may be tilted diagonally with respect to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200 toward the rear of the sensor device 10 (negative direction of the first direction X) as it moves toward the lower side (negative direction of the third direction Z) of the sensor device 10. Alternatively, the frame 220 does not have to be tilted diagonally with respect to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200, and may be parallel to the height direction (third direction Z) of the housing 200.

[0025] The sensor device 10 will be further explained using Figure 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the transparent portion 210 has a pentagonal shape with rounded corners. The first side 212 is the top side of this pentagon. The second side 214 is the bottom side of this pentagon. The third side 216 is the left side of this pentagon. The fourth side 218 is the right side (the remaining two sides) of this pentagon. The first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210 are parallel to the second direction Y. The first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210 do not have to be strictly parallel, but may be substantially parallel. For example, at least one of the first side 212 and the second side 214 of the transparent portion 210 may be inclined by 0 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less with respect to the second direction Y. However, the shape of the transparent portion 210 is not limited to the shape in this embodiment.

[0027] The first side 212 can be, for example, a side that is inclined at least a portion of the positive or negative direction of the second direction Y to the positive or negative direction of the fifth direction V at an angle of 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees. Also, the first side 212 does not have to extend in a straight line, and at least a portion of the first side 212 may be curved. In this embodiment, the first side 212 is parallel to the second direction Y. However, the shape of the first side 212 is not limited to the shape of the first side 212 according to this embodiment. For example, the first side 212 may be inclined towards the negative direction of the fifth direction V as it moves from the center of the first side 212 in the second direction Y toward both sides of the second direction Y. That is, at least a portion of the first side 212 may be substantially parallel to the upper edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the edge on the positive side of the fifth direction V). For example, the first side 212 may be inclined at, for example, 0 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less with respect to the upper edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F.

[0028] The second side 214 can be, for example, a side that is inclined at least a portion of the positive or negative direction of the second direction Y toward the positive or negative direction of the fifth direction V at an angle of 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees. Also, the second side 214 does not have to extend in a straight line, and at least a portion of the second side 214 may be curved. In this embodiment, the second side 214 is parallel to the second direction Y. However, the shape of the second side 214 is not limited to the shape of the second side 214 according to this embodiment. For example, the second side 214 may be inclined toward the negative direction of the fifth direction V as it moves from the center of the second side 214 toward both sides of the second direction Y. That is, at least a portion of the second side 214 may be substantially parallel to the lower edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the edge on the negative side of the fifth direction V). For example, the second side 214 may be inclined at, for example, 0 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less with respect to the lower edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F.

[0029] The third side 216 can be, for example, a side that is inclined at least a portion of the way from the positive or negative direction of the fifth direction V to the positive or negative direction of the second direction Y at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees. Also, the third side 216 does not have to extend in a straight line, and at least a portion of the third side 216 may be curved. In this embodiment, the third side 216 is parallel to the fifth direction V. However, the shape of the third side 216 is not limited to the shape of the embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the third side 216 (for example, the portion from the center of the fifth direction V to the negative side of the fifth direction V) may be inclined towards the positive direction of the second direction Y as it moves toward the negative direction of the fifth direction V. That is, at least a portion of the third side 216 may be substantially parallel to the left edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the edge on the negative side of the second direction Y). For example, the third side 216 may be inclined at, for example, 0 to 5 degrees with respect to the left edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F.

[0030] The fourth side 218 can be, for example, a side that is inclined at least a portion of the positive or negative direction of the fifth direction V to the positive or negative direction of the second direction Y at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees. Also, the fourth side 218 does not have to extend in a straight line, and at least a portion of the fourth side 218 may be curved. In this embodiment, the portion of the fourth side 218 on the positive side of the fifth direction V is parallel to the fifth direction V. Also, the portion of the fourth side 218 from the central part of the fifth direction V to the negative side of the fifth direction V is inclined towards the negative direction of the second direction Y as it moves towards the negative direction of the fifth direction V. Therefore, at least a portion of the fourth side 218 (the portion from the center of the fifth direction V to the negative side of the fifth direction V) is substantially parallel to the right edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the edge on the positive side of the second direction Y). For example, the fourth side 218 may be inclined at, for example, 0 to 5 degrees with respect to the right edge of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F. However, the shape of the fourth side 218 is not limited to the shape according to this embodiment. For example, the entire fourth side 218 may be parallel to the fifth direction V.

[0031] The width W1 of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y on the first side 212 can be defined, for example, as the distance in the second direction Y between the portion between the first side 212 and the third side 216 (the rounded corner between the first side 212 and the third side 216 in Figure 3) and the portion between the first side 212 and the fourth side 218 (the rounded corner between the first side 212 and the fourth side 218 in Figure 3). However, the method of defining the width W1 of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y on the first side 212 is not limited to this example.

[0032] The width W2 of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y on the second side 214 can be defined, for example, as the distance in the second direction Y between the portion between the second side 214 and the third side 216 (the rounded corner between the second side 214 and the third side 216 in Figure 3) and the portion between the second side 214 and the fourth side 218 (the rounded corner between the second side 214 and the fourth side 218 in Figure 3). However, the method of defining the width W2 of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y on the second side 214 is not limited to this example.

[0033] From the viewpoint of ensuring that the entire intersection portion CP of the field of view F intersects with the transparent portion 210 even if the actual positions of the transparent portion 210 and the field of view F deviate from their designed positions due to tolerances, for example, the distance G1 in the fifth direction V between the end of the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V and the end of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F in the fifth direction V on the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) can be, for example, 10% or more of the length of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V. From a similar viewpoint, the distance G2 in the fifth direction V between the end of the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V) of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V and the end of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F in the fifth direction V on the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V) can be, for example, 20% or more of the length of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of shortening the length of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V, the distance G1 in the fifth direction V between the end of the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) of the transparent portion 210 and the end of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F in the fifth direction V on the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) can be reduced to, for example, 20% or less of the length of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V. Similarly, the distance G2 in the fifth direction V between the end of the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V) of the transparent portion 210 and the end of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F in the fifth direction V on the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V) can be reduced to, for example, 30% or less of the length of the transparent portion 210 in the fifth direction V.

[0034] From the viewpoint of ensuring that the entire intersection portion CP of the field of view F intersects with the transparent portion 210 even if the actual positions of the transparent portion 210 and the field of view F deviate from their designed positions due to tolerances, for example, the width W1 in the second direction Y on the first side 212 of the transparent portion 210 (the positive side of the fifth direction V) can be, for example, 110% or more of the width W3 in the second direction Y on the first side 212 of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the positive side of the fifth direction V). Similarly, from the viewpoint of ensuring that the entire intersection portion CP of the field of view F (the negative side of the fifth direction V) intersects with the transparent portion 210 even if the actual positions of the transparent portion 210 and the field of view F deviate from their designed positions due to tolerances, for example, the tolerance of the tolerance of the transparency portion 210 and the field of view F intersects with the transparency portion 210. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of shortening the length of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y, the width W1 of the transparent portion 210 on the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) in the second direction Y can be made, for example, 120% or less of the width W3 of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F on the first side 212 (positive side of the fifth direction V) in the second direction Y. Similarly, from the viewpoint of shortening the length of the transparent portion 210 in the second direction Y on the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V) of the transparent portion 210 can be made, for example, 120% or less of the width W4 of the intersection portion CP of the field of view F on the second side 214 (negative side of the fifth direction V).

[0035] Figure 4 will be used to explain the details of the sensor device 10.

[0036] The optical device 100 comprises a transmitter 110, a movable reflector 120, a receiver 130, and a beam splitter 140. In Figure 4, 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.

[0037] In Figure 4, 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.

[0038] 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)).

[0039] 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.

[0040] Electromagnetic waves reflected by the movable reflector 120 pass through the transmission unit 210 and are emitted outwards from the sensor device 10. The electromagnetic waves emitted outwards from the sensor device 10 are incident on an object (not shown in Figure 4) located outside the sensor device 10, and are reflected or scattered by the object. The electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered by the object pass through the transmission unit 210 and are 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 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 (for example, an avalanche photodiode (APD)) capable of converting electromagnetic waves into electrical energy (for example, electric current).

[0041] 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).

[0042] Viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the field of view F widens towards the front of the sensor device 10 (the positive direction of the first direction X). Specifically, the movable reflector 120 is pivotable around the axis 122, which 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 4). When viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the movable reflector 120 swings clockwise by the maximum oscillation 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 4). When viewed from the positive direction of the third direction Z, the oscillation 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] The embodiments described above with reference to the drawings are examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0046] 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. Examples of reference formats are provided below. 1. An optical device having a field of view that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position, A housing having a transparent portion that intersects with the field of view and housing the optical device, Equipped with, The transparent portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side. The width of the second side of the transparent portion is narrower than the width of the first side of the transparent portion. A sensor device wherein the second side of the transparent portion is located closer to the predetermined position in one direction than the first side of the transparent portion. 2. In the sensing device described in 1., A sensor device in which, in the height direction of the housing, the first side of the transparent portion is located above the second side of the transparent portion. 3. In the sensor device described in 1. or 2., The housing has a frame surrounding the transparent portion, A sensor device wherein the portion of the frame extending along the first side of the transparent portion protrudes in the same direction more than the portion of the frame extending along the second side of the transparent portion. 4. In any of the sensor devices described in 1. to 3., The optical device is a sensor device having a movable reflective part located at the predetermined position. 5. A housing for an optical device having a field of view that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position, It comprises a transparent portion that intersects with the aforementioned field of view, The transparent portion has a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side. The width of the second side of the transparent portion is narrower than the width of the first side of the transparent portion. A housing in which the second side of the transparent portion is located closer to the predetermined position in one direction than the first side of the transparent portion.

[0047] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-227006, filed on 17 December 2019, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 10 Sensor device 100 Optical equipment 110 Transmitter 120 Movable reflector 122 axis 130 Receiver 140 Beam Splitter 200 cabinets 210 Transparent part 212 First side 214 Second side 216 Third side 218 Fourth side 220 slots CP intersection F field of view U 4th direction V 5th direction X 1st direction Y Second direction Z 3rd direction

Claims

1. A sensor device, An optical device having a field of view that expands as it moves in one direction from a predetermined position, A housing for the optical device, A transparent portion attached to the housing and intersecting the entire field of view, Equipped with, The transparent portion includes a first side and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side. The width of the second side of the transparent portion is narrower than the width of the first side of the transparent portion. The second side of the transparent portion is located closer to the predetermined position in one direction than the first side of the transparent portion. The optical device comprises a transmitting unit that transmits electromagnetic waves, a beam splitter, and a swingable movable reflecting unit. The electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitting unit pass through the beam splitter, are reflected by the movable reflecting unit without passing through a lens, and then pass through the transmitting unit and are emitted to the outside of the sensor device. Sensor device.

2. In the detection device according to claim 1, The sensor device is a lens in which the transparent portion is curved, at least one of the front surface of the transparent portion and the rear surface of the transparent portion.

3. In the detection device according to claim 1, A sensor device in which at least one of the front surface of the transparent portion and the rear surface of the transparent portion is curved.

4. In the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The sensor device wherein the movable reflective portion is pivotable around an axis extending along a third direction perpendicular to the one direction, and around an axis extending along a direction perpendicular to both the one direction and the third direction.

5. In the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A sensor device in which, in the height direction of the housing, the first side of the transparent portion is located below the second side of the transparent portion.

6. In the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The angle of the first edge of the intersection of the field of view and the transparent portion with respect to at least a portion of the first side is 0 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less. A sensor device in which the angle of the second edge of the intersection with respect to at least a portion of the second side, the second edge located on the opposite side of the first edge of the intersection, is 0 degrees or more and 5 degrees or less.

7. In the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first distance is 20% or less of the length of the transparent portion in the fifth direction. The second distance is 30% or less of the length of the transparent portion in the fifth direction. The first distance is the distance in the fifth direction between the positive end of the transmission portion in the fifth direction and the positive end of the intersection portion of the field of view and the transmission portion in the fifth direction. The second distance is the distance in the fifth direction between the negative end of the transparent portion in the fifth direction and the negative end of the intersecting portion in the fifth direction. The negative direction of the fifth direction is the direction from the first side to the second side of the transparent portion. Sensor device.

8. In the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned transparent portion and the aforementioned movable reflective portion are aligned in the aforementioned one direction. The movable reflector and the beam splitter are located in a plane parallel to both the first direction and the second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction of the sensor device. Sensor device.

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