Cleaning device for confirmation device

Abstract

To provide a washing device for a confirmation apparatus, whose blade can be driven at an arbitrary timing.SOLUTION: A driving device 30 for driving a blade 20 is joined to a water passage for washer liquid and is configured to drive the blade 20 using pressure of the washer liquid. This can drive the blade 20 using the washer liquid as a driving source. In general, an occupant at a driver's seat in a vehicle can drive a washer pump at an arbitrary timing to jet the washer liquid, so that the blade 20 can be driven at an arbitrary timing to wipe a lens part 1a of a confirmation apparatus 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a confirmation device that is mounted on a vehicle and exposed to the outside of the vehicle for visual confirmation and / or confirmation of the surroundings of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, confirmation devices consisting of cameras and other sensors have become widely used to view and / or confirm the surroundings of a vehicle. Because the lens of the confirmation device, i.e., the camera window or the sensor's detection section, is exposed to the exterior of the vehicle, water droplets and mud can impair visibility and detection performance. To address this issue, some cleaning devices have been put into practical use, such as spraying washer fluid or air onto the lens to clean the front and rear windshields.

[0003] However, (a) washing by spraying washer fluid and (b) washing by spraying air each have the following problems.

[0004] (a) Washing by spraying washer fluid (a-1) The surface condition of the lens varies, with wax, oil, water-repellent coating, etc., and even after cleaning, washer fluid may remain on the lens surface as droplets, causing a lens effect that can impair visibility. In addition, it is difficult to remove stuck-on dirt by spraying the fluid alone. (a-2) To improve the washing performance, a relatively large amount of washer fluid is required, and the capacity (mass) of the washer tank must be increased.

[0005] (b) Air jet cleaning (b-1) Although water droplets can be removed from the surface of the lens, it is difficult to remove stuck-on dirt using air pressure alone. (b-2) The existing washer system can be used for the washer fluid, but there is no such mechanism for air injection, and a relatively expensive dedicated compressor is required.

[0006] A technology that can solve the problems present in (a) cleaning by spraying washer fluid and (b) cleaning by spraying air is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses a polymer resin that detects moisture and deforms to drive a blade (wiper) that wipes the lens of an in-vehicle camera.

[0007] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a polymer resin that detects moisture and deforms, so the blade can only be driven when the polymer resin detects moisture, making it impossible to drive the blade at any desired timing.

[0008] It is possible to use a dedicated drive source instead of polymer resin to drive the blade at any timing, but in this case the cleaning device will become larger, making it difficult to miniaturize the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-81097 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device for a checking device that can drive a blade at any timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention that achieves the above object is as follows. (1) [Examples 1-4] A cleaning device for cleaning a confirmation device that is exposed to the outside of a vehicle and mounted on the vehicle for visual confirmation and / or confirmation of the surroundings of the vehicle, a blade for wiping the lens portion of the verification device; a drive device for driving the blade; and A cleaning device for a confirmation device, wherein the drive device is connected to a water passage for washer fluid and is configured to drive the blade using the pressure of the washer fluid. (2) [Examples 1 and 2] The driving device has a cylinder into which washer fluid can be introduced, a piston that is movable linearly relative to the cylinder and is pushed by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder, and a transmission piece that is attached to the piston and to which the blade is attached, in the cleaning device for the confirmation device described in (1). (3) [Examples 1 and 2] The cleaning device for the confirmation device described in (2) further has a piston-spring that urges the piston, which has been pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder, in a direction returning it to the position it was in before being pushed and moved by the washer fluid. (4) Example 2 The cylinder is provided with a washer fluid outlet for extracting the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder to the outside of the cylinder, A cleaning device for a confirmation device as described in (2), wherein the transfer piece is provided with a spray nozzle that sprays the washer fluid extracted from the washer fluid outlet toward the blade and / or its vicinity. (5) Example 3 The drive device has a housing into which washer fluid can be introduced, a rotating shaft that is rotatable relative to the housing and is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the housing, and a transmission arm that is attached to the rotating shaft and to which the blade is attached, in the cleaning device for the confirmation device described in (1). (6) [Example 3] The cleaning device for a confirmation device described in (5) further has a shaft-spring-spring that urges the rotating shaft, which has been pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the housing, in a direction returning it to the position it was in before being pushed and moved by the washer fluid. (7) [Example 3] A cleaning device for a confirmation device described in (5), wherein the housing is provided with a washer fluid outlet for extracting washer fluid introduced into the housing to the outside of the housing, and a spray nozzle is provided for spraying the washer fluid extracted from the washer fluid outlet toward the blade and / or its vicinity. (8) [Example 4] The driving device includes a wiper arm to which the blade is attached, a gear housing having an inlet portion into which washer fluid can be introduced and an outlet portion into which the washer fluid introduced into the gear housing can be discharged to the outside, a gear arranged in the gear housing and rotated by being pushed by the washer fluid in the gear housing, and a cam mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the gear into a swinging motion of the wiper arm, the cleaning device of the confirmation device described in (1). (9) [Example 4] The cleaning device for a checking device according to (8), wherein the drive device further has a spray nozzle that sprays washer fluid discharged from the discharge portion of the gear housing toward the blade and / or its vicinity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the cleaning device for the confirmation device described above in (1), the drive device for driving the blade is connected to the water channel for the washer fluid and is configured to drive the blade using the pressure of the washer fluid, so the blade can be driven using the washer fluid as a drive source. Generally, an occupant in the driver's seat of a vehicle can drive the washer pump to spray washer fluid at any time, so that the occupant can drive the blade at any time to wipe the lens part of the confirmation device.

[0013] Furthermore, because the blade is driven using the pressure of the washer fluid, there is no need to prepare a dedicated drive source just for driving the blade, which allows for the cleaning device to be made smaller and less expensive than when a dedicated drive source is used.

[0014] According to the cleaning device for the confirmation device described above in (2), the device has a piston that is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder, and a transmission piece that is attached to the piston and to which a blade is attached.Therefore, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder to move the piston, the blade can be driven to wipe the lens portion of the confirmation device.

[0015] The cleaning device of the confirmation device described above in (3) has a piston biasing spring, so when the occupant stops driving the washer pump, the biasing force of the piston biasing spring can return the piston to the position it was in before being pushed by the washer fluid, allowing the blade to be driven again to wipe the lens again.

[0016] According to the cleaning device of the confirmation device described above in (4), the cylinder is provided with a washer fluid outlet, and the transfer piece is provided with a spray nozzle that sprays the washer fluid taken out from the washer fluid outlet toward the blade and / or its vicinity, making it possible to wipe the lens using washer fluid as well. This improves the cleaning performance of the lens compared to when washer fluid is not used.

[0017] According to the cleaning device for the confirmation device described above in (5), there is a rotating shaft that is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the housing, and a transmission arm that is attached to the rotating shaft and to which a blade is attached.Therefore, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the housing to move the rotating shaft, the blade can be driven to wipe the lens portion of the confirmation device.

[0018] According to the cleaning device of the confirmation device described above in (6), since it has a shaft biasing spring, when the drive of the washer pump is stopped, the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring can return the rotating shaft to the position before it was pushed by the washer fluid and moved, so that the blade can be driven again to wipe the lens again.

[0019] According to the cleaning device of the confirmation device described above in (7), the housing is provided with a washer fluid outlet and a spray nozzle that sprays the washer fluid taken out from the washer fluid outlet toward the blade and / or its vicinity, making it possible to wipe the lens using washer fluid as well. This improves the cleaning performance of the lens compared to when no washer fluid is used.

[0020] According to the cleaning device for the confirmation device described above in (8), there is a wiper arm to which a blade is attached, a gear that is arranged in a gear housing and rotates when pushed by the washer fluid in the gear housing, and a cam mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the gear into a swinging motion of the wiper arm.Therefore, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the gear housing to rotate the gear and swing the wiper arm, the blade can be driven to wipe the lens portion of the confirmation device.

[0021] Furthermore, because the gear housing has an inlet that can introduce washer fluid into the interior and an outlet that can discharge the introduced washer fluid to the outside, the washer fluid can be kept flowing through the gear housing while the washer pump is running. Therefore, while the washer pump is running, the pressure of the washer fluid can be used to continue rotating the gear, which in turn allows the wiper arm to continue oscillating (repeatedly). This increases the number of times the blade wipes the lens, which is advantageous for lens cleaning performance.

[0022] According to the cleaning device of the confirmation device in (9) above, the drive device further has a spray nozzle that sprays washer fluid discharged from the discharge portion of the gear housing toward the blade and / or its vicinity, making it possible to wipe the lens using washer fluid as well. As a result, the cleaning performance of the lens can be improved compared to when washer fluid is not used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a confirmation device to be cleaned by the cleaning device of the present invention embodiment 1. However, this drawing is applicable not only to the present invention embodiment 1 but also to the present invention embodiments 2 to 4. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view, partly in cross section, of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a bottom view, partly in section, of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a confirmation device to be cleaned by the cleaning device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view, (b) is a cross-sectional view of only the gear housing and gears of the drive device, and (c) is an exploded plan view of the wiper arm and cam mechanism of the drive device. Note that cross-sectional views have been omitted for clarity of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A cleaning device 10 for a confirmation device (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 5 to 7 show a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In each embodiment, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals. First, the configuration of the parts common to all the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0025] The cleaning device 10 of this embodiment of the present invention is a device for cleaning a confirmation device 1 (FIG. 1) that is mounted on a vehicle and exposed to the outside of the vehicle for viewing and / or checking the surroundings of the vehicle. The confirmation device 1 may be a camera or various sensors, etc. The confirmation device 1 has a lens portion 1a and is mounted on the vehicle so that at least the lens portion 1a is exposed to the outside of the vehicle.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 10 has a blade 20 for wiping the surface of the lens portion 1a of the checking device 1, and a driving device 30 for driving the blade 20.

[0027] Blade 20 is made of, for example, rubber, which is relatively easily elastically deformable, and is capable of wiping lens portion 1 a while deforming itself. As blade 20 wipes lens portion 1 a, water droplets and stuck-on dirt are removed from the surface of lens portion 1 a, thereby cleaning lens portion 1 a.

[0028] The drive unit 30 is connected to a water passage (not shown) for washer fluid for washing the front or rear windshield (not shown). Therefore, it is possible to introduce washer fluid into the drive unit 30. The drive unit 30 is configured to drive the blade 20 using the washer fluid introduced into the drive unit 30 (using the pressure of the washer fluid).

[0029] The driver's seat occupant operates the existing washer system installed in the vehicle and drives the washer pump (not shown) of the existing washer system, thereby increasing the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the drive unit 30.

[0030] The above-described configuration is common to all the embodiments of the present invention, and therefore the following actions and effects can be obtained. (A1) The drive device 30 for driving the blade 20 is connected to a water channel for the washer fluid and is configured to drive the blade 20 using the pressure of the washer fluid, so that the washer fluid can be used as a drive source to drive the blade 20. Generally, an occupant in the driver's seat of a vehicle can drive a washer pump (not shown) at any time to spray washer fluid, and can therefore drive the blade 20 at any time to wipe the lens portion 1a of the confirmation device 1.

[0031] (A2) Because the blade 20 is driven using the pressure of the washer fluid, there is no need to prepare a dedicated drive source just for driving the blade 20, and the cleaning device 10 can be made smaller and more cost-effective than when a dedicated drive source is used.

[0032] Next, the parts specific to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. [Example 1] (Figs. 1 to 4) As shown in Figure 2, the drive device 30 of Example 1 of the present invention has a cylinder 31 into which washer fluid can be introduced, a piston 32 that can move back and forth linearly relative to the cylinder 31 and is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31, a transmission piece 33 that is attached to the piston 32 and to which the blade 20 is attached, and a piston-biasing spring 34.

[0033] The cylinder 31 has a cylindrical cylinder body 31a and a cylinder housing 31b that supports the cylinder body 31a.

[0034] The cylinder 31 is configured so that washer fluid can be introduced into the cylinder body 31a. The cylinder body 31a is cylindrical. One open end of the cylinder body 31a is fitted with a fitting member 31c that is connected to a water channel (not shown) for the washer fluid and guides the washer fluid from the water channel.

[0035] The cylinder housing 31b has a holding portion 31b1 that holds (builds in) the cylinder body 31a therein, a first lid portion 31b2 fixed to one end of the holding portion 31b1, a second lid portion 31b3 fixed to the other end of the holding portion 31b1, and a guide rail portion 31b4 fixed to the holding portion 31b1.

[0036] The first cover portion 31b2 is formed with a hole 31b5 to enable attachment of the fitting member 31c to the cylinder body 31a. The second cover portion 31b3 is formed with a hole 31b6 so as not to impede the movement of the piston 32 relative to the cylinder 31. The guide rail portion 31b4 is provided on the outer periphery of the holding portion 31b1. The guide rail portion 31b4 slidably supports the transfer piece 33.

[0037] The piston 32 is capable of reciprocating linearly within the cylinder body 31a and includes a piston body 32a and a piston guide 32b extending from the back surface of the piston body 32a. The piston 32 moves when the piston body 32a is pushed by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder body 31a. The stroke of the piston 32 is regulated by a pair of stoppers (not shown). The piston guide 32b is rod-shaped and extends to the outside of the cylinder housing 31b through a hole 31b6 in the second cover portion 31b3.

[0038] The transfer piece 33 is provided to transfer the movement of the piston 32 to the blade 20. The transfer piece 33 is slidably supported on the guide rail portion 31b4. The transfer piece 33 has a piston-side attachment portion 33a attached (coupled) to the piston guide 32b, and a blade-side attachment portion 33b to which the blade 20 is attached (mounted) directly or via the blade support member 21 that supports the blade 20.

[0039] Because the transfer piece 33 has a piston-side mounting portion 33a, when the piston 32 moves relative to the cylinder 31, the transfer piece 33 moves together with the piston 32 relative to the cylinder 31. Because the transfer piece 33 has a blade-side mounting portion 33b, when the transfer piece 33 moves relative to the cylinder 31, the blade 20 moves relative to the cylinder 31. Therefore, when the piston 32 moves relative to the cylinder 31, the blade 20 can be moved relative to the cylinder 31.

[0040] The piston biasing spring 34 biases the piston 32, which has been pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31, in a direction returning the piston 32 to the position it was in before being pushed and moved by the washer fluid. The piston biasing spring 34 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end of the piston biasing spring 34 abuts against the piston body 32a, and the other end abuts against the second lid portion 31b3 of the cylinder housing 31b.

[0041] Here, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. (a) When the driver performs a predetermined operation at any time to drive a washer pump (not shown), washer fluid is introduced into the cylinder 31. (b) The washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31 pushes the piston 32, causing it to move against the biasing force of the piston biasing spring . (c) Since the transmission piece 33 is attached (connected) to the piston 32, the transmission piece 33 slides relative to the cylinder 31 together with the piston 32. (d) Since the blade 20 is attached (mounted) to the transfer piece 33, the blade 20 moves as the transfer piece 33 slides, wiping the surface of the lens portion 1a (FIG. 1). (e) While the washer pump is operating, the piston 32 continues to be pushed by the washer fluid, but when the driver stops the specified operation and stops the washer pump, the piston 32 is pushed back by the biasing force of the piston biasing spring 34. This causes the transfer piece 33 and the blade 20 to move in the opposite direction and return to their original positions, at which point the blade 20 again wipes the surface of the lens portion 1a.

[0042] In the first embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the actions and effects obtained from the parts common to all the embodiments of the present invention, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0043] (B1) Since it has a piston 32 that is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31, and a transmission piece 33 that is attached to the piston 32 and to which the blade 20 is attached, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31 to move the piston 32, it is possible to drive the blade 20 and wipe the lens portion 1a of the confirmation device 1.

[0044] (B2) Because the piston biasing spring 34 is provided, when the occupant stops driving the washer pump (not shown), the biasing force of the piston biasing spring 34 can return the piston 32 to the position it was in before being pushed by the washer fluid. Therefore, the blade 20 can be driven again to wipe the lens portion 1a again.

[0045] [Example 2] (Figs. 5 to 7) The drive device 30 of the second embodiment of the present invention is obtained by adding a washer function to the drive device 30 of the first embodiment, and has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except for the following points (a) and (b). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the cylinder 31 is provided with a washer fluid outlet 31d for taking out the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31 to the outside of the cylinder 31. (b) The transfer piece 33 is provided with an injection nozzle 33c that injects the washer fluid taken out from the washer fluid outlet 31d toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity.

[0046] The washer fluid outlet 31d has a body-side outlet 31d1 formed in the cylinder body 31a and a housing-side outlet 31d2 formed in the cylinder housing 31b. Only one body-side outlet 31d1 and one housing-side outlet 31d2 may be formed, or multiple outlets may be formed.

[0047] The main body-side outlet 31d1 is formed near the full stroke of the piston 32, which is moved by the washer fluid. One end of a hose 35 is connected to the housing-side outlet 31d2. The other end of the hose 35 is connected to the spray nozzle 33c. As a result, the washer fluid extracted from the washer fluid outlet 31d (the main body-side outlet 31d1 and the housing-side outlet 31d2) is guided to the spray nozzle 33c and sprayed from the spray nozzle 33c toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity.

[0048] In addition to the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment of the present invention has the following unique operation. (a) When the piston 32 is pushed by the washer fluid introduced into the cylinder 31 and reaches or near its full stroke, the main body side outlet 31d1, which was on the back side of the piston 32, is positioned on the front side (washer fluid side) of the piston 32, and while the piston 32 remains pressed by the washer fluid, some of the washer fluid flows from the main body side outlet 31d1 to the outer periphery of the cylinder main body 31a and is taken out (extracted) to the outside of the cylinder 31 through the housing side outlet 31d2. (b) The washer fluid extracted from the washer fluid outlet 31d (main body side outlet 31d1 and housing side outlet 31d2) is guided to the spray nozzle 33c provided at or near the base of the blade support member 21, and is sprayed from the spray nozzle 33c toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity. (c) While the washer pump is operating, the piston 32 continues to be pushed by the washer fluid, causing the washer fluid to continue to be sprayed from the spray nozzle 33c, but when the driver stops the specified operation and stops driving the washer pump, the piston 32 is pushed back by the biasing force of the piston biasing spring 34. As a result, the main body side outlet 31d1, which was located on the front side of the piston 32, returns to the back side of the piston 32, stopping the further supply of washer fluid to the spray nozzle 33c and stopping spraying from the spray nozzle 33c.

[0049] In addition to the functions and effects obtained in the first embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment of the present invention further provides the following functions and effects.

[0050] (C1) The cylinder 31 is provided with the washer fluid outlet 31d, and the transfer piece 33 is provided with the spray nozzle 33c that sprays the washer fluid taken out from the washer fluid outlet 31d toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity, so that the lens 1a (FIG. 1) can be wiped using washer fluid as well. This improves the cleaning performance of the lens 1a compared to when no washer fluid is used.

[0051] (C2) Since the main body side outlet 31d1 is formed near the full stroke of the piston 32, which is pushed by the washer fluid, it is possible to prevent the washer fluid from leaking out of the main body side outlet 31d1 before the desired stroke of the piston 32 is achieved, causing the washer fluid pressure in the cylinder main body 31a to drop and preventing the desired stroke of the piston 32 from being achieved.

[0052] (C3) Because the main body outlet 31d1 is formed near the full stroke of the piston 32, which is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid, the washer fluid outlet 31d can serve as an exhaust port for preventing an increase in back pressure of the piston 32 during the stroke of the piston 32, which is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid. Therefore, when the piston 32 is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid, the piston 32 can operate relatively smoothly.

[0053] (C4) When the driver stops the specified operation and stops driving the washer pump, the piston 32 is pushed back by the biasing force of the piston biasing spring 34, and as a result, the main body side outlet 31d1, which was located on the front side of the piston 32, returns to the back side of the piston 32, and the negative pressure generated on the back side of the piston 32 causes the washer fluid remaining in the hose 35 and the spray nozzle 33c to flow back into the cylinder 31. Therefore, after the blade 20 wipes the lens portion 1a on its return path, the washer fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 33c onto the lens portion 1a, preventing the lens effect from obstructing visibility.

[0054] [Example 3] (Fig. 8, Fig. 9) As shown in Figure 9, the drive device 30 of Example 3 of the present invention has a housing 40 into which washer fluid can be introduced, a rotating shaft 41 that can rotate back and forth relative to the housing 40 and is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40, a transmission arm 42 that is attached to the rotating shaft 41 and to which the blade 20 is attached, and a shaft-spring 43.

[0055] The housing 40 has an upper housing 40a and a lower housing 40b fixed to the upper housing 40a. The upper housing 40a and the lower housing 40b are fixed to each other by engaging an engagement portion 40b1 provided on one of the housings with an engagement receiving portion 40a1 provided on the other housing.

[0056] The housing 40 is configured so that the washer fluid flowing through an inlet 40c provided in the lower housing 40b can be introduced into the interior (the interior surrounded by the upper housing 40a and the lower housing 40b). The inlet 40c is connected to a water channel (not shown) for the washer fluid, and can guide the washer fluid from the water channel.

[0057] An opening 40a2 is formed in the upper housing 40a and is closed by a shaft holder 40a3 fixed to the upper housing 40a. The shaft holder 40a3 supports the rotary shaft 41 so that the rotary shaft 41 is rotatable.

[0058] The upper housing 40a is provided with a washer fluid outlet 40a4 for extracting the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40 to the outside of the housing 40, and further provided with a spray nozzle 40a5 for spraying the washer fluid extracted from the washer fluid outlet 40a4 toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity. The washer fluid outlet 40a4 is formed near the full stroke of the rotating shaft 41, which is pushed and moved by the washer fluid.

[0059] The rotating shaft 41 has a shaft main body 41a extending from the inside to the outside of the housing 40 and rotatably supported by a shaft holder 40a3, and a resistance plate 41c supported on the portion of the shaft main body 41a located inside the housing 40 via a resistance plate support portion 41b.

[0060] The rotating shaft 41 rotates relative to the housing 40 as the resistance plate 41c is pushed by the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40. The amount of rotation (stroke amount) of the rotating shaft 41 is regulated by a pair of stoppers 40b2 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 9) provided on the housing 40.

[0061] The transmission arm 42 is provided to transmit the movement of the rotating shaft 41 to the blade 20. The transmission arm 42 is disposed outside the housing 40. The transmission arm 42 has an arm guide 42a that is attached to the shaft body 41a of the rotating shaft 41 so as not to rotate relative to the shaft body 41a, and an arm body 42b that is attached to the arm guide 42a so as not to rotate relative to the shaft body 41a, and that has an arm portion 42b1 to which the blade 20 is attached (mounted). Note that reference numeral 42b2 denotes a cap that closes a hole in the arm body 42b.

[0062] The transmission arm 42 has an arm guide 42a that is attached to the rotating shaft 41 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 41, and therefore, when the rotating shaft 41 rotates relative to the housing 40, the transmission arm 42 rotates together with the rotating shaft 41 relative to the housing 40. The transmission arm 42 has an arm main body 42b that includes an arm portion 42b1 to which the blade 20 is attached and is attached to the arm guide 42a so as to be non-rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 41. Therefore, when the transmission arm 42 rotates relative to the housing 40, the blade 20 rotates relative to the housing 40. Therefore, by rotating the rotating shaft 41 relative to the housing 40, the blade 20 can be rotated relative to the housing 40.

[0063] Shaft biasing spring 43 biases rotating shaft 41, which has been pushed and moved by washer fluid introduced into housing 40, in a direction returning it to the position it was in before being pushed and moved by the washer fluid. Shaft biasing spring 43 is, for example, a torsion spring. One end of shaft biasing spring 43 abuts against arm guide 42a, and the other end abuts against protrusion 40a6 provided on shaft holder 40a3.

[0064] Here, the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. (a) When the driver performs a predetermined operation at any time to drive the washer pump (not shown), washer fluid is introduced into the housing 40 from the inlet 40c. (b) The washer fluid introduced into the housing 40 pushes the resistance plate 41c, causing the rotating shaft 41 to rotate against the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring 43. (c) Since the transmission arm 42 is attached (coupled) to the rotary shaft 41 , the transmission arm 42 rotates together with the rotary shaft 41 relative to the housing 40 . (d) Since the blade 20 is attached (mounted) to the transmission arm 42, the blade 20 moves (rotates) as the transmission arm 42 rotates, wiping the surface of the lens portion 1a (FIG. 1). (e) While the washer pump is operating, the resistance plate 41c of the rotating shaft 41 continues to be pushed by the washer fluid, but when the driver stops the specified operation and stops the drive of the washer pump, the rotating shaft 41 is pushed back by the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring 43. As a result, the transmission arm 42 and the blade 20 also rotate in the opposite direction and return to their original positions, at which time the blade 20 again wipes the surface of the lens portion 1a.

[0065] The operation of the third embodiment of the present invention further includes the following operations. (f) When the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40 pushes and rotates the resistor plate 41c, causing the shaft 41 to reach or nearly reach its full stroke, the washer fluid outlet 40a4, which was on the back side of the resistor plate 41c, is positioned on the front side (washer fluid side) of the resistor plate 41c, and while the washer fluid continues to press down on the resistor plate 41c, some of the washer fluid is guided from the washer fluid outlet 40a4 to the spray nozzle 40a5 and sprayed from the spray nozzle 40a5c toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity. (g) While the washer pump is operating, the resistance plate 41c continues to be pushed by the washer fluid, causing the washer fluid to continue to be sprayed from the spray nozzle 40a5, but when the driver stops the specified operation and stops driving the washer pump, the resistance plate 41c (rotating shaft 41) is pushed back by the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring 43. As a result, the washer fluid outlet 40a4, which was located on the front side of the resistance plate 41c, returns to the back side of the resistance plate 41c, stopping further supply of washer fluid to the spray nozzle 40a5 and stopping spraying from the spray nozzle 40a5.

[0066] In the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the actions and effects obtained from the parts common to all the embodiments of the present invention, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0067] (D1) Since it has a rotating shaft 41 that is pushed and moved by the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40, and a transmission arm 42 that is attached to the rotating shaft 41 and to which the blade 20 is attached, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the housing 40 to move the rotating shaft 40, it is possible to drive the blade 20 and wipe the lens portion 1a (Figure 8) of the verification device 1.

[0068] (D2) Because the shaft biasing spring 43 is provided, when the drive of the washer pump is stopped, the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring 43 can return the rotating shaft 41 to the position it was in before being pushed by the washer fluid. Therefore, the blade 20 can be driven again to wipe the lens portion 1a again.

[0069] (D3) Housing 40 is provided with washer fluid outlet 40a4 and spray nozzle 40a5 that sprays washer fluid taken out from washer fluid outlet 40a4 toward blade 20 and / or its vicinity, making it possible to wipe lens 1a using washer fluid as well. This improves the cleaning performance of lens 1a compared to when washer fluid is not used.

[0070] (D4) Since the washer fluid outlet 40a4 is formed near the full stroke of the rotating shaft 41, which is pushed by the washer fluid, it is possible to prevent the washer fluid from leaking out of the washer fluid outlet 40a4 before the desired rotational stroke of the rotating shaft 41 is obtained, causing the washer fluid pressure in the housing 40 to decrease and preventing the desired stroke of the rotating shaft 41 from being obtained.

[0071] (D5) Because the washer fluid outlet 40a4 is formed near the full stroke of the rotating shaft 41, which is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid, the washer fluid outlet 40a4 can serve as an exhaust port for preventing an increase in back pressure during the stroke of the rotating shaft 41, which is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 41 is moved by being pushed by the washer fluid, the rotating shaft 41 can operate relatively smoothly.

[0072] (D6) When the driver stops the specified operation and stops driving the washer pump, the rotating shaft 41 is pushed back by the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring 43, and as a result, the washer fluid outlet 40a4, which was located on the front side of the resistance plate 41c, returns to the rear side of the resistance plate 41c, and the negative pressure generated on the rear side of the resistance plate 41c causes the washer fluid remaining in the spray nozzle 40a5 to flow back into the housing 40. Therefore, after the blade 20 wipes the lens portion 1a on its return path, the washer fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 40a5 and applied to the lens portion 1a, preventing the lens effect from obstructing visibility.

[0073] [Example 4] (Figure 10) As shown in Figure 10, the drive device 30 of Example 4 of the present invention has a wiper arm 50 to which the blade 20 is attached (mounted), a gear housing 51 having an inlet portion 51a into which washer fluid can be introduced and an outlet portion 51b from which the washer fluid introduced into the inside can be discharged to the outside, a gear 52 arranged within the gear housing 51 and rotated by being pushed by the washer fluid in the gear housing 51, a cam mechanism 53 that converts the rotational motion of the gear 52 into an oscillating motion of the wiper arm 50, and an injection nozzle 54 that sprays the washer fluid discharged from the outlet portion 51b of the gear housing 51 toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity.

[0074] The wiper arm 50 is supported by the gear housing 51 so as to be swingable about an axis P1, and has a one-way extending portion 50a extending in one direction from the portion supported by the gear housing 51, and a other-way extending portion 50b extending in the other direction from the portion supported by the gear housing 51. The blade 20 is attached to the one-way extending portion 50a of the wiper arm 50.

[0075] The wiper arm 50 is pressed into a predetermined position by a pressing spring 50c, such as a coil spring, to prevent a reduction in the performance of wiping the lens portion 1a (see Figure 1) of the verification device 1 due to the reaction force received from the lens portion 1a when the blade 20 wipes the lens portion 1a.

[0076] The gear housing 51 has an upper gear housing 51c and a lower gear housing 51d fixed to the upper gear housing 51c. The inlet portion 51a is provided in the lower gear housing 51d, and the outlet portion 51b is provided in the upper gear housing 51c.

[0077] The gear housing 51 is capable of introducing the washer fluid flowing from the introduction portion 51a into the interior (the interior surrounded by the gear housing upper 51c and the gear housing lower 51d). The introduction portion 51a is connected to a water channel (not shown) for the washer fluid using a hose 55, and the washer fluid can be guided from the water channel.

[0078] One end of a hose 56 is connected to the discharge portion 51b. The other end of the hose 56 is connected to the spray nozzle 54. Therefore, the washer fluid discharged from the discharge portion 51b is guided to the spray nozzle 54 and sprayed from the spray nozzle 54 toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity.

[0079] Gear 52 has a pair of gears (first and second gears) 52a, 52b that mesh with each other inside gear housing 51. Gear 52 rotates when pushed by washer fluid flowing inside gear housing 51 (introduced through inlet 51a and discharged through outlet 51b). The washer fluid passes between first and second gears 52a, 52b and inner wall surface 51e of gear housing 51, causing first and second gears 52a, 52b to rotate in the direction of arrow D. The pressure of the washer fluid rotates gear 52 like a hydraulic motor (positive displacement motor).

[0080] The rotating shaft 52c of one of the first and second gears 52a, 52b (first gear 52a in the illustrated example) extends to the outside of the gear housing 51 through an opening provided in the gear housing upper 51c, and functions as the output shaft of the gear 52.

[0081] The cam mechanism 53 has a lever 53a with a protrusion 53a1, and an elongated hole 53b that is provided in the other-direction extending portion 50b of the wiper arm 50 and into which the protrusion 53a1 is inserted.

[0082] One end of the lever 53a is attached to the rotation shaft 52c of the gear 52 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the rotation shaft 52c. Therefore, when the gear 52 rotates, the lever 53a rotates together with the gear 52 (first gear 52a) around the axis P2. The other end of the lever 53a is provided with a protrusion 53a1. The protrusion 53a1 is always inserted into the elongated hole 53b.

[0083] The elongated hole 53b provided in the other-direction extending portion 50b of the wiper arm 50 has a short-side length slightly longer than the diameter of the protrusion 53a1 and a longitudinal length more than twice the length between one end and the other end of the lever 53a. Because the short-side length is slightly longer than the diameter of the protrusion 53a1, the protrusion 53a1 can be inserted into the elongated hole 53b, and when the lever 53a rotates around the axis P2, the rotational movement of the lever 53a can be efficiently converted into a swinging movement of the wiper arm 50. Furthermore, because the longitudinal length is more than twice the length between the one end and the other end of the lever 53a, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 53a1 and the wiper arm 50 from interfering with the rotational movement of the lever 53a around the axis P2.

[0084] When the lever 53a rotates around the axis P2 together with the gear 52 (first gear 52a), the protrusion 53a1 presses against the edge of the elongated hole 53b, causing the wiper arm 50 to swing around the axis P1. Therefore, the blade 20 attached to the wiper arm 50 can be swung relative to the gear housing 51.

[0085] Here, the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. (a) When the driver performs a predetermined operation at any time to drive the washer pump (not shown), the washer fluid is introduced into the gear housing 51 from the introduction portion 51a. (b) The washer fluid introduced into the gear housing 51 passes around the gear 52. At that time, the gear 52 rotates due to the pressure of the washer fluid. (c) As the gear 52 rotates, the lever 53a rotates around the axis P2, and is pushed by the protrusion 53a1, causing the wiper arm 50 to swing around the axis P1. (d) Since the blade 20 is attached (mounted) to the wiper arm 50, the blade 20 moves (swings) as the wiper arm 50 rotates, wiping the surface of the lens portion 1a (FIG. 1). (e) While the washer pump is operating, the gear 52 continues to be pushed by the washer fluid, causing the lever 53a to continue rotating around the axis P2 and causing the wiper arm 50 to repeatedly oscillate. When the driver stops the specified operation and stops the drive of the washer pump, the flow of washer fluid stops, and the rotation of the gear 52 also stops. As a result, the rotation of the lever 53a and the oscillation of the wiper arm 50 also stop.

[0086] The operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes the following operations. (f) The washer fluid flowing from the discharge portion 51b of the gear housing 51 to the outside of the gear housing 51 is guided to the spray nozzle 54. Then, the washer fluid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 54 toward the blade 20 and / or the vicinity thereof. (g) While the washer pump is operating, washer fluid continues to be sprayed from the spray nozzle 54. However, when the driver stops the specified operation and stops the operation of the washer pump, the supply of washer fluid to the spray nozzle 54 stops, and spraying from the spray nozzle 54 stops.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the actions and effects obtained from the parts common to all the embodiments of the present invention, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0088] (E1) The wiper arm 50 to which the blade 20 is attached, the gear 52 arranged in the gear housing 51 and rotated by being pushed by the washer fluid in the gear housing 51, and the cam mechanism 53 that converts the rotational motion of the gear 52 into the swinging motion of the wiper arm 50 are provided. Therefore, by using the pressure of the washer fluid introduced into the gear housing 51 to rotate the gear 52 and swing the wiper arm 50, the blade 20 can be driven to wipe the lens portion 1a (Figure 1) of the confirmation device 1.

[0089] (E2) Since the gear housing 51 has the inlet 51a through which the washer fluid can be introduced and the outlet 51b through which the washer fluid introduced into the gear housing 51 can be discharged to the outside, the washer fluid can be kept flowing through the gear housing 51 while the washer pump is being driven. Therefore, while the washer pump is being driven, the pressure of the washer fluid can be used to keep the gear 52 rotating, and as a result, the oscillation motion of the wiper arm 50 can be sustained (repeated). This increases the number of times the blade 20 wipes the lens portion 1a, which is advantageous in terms of cleaning performance of the lens portion 1a.

[0090] (E3) The drive unit 30 further includes an injection nozzle 54 that injects the washer fluid discharged from the discharge portion 51b of the gear housing 51 toward the blade 20 and / or its vicinity, making it possible to wipe the lens portion 1a using washer fluid as well. This improves the cleaning performance of the lens portion 1a compared to when washer fluid is not used as well. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Verification device 1a Lens section 10 Cleaning equipment 20 blades 30 Drive unit 31 cylinders 31d Washer fluid outlet 32 piston 33 Transmission Piece 33c Injection nozzle 34 Piston bias spring 40 Housing 40a4 Washer fluid outlet 40a5 spray nozzle 41 Rotating shaft 42 Transmission arm 43 Shaft-energized spring 50 wiper arm 51 Gear housing 51a Introduction 51b Discharge section 52 gears 53 Cam mechanism 54 Injection nozzle

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a confirmation device that is exposed to the outside of a vehicle and mounted on the vehicle for visual confirmation and / or confirmation of the surroundings of the vehicle, a blade for wiping the lens portion of the verification device; a drive device for driving the blade; and The drive device is connected to a water passage for washer fluid and is configured to drive the blade using pressure of the washer fluid; The drive device includes a wiper arm to which the blade is attached, a gear housing having an inlet portion into which washer fluid can be introduced and an outlet portion from which the washer fluid introduced into the gear housing can be discharged to the outside, a gear disposed in the gear housing and rotated by being pushed by the washer fluid in the gear housing, and a cam mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the gear into a swinging motion of the wiper arm. Cleaning device for confirmation device.

2. A cleaning device for a confirmation device as described in claim 1, wherein the drive device further has an injection nozzle that injects washer fluid discharged from the discharge portion of the gear housing toward the blade and / or its vicinity.

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