Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle capable of certainly removing foreign substances adhered on a detection surface even if traveling air is weak.SOLUTION: A vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 3 obtaining vehicle speed, an external sensor 2 that is disposed so that a detection surface 2a faces the vehicle outside, and that detects an external situation through the detection surface 2a, a blower portion 20 that injects compressed air toward the detection surface 2a, a determining portion 13 determining whether or not a predetermined foreign substance adhesion condition relating to traveling air to foreign substances adhered on the detection surface 2a, on the basis of the vehicle speed, and a blower control portion 14 that controls the blower portion 20 injecting the compressed air toward the detection surface 2a, strongly as compared with the case that the foreign substance adhesion condition is not satisfied, when the foreign substance adhesion condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle including an exterior panel that guides the traveling wind generated during traveling toward the detection surface of an external sensor is known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-203074).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, since foreign matter adhering to the detection surface is removed only by the traveling wind, depending on the force of the traveling wind, there is a possibility that the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface cannot be sufficiently removed.

[0005] In this technical field, it is desired to ensure the removal of foreign matter adhering to the detection surface even when the force of the traveling wind is weak.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle speed acquisition unit that acquires a vehicle speed, an external sensor that is disposed such that a detection surface faces the outside of the vehicle and detects an external situation through the detection surface, a pressure feeding unit that ejects a pressure-fed fluid toward the detection surface, a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined foreign matter adhesion condition regarding the force of the traveling wind on the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface is satisfied based on the vehicle speed, and a pressure feeding control unit that controls the pressure feeding unit to eject the pressure-fed fluid toward the detection surface more strongly when the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied than when the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied.

[0007] In a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention, it is determined by a determination unit whether or not a predetermined foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied based on the vehicle speed. The foreign matter adhesion condition is a condition related to the strength of the traveling wind against foreign matter adhering to the detection surface. For example, by using a foreign matter adhesion condition that is satisfied when the strength of the traveling wind is weak, when the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied (when the strength of the traveling wind is weak), compared to when the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied (when the strength of the traveling wind is not weak), the pumping unit is controlled to eject the pumping fluid toward the detection surface more strongly. Thereby, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter adhering to the detection surface even when the strength of the traveling wind is weak.

[0008] In one embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion condition may be satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a first vehicle speed threshold value. In this case, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value, compared to when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value, the pumping fluid is ejected toward the detection surface more strongly. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value.

[0009] In one embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion condition may be satisfied when the vehicle speed is greater than a first vehicle speed threshold value and there is a preceding vehicle. In this case, when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is a preceding vehicle, compared to when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is no preceding vehicle, the pumping fluid is ejected toward the detection surface more strongly. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter when the strength of the traveling wind is weakened by the preceding vehicle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion condition may not be satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a second vehicle speed threshold value that is smaller than the first vehicle speed threshold value. In this case, even when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold value, the ejection of the pumping fluid is not strengthened. Therefore, for example, it is possible to save the power for operating the pumping unit when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold value.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pressure feeding control unit may calculate the light reception rate of the external sensor, and control the pressure feeding unit so as not to eject the pressure-fed fluid when the calculated light reception rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined required light reception rate of the external sensor. In this case, it is possible to save the power for operating the pressure feeding unit when the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined required light reception rate of the external sensor.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter adhering to the detection surface even when the force of the traveling wind is weak.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes an external sensor 2, a vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed acquisition unit) 3, a controller 10, and a blower unit (pressure feeding unit) 20.

[0016] The vehicle 1 is equipped with, for example, a driving assistance device which is an automatic driving device capable of executing vehicle control of the vehicle 1. The driving assistance device may be capable of executing steering control including steering assistance or automatic steering of the vehicle. The driving assistance device may be configured to be capable of executing automatic driving. Automatic driving is vehicle control in which the vehicle automatically travels along a preset target route. In the vehicle 1, information on the external situation detected by the external sensor 2 is used by the driving assistance device. As the configuration of the driving assistance device, a known configuration can be used. A detailed description of the configuration of the driving assistance device will be omitted.

[0017] The external sensor 2 is an optical sensor that detects the situation around the vehicle 1. The external sensor 2 detects the external situation through the detection surface 2a.

[0018] The external sensor 2 includes at least one of a camera and a radar sensor. The camera is an imaging device that images the external situation of the vehicle 1. The camera is provided on the back side of the windshield of the vehicle 1. The camera transmits an imaging image regarding the external situation of the vehicle 1 to the controller 10. The camera may be a monocular camera or a stereo camera.

[0019] The radar sensor is a detector that detects obstacles around the vehicle using radio waves (for example, millimeter waves) or light. The radar sensor includes, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a lidar [Light Detection And Ranging]. The radar sensor transmits radio waves or light to the periphery of the vehicle and detects the obstacles by receiving the radio waves or light reflected by the obstacles. The radar sensor transmits the detected obstacle information to the controller 10.

[0020] The external sensor 2 is provided, for example, on the front surface of the vehicle 1. The external sensor 2 is arranged, for example, in a sensor mounting portion 5 provided on the front bumper 4 of the vehicle 1 such that the detection surface 2a faces outward. The sensor mounting portion 5 has an upper cover 6 and a lower cover 7.

[0021] The upper cover 6 includes a plate portion 6a that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 above the external sensor 2. The plate portion 6a is provided so as to cover above the external sensor 2. The plate portion 6a may be a part of the resin member that constitutes the front bumper 4.

[0022] The upper cover 6 includes a protruding portion 6b that protrudes forward from the detection surface 2a of the external sensor 2. The protruding portion 6b is formed, for example, by the plate portion 6a extending forward beyond the detection surface 2a. By protruding forward from the detection surface 2a, the protruding portion 6b can suppress foreign matter such as raindrops from adhering to the detection surface 2a while the vehicle 1 is parked. Examples of foreign matter include raindrops, as well as dust, dirt, mud, etc. Foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a of the external sensor 2 may cause a decrease in the performance (e.g., light reception rate) of the external sensor 2.

[0023] The upper cover 6 may include a wind guiding portion 6c that guides the traveling wind to the detection surface 2a in front of the detection surface 2a of the external sensor 2. The wind guiding portion 6c includes, for example, a plate portion 6d that extends from the protruding portion 6b toward the detection surface 2a, and a plate portion 6f that is provided so as to be spaced apart from and oppose the plate portion 6d, and the plate portion 6d and the plate portion 6f define a wind guiding path 6e. In the wind guiding portion 6c, the traveling wind is guided to the upper end portion of the detection surface 2a by passing through the wind guiding path 6e. Note that the wind guiding portion 6c may be omitted.

[0024] The lower cover 7 extends obliquely downward forward from the lower end portion of the detection surface 2a of the external sensor 2. The upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7 define an opening 8 that narrows toward the detection surface 2a so as not to block the detection range of the external sensor 2. Between the upper cover 6 and the lower cover 7, not only the traveling wind but also foreign matter such as raindrops may reach the detection surface 2a through the opening 8.

[0025] The vehicle speed sensor 3 is a detector that detects (acquires) the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. As the vehicle speed sensor 3, for example, a wheel speed sensor provided for a wheel of the vehicle 1 or a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the wheel and that detects the rotational speed of the wheel is used. The vehicle speed sensor 3 transmits the detected vehicle speed information (wheel speed information) to the controller 10.

[0026] The controller 10 is an electronic control unit having a CPU [Central Processing Unit], a ROM [Read Only Memory], a RAM [Random Access Memory], a CAN [Controller Area Network] communication circuit, etc. In the controller 10, for example, a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM, and various functions are realized by executing the program loaded into the RAM with the CPU. The controller 10 may be composed of a plurality of electronic control units.

[0027] The controller 10 is electrically connected to the external sensor 2, the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the blower unit 20. The controller 10 recognizes the situation around the vehicle 1 based on the detection signal of the external sensor 2. The recognized situation around the vehicle 1 is used for vehicle control of the vehicle 1.

[0028] The blower unit 20 ejects compressed air (pressurized fluid) toward the detection surface 2a in response to a control signal from the controller 10. The blower unit 20 has an air pump 21 and an air pipe 22.

[0029] The air pump 21 sends out air (fluid) to eject compressed air. The air pump 21 may be able to control the flow rate of the compressed air. The blower unit 20 may separately have a flow rate control valve for controlling the flow rate of the compressed air ejected from the air pump 21.

[0030] The air pipe 22 is a passage for the compressed air from the air pump 21. As an example, one end of the air pipe 22 is connected to the air outlet of the air pump 21. The other end of the air pipe 22 opens between the plate portion 6d of the upper cover 6 and the upper end portion of the detection surface 2a, and is arranged to face downward along the detection surface 2a. The air pipe 22 guides the compressed air from the air pump 21 to the upper end portion of the detection surface 2a. The compressed air is ejected downward along the detection surface 2a. The ejected compressed air acts on the foreign matter to remove the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a.

[0031] Next, the functional configuration of the controller 10 will be described. The controller 10 includes a vehicle speed recognition unit 11, a preceding vehicle recognition unit 12, a determination unit 13, and a blower control unit (pressure feeding control unit) 14. A part of the functions of the controller 10 may be executed on a server capable of communicating with the vehicle 1.

[0032] The vehicle speed recognition unit 11 recognizes the vehicle speed based on, for example, the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 3. The vehicle speed recognition unit 11 may recognize the vehicle speed using information other than the vehicle speed sensor 3 (for example, changes in the vehicle position by GNSS or the like or dead reckoning). The vehicle speed is used as a substitute for the strength of the traveling wind around the vehicle 1. The strength of the traveling wind means the strength in the direction flowing from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1, and corresponds to the component of the flow velocity of the traveling wind in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0033] The preceding vehicle recognition unit 12 recognizes the preceding vehicle based on, for example, the detection result of the external sensor 2 (obstacle information of the radar sensor or imaging information of the camera). The preceding vehicle recognition unit 12 recognizes the preceding vehicle by processing the captured image of the camera by a known method such as pattern matching.

[0034] The determination unit 13 determines whether or not a predetermined foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied based on the vehicle speed. The foreign matter adhesion condition is a condition regarding the strength of the traveling wind with respect to the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a. The foreign matter adhesion condition is defined in advance so as to be "established" in a scene where the strength of the traveling wind is insufficient to remove the foreign matter on the detection surface 2a only by the traveling wind. Examples of the foreign matter adhesion condition will be described later.

[0035] The determination unit 13 may determine whether or not the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied based on the comparison result between the recognized vehicle speed and the first vehicle speed threshold. The determination unit 13 may determine whether or not the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied based on the comparison result between the recognized vehicle speed and the first vehicle speed threshold and the second vehicle speed threshold. The determination unit 13 may determine whether or not a preceding vehicle exists based on, for example, the recognition result of the preceding vehicle recognition unit 12.

[0036] The blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21, for example, with a blower unit drive amount corresponding to a predetermined ejection intensity. The ejection intensity is preset, for example, according to the establishment or non - establishment of the foreign matter adhesion condition. The blower unit drive amount means a control amount (such as a current value, etc.) for driving the air pump 21 with a flow rate of compressed air such that a predetermined ejection intensity is achieved.

[0037] When the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied, the blower control unit 14 controls the blower unit 20 to eject compressed air more strongly toward the detection surface 2a than when the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied (details will be described later).

[0038] The blower control unit 14 may calculate the light reception rate of the external sensor 2. When the calculated light reception rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined required light reception rate of the external sensor 2, the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air. The light reception rate is an index representing the degree of performance of the detection performance of the external sensor 2. The light reception rate can be decreased by the influence of foreign matter on the detection surface 2a. The light reception rate may be, for example, the remaining area ratio obtained by subtracting the area ratio of the part with raindrops in the captured image from 1, with the area ratio of the captured image when there are no raindrops shown in the captured image of the camera being 1. The light reception rate may be, for example, the remaining ratio obtained by subtracting the reception amount of radio waves or light reflected by raindrops on the detection surface 2a from 1, with the transmission amount of radio waves or light of the radar sensor being 1. The required light reception rate is the light reception rate required for the detection result of the external sensor 2 to have a certain reliability according to the application. The required light reception rate is preset, for example, so as to satisfy the required level of reliability according to the device using the detection result of the external sensor 2 such as a driving support device.

[0039] When compressed air is ejected toward the detection surface 2a, for example, if the light reception rate of the external sensor 2 has decreased due to foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a, the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a is removed by the compressed air. Thereby, the recovery of the light reception rate is achieved. As a result, the reduction in the function of the driving support device using the detection result of the external sensor 2 is suppressed.

[0040] The blower control unit 14 may operate the air pump 21 according to whether the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the required light reception rate. For example, when the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the required light reception rate, the blower control unit 14 temporarily stops the operation of the air pump 21 and controls the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air. When the light reception rate is less than the required light reception rate, the blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21 with the blower unit drive amount according to whether the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied as described above.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the blower unit drive amount. FIG. 2 shows an example of the blower unit drive amount when the light reception rate is less than the required light reception rate. As shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter adhesion condition may be satisfied, for example, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value. The first vehicle speed threshold value is a preset vehicle speed threshold value. In the example of FIG. 2, the first vehicle speed threshold value is, for example, the vehicle speed V1. The vehicle speed V1 can be set to a vehicle speed such that the driving force of the traveling wind is sufficient to remove the foreign matter on the detection surface 2a only by the traveling wind in a situation where there is no preceding vehicle and the natural wind is calm. The determination unit 13 may determine that the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value.

[0042] The foreign matter adhesion condition may not be satisfied, for example, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a second vehicle speed threshold value that is smaller than the first vehicle speed threshold value. The second vehicle speed threshold value is a preset vehicle speed threshold value. In the example of FIG. 2, the second vehicle speed threshold value is, for example, the vehicle speed V2. The vehicle speed V2 can be set to a vehicle speed such that the driving force of the traveling wind is such that even if foreign matter such as raindrops receives the traveling wind, it does not reach the detection surface 2a through the opening 8 of the sensor mounting unit 5. The vehicle speed V2 may be 0 (the vehicle 1 is stopped). The determination unit 13 may determine that the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold value. The determination unit 13 may determine that the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold value and higher than the second vehicle speed threshold value.

[0043] The foreign object adhesion condition may be satisfied when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is a preceding vehicle. For example, if there is no preceding vehicle, when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value, it is considered that the force of the traveling wind sufficient to remove the foreign object on the detection surface 2a can be obtained only by the traveling wind corresponding to the vehicle speed. However, when there is a preceding vehicle, even when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value, the force of the traveling wind reaching the vehicle 1 located behind the preceding vehicle tends to be weaker than the traveling wind corresponding to the vehicle speed. The determination unit 13 may determine that the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is a preceding vehicle. Conversely, the determination unit 13 may determine that the foreign object adhesion condition is not satisfied when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is no preceding vehicle.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 2, the blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21 with a blower unit driving amount corresponding to whether or not the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied. For example, when the foreign object adhesion condition is not satisfied (when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is no preceding vehicle), the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 to eject compressed air toward the detection surface 2a with a first intensity. In the example of FIG. 2, the first intensity is, for example, the blower unit driving amount B1. The blower unit driving amount B1 corresponds to, for example, an ejection intensity that assists the force of the traveling wind that is insufficient to remove the foreign object on the detection surface 2a only by the traveling wind due to the influence of the natural wind being a tailwind or a crosswind even though there is the force of the traveling wind itself. The blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21 so that the flow rate of the compressed air corresponds to the first intensity.

[0045] When the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied (when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold and there is a preceding vehicle, or when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first vehicle speed threshold and greater than the second vehicle speed threshold), the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 to eject compressed air toward the detection surface 2a at the second intensity. In the example of FIG. 2, the second intensity is, for example, the blower unit drive amount B2. The blower unit drive amount B2 corresponds to, for example, an ejection intensity that assists the momentum of the traveling wind that is not strong enough to remove foreign objects on the detection surface 2a with only the traveling wind. That is, the second intensity has a stronger ejection intensity than the first intensity. The blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21 so that the flow rate of the compressed air corresponds to the second intensity.

[0046] When the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied (when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold and there is a preceding vehicle), which is different from the above, the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 to eject compressed air toward the detection surface 2a at the second intensity. The blower control unit 14 operates the air pump 21 so that the flow rate of the compressed air corresponds to the second intensity (the blower unit drive amount B2). Here, the blower unit drive amount B2 corresponds to, for example, an ejection intensity that assists the momentum of the traveling wind that is not sufficient to remove foreign objects on the detection surface 2a with only the traveling wind even though the traveling wind itself has some momentum due to the presence of the preceding vehicle.

[0047] When the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed V2), assuming that a different foreign object adhesion condition is not satisfied as described above, the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 not to eject compressed air. In this case, the blower control unit 14 temporarily stops the operation of the air pump 21 and controls the blower unit 20 not to eject compressed air. Incidentally, in the automatic driving control by the driving assistance device, it may be determined that the foreign object adhesion condition is not satisfied from when the vehicle 1 is automatically stopped until the vehicle 1 restarts according to the start instruction of the automatic driving. The start instruction means an instruction of start permission input by the occupant of the vehicle 1.

[0048] Note that when the vehicle speed is higher than the third vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed V3), the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air, assuming that the force of the traveling wind itself is strong enough.

[0049] [An Example of Calculation Processing by the Controller 10] Next, an example of the calculation processing by the controller 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the determination process of the controller in FIG. 1. The process shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, while the vehicle is traveling.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, in S01, the controller 10 recognizes the vehicle speed by the vehicle speed recognition unit 11. The vehicle speed recognition unit 11 recognizes the vehicle speed based on, for example, the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 3. In S02, the controller 10 recognizes the preceding vehicle by the preceding vehicle recognition unit 12. The preceding vehicle recognition unit 12 recognizes the preceding vehicle based on, for example, the detection result of the external sensor 2.

[0051] In S03, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 whether the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first vehicle speed threshold. The determination unit 13 determines whether the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first vehicle speed threshold based on, for example, the comparison result between the recognized vehicle speed and the preset first vehicle speed threshold.

[0052] When it is determined by the determination unit 13 that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first vehicle speed threshold (S03: YES), in S04, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 whether the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second vehicle speed threshold. The determination unit 13 determines whether the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second vehicle speed threshold based on, for example, the comparison result between the recognized vehicle speed and the preset second vehicle speed threshold.

[0053] When it is determined by the determination unit 13 that the vehicle speed is not less than or equal to the second vehicle speed threshold (the vehicle speed is greater than the second vehicle speed threshold) (S04: NO), in S05, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 that the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied. Then, the controller 10 ends the process in FIG. 3.

[0054] On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination unit 13 that the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold (S04: YES), in S06, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 that the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0055] On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination unit 13 that the vehicle speed is not lower than the first vehicle speed threshold (the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold) (S03: NO), in S07, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 whether a preceding vehicle exists. The determination unit 13 determines whether a preceding vehicle exists based on, for example, the recognition result of the preceding vehicle.

[0056] When it is determined by the determination unit 13 that a preceding vehicle exists (S07: YES), in S05, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 that the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0057] On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination unit 13 that no preceding vehicle exists (S07: NO), in S08, the controller 10 determines by the determination unit 13 that the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 3.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the blower unit control process of the controller in FIG. 1. The process shown in FIG. 4 is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, while the vehicle is running.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, in S11, the controller 10 calculates the light reception rate by the blower control unit 14. The blower control unit 14 calculates the light reception rate based on, for example, the detection result of the external sensor 2.

[0060] In S12, the controller 10 determines, via the blower control unit 14, whether the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the required light reception rate. For example, based on the comparison result between the calculated light reception rate and the preset required light reception rate, the blower control unit 14 determines whether the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the required light reception rate.

[0061] If the blower control unit 14 determines that the light reception rate is less than the required light reception rate (S12: NO), in S13, the controller 10 determines, via the blower control unit 14, whether the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied. For example, based on the determination result of the determination unit 13, the blower control unit 14 determines whether the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied.

[0062] If the blower control unit 14 determines that the foreign object adhesion condition is not satisfied (S13: NO), in S14, the controller 10 controls the blower unit 20 via the blower control unit 14 to eject compressed air toward the detection surface 2a at the first intensity. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0063] On the other hand, if the blower control unit 14 determines that the foreign object adhesion condition is satisfied (S13: YES), in S15, the controller 10 controls the blower unit 20 via the blower control unit 14 to eject compressed air toward the detection surface 2a at the second intensity. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0064] On the other hand, if the blower control unit 14 determines that the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the required light reception rate (S12: YES), in S16, the controller 10 controls the blower unit 20 via the blower control unit 14 not to eject compressed air. Then, the controller 10 ends the process of FIG. 4.

[0065] In the vehicle 1 described above, based on the vehicle speed, it is determined by the determination unit 13 whether or not a predetermined foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied. The foreign matter adhesion condition is a condition regarding the force of the traveling wind against the foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a. For example, by using a foreign matter adhesion condition that is satisfied when the force of the traveling wind is weak, when the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied (when the force of the traveling wind is weak), compared to when the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied (when the force of the traveling wind is not weak), the blower unit 20 is controlled to jet compressed air toward the detection surface 2a more strongly. Thereby, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter adhering to the detection surface 2a even when the force of the traveling wind is weak.

[0066] In the vehicle 1, the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold. Thereby, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold, compared to when the vehicle speed is higher than the first vehicle speed threshold, compressed air is jetted toward the detection surface 2a more strongly. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold.

[0067] In the vehicle 1, the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is higher than the first vehicle speed threshold and there is a preceding vehicle. Thereby, when the vehicle speed is higher than the first vehicle speed threshold and there is a preceding vehicle, compared to when the vehicle speed is higher than the first vehicle speed threshold and there is no preceding vehicle, compressed air is jetted toward the detection surface 2a more strongly. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the removal of foreign matter when the force of the traveling wind is weakened by the preceding vehicle.

[0068] In the vehicle 1, the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied when the vehicle speed is lower than the first vehicle speed threshold and equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold. Thereby, even when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold, the jetting of compressed air is not strengthened. Therefore, for example, it is possible to save the power for operating the blower unit 20 when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold.

[0069] In the vehicle 1, the blower control unit 14 may calculate the light reception rate of the external sensor 2, and when the calculated light reception rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined required light reception rate of the external sensor 2, control the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air. In this case, when the light reception rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined required light reception rate of the external sensor 2, the power for operating the blower unit 20 can be saved.

[0070] [Modification Example] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms in which various changes and improvements are made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the above-described embodiments.

[0071] For example, the blower unit driving amount in FIG. 2 does not particularly show a temporal change and may be an ejection intensity realized with a constant blower unit driving amount, but the ejection intensity is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ejection intensity may be adjusted by temporally changing the blower unit driving amount.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 5, a period in which the blower unit driving amount of the pulse width W1 is repeated at the period T1 and a period in which the blower unit driving amount of the pulse width W2 is repeated at the period T1 are shown. The time of the pulse width W1 is longer than the time of the pulse width W2. In this case, the ejection intensity during the period in which the blower unit driving amount of the pulse width W1 is repeated at the period T1 is stronger than the ejection intensity during the period in which the blower unit driving amount of the pulse width W2 is repeated at the period T1.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 6, the blower unit driving amount of the pulse width W3 is repeated at the period T2. The number of pulse widths included in the period T2 differs between two times and one time. In this case, the ejection intensity during the period in which the number of pulse widths per period T2 is two times is stronger than the ejection intensity during the period in which the number of pulse widths per period T2 is one time.

[0074] Also, in the example of FIG. 2, the blower unit driving amount changes stepwise with respect to the vehicle speed, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the blower unit driving amount may linearly change according to a linear function having a negative slope.

[0075] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold, the blower control unit 14 temporarily stops the ejection of compressed air on the assumption that the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied. However, it is not always necessary to temporarily stop. That is, the blower control unit 14 may eject compressed air with an ejection intensity that is not stronger than when the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the blower control unit 14 controls the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air when the light reception rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined required light reception rate. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. This process may be omitted.

[0077] Note that the determination unit 13 may determine whether or not raindrops are adhering to the detection surface 2a based on the detection result of the external sensor 2. For example, the determination unit 13 may determine whether or not raindrops are adhering to the detection surface 2a based on pattern matching for foreign matter shown in a captured image of a camera, or based on the reception result of radio waves or light reflected by foreign matter on the detection surface 2a. When it is determined that raindrops are not adhering to the detection surface 2a, for example, in sunny weather, the blower control unit 14 may control the blower unit 20 so as not to eject compressed air.

[0078] In the above embodiment, air is used as the fluid that is the pressure-fed fluid. However, the fluid may be a gas other than air or a liquid.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the preceding vehicle is detected using the external sensor 2. However, the preceding vehicle may be detected using another sensor different from the external sensor 2.

[0080] The foreign matter adhesion condition is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, only the first vehicle speed threshold may be used, or a further vehicle speed threshold may be used.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the external sensor 2 is provided on the front surface of the vehicle 1. However, it may be provided on the upper part of the vehicle 1 (for example, on the roof).

[0082] In the above embodiment, instead of the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 3, for example, an airspeed measuring instrument such as a Pitot tube may be used to directly detect the strength of the traveling wind.

[0083] The above embodiment and each modification may be combined with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1... vehicle, 2... external sensor, 2a... detection surface, 3... vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed acquisition unit), 13... determination unit, 14... blower control unit (pressure feeding control unit), 20... blower unit (pressure feeding unit).

Claims

1. a vehicle speed acquisition unit that acquires a vehicle speed; an external sensor that is arranged such that a detection surface faces outward of the vehicle and detects an external situation through the detection surface; a pumping unit that ejects a pumped fluid toward the detection surface; a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined foreign matter adhesion condition regarding the strength of the traveling wind against foreign matter adhering to the detection surface is satisfied based on the vehicle speed; a pumping control unit that controls the pumping unit to eject the pumped fluid toward the detection surface more strongly when the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied than when the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied, and the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a first vehicle speed threshold value and the vehicle speed is not lower than a second vehicle speed threshold value that is smaller than the first vehicle speed threshold value, a vehicle, wherein the foreign matter adhesion condition is not satisfied when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the second vehicle speed threshold value.

2. The external sensor is arranged such that the detection surface faces the front side of the vehicle, and the foreign matter adhesion condition is satisfied when the vehicle speed is greater than the first vehicle speed threshold value and there is a preceding vehicle, according to the vehicle of Claim 1.

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