Vehicle cleaner system and vehicle equipped with vehicle cleaner system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle cleaner which may effectively remove foreign objects adhering to multiple cleaning objects with a simple structure, and to provide a vehicle including the vehicle cleaner.SOLUTION: A vehicle cleaner system 1 for cleaning cleaning objects includes: a tank 11 which houses a cleaning fluid; a pump 12 which pumps the cleaning fluid in the tank 11; a high pressure air generation unit 2 which generates high pressure air; and nozzles 3 which jet the cleaning fluid and the high pressure air to a cleaned surface of a cleaning object 100. Each nozzle 3 has a first ejection port for jetting the cleaning fluid to the cleaned surface and a second ejection port for jetting the high pressure air to the cleaned surface, which are independent of each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle cleaner system for cleaning an object to be cleaned, and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner system.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a vehicle cleaner for cleaning an object to be cleaned, and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, the number of vehicles equipped with on-board cameras that capture images of the vehicle's surroundings has been increasing. The lens of an on-board camera, which is the imaging surface, may become dirty with rain, mud, etc. For this reason, a device for removing foreign matter such as water droplets adhering to the lens by spraying cleaning fluid, compressed air, etc. onto the lens of the on-board camera has been conventionally known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which a compressed air generating unit is installed near an on-board camera and compressed air from the compressed air generating unit is ejected from a nozzle to blow high-pressure air onto the windshield of the on-board camera, thereby removing water droplets that have adhered to the windshield (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-171491 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a configuration such as that of Patent Document 1, there are cases where simply blowing high-pressure air is insufficient to remove foreign matter (particularly mud and the like) adhering to the front glass.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle cleaner system capable of effectively removing foreign matter adhering to an object to be cleaned with a simple configuration, and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner system.

[0008] Furthermore, the configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only remove foreign matter adhering to a single object to be cleaned (for example, the front glass of a single vehicle-mounted camera).

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle cleaner that is simply configured and that is capable of effectively removing foreign matter adhering to a plurality of objects to be cleaned, and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention comprises: A vehicle cleaner system for cleaning an object to be cleaned, comprising: A tank for containing a cleaning liquid; A pump for pumping the cleaning liquid in the tank; A high-pressure air generating unit that generates high-pressure air; a first outlet for injecting the cleaning liquid toward a surface to be cleaned of the object to be cleaned; a second outlet for injecting the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface; a control unit that controls the injection of the cleaning liquid and the injection of the high-pressure air; Equipped with The control unit performs control so as to start spraying the high-pressure air from the second outlet after starting spraying the cleaning liquid from the first outlet.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, foreign matter adhering to the object to be cleaned can be effectively removed with a simple configuration.

[0012] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The control unit may start spraying the high-pressure air from the second outlet a predetermined time after spraying of the cleaning liquid from the first outlet is completed.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the fluid ejected from the first outlet from flowing into the second outlet for high-pressure air.

[0014] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The object to be cleaned includes at least one of a vehicle lamp and an in-vehicle sensor mounted on a vehicle, The tank and the pump may also be used as a windshield washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the cleaning fluid used in the windshield washer can also be used to clean vehicle lighting fixtures and in-vehicle sensors.

[0016] The vehicle cleaner system of the present invention further comprises: The present invention further includes a windshield washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle, the window washer has a third outlet for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the window, The control unit may be capable of switching between a mode in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from both the first outlet and the third outlet, and a mode in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from only one of the first outlet or the third outlet.

[0017] According to the above configuration, by switching the mode according to the situation, it is possible to suppress the shortening of the pump's lifespan and the consumption of cleaning liquid.

[0018] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The first exit and the second exit may be configured as a single exit.

[0019] According to the above configuration, by using a common outlet for the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air, the nozzle in which the outlet is formed can be made smaller.

[0020] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, the first exit port and the second exit port are each formed as an independent, separate exit port; The first outlet may be formed at a position farther away from the cleaning surface than the second outlet.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to further prevent the fluid ejected from the first outlet from flowing into the second outlet for high-pressure air.

[0022] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention comprises: A vehicle cleaner system for cleaning an object to be cleaned, comprising: A tank for containing a cleaning liquid; A pump for pumping the cleaning liquid in the tank; A high-pressure air generating unit that generates high-pressure air; a first outlet for injecting the cleaning liquid toward a surface to be cleaned of the object to be cleaned; a second outlet for injecting the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface; a control unit that controls the injection of the cleaning liquid and the injection of the high-pressure air; Equipped with The control unit is capable of switching between a first operating mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned, and a second operating mode in which only the high-pressure air is sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle cleaner system that is simply configured and capable of effectively removing foreign matter adhering to an object to be cleaned.

[0024] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The control unit may switch between the first operation mode and the second operation mode depending on the type of the object to be cleaned.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to clean the object by a method appropriate for the type of object to be cleaned.

[0026] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The object to be cleaned includes at least one of a vehicle lamp and an in-vehicle sensor mounted on a vehicle, The tank and the pump may also be used for a windshield washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the cleaning fluid used in the windshield washer can also be used to clean vehicle lighting fixtures and in-vehicle sensors.

[0028] The vehicle cleaner system of the present invention further comprises: When the window washer is operated, the control unit may determine whether an operation switch of the vehicle cleaner system is turned on or not, and execute the first operation mode when it is determined that the operation switch is turned on.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air can be sprayed onto the object to be cleaned in response to the driver of the vehicle turning on and off the operating switch.

[0030] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The object to be cleaned includes a plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras, The control unit may execute the first operation mode for one of the multiple vehicle-mounted cameras, and execute the second operation mode for the other cameras.

[0031] According to the above configuration, by executing different operation modes for vehicle-mounted cameras having different uses, wear on the pump and consumption of cleaning fluid can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The first exit and the second exit may be configured as a single exit.

[0033] According to the above configuration, by using a common outlet for the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air, the nozzle in which the outlet is formed can be made smaller.

[0034] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, the first exit port and the second exit port are each formed as an independent, separate exit port; The first outlet may be formed at a position farther away from the cleaning surface than the second outlet.

[0035] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent fluid from being mixed in when the high-pressure air is ejected.

[0036] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention comprises: A vehicle cleaner system for cleaning an object to be cleaned, comprising: A tank for containing a cleaning liquid; A pump for pumping the cleaning liquid in the tank; A high-pressure air generating unit that generates high-pressure air; a nozzle for spraying the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward a surface to be cleaned of the object to be cleaned; Equipped with The nozzle has a first outlet for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the surface to be cleaned and a second outlet for spraying the high-pressure air toward the surface to be cleaned, which are independent of each other.

[0037] According to the above configuration, high pressure air and cleaning liquid are sprayed independently of each other onto the same object to be cleaned, thereby making it possible to effectively remove foreign matter adhering to the object to be cleaned.

[0038] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The first outlet may be formed at a position farther away from the cleaning surface than the second outlet.

[0039] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from being mixed in when the high-pressure air is sprayed.

[0040] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The first exit port and the second exit port may be arranged in parallel on the same side of the cleaning surface.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the size of the nozzle can be reduced.

[0042] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The second outlet may be disposed at a position opposite to a center of the cleaning surface.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the second outlet for high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to the surrounding environment than the first outlet for the cleaning liquid, is positioned opposite the center of the surface to be cleaned, thereby enabling the high-pressure air to be appropriately sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0044] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, A step may be formed between the first light exit port and the second light exit port.

[0045] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid sprayed from the first outlet from being caught in the second outlet for high-pressure air.

[0046] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, An exit angle of the first exit may be wider than an exit angle of the second exit.

[0047] According to the above configuration, it is possible to widen the spray area of ​​the cleaning liquid from the first outlet which is disposed farther away from the cleaning surface than the second outlet.

[0048] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The first outlet may be positioned so as to spray the cleaning liquid in a direction different from a direction in which the high-pressure air is sprayed from the second outlet.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the jets of high-pressure air and the jets of cleaning liquid do not interfere with each other.

[0050] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, The object to be cleaned includes at least one of a vehicle lamp and an in-vehicle sensor mounted on a vehicle, the second outlet is disposed at a position where the high-pressure air is sprayed onto the cleaning surface from either one of the upper and lower directions of the vehicle, The first outlet may be positioned at a position where the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned from either the left or right direction of the vehicle.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to the influence of the outside air environment than the cleaning liquid, can be appropriately sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0052] In addition, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention includes: The vehicle cleaner system has any one of the above configurations.

[0053] According to the above-mentioned configuration, foreign matter adhering to the object to be cleaned can be effectively removed with a simple configuration.

[0054] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle cleaner of the present invention comprises: A vehicle cleaner for cleaning an object to be cleaned, comprising: A generating unit that generates high-pressure air; a nozzle for spraying the high-pressure air toward a surface to be cleaned of the object to be cleaned; Equipped with The generation unit is A cylinder into which air flows; a piston that is movably supported in the cylinder and sends the high-pressure air toward the nozzle; A biasing spring that biases the piston; a moving mechanism that applies a moving force to the piston to move it to a predetermined position; A single drive unit that drives the moving mechanism, The single drive unit is provided with a plurality of pistons movable by the movement mechanism and a plurality of cylinders corresponding to the respective pistons.

[0055] According to the above configuration, a vehicle cleaner can be provided that is simply configured and capable of effectively removing foreign matter adhering to a plurality of objects to be cleaned.

[0056] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, The moving mechanism includes: a single worm rotated by the single drive; a plurality of worm wheels meshed with the single worm and rotated with the rotation of the single worm; Each worm wheel has a pinion having a plurality of gear teeth protruding from an outer periphery thereof, A rack having rack teeth that mesh with the plurality of gear teeth may be connected to each piston.

[0057] According to the above configuration, a multiple cylinder generating section can be formed with a simple configuration.

[0058] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, a first cylinder and a second cylinder are provided for the single drive unit, The first cylinder may be disposed symmetrically to the second cylinder with respect to a drive shaft of the drive unit.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the generating section can be made thinner, and vibrations generated in each cylinder can be cancelled out by each other.

[0060] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, The drive unit may be disposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the generation unit can be further miniaturized.

[0062] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, the first cylinder and the second cylinder each include an outlet for sending the high-pressure air to the nozzle side, The outlet of the first cylinder may be formed to face in a direction opposite to the outlet of the second cylinder.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the vibrations occurring when high-pressure air is injected can be further cancelled out.

[0064] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, a first cylinder and a second cylinder are provided for the single drive unit, A phase of the piston in the first cylinder may be different from a phase of the piston in the second cylinder.

[0065] According to the above configuration, high-pressure air can be sprayed at different times against a plurality of objects to be cleaned.

[0066] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, a first cylinder and a second cylinder are provided for the single drive unit, The moving mechanism includes: a single worm rotated by the single drive; a single worm wheel that is meshed with the single worm and rotated with the rotation of the single worm; The worm wheel has a pinion having a plurality of gear teeth protruding from an outer periphery thereof, a rack having rack teeth meshing with the plurality of gear teeth is connected to the piston of the first cylinder and the piston of the second cylinder, The first cylinder may be disposed adjacent to the second cylinder.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the generation unit can be made smaller in the width direction.

[0068] In addition, in the vehicle cleaner of the present invention, the cylinder has a second engagement portion on an outer surface facing a first engagement portion formed on a housing of the generation unit, The cylinder may be attachable to the housing by engaging the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with each other.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the cylinder can be easily attached to the housing of the generation unit.

[0070] In addition, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner of the present invention is The vehicle cleaner has any one of the above configurations.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the above-described configuration, foreign matter adhering to a plurality of objects to be cleaned can be effectively removed with a simple configuration. Effect of the Invention

[0072] According to the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove foreign matter adhering to an object to be cleaned with a simple configuration. Also, according to a vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner system of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove foreign matter adhering to an object to be cleaned with a simple configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle cleaner of the present invention can effectively remove foreign matter adhering to a plurality of objects to be cleaned with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle cleaner of the present invention can effectively remove foreign matter adhering to a plurality of objects to be cleaned with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view showing a high-pressure air generating unit, a nozzle, etc. of the vehicle cleaner system. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle cleaner system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a left side view of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the high-pressure air generating unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the generator main body of the high-pressure air generator. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the generating main body shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a nozzle attached to an on-board camera. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle attached to an on-board camera. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle attached to an on-board camera. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle cleaner system; [Figure 14] 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the vehicle cleaner system. [Figure 15] 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the vehicle cleaner system. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the generating main body. [Figure 17A] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a second modified example of the generating main body. [Figure 17B] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the generating main body. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Hereinafter, an example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle cleaner system of the present invention is applied as a system that uses cleaning fluid and high-pressure air to clean foreign matter such as water droplets, mud, dust, etc. that adheres to vehicle lighting fixtures, on-board sensors, or vehicle windows (examples of objects to be cleaned) mounted on a vehicle.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle cleaner system 1 can be used to clean foreign matter adhering to an in-vehicle camera 100 (one example of an in-vehicle sensor) mounted on the rear of a vehicle V and a rear window 200 of the vehicle V, for example.

[0077] The vehicle cleaner system 1 includes a window washer device 10 for spraying cleaning liquid toward a rear window 200 of a vehicle V. The window washer device 10 includes a tank 11 for storing cleaning liquid, a motor pump 12 (an example of a pump) for pumping the cleaning liquid stored in the tank 11, and a nozzle 13 for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the rear window 200. The nozzle 13 is provided with an outlet 14 (an example of a third outlet) that opens toward the rear window 200. The tank 11 and the motor pump 12 are disposed, for example, in the bonnet of the vehicle V. The nozzle 13 is connected to the motor pump 12 via a connecting hose 15. The tank 11 and the motor pump 12 may be disposed on the rear side of the vehicle V. The window washer device 10 can also function as a device for washing the front window of the vehicle V.

[0078] The window washer device 10 is controlled by a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 40. For example, when a rear washer button (not shown) for washing the rear window 200 is pressed by the driver, the vehicle ECU 40 controls the washer fluid in the tank 11 to be sprayed from the outlet 14 toward the rear window 200. In addition, the vehicle ECU 40 controls the rear wiper 201 to operate a predetermined number of times after the washer fluid is sprayed.

[0079] The vehicle cleaner system 1 also includes a high-pressure air generating unit 2 that generates high-pressure air, a nozzle 3 that sprays cleaning liquid and high-pressure air toward the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and a control unit 4 that controls the spray from the nozzle 3.

[0080] The high-pressure air generating unit 2 is attached to a mounting member 310 to which a license plate lamp 301 that irradiates light onto a license plate 300 is attached, for example. The nozzle 3 is formed integrally with a housing of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and is attached to the mounting member 310 together with the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The mounting member 310 is attached to, for example, an outer panel 210 at the rear of the vehicle. The mounting member 310 attached to the outer panel 210 is covered from above by a garnish 320. The control unit 4 is disposed, for example, in the outer panel 210, and is connected to a vehicle ECU 40 that controls the window washer device 10. The control unit 4 is also connected to the high-pressure air generating unit 2. The control unit 4 may be configured to be integrated by having the vehicle ECU 40 perform the processing of the control unit 4.

[0081] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 attached to the mounting member 310 includes, for example, an inner mirror camera 100A and a rear camera 100B. The inner mirror camera 100A is a camera for capturing images of the rear situation (images) that can be confirmed in the inner mirror (rear mirror) and operates at least while the engine of the vehicle V is on. The rear camera 100B is a camera for capturing images of the rear vicinity of the vehicle V and operates, for example, when the gear of the vehicle V is switched to reverse. The images captured by the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B are displayed, for example, on a monitor (not shown) provided inside the vehicle.

[0082] The nozzle 3A attached to the inner mirror camera 100A is connected to the motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 via a connecting hose 15, and is also connected to the high-pressure air generating unit 2 via a connecting hose 29A. The nozzle 3B attached to the rear camera 100B is connected to the motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 via a connecting hose 15, and is also connected to the high-pressure air generating unit 2 via a connecting hose 29B. The tank 11 and motor pump 12 for the window washer device 10 are used both as a tank and a motor pump for spraying cleaning fluid for cleaning the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B.

[0083] 4, the inner mirror camera 100A is attached so as to face substantially directly behind the vehicle V. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the rear camera 100B is attached so as to face diagonally downward behind the vehicle V.

[0084] 6 and 7, the high-pressure air generating section 2 includes a housing 21, a generating main body section 22 housed in the housing 21, and a control unit (control board) 23 that controls the operation of the generating main body section 22. The generating main body section 22 is attached to the housing 21 via a damper 24.

[0085] 8 and 9, the generating main body 22 includes a plurality of (two in this example) cylinders 50A, 50B, and pistons 60A, 60B movably supported in the respective cylinders. The generating main body 22 also includes a moving mechanism 70 that applies a moving force to the pistons 60A, 60B to move them to a predetermined position, and a single drive unit 80 that drives the moving mechanism 70.

[0086] The cylinders 50A and 50B are disposed at positions symmetrical to the left and right with respect to the drive shaft 81 of the drive unit 80. In this example, the drive unit 80 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the cylinders 50A and 50B.

[0087] The cylinder 50A has an outlet 51A for sending out high-pressure air toward the nozzle 3A for the inner mirror camera 100A. The cylinder 50B has an outlet 51B for sending out high-pressure air toward the nozzle 3B for the rearview camera 100B. The outlet 51A of the cylinder 50A is formed to face in the opposite direction to the outlet 51B of the cylinder 50B (in this example, the outlet 51A faces left and the outlet 51B faces right). A connecting hose 29A leading to the nozzle 3A is connected to the outlet 51A. A connecting hose 29B leading to the nozzle 3B is connected to the outlet 51B.

[0088] In the generating main body 22, the cylinders 50A, 50B are configured to be detachable. A recess 91 (an example of a first engagement portion) is formed in a housing 90 of the generating main body 22. Protrusions 52A, 52B (an example of a second engagement portion) protruding upward are formed on the outer surfaces of the cylinders 50A, 50B. The protrusions 52A, 52B of the cylinders 50A, 50B are engaged with the recess 91 of the housing 90, whereby the cylinders 50A, 50B are attached to the housing 90.

[0089] The pistons 60A, 60B are supported so as to reciprocate in the front-rear direction relative to the cylinders 50A, 50B. The biasing springs 61A, 61B are supported in front of the pistons 60A, 60B inside the cylinders 50A, 50B. The biasing springs 61A, 61B are, for example, made of compression coils, and bias the pistons 60A, 60B backward. When the pistons 60A, 60B are moved backward by the bias of the biasing springs 61A, 61B, the high-pressure air compressed in the cylinders 50A, 50B is sent out from the outlets 51A, 51B. On the other hand, when the pistons 60A, 60B are moved forward against the bias of the biasing springs 61A, 61B, air (outside air) flows into the cylinders 50A, 50B through the air inlet grooves (not shown).

[0090] Racks 62A, 62B extending in the front-rear direction are connected to the front ends of the pistons 60A, 60B. The racks 62A, 62B extend in a state protruding outside the cylinders 50A, 50B, and reciprocate in the front-rear direction together with the pistons 60A, 60B. The racks 62A, 62B are provided with rack teeth 63A, 63B. The rack teeth 63A of the rack 62A are provided so as to protrude in the direction of the rack 62B (to the right), and the rack teeth 63B of the rack 62B are provided so as to protrude in the direction of the rack 62A (to the left).

[0091] The moving mechanism 70 includes a single worm 71 that is rotated by a drive unit 80, and a plurality of (two in this example) worm wheels 72A, 72B that are engaged with the worm 71 and rotated as the worm 71 rotates.

[0092] The worm 71 is fixed to a drive shaft 81 that extends forward in the drive portion 80, and is rotated as the drive shaft 81 rotates. The worm wheels 72A and 72B have their centers supported via bearings on support shaft portions 92A and 92B of the housing 90. The worm wheels 72A and 72B are disposed symmetrically with respect to the worm 71.

[0093] Each worm wheel 72A, 72B is composed of a driven gear (helical gear) 73A, 73B and a pinion 74A, 74B provided so as to protrude laterally from the center of the driven gear 73A, 73B. The driven gear 73A, 73B is meshed with the worm 71 and rotated with the rotation of the worm 71. The pinions 74A, 74B are coaxial with the driven gears 73A, 73B and rotate together with the driven gears 73A, 73B. The driven gear 73A and the pinion 74A are rotated clockwise in Figs. 8 and 9, and the driven gear 73B and the pinion 74B are rotated counterclockwise, which is the opposite direction.

[0094] A plurality of (two in this example) gear teeth 75A, 75B projecting radially are formed on the outer periphery of the pinions 74A, 74B. The gear teeth 75A of the pinion 74A are capable of meshing with the rack teeth 63A of the rack 62A, and the gear teeth 75B of the pinion 74B are capable of meshing with the rack teeth 63B of the rack 62B. The position where the gear teeth 75A of the pinion 74A are formed in the outer periphery direction of the pinion 74A and the position where the gear teeth 75B of the pinion 74B are formed in the outer periphery direction of the pinion 74B may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the worm 71. For example, in the case of asymmetry, the phase of the piston 60A reciprocating in the front-rear direction differs from the phase of the piston 60B.

[0095] When the driving unit 80 is driven under a predetermined condition in the generating body 22 configured in this manner, the worm 71 is rotated, and the driven gears 73A, 73B of the worm wheels 72A, 72B meshed with the worm 71 are rotated in the opposite direction. When the driven gears 73A, 73B are rotated, the pinions 74A, 74B formed integrally with the driven gears 73A, 73B are rotated, and the gear teeth 75A, 75B of the pinions 74A, 74B mesh with the rack teeth 63A, 63B of the racks 62A, 62B, respectively. When the pinions 74A, 74B are further rotated, the racks 62A, 62B are moved in the opposite direction (forward) to the high-pressure air delivery direction (rearward) against the biasing force of the biasing springs 61A, 61B due to meshing with the gear teeth 75A, 75B. As a result, the pistons 60A, 60B connected to the racks 62A, 62B are positioned forward, and air flows into the cylinders 50A, 50B. When the pinions 74A, 74B are further rotated, the meshing between the rack teeth 63A, 63B and the gear teeth 75A, 75B is released, and the pistons 60A, 60B are moved in the discharge direction (rearward) by the biasing force of the biasing springs 61A, 61B. This movement of the pistons 60A, 60B causes the air in the cylinders 50A, 50B to become high-pressure air and be discharged from the respective outlets 51A, 51B toward the nozzles 3A, 3B.

[0096] 10 to 12, the nozzle 3A attached to the inner mirror camera 100A has a cleaning liquid outlet 31A (an example of a first outlet) that sprays cleaning liquid toward the lens 101A (an example of a surface to be cleaned) of the inner mirror camera 100A, and a high-pressure air outlet 32A (an example of a second outlet) that sprays high-pressure air toward the lens 101A. Note that the nozzle 3B attached to the rear camera 100B has a similar configuration to the nozzle 3A, so the reference numerals of the corresponding parts are represented by replacing the alphabet "A" with "B", and only the differences between the nozzle 3B and the nozzle 3A will be described.

[0097] The cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A are formed as separate, independent outlets in a single nozzle 3A. The cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction on the same side (the upper side in this example) of the inner mirror camera 100A. The high-pressure air outlet 32A is arranged at a position facing the center of the lens 101A. The cleaning liquid outlet 31A is arranged at a position shifted from the center of the lens 101A (a position shifted to the right in this example). That is, the cleaning liquid outlet 31A is formed at a position farther away from the lens 101A than the high-pressure air outlet 32A. In addition, a step 33 that is a step in the up-down direction is formed between the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A.

[0098] The cleaning liquid outlet 31A is connected to a pipe 34A through which the cleaning liquid passes. The high-pressure air outlet 32A is connected to a pipe 35A through which the high-pressure air passes. The pipes 34A and 35A are disposed so as to extend in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the rear-mirror camera 100A.

[0099] The pipes 34A and 35A are formed so as to be narrowed so that the diameter becomes smaller on the rear end side. The diameter of the rear end opening 36A of the pipe 34A is formed smaller than the diameter of the rear end opening 37A of the pipe 35A (see FIG. 12). The rear end opening 36A and the cleaning liquid outlet 31A are communicated by an outlet path 38A, and the rear end opening 37A and the high pressure air outlet 32A are communicated by an outlet path 39A. The outlet paths 38A and the outlet path 39A are formed so as to be wider as they approach the outlets 31A and 32A, respectively. The outlet angle θ1 of the outlet path 38A is formed wider than the outlet angle θ2 of the outlet path 39A. The outlet path 38A is formed diagonally downward to the right toward the center point of the lens 101A. The outlet path 39A is formed directly downward toward the center point of the lens 101A.

[0100] A connecting hose 15 leading to the motor pump 12 of the windshield washer device 10 is connected to the front end of the pipe 34A. A connecting hose 29A leading to the cylinder 50A is connected to the front end of the pipe 35A. The connecting hose 15 leading to the motor pump 12 of the windshield washer device 10 is connected to the front end of the pipe 34B in the nozzle 3B of the backup camera 100B, and a connecting hose 29B leading to the cylinder 50B is connected to the front end of the pipe 35B.

[0101] In this example, the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction on the upper surface side of the inner mirror camera 100A, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A may be arranged on different sides of the inner mirror camera 100A. In this case, it is preferable that the high-pressure air outlet 32A is arranged at a position where the high-pressure air is sprayed from either the top or bottom direction to the lens 101A, and the cleaning liquid outlet 31A is arranged at a position where the cleaning liquid is sprayed from either the left or right direction to the lens 101A. For example, in a configuration in which the on-board camera is mounted at the front of the vehicle, it is preferable that the high-pressure air outlet is arranged below the lens in consideration of wind pressure from the front.

[0102] The control unit 4 and the vehicle ECU 40 can switch between, for example, an operation mode in which cleaning liquid and high-pressure air are sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned to clean the surface, and an operation mode in which only high-pressure air is sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned to clean the surface. In this case, the control unit 4 and the vehicle ECU 40 can switch between the above two operation modes depending on, for example, the type of object to be cleaned. In addition, in the operation mode in which cleaning liquid and high-pressure air are sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned to clean the surface, the control unit 4 and the vehicle ECU 40 can start spraying high-pressure air from the high-pressure air outlet 32A of the nozzle 3A after starting spraying cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A.

[0103] In addition, the control unit 4 and the vehicle ECU 40 are capable of switching between an operation mode in which cleaning liquid is sprayed from both the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A and the outlet 14 of the nozzle 13, and an operation mode in which cleaning liquid is sprayed from only one of the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A and the outlet 14 of the nozzle 13.

[0104] Next, the operation of the vehicle cleaner system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, when a rear washer button for washing the rear window 200 of a vehicle V is pressed, a rear washer signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 40 to the motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 and to the control unit 4.

[0105] The motor pump 12, which has received the rear washer signal, pumps the cleaning liquid in the tank 11 through the connecting hose 15 to the nozzle 13 of the window washer device 10, the nozzle 3A of the inner mirror camera 100A, and the nozzle 3B of the rearview camera 100B. The cleaning liquid pumped to the nozzle 13 is sent from the connecting hose 15 to the outlet 14 of the nozzle 13 and sprayed toward the rear window 200. The cleaning liquid pumped to the nozzle 3A passes through the connecting hose 15 to the pipe 34A and is sent to the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and is sprayed toward the lens 101A of the inner mirror camera 100A. The cleaning liquid pumped to the nozzle 3B passes through the connecting hose 15 to the pipe 34B and is sent to the cleaning liquid outlet 31B and is sprayed toward the lens 101B of the rearview camera 100B.

[0106] The time T1 during which the rear window 200 is washed based on one rear washer signal can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, washing of the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B based on one rear washer signal is performed in synchronization with the washing operation for washing the rear window 200. Therefore, the time during which the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B are washed is the same as the time T1 during which the rear window 200 is washed (it may be controlled to be different from the time T1).

[0107] The control unit 4 that has received the rear washer signal transmits a high-pressure air generation signal to the control unit 23 for operating the high-pressure air generating unit 2 after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the time at which the washing of the rear window 200 is completed, based on the time T1 for which the rear window 200 is washed. The control unit 23 operates the generating body part 22 of the high-pressure air generating unit 2 to generate high-pressure air, and causes the generated high-pressure air to be sent to the nozzle 3A of the inner mirror camera 100A and the nozzle 3B of the rearview camera 100B.

[0108] The high-pressure air sent to the nozzle 3A passes from the outlet 51A of the cylinder 50A through the connecting hose 29A and the duct 35A to the high-pressure air outlet 32A and is sprayed toward the lens 101A of the inner mirror camera 100A. The high-pressure air sent to the nozzle 3B passes from the outlet 51B of the cylinder 50B through the connecting hose 29B and the duct 35B to the high-pressure air outlet 32B and is sprayed toward the lens 101B of the rear camera 100B. The spraying of the high-pressure air is performed with a delay of a time T2 from the time when the cleaning of the rear window 200 with the cleaning liquid is completed. The time T3 for cleaning with the high-pressure air can be set arbitrarily.

[0109] Also, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, when the gear of the vehicle V is shifted to a reverse position, a reverse signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 40 to the control unit 4. After a predetermined time T4 has elapsed since the gear was shifted, the control section 4 that has received the reverse signal transmits a high-pressure air generation signal to the control unit 23 to operate the high-pressure air generation section 2. The control unit 23 operates the generation main body section 22 of the high-pressure air generation section 2 to generate high-pressure air, and sends the generated high-pressure air to the nozzle 3A of the inner mirror camera 100A and the nozzle 3B of the rearview camera 100B.

[0110] The high-pressure air sent to the nozzle 3A and the nozzle 3B is sprayed from the high-pressure air outlet 32A and the high-pressure air outlet 32B toward the lenses of the cameras, respectively, in the same manner as when the rear washer button is pressed. The time T5 for cleaning with high-pressure air can be set arbitrarily. In this manner, the spraying of the cleaning liquid to the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B may be performed in response to a change in the gear shift position, etc., without synchronizing with the spraying to the rear window 200. Note that when the gear is shifted to the reverse position, the control unit 4 may control the spraying of high-pressure air only from the nozzle 3B of the rear camera 100B, without spraying high-pressure air from the nozzle 3A of the inner mirror camera 100A.

[0111] 13 and 15, when it is recognized that the lens 101A of the inner mirror camera 100A or the lens 101B of the rearview camera 100B is dirty, a camera dirt signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 40 to the motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 and the control unit 4. The presence or absence of lens dirt is recognized based on, for example, image data captured by each camera.

[0112] The motor pump 12, which has received the camera dirt signal, pumps the cleaning liquid in the tank 11 through the connecting hose 15 to the nozzle 3A of the inner mirror camera 100A and the nozzle 3B of the rear camera 100B. The pumped cleaning liquid is sprayed from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A toward the lens 101A of the inner mirror camera 100A, and from the cleaning liquid outlet 31B of the nozzle 3B toward the lens 101B of the rear camera 100B. When the camera dirt signal is transmitted, the rear window 200 is not washed. In this case, for example, a flow path switching unit for switching the flow path of the cleaning liquid is provided in the middle of the connecting hose 15, and when the camera dirt signal is transmitted, the flow path switching unit is controlled to cause the cleaning liquid to flow only to the nozzles 3A and 3B, thereby cleaning only the lenses 101A and 101B of both the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B. The time T6 during which the lenses 101A and 101B are cleaned based on one camera contamination signal can be set arbitrarily.

[0113] The control unit 4 that has received the camera dirt signal transmits a high-pressure air generation signal to the control unit 23 to operate the high-pressure air generator 2 after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the time point at which the cleaning of the lenses 101A, 101B is completed, based on the time T6 for which the lenses 101A, 101B are cleaned with the cleaning liquid. The subsequent operation is the same as when the rear washer button is pressed and the rear washer signal is received, and high-pressure air is sprayed from the high-pressure air outlet 32A and the high-pressure air outlet 32B toward the lens 101A of the inner mirror camera 100A and the lens 101B of the rear camera 100B, respectively. The spraying of the high-pressure air is performed with a delay of time T2 from the time point at which the cleaning of the lenses 101A, 101B by the spraying of the cleaning liquid is completed.

[0114] 13 and 15, for example, a camera wash button (operation switch) for washing the vehicle-mounted camera may be provided inside the vehicle, and the vehicle ECU 40 may determine whether the camera wash button has been pressed or not to control the spraying of washing fluid onto the inner mirror camera 100A and the rearview camera 100B. Specifically, when the camera wash button is pressed, a camera wash signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 40 to the motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 and to the control unit 4. The operation of the motor pump 12 and the control unit 4 upon receiving the camera cleaning signal is similar to the operation of the motor pump 12 and the control unit 4 when the camera lens is recognized as dirty and a camera dirt signal is received.

[0115] In the above-described operations, when cleaning the inner mirror camera 100A and the rear camera 100B, two types of cleaning are performed on both cameras by spraying a cleaning liquid and spraying high-pressure air, but this is not limited to this. For example, two types of cleaning may be performed on the inner mirror camera 100A by spraying a cleaning liquid and spraying high-pressure air, and cleaning may be performed on the rear camera 100B only by spraying high-pressure air, or vice versa.

[0116] The vehicle cleaner system 1 configured as above has an operation mode in which cleaning liquid and high-pressure air are sprayed toward the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and an operation mode in which only high-pressure air is sprayed toward the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and the control unit can switch between the modes to operate the system. Therefore, with a simple configuration, foreign matter adhering to the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be effectively removed.

[0117] In addition, it is possible to switch between an operation mode in which the cleaning liquid and high-pressure air are sprayed and an operation mode in which only high-pressure air is sprayed depending on the type of cleaning object. Therefore, various cleaning objects can be washed in an appropriate manner. In this case, for example, the inner mirror camera 100A, which operates at least while the engine is on, can be washed by spraying cleaning liquid and high-pressure air, and the rear camera 100B, which operates when the gear is switched to reverse, can be washed by spraying only high-pressure air. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wear on the motor pump 12 and consumption of cleaning liquid while ensuring high cleaning performance for the inner mirror camera 100A, which is used frequently.

[0118] Also, for example, when cleaning the rearview camera 100A, it is possible to control the nozzle 3A to start spraying cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and then start spraying high-pressure air from the high-pressure air outlet 32A. Therefore, with a simple configuration, foreign matter adhering to the rearview camera 100A can be effectively removed.

[0119] In addition, there is an operation mode in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from both the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A and the outlet 14 of the nozzle 13, and an operation mode in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from only one of the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the outlet 14, and the control unit can switch between the modes to operate the device. Therefore, by switching the mode according to the situation, it is possible to suppress the shortening of the life of the motor pump 12 and the consumption of the cleaning liquid.

[0120] Also, for example, an operating switch (camera cleaning button) that can be set by the driver can be provided inside the vehicle, and when the operating switch is turned on, control can be performed so that cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Therefore, the spraying of cleaning liquid and high-pressure air onto the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be executed according to the on / off of the operating switch by the driver.

[0121] In addition, for example, in the inner mirror camera 100A, the high-pressure air is started to be ejected from the high-pressure air outlet 32A after the time T2 has elapsed since the ejection of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A is completed. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning liquid ejected from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A from flowing into the high-pressure air outlet 32A for the high-pressure air.

[0122] The tank and motor pump used to spray the cleaning fluid onto the vehicle-mounted camera 100 are also used as the tank 11 and motor pump 12 of the window washer device 10 that sprays the cleaning fluid onto the vehicle window. Therefore, the cleaning fluid used in the window washer device 10 can also be used as the cleaning fluid for washing the vehicle-mounted camera 100, etc., and foreign matter can be removed with a simple configuration.

[0123] For example, the nozzle 3A attached to the inner mirror camera 100A has a cleaning liquid outlet 31A for spraying cleaning liquid and a high-pressure air outlet 32A for spraying high-pressure air, which are independent of each other. Therefore, by spraying the high-pressure air and the cleaning liquid independently of each other onto the same object to be cleaned (the inner mirror camera 100A), foreign matter attached to the object to be cleaned can be effectively removed.

[0124] In addition, the cleaning liquid outlet 31A of the nozzle 3A is formed at a position farther away from the lens 101A than the high-pressure air outlet 32A. Therefore, when cleaning the lens 101A using cleaning liquid and high-pressure air, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A from flowing in when the high-pressure air is ejected from the high-pressure air outlet 32A. In addition, the ejection angle θ1 of the ejection path 38A in the cleaning liquid outlet 31A is formed wider than the ejection angle θ2 of the ejection path 39A in the high-pressure air outlet 32A. Therefore, it is possible to widen the ejection area of ​​the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A, which is disposed farther away from the lens 101A than the high-pressure air outlet 32A.

[0125] The cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A of the nozzle 3A are arranged in parallel, for example, on the upper side of the inner mirror camera 100A. This allows the size of the nozzle 3A to be reduced. The high-pressure air outlet 32A is arranged at a position facing the center of the lens 101A on the upper side of the inner mirror camera 100A. This allows the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to the surrounding environment (for example, weather conditions such as wind) than the cleaning liquid, to be appropriately sprayed onto the lens 101A. A step 33 is formed between the cleaning liquid outlet 31A and the high-pressure air outlet 32A, which is a step in the vertical direction. This allows the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid outlet 31A to be prevented from being caught in the high-pressure air outlet 32A for high-pressure air.

[0126] Furthermore, the cleaning liquid outlet 31A may be disposed so as to inject the cleaning liquid from a direction different from the direction in which the high-pressure air is injected from the high-pressure air outlet 32A. In this case, it is possible to prevent the injection of the high-pressure air and the injection of the cleaning liquid from interfering with each other. For example, the high-pressure air outlet 32A may be disposed at a position where the high-pressure air is injected from either the top or bottom of the lens 101A, and the cleaning liquid outlet 31A may be disposed at a position where the cleaning liquid is injected from either the left or right of the lens 101A. In this case, the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to the outside air environment than the cleaning liquid, can be appropriately injected toward the cleaning surface.

[0127] In addition, in the high-pressure air generating unit 2 for generating high-pressure air, two pistons 60A, 60B movable by a moving mechanism 70 and cylinders 50A, 50B corresponding to the respective pistons are provided for a single driving unit 80. Therefore, with a simple configuration, foreign matter adhering to the multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 100 can be effectively removed.

[0128] Moreover, the movement mechanism 70 has a single worm 71 rotated by a single driving unit 80, and two worm wheels 72A, 72B which are rotated in mesh with the worm 71. Therefore, the high-pressure air generating unit 2 for multiple cylinders can be formed with a simple configuration.

[0129] Moreover, the cylinders 50A and 50B are disposed symmetrically with respect to the drive shaft 81 of the drive unit 80. This allows the high-pressure air generating unit 2 to be made thinner, and allows vibrations generated in the cylinders 50A and 50B when the high-pressure air is ejected to be cancelled out. Moreover, since the drive unit 80 is sandwiched and disposed between the cylinders 50A and 50B, the high-pressure air generating unit 2 can be further miniaturized. Furthermore, the outlet 51A of the cylinder 50A is formed so as to face in the opposite direction to the outlet 51B of the cylinder 50B, so that vibrations generated when the high-pressure air is ejected can be further cancelled out.

[0130] Also, the phase of the piston 60A of the cylinder 50A may be configured to differ from the phase of the piston 60B of the cylinder 50B. In this case, high-pressure air can be injected to the multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 100 at different timings.

[0131] In addition, the cylinders 50A, 50B and the housing 90 of the generating main body 22 have engaging portions that engage with each other. Therefore, the cylinders 50A, 50B can be easily attached to the housing 90 of the generating main body 22.

[0132] <Modification> Next, a first modified example of the generating main body 22 in the high pressure air generating unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Note that parts with the same numbers as those in the above embodiment have the same functions, so repeated description will be omitted.

[0133] In the generating main body 22 in the above embodiment (see FIG. 8), the driving unit 80 is disposed between the cylinder 50A and the cylinder 50B. In contrast, in the generating main body 22A in the modified example 1, the driving unit 80 is disposed in front of the cylinder 50A and the cylinder 50B as shown in FIG. 16. Note that the configuration in which the cylinder 50A and the cylinder 50B are disposed in symmetrical positions with the driving shaft 81 of the driving unit 80 at the center is similar to that of the generating main body 22. According to this configuration, since the cylinders 50A and 50B are disposed at symmetrical positions, the vibrations generated during the operation of each cylinder can cancel each other out.

[0134] Next, a second modified example of the generating main body 22 in the high pressure air generating unit 2 will be described with reference to Figures 17A and 17B. As with the first modified example, repeated descriptions of parts with the same numbers as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0135] In the generating main body 22 in the above embodiment (see FIG. 8), the moving mechanism 70 includes a single worm 71 and two worm wheels 72A and 72B. In contrast, in the generating main body 22B in the second modified example, the moving mechanism 70a includes a single worm 71 and a single worm wheel 72. The worm wheel 72 includes a driven gear 73 and pinions 74a and 74b arranged in parallel and protruding from one side of the driven gear 73 (for example, the upper side shown in FIG. 17B). The gear teeth 75a and 75b of the pinions 74a and 74b are capable of meshing with the rack teeth 63A and 63B of the racks 62A and 62B, respectively. The two pinions 74a and 74b may be arranged to protrude from the center of the driven gear 73 on both sides (both sides in the vertical direction in FIG. 17B) with the driven gear 73 between them.

[0136] As shown in Fig. 17A, the two cylinders 50A, 50B are arranged in parallel adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and the outlets 51A, 51B of each cylinder are provided so as to face the same direction (to the right in this example). A single drive unit 80 is arranged on the left side of the cylinders 50A, 50B. According to this configuration, the width of the generating main body 22B in the left-right direction can be reduced, so that the high-pressure air generating unit 2 can be made compact.

[0137] Next, a modified example of the nozzles 3A, 3B attached to the vehicle-mounted camera 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that the parts with the same numbers as those in the above embodiment have the same functions, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0138] In the nozzle 3A in the above embodiment (see Figs. 10 to 12), a cleaning liquid outlet 31A for spraying cleaning liquid and a high-pressure air outlet 32A for spraying high-pressure air are formed as separate, independent outlets. In contrast, in a nozzle 130 in a modified example, as shown in Fig. 18, an outlet for spraying cleaning liquid and an outlet for spraying high-pressure air are formed as a single common outlet 131. Inside the nozzle 130, a cleaning liquid passage 132A and a high-pressure air passage 132B are formed separately in parallel, and an outlet 131 is provided in the center of the ends of both passages. According to this configuration, the nozzle has a single emission port, which allows the size of the nozzle 130 to be reduced. In addition, the structure of the nozzle 130 can be simplified, which facilitates manufacturing.

[0139] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be freely modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. The material, shape, size, numerical value, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

[0140] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-256292 filed on December 28, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-256293 filed on December 28, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-256294 filed on December 28, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-256295 filed on December 28, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle cleaner system for cleaning an object to be cleaned, comprising: A tank for containing a cleaning liquid; A pump for pumping the cleaning liquid in the tank; A high-pressure air generating unit that generates high-pressure air; a nozzle for spraying the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward a surface to be cleaned of the object to be cleaned, A vehicle cleaner system in which a first outlet for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the surface to be cleaned and a second outlet for spraying the high-pressure air toward the surface to be cleaned are formed independently of each other inside the nozzle.

2. 2. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the first outlet is formed at a position farther away from the cleaning surface than the second outlet.

3. 3. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are arranged in parallel on the same side of the cleaning surface.

4. 4. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 3, wherein the second outlet is disposed at a position opposite to a center of the cleaning surface.

5. 5. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 3, wherein a step is formed between the first outlet and the second outlet.

6. 6. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 2, wherein an emission angle of the first emission outlet is wider than an emission angle of the second emission outlet.

7. 2. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 1, wherein the first outlet is disposed so as to spray the cleaning liquid in a direction different from a direction in which the high-pressure air is sprayed from the second outlet.

8. The object to be cleaned includes at least one of a vehicle lamp and an in-vehicle sensor mounted on a vehicle, the second outlet is disposed at a position where the high-pressure air is sprayed onto the cleaning surface from either one of the upper and lower directions of the vehicle, 8. The vehicle cleaner system according to claim 7, wherein the first outlet is disposed at a position where the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned from either the left or right direction of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle comprising the vehicle cleaner system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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