Vehicle sensor device

Abstract

To ensure that, in a sensor device for vehicles in which snow, etc. sticking to an outer cover is melted by a heating wire, the impact of a magnetic field generated from the heating wire on the sensitivity of a sensor unit is suppressed and a decrease in the accuracy of detecting a physical object is thereby suppressed.SOLUTION: The sensor device for vehicles comprises: an outer cover; a sensor unit for transmitting / receiving electromagnetic waves via the outer cover and outputting a signal related to the electromagnetic wave entering the inside of the outer cover; a heater provided to the outer cover, for heating a passage region of the outer cover in which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor unit passes through; and a control unit. The control unit outputs a physical object detection signal at a prescribed time interval on the basis of a signal from the sensor unit, and reduces a first voltage V1 applied to the heating wire in at least a section of a transmission / reception period in which the electromagnetic wave used for the detection signal is transmitted / received by the sensor unit, to be lower than a second voltage V2 applied to the heating wire in at least some period between the transmission / reception periods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle sensor device that detects an object outside the vehicle using electromagnetic waves is known. The following Patent Document 1 discloses such a vehicle sensor device.

[0003] The vehicle sensor device of the following Patent Document 1 includes a lamp unit that emits light toward the front of the vehicle, a radar device that detects an object located in front of the vehicle using electromagnetic waves, a reflected wave intensity acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave, a control unit, a cover, and a separator. The cover is disposed in front of the radar device, and the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radar device passes through the cover and irradiates the front of the vehicle. The separator is disposed between the lamp unit and the radar device and is connected to the cover, and absorbs a part of the radiant heat of the lamp unit and transfers it to the cover.

[0004] The intensity of the electromagnetic wave acquired by the reflected wave intensity acquisition unit tends to change due to deposits such as ice, snow, and frost adhering to the cover. Generally, when there is a deposit on the cover, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the cover tends to be higher than when there is no deposit on the cover. In the vehicle sensor device, when a deposit adheres, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave increases as described above, and in this case, the control unit controls the lamp unit to be turned on. As a result, the deposit is removed by the radiant heat as described above. Further, when the deposit is removed, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave decreases, and in this case, the control unit controls the lamp unit to be turned off.

[0005] Furthermore, the control unit determines whether ice, snow, or frost has accumulated on the cover based on the intensity of reflected electromagnetic waves, and controls the lighting unit to turn on or off according to this determination. According to this vehicle sensor device, the radiant heat from the lighting unit heats the cover, which melts or vaporizes any ice, snow, or frost that has accumulated on the cover, thereby suppressing the decrease in accuracy of object detection caused by ice, snow, or frost. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-50271 [Overview of the project]

[0006] A vehicle sensor device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an outer cover, a sensor unit positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover and transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the outer cover, and outputting a signal relating to the electromagnetic waves incident on the inside of the outer cover, a heater provided on the outer cover and heating a transmission area on the outer cover through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit pass, and a control unit, wherein the control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover based on the signal from the sensor unit during at least a portion of the period when the heater is OFF, and stops outputting the detection signal during at least a portion of the period when the heater is ON.

[0007] In the first embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, when electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit toward the outside of the vehicle are reflected by objects outside the vehicle in the direction of propagation and pass through the transmission region, the sensor unit can receive the electromagnetic waves, and an object can be detected from the signal related to the electromagnetic waves. In this vehicle sensor device, the control unit outputs an object detection signal based on the signal related to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit for at least a portion of the period when the heater is OFF. Generally, when the heater is OFF, there is a tendency for no deposits to be attached to the transmission region. In this case, the obstruction of the propagation of electromagnetic waves by deposits is suppressed, so the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. Also, generally, when the heater is ON, there is a tendency for deposits to be attached to the transmission region. In this case, the propagation of electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the deposits, so the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device decreases. Consequently, the information obtained by detection is difficult to use, and the power used to output the detection signal containing such information may be wasted. However, in vehicle sensor devices, the control unit stops outputting the detection signal for at least a portion of the time the heater is ON. In other words, the output of the detection signal is stopped for at least a portion of the time while the deposits are being removed by the heat of the heater. This can help to reduce wasted power consumption.

[0008] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, the control unit may, during the period when the heater is ON, stop outputting the detection signal if the intensity of the electromagnetic wave indicated by the signal is greater than a first threshold and the amount of deposits adhering to the transmission area is greater than or equal to a second threshold, which indicates that the amount of deposits adhering to the transmission area is greater than the amount of deposits at the first threshold, and output the detection signal if the intensity is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0009] As described above, generally, deposits tend to adhere to the permeable region while the heater is ON. In vehicle sensor devices, when deposits adhere to the permeable region, a portion of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit is reflected by the deposits and received by the sensor unit. The intensity of the received electromagnetic waves tends to increase as the amount of deposits increases, because more electromagnetic waves are reflected by the deposits. Generally, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit tends to increase when dust or water droplets adhere to the permeable region, followed by when ice or snow adheres to the permeable region. In this case, the first threshold value is set lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit when dust or water droplets adhere to the permeable region. The second threshold value is set higher than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit when dust or water droplets adhere to the permeable region, and lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit when ice or snow adheres to the permeable region. When the electromagnetic wave intensity exceeds the second threshold, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device decreases compared to when the intensity is between the first and second thresholds. Consequently, the information obtained in this case becomes less useful, and power is wasted for a longer period. However, in vehicle sensor devices, the output of the detection signal stops when the electromagnetic wave intensity exceeds the second threshold, which can shorten the time during which power is wasted.

[0010] Furthermore, as the amount of deposits begins to dissolve and decreases, the reflection of electromagnetic waves by the deposits is suppressed, and the intensity decreases. When the intensity is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, the amount of deposits is less than when the intensity is above the second threshold, so the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation by the deposits is suppressed, and the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. In this case, even if the vehicle sensor device outputs a detection signal, more accurate information can be obtained compared to when the intensity is above the second threshold, and the safety of the vehicle while it is running can be improved by using this information.

[0011] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, the control unit may, during the period when the heater is ON, stop outputting the detection signal if the signal output from the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the permeable region indicates a temperature below a predetermined temperature, and output the detection signal if the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature of or greater than the predetermined temperature.

[0012] When the temperature of the transmission region is below a predetermined temperature, the deposits are less likely to melt even when heated compared to when the temperature of the transmission region is above the predetermined temperature. This obstructs the propagation of electromagnetic waves, reducing the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device. Consequently, the information obtained in this case becomes less useful, leading to longer periods of wasted power. However, in vehicle sensor devices, if the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature below the predetermined temperature while the heater is ON, the output of the detection signal stops, potentially reducing the time of wasted power.

[0013] Furthermore, when the temperature of the transmission region is above a predetermined temperature, the deposits dissolve more easily compared to when the temperature of the transmission region is below the predetermined temperature, suppressing interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by the deposits, and thus suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device. In this case, even if the vehicle sensor device outputs a detection signal, it can utilize information with higher accuracy compared to when the temperature of the transmission region is below the predetermined temperature, and the use of this information can improve the safety of the vehicle while it is in motion.

[0014] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, the control unit may output a detection signal during the period when the heater is ON and the light source unit that emits light to the outside of the vehicle through the outer cover is ON.

[0015] The outer cover, including the transparent region, is heated by light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the outer cover. As a result, the attached material is heated by both the heat from the heater and the light from the light source, and can melt and be removed more quickly than if it were heated only by the heater. When the attached material is removed, even if a detection signal is output, the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device can utilize information with higher accuracy compared to when the attached material is not removed, and the use of this information can improve the safety of the vehicle while it is running.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, during the period when the heater is ON, the sensor unit may emit the electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle through the outer cover.

[0017] In the above configuration, the sensor emits electromagnetic waves during the periods when the heater is ON and when the heater is OFF, and does not stop or switch the emission of electromagnetic waves in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor due to switching can be reduced. In addition, although it generally takes time for the sensor to start up, in the above configuration, the sensor is always running and emitting electromagnetic waves, so the time required to start up the sensor can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal can be output faster when the heater switches from ON to OFF compared to when the time is not eliminated.

[0018] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, during the period when the heater is ON, the sensor unit may receive the electromagnetic waves that are incident on the inside of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle through the outer cover.

[0019] In the above configuration, the sensor unit receives electromagnetic waves during both the ON and OFF periods of the heater, and does not stop or switch the reception of electromagnetic waves in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor unit due to switching can be reduced. In addition, since the sensor unit is always running and receiving electromagnetic waves, the time required for startup can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal can be output earlier as described above.

[0020] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, during the period when the heater is ON, the sensor unit may receive the electromagnetic waves that are incident on the inside of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle through the outer cover and output the signal to the control unit.

[0021] In the above configuration, the sensor unit outputs a signal to the control unit CO during the periods when the heater is ON and when the heater is OFF, and does not stop or switch the signal output in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater. Therefore, the burden on the sensor unit due to switching can be reduced. In addition, since the sensor unit is always running and outputting a signal, the time required for startup can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal can be output earlier as described above.

[0022] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the first embodiment, the control unit may control the heater to be turned ON for at least a portion of the time while the vehicle is stopped, and may stop the output of the detection signal for at least a portion of the time while the heater is ON.

[0023] Generally, when a vehicle is stationary, the removal of attached objects is required to improve vehicle safety when the vehicle is in motion, rather than to detect objects. In a vehicle sensor device, the heater is turned ON for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stationary, and the output of the detection signal is stopped for at least a portion of the time when the heater is ON. When the heater is ON, the heat from the heater removes the attached objects. Therefore, when the vehicle starts moving, the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation by attached objects is suppressed, and the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device can be suppressed. In addition, in the above configuration, since the output of the detection signal is stopped, the power consumption due to the output of the detection signal can be suppressed compared to when the detection signal is output.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle sensor device comprising: an outer cover; a sensor unit positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the outer cover and outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover; a heater provided on the outer cover which heats a transmission area through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit in the outer cover pass; and a control unit, wherein the control unit sets the operating period of the heater and the amount of power of the heater during the operating period based on the intensity, and applies a voltage corresponding to the set amount of power to the heater during the set operating period.

[0025] In the vehicle sensor device according to the second aspect, when electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit toward the outside of the vehicle are reflected by an object in the traveling direction of the electromagnetic waves and the outside of the vehicle and pass through the transmission region, the electromagnetic waves can be received by the sensor unit, and an object can be detected from a signal related to the electromagnetic waves. Further, in this vehicle sensor device, the control unit sets the driving period of the heater and the amount of electric power of the heater during the driving period based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. The amount of electric power of the heater is obtained by integrating the electric power of the heater over the driving period of the heater. Further, the electric power is obtained by the voltage applied to the heater and the resistance of the heater, which is a fixed value. The control unit applies the voltage at the set amount of electric power to the heater during the set driving period. Generally, during the period when the heater is ON, deposits tend to adhere to the transmission region. Further, during the period when the heater is ON, the deposits are heated by the heat from the heater and thus tend to melt and decrease over time. As the deposits decrease, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit tends to decrease because the reflection of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the deposits decreases. In the vehicle sensor device, since the driving period of the heater and the amount of electric power of the heater are set based on the intensity as described above, the burden on the control unit can be reduced compared to the case where the amount of electric power of the heater is always controlled based on the intensity each time the intensity changes.

[0026] Generally, when dust or water droplets adhere to the transmission region and when ice and snow adhere to the transmission region, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit tends to increase in that order. Thus, the more deposits there are, the higher the intensity, and the amount of electric power required to remove the deposits increases. In the vehicle sensor device, since the amount of electric power is set based on the intensity, it is suppressed that the amount of electric power is set too little or too much with respect to the adhesion amount of the deposits, and the deposits can be appropriately removed with the amount of electric power corresponding to the intensity.

[0027] Further, in the vehicle sensor device according to the second aspect, the control unit may sharply increase the voltage applied to the heater.

[0028] When there is an adherent, the steeper the rise in voltage, the faster the temperature of the heat from the heater rises in a short time, so the adherent can be quickly warmed and melted.

[0029] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, the control unit may gradually increase the voltage applied to the heater.

[0030] With the above configuration, the control unit may control the heater at the timing of gradually increasing the voltage. Therefore, the burden on the control unit can be reduced compared to the case where the voltage does not increase step by step.

[0031] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, the control unit may gradually increase the voltage applied to the heater.

[0032] With the above configuration, a rapid temperature change of the outer cover can be suppressed, and a thermal shock applied to the outer cover due to the rapid temperature change can be suppressed.

[0033] Also, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, the control unit may rapidly decrease the voltage after the voltage has risen.

[0034] With the above configuration, wasteful consumption of the electric power of the heater can be suppressed compared to the case where the voltage does not rapidly decrease. Also, since residual heat can remain in the outer cover even when the voltage decreases, the adherents remaining on the outer cover can be removed by the residual heat.

[0035] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the second aspect, the control unit may gradually decrease the voltage after the voltage has risen

[0036] With the above configuration, the control unit may control the heater at the timing of gradually decreasing the voltage. Therefore, the burden on the control unit can be reduced compared to the case where the voltage does not decrease step by step. Also, compared to the case where the voltage rapidly decreases without decreasing step by step, the time for warming the outer cover at a high temperature can be lengthened, and the adherents can be more easily melted.

[0037] Alternatively, in the vehicle sensor device of the second embodiment, the control unit may gradually decrease the voltage after it has risen.

[0038] With the above configuration, compared to the case where the voltage does not gradually decrease, rapid temperature changes of the outer cover can be suppressed, and thermal shock to the outer cover due to rapid temperature changes can be suppressed.

[0039] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the second embodiment, the control unit may increase the voltage applied to the heater when the signal output from the temperature sensor that measures the temperature outside the vehicle indicates a temperature below a predetermined temperature.

[0040] When the temperature outside the vehicle is below a predetermined temperature, such as the temperature at which deposits or water freeze, the deposits are less likely to melt and more likely to freeze compared to when the temperature outside the vehicle is above the predetermined temperature. In a vehicle sensor device, the above configuration allows the deposits to melt and be removed more quickly than when the voltage does not rise.

[0041] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle sensor device comprising: an outer cover; a sensor unit positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover and transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through the outer cover, and outputting a signal indicating the intensity of the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover; a heater provided on the outer cover and heating a transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit in the outer cover pass; a cleaner that sprays at least one of a liquid and a gas from outside the vehicle beyond the outer cover toward the transmission region; and a control unit, wherein the control unit, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within a predetermined range, Furthermore, if the heater is driven for at least a portion of a predetermined period, and the intensity indicated by the signal is in a specific range different from the predetermined range, the heater and the cleaner are controlled so that the cleaner is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and the combination of operation of the heater and the cleaner over time during the predetermined period when the intensity indicated by the signal is in the specific range is different from the combination of operation of the heater and the cleaner over time during the predetermined period when the intensity indicated by the signal is in the predetermined range.

[0042] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, when electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit toward the outside of the vehicle are reflected by objects on the outside of the vehicle and pass through the transmission region, the sensor unit can receive the electromagnetic waves, and an object can be detected from the signal related to the electromagnetic waves. In this vehicle sensor device, since the electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit propagate toward the outside of the vehicle via the outer cover, a portion of these electromagnetic waves is reflected by the outer cover and received by the sensor unit. Furthermore, if there are deposits in the above-mentioned transmission region of the outer cover, another portion of the electromagnetic waves is reflected by the deposits and received by the sensor unit. For this reason, when there are deposits in this transmission region of the outer cover, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit tends to be higher than when there are no deposits on the outer cover. Also, when there are deposits in this transmission region, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit tends to change depending on the deposits. Generally, when dirt such as mud is attached to this transmission area, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor tends to be higher than when ice or snow is attached to this transmission area. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can change the combination of heater operation and cleaner operation over a predetermined period of time depending on the type of attached material. For example, this vehicle sensor device can melt and remove ice or snow attached to the outer cover by heating the outer cover with a heater, or remove dirt such as mud attached to the outer cover with liquid or gas sprayed from the cleaner. Consequently, this vehicle sensor device can remove attached materials more effectively and suppress a decrease in object detection accuracy compared to a case where the combination of heater operation and cleaner operation over a predetermined period of time does not change according to the intensity of electromagnetic waves indicated by the signal from the sensor.

[0043] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the specific range may include at least one of a first range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold, and a third range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is greater than or equal to a third threshold greater than the second threshold, and the predetermined range may be a second range in which the intensity indicated by the signal is greater than or equal to a second threshold and less than the third threshold.

[0044] As described above, when dirt such as mud adheres to the permeable area of ​​the outer cover, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor tends to be higher than when ice or snow adheres to the same area. Furthermore, when ice or snow adheres to the same area, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor tends to be higher than when dust or water droplets adhere to the same area. For this reason, the first, second, and third thresholds can be set such that the signal intensity when dust or water droplets are present falls within the first range, the signal intensity when ice or snow is present falls within the second range, and the signal intensity when dirt such as mud is present falls within the third range. In addition, in this vehicle sensor device, at least the cleaner is driven when the signal intensity falls within at least one of the first and third ranges. Furthermore, when the signal intensity falls within the second range, at least the heater is driven. Therefore, with this vehicle sensor device, for example, dust and water droplets adhering to the outer cover can be removed by liquid or gas from a cleaner, ice and snow adhering to the outer cover can be melted and removed by heating the outer cover with a heater, and dirt such as mud adhering to the outer cover can be removed by liquid or gas from a cleaner.

[0045] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the second range, the timing of the start of the cleaner's operation is later than the timing of the start of the heater's operation.

[0046] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, if the signal intensity is within the second range, at least one of a liquid and a gas is sprayed toward the outer cover after the outer cover has been heated. Therefore, when ice and snow adhere to the outer cover, this vehicle sensor device can spray at least one of a liquid and a gas toward the ice and snow after heating the outer cover to create a condition where water is interposed between the ice and snow and the outer cover. When water is interposed between the ice and snow and the outer cover, the adhesion force of the ice and snow to the outer cover tends to be smaller than when there is no water interposed between the ice and snow and the outer cover. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can remove ice and snow more easily than when the outer cover is not heated before the liquid or gas is sprayed toward the outer cover.

[0047] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the second range, the timing of the start of the cleaner's operation is later than the timing of the heater's operation, and there is a period during which the heater is operating after the timing of the cleaner's operation termination.

[0048] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, the outer cover is heated even after the timing of the cleaner's operation ending. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover after the injection of liquid or gas to the outer cover has ended, for example, liquid from the cleaner, or vaporize and remove this liquid. Accordingly, this vehicle sensor device can suppress the decrease in object detection accuracy compared to the case where the outer cover is not heated after the timing of the cleaner's operation ending.

[0049] Alternatively, in a vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, if the specific range includes at least one of the first range and the third range described above, and the predetermined range is the second range described above, the cleaner may be capable of spraying the liquid and the gas individually, and the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the second range, the timing of the start of liquid spraying by the cleaner is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater, there is a period during which the heater is operating after the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner, and the timing of the start of gas spraying by the cleaner is later than the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner.

[0050] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, ice and snow can be easily removed because the outer cover is heated and then sprayed with liquid. Furthermore, the outer cover is heated even after the spraying of the cleaner liquid has finished. This prevents the liquid adhering to the outer cover after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover has finished, such as the liquid from the cleaner, from freezing, or it can be vaporized and removed. Additionally, gas is sprayed towards the outer cover after the spraying of the cleaner liquid has finished. This allows the gas from the cleaner to remove any liquid adhering to the outer cover after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover has finished.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, if the specific range includes at least one of the first range and the third range described above, and the predetermined range is the second range described above, the cleaner is capable of spraying at least the liquid, and the specific range includes at least the third range, and the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, there is a period in which the heater is driven after the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner.

[0052] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, the outer cover is heated after the spraying of liquid onto the outer cover is completed. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can prevent the liquid adhering to the outer cover after the spraying of liquid onto the outer cover is completed, such as liquid from a cleaner, from freezing, or it can vaporize and remove this liquid.

[0053] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the third range, the timing of the start of liquid spraying by the cleaner is before the timing of the start of operation of the heater, and there is a period in which the heater is operating after the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner.

[0054] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, the outer cover is not heated before the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover. Here, when the outer cover is heated and the moisture content of dirt such as mud adhering to the outer cover decreases, the adhesion force of the dirt such as mud to the outer cover tends to increase. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can remove dirt such as mud more easily than when the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover after the outer cover has been heated.

[0055] Alternatively, in a vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, if the specific range includes at least one of the first range and the third range described above, and the predetermined range is the second range described above, the cleaner may be capable of spraying the liquid and the gas individually, the specific range includes at least the third range, and the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is in the third range, the timing of the start of the gas spray by the cleaner is later than the timing of the end of the liquid spray by the cleaner.

[0056] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, gas is sprayed toward the outer cover after the spraying of the cleaner liquid has finished. Therefore, any liquid adhering to the outer cover after the spraying of the liquid toward the outer cover has finished can be removed by the gas from the cleaner.

[0057] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the third range, there is a period in which the heater is driven after the timing of the end of liquid injection by the cleaner, and the timing of the start of gas injection by the cleaner is after the timing of the end of liquid injection by the cleaner.

[0058] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, the outer cover is heated after the spraying of liquid onto the outer cover is completed. Therefore, this vehicle sensor device can prevent the liquid adhering to the outer cover from freezing after the spraying of liquid onto the outer cover is completed, or it can vaporize and remove the liquid.

[0059] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner such that, when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the third range, the timing of the start of liquid injection by the cleaner is before the timing of the start of operation of the heater, there is a period during which the heater is operating after the timing of the end of liquid injection by the cleaner, and the timing of the start of gas injection by the cleaner is after the timing of the end of liquid injection by the cleaner.

[0060] In the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, the outer cover is not heated before the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover. Therefore, the reduction in moisture content of mud adhering to the outer cover before the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover can be suppressed, and the mud can be easily removed.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, if the specific range includes at least one of the first range and the third range described above, and the predetermined range is the second range described above, the cleaner is capable of injecting at least the gas, and the specific range includes at least the first range, and the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner so that the cleaner injects at least the gas when the intensity indicated by the signal is within the first range.

[0062] According to the third embodiment of the vehicle sensor device, for example, dust and water droplets adhering to the outer cover can be removed by gas from a cleaner.

[0063] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner so that the timing of the start of operation of the cleaner is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater when the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor that measures the temperature outside the vehicle is below a predetermined temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit is within the specified range, and when the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit is within the specified range, the control unit may control the heater and the cleaner so that only the cleaner is driven.

[0064] When the temperature outside a vehicle is high enough to freeze water, mud and dust adhering to the outer cover tend to have frozen water in the mud or ice adhering to the dust. This vehicle sensor device can set a predetermined temperature, for example, to the temperature at which water begins to freeze, so that when the temperature outside the vehicle is high enough to freeze water and mud and dust are adhering to the outer cover, the outer cover is heated and then liquid or gas can be sprayed onto the outer cover. Therefore, with this vehicle sensor device, liquid or gas can be sprayed after the water in the mud has melted or the ice adhering to the dust has melted, making it easier to remove mud and dust. In addition, with this vehicle sensor device, for example, when the temperature outside the vehicle exceeds the temperature at which water freezes and mud and dust are adhering to the outer cover, the heater can be switched off and only the cleaner can be switched on. Therefore, with this vehicle sensor device, mud and dust adhering to the outer cover can be removed while reducing the opportunities for the heater to be switched on.

[0065] In this case, in the vehicle sensor device of the third embodiment, the cleaner is capable of spraying the liquid, and when the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature and the intensity indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit is within the specified range, the heater and the cleaner may be controlled such that the timing of the start of liquid spraying by the cleaner is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater, and there is a period in which the heater is operating after the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner.

[0066] When the temperature outside the vehicle is high enough to freeze water, the outer cover is heated even after the cleaning liquid has finished spraying. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover after the liquid spraying has finished, such as the liquid from the cleaning.

[0067] The cleaner may be capable of spraying at least the liquid, and the control unit may control the cleaner so that the spraying of the liquid ends when the intensity of the signal output from the sensor unit during the spraying of the liquid becomes less than or equal to a first predetermined value which is less than the intensity at the start of the spraying of the liquid. The cleaner may also be capable of spraying at least the gas, and the control unit may control the cleaner so that the spraying of the gas ends when the intensity of the signal output from the sensor unit during the spraying of the gas becomes less than or equal to a second predetermined value which is less than the intensity at the start of the spraying of the gas. The control unit may also control the heater so that the operation of the heater ends when the intensity of the signal output from the sensor unit during the operation of the heater becomes less than or equal to a third predetermined value which is less than the intensity at the start of the operation of the heater.

[0068] This configuration makes it possible to suppress, for example, the spraying of liquid or gas by the cleaner and the operation of the heater when the deposits on the outer cover have been removed.

[0069] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle sensor device comprising: an outer cover; a sensor unit positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the outer cover and outputs a signal relating to the electromagnetic waves incident on the inside of the outer cover; a heating element provided on the outer cover for heating a transmission area through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit pass; and a control unit, wherein the control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used in the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit is lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods.

[0070] Processing the signal input from the sensor unit takes a certain amount of time for the control unit. In this vehicle sensor device, since the detection signal is output from the control unit at predetermined time intervals, the control unit can perform at least part of the processing of the signal input from the sensor unit during the period when the detection signal is not output from the control unit. Because the detection signal is output from the control unit at predetermined time intervals, the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are periodically transmitted and received by the sensor unit. Therefore, the above transmission and reception period is a periodic period, for example, approximately a predetermined time interval. However, during the period sandwiched between these transmission and reception periods, the sensor unit may or may not transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. For example, the sensor unit may continuously transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. In this case, not all of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit are used for the detection signal, and the sensor unit alternately transmits and receives electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal and electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal. In the vehicle sensor device of the present invention, the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least part of this transmission and reception period is a lower voltage than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least part of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. Therefore, the strength of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire during the period when the first voltage is applied to the heating wire is lower than the strength of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire during the period when the second voltage is applied to the heating wire. As a result, compared to the case where the second voltage is continuously applied to the heating wire, the effect of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire on the sensitivity of the sensor can be suppressed. Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle sensor device that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection.

[0071] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit sets the voltage applied to the heating element to the first voltage for the entire duration of the transmission and reception period.

[0072] In this case, compared to the case where the voltage applied to the heating element during a portion of the transmission / reception period is the first voltage and the voltage applied to the heating element during the other portion of the transmission / reception period is the second voltage, it is possible to suppress the influence of the magnetic field generated by the heating element on the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0073] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit sets the voltage applied to the heating element to the first voltage for a period longer than the transmission and reception period.

[0074] In this case, since the first voltage is applied to the heating element at at least one of the start and end of the transmission / reception period, the influence of the magnetic field generated by the heating element on the sensitivity of the sensor can be more effectively suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit sets the first voltage to zero.

[0076] In this case, no voltage is applied to the heating element for at least a portion of the transmission and reception period. Therefore, the emission of a magnetic field from the heating element can be further suppressed for at least a portion of the transmission and reception period, and the influence of the magnetic field generated by the heating element on the sensitivity of the sensor can be further suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the magnitude of the first voltage when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the predetermined speed.

[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the period during which the first voltage is applied when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the predetermined speed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the magnitude of the first voltage when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a predetermined distance smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the period during which the first voltage is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a predetermined distance longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance.

[0081] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the magnitude of the first voltage when a signal indicating rainy weather is input to the control unit smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage when a signal indicating rainy weather is not input.

[0082] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit applies the first voltage during the period when a signal indicating rain is input to the control unit, and that this period is longer than the period when the first voltage is applied during the period when no signal indicating rain is input.

[0083] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit makes the magnitude of the first voltage when a signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are lit is input to the control unit smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage when no signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are lit is input.

[0084] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit applies the first voltage during the period when a signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are lit is input to the control unit, and that this period is longer than the period when the first voltage is applied during the period when no signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are lit is input.

[0085] When a vehicle is moving at high speed, when the distance from the vehicle to an object is small, when it is raining, or when the headlights are on, there is a greater need for information about the vehicle's surroundings through means other than visual observation. In these conditions, by reducing the magnitude of the first voltage to reduce the magnetic field generated by the heating element, or by extending the period during which the magnetic field generated by the heating element is suppressed by extending the period during which the first voltage is applied, the vehicle sensor device can further suppress the decrease in object detection accuracy and contribute to greater safety.

[0086] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device of the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit stops outputting the detection signal and applies a voltage to the heating element during at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped, outputs the detection signal at predetermined time intervals during at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is running, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period to a voltage lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the time sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods.

[0087] When a vehicle is stationary, safety concerns tend to be lower than when the vehicle is moving. In particular, safety concerns are generally low during the period from when the ignition is turned on until the vehicle starts moving. Therefore, by applying voltage to the heating element for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stationary, melting snow or other debris adhering to the outer cover is prioritized over detecting objects around the vehicle, thereby suppressing the decrease in the accuracy of object detection by the vehicle's sensor device due to snow or other debris after the vehicle starts moving. Furthermore, for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is moving, the first voltage applied to the heating element for at least a portion of the transmission and reception period is lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element for at least a portion of the time sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. Therefore, for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is moving, the magnetic field generated by the heating element can be suppressed from affecting the sensitivity of the sensor compared to when the second voltage is continuously applied to the heating element, thereby suppressing the decrease in the accuracy of object detection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0088] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a vehicle lighting device equipped with a vehicle sensor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal according to the intensity in a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal according to the intensity in a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal according to the intensity in a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in response to the temperature of the transparent region of the outer cover in the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in response to the temperature of the transparent region of the outer cover in a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal in response to the temperature of the transparent region of the outer cover in the sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF status of the light source and heater, and the output / stop of the detection signal, respectively, in the seventh modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a timing chart relating to the ON / OFF of the heater and the output / stop of the detection signal according to the vehicle speed in the eighth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit in a second embodiment, which is a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a table illustrating the relationship between the range of radio wave intensity indicated by the signal from the sensor, the operating period, and the voltage. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the process for setting the heater's operating period and power consumption based on the radio wave intensity indicated by the signal from the sensor unit. [Figure 14] This is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in the first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit in a third embodiment, which is a third aspect of the present invention. [Figure 18] This timing chart schematically shows a modified example of the second operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a timing chart schematically showing a first modified example of the third operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This timing chart schematically shows a second modified example of the third operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a timing chart schematically showing a third modified example of the third operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a timing chart schematically showing a first modified example of the first operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a timing chart schematically showing a second modified example of the first operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit in the fourth embodiment, which is a third aspect of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in the fifth embodiment, which is a fourth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 26]Figure 25 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor unit, the detection signal output by the control unit, and the operation of the heater in step SP65. [Figure 27] This diagram shows the operation of the heater in Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] This figure shows the operation of the heater in a modified example 2 of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] This diagram shows the operation of the heater in modified example 3 of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in step SP65 in modified examples 4 to 7 of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0089] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the vehicle sensor device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. In addition, the dimensions of each component may be shown differently in the drawings below for the sake of clarity.

[0090] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle light fixture equipped with a vehicle sensor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle light fixture VL in this embodiment is a headlight for an automobile. Automobile headlights are generally provided one on each side in the left-right direction at the front of the vehicle, and the left and right headlights are configured to be roughly symmetrical in the left-right direction. For this reason, one of the headlights will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle light fixture VL of this embodiment, which is a headlight, mainly comprises a vehicle sensor device 1 and a light fixture unit LU.

[0091] The vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises a housing 10, a sensor unit 20, a heater 30, a cleaner 40, and a control unit CO. In Figure 1, the housing 10 is shown in a vertical cross-section.

[0092] The housing 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises a housing 11 and an outer cover 12. The housing 11 and the outer cover 12 are made of, for example, different types of resin. The outer cover 12 is made of a material that transmits light emitted from the lighting unit LU and electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20. The housing 11 is configured as a box shape with an opening at the front, and the outer cover 12 is fixed to the housing 11 so as to close the opening. The housing 10 has a housing space 13 enclosed by the housing 11 and the outer cover 12, and the sensor unit 20 and the lighting unit LU are arranged in this housing space 13. Most of the outer surface 12o of the outer cover 12 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle VE and is part of the outer surface of the vehicle VE.

[0093] The control unit CO consists of, for example, integrated circuits such as microcontrollers, ICs (Integrated Circuits), LSIs (Large-scale Integrated Circuits), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), as well as NC (Numerical Control) devices. Furthermore, if an NC device is used, the control unit CO may or may not use a machine learning machine. As described below, several components of the vehicle sensor device 1 and the lighting unit LU are controlled by the control unit CO.

[0094] The control unit CO is connected to the vehicle VE's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100. In this embodiment, the ECU 100 inputs a signal indicating the vehicle VE's speed and a signal indicating the gear position to the control unit CO. Note that the signal indicating the vehicle VE's speed may be input to the control unit CO directly from a speed sensor provided on the vehicle VE, without going through the ECU 100. Similarly, the signal indicating the gear position may be input to the control unit CO directly from a sensor (not shown) that detects the gear position, without going through the ECU 100.

[0095] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 50 is connected to the control unit CO to measure the temperature outside the vehicle VE, and the temperature sensor 50 outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature to the control unit CO. For example, a thermistor can be used as the temperature sensor 50. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 50 is mounted, for example, on the front bumper of the vehicle VE. The configuration and mounting position of the temperature sensor 50 are not particularly limited. Therefore, the temperature signal input to the control unit CO may be input from the ECU 100 to the control unit CO.

[0096] Furthermore, a rain sensor 51 is connected to the control unit CO, and the rain sensor 51 outputs a signal indicating the measured rainfall to the control unit CO. Examples of the rain sensor 51 include one that detects rainfall by detecting the amount of wetness of the rain sensor 51 through infrared transmission and reception, or one that detects rainfall by detecting the amount of wetness of the windshield. In this embodiment, the rain sensor 51 is mounted, for example, near the windshield of the vehicle VE. The configuration and mounting position of the rain sensor 51 are not particularly limited. Therefore, the signal indicating rainfall that is input to the control unit CO may be input from the ECU 100 to the control unit CO.

[0097] Furthermore, a storage unit 52, which stores a table described later, is connected to the control unit CO. The storage unit 52 is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and semiconductor recording media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory) are preferred, but any type of recording medium such as optical recording media or magnetic recording media may be included. Note that a "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient propagation signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. The storage unit 52 may be provided inside the control unit CO.

[0098] The sensor unit 20 is a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover 12. The sensor unit 20 mainly consists of a housing 21 with a housing space, a transmitting unit 25, and a receiving unit 26. In this embodiment, radio waves are used as electromagnetic waves, and these radio waves are millimeter waves.

[0099] The transmitting unit 25 is located in the housing space of the housing 21 and emits radio waves EW1. The frequency of the radio waves EW1 is, for example, 30 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less. The radio waves EW1 propagate from the electromagnetic wave transmission section 22 facing the outer cover 12 in the housing 21 toward the outer cover 12, pass through the outer cover 12 and irradiate the front of the vehicle VE. In this embodiment, the transmitting unit 25 is configured to emit radio waves that spread at a predetermined angle in the left-right direction of the vehicle VE from the electromagnetic wave transmission section 22, and to be able to change the frequency of the radio waves. The transmitting unit 25 is equipped with an antenna (not shown). The transmitting unit 25 emits radio waves whose intensity is generally constant and whose frequency changes so as to increase and decrease repeatedly at a predetermined period, based on a control signal from the control unit CO. When the transmitting unit 25 emits radio waves EW1, it outputs a signal related to radio waves EW1 to the control unit CO. This signal may include information on the intensity of radio waves EW1 and information on the phase of radio waves EW1.

[0100] The receiving unit 26 is located in the housing space of the casing 21 and includes a plurality of antennas (not shown). These antennas are arranged, for example, in the left-right direction of the vehicle VE. A portion of the radio waves EW2 that enter the housing space 13 from outside the vehicle VE, passing through the outer cover 12, is received by the antennas of the receiving unit 26 via the electromagnetic wave transmission unit 22. When each antenna receives the radio waves EW2 that enter the electromagnetic wave transmission unit 22, the receiving unit 26 outputs a signal Se related to the radio waves EW2 to the control unit CO. This signal Se may include information on the intensity of the radio waves EW2 and information on the phase of the radio waves EW2.

[0101] If an object such as a preceding vehicle or person is located in front of the vehicle VE, a portion of the radio waves EW1 transmitted from the transmitting unit 25 is reflected by the object. A portion of the radio waves reflected by this object passes through the outer cover 12 and enters the housing space 13, where it is received by the receiving unit 26 of the sensor unit 20. The control unit CO in this embodiment detects the object located in front of the vehicle VE based on the signal Se related to the radio waves EW2 input from the receiving unit 26 of the sensor unit 20 and the signal related to the radio waves EW1 input from the transmitting unit 25 of the sensor unit 20, and outputs a detection signal Sd for the object. Therefore, the detection signal Sd is generated based on the signals from the transmitting unit 25 and the receiving unit 26. The signals from the transmitting unit 25 and the receiving unit 26 are signals related to electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit 20. Based on these signals, the control unit CO detects the object located in front of the vehicle VE, calculates the orientation of the object relative to the vehicle VE, and calculates the distance from the vehicle VE to the object, for example, using the FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) method. The detection signal Sd may include information about the object, such as its presence, orientation, and distance. The detection signal Sd output from the control unit CO is input to, for example, the ECU 100. The ECU 100 assists in the driving of the vehicle VE based on the detection signal Sd.

[0102] The sensor unit 20 only needs to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves via the outer cover 12 and output a signal related to said electromagnetic waves, and the configuration of the sensor unit 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the transmitting unit 25 may be configured to repeatedly emit pulsed radio waves. In this case, the control unit CO detects the object and calculates the distance to the object, for example, using the ToF (Time of Flight) method. Alternatively, the sensor unit 20 may include a detection unit located inside the housing 21, and the detection unit detects an object located in front of the vehicle VE based on a signal input from the transmitting unit 25 and a signal Se input from the receiving unit 26. In this case, the detection unit outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves along with the information related to the object to the control unit CO. The control unit CO inputs a detection signal Sd to the ECU 100 based on this signal. For example, a configuration similar to that of the control unit CO can be given for such a detection unit. Furthermore, the sensor unit 20 may be a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that emits and receives laser light as electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20 may be infrared or ultraviolet rays. In other words, the signal Se includes not only the signal related to radio waves as described above, but also the signal related to electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20.

[0103] As shown in Figure 1, the heater 30 of this embodiment mainly comprises a heating element 31 and a power supply circuit 32. The heating element 31 is provided on the inner surface 12i of the outer cover 12, which is the surface facing the sensor unit 20, and is connected to the power supply circuit 32 via a connector 33. The heating element 31 is not particularly limited as long as it generates heat when current flows through it, and may be made of a conductive paste or a metal wire. The power supply circuit 32 applies a voltage to the heating element 31 based on a control signal from the control unit CO. When a current flows through the heating element 31 due to the applied voltage, the heating element 31 generates heat and heats the outer cover 12. The heating element 31 is provided on the outer surface 12o, which is the surface of the outer cover 12 opposite to the sensor unit 20, such that the transmission area AR through which the radio waves EW1 emitted from the sensor unit 20 pass is heated by the heat generated by the heating element 31. In this embodiment, the transmission region AR overlaps with a part of the heating element 31 in the propagation direction of the radio wave EW1. The amount of heat generated by the heating element 31 is set to an amount that does not cause deformation or burning of the outer cover 12 due to heat. In this description, the transmission region AR is described as the region through which the radio wave EW1 passes, but as described above, the sensor unit 20 also includes a form in which it transmits and receives laser light as an electromagnetic wave, so the transmission region AR is the region through which the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sensor unit 20 passes. The heater 30 may also be equipped with a heating element made of a conductive paste instead of the heating element 31, and this heating element may be attached to the inner surface 12i. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be configured to blow heated air onto the inner surface 12i. In this case, the heater 30 is equipped with a heat source for heating the air and a motor for rotating a fan that blows the heated air. In this case, the operating period of the heater 30 refers to the operating period of the heat source and motor, the energy of the heater 30 refers to the energy of the heat source and motor, the voltage applied to the heater 30 refers to the voltage applied to the heat source and motor, and the resistance of the heater 30 refers to the resistance of the heat source and motor.

[0104] Furthermore, the heating element 31 only needs to be able to heat the transmission region AR, and for example, it does not need to overlap the transmission region AR and the heating element 31 in the propagation direction of the radio wave EW1, and it may be mounted on the outer surface 12o or inside the outer cover 12.

[0105] The cleaner 40 is configured to spray at least one of a liquid and a gas from the outside of the vehicle VE from the outer cover 12 toward the permeable region AR on the outer surface 12o. The vehicle sensor device 1 can remove deposits adhering to the permeable region AR by the liquid and gas sprayed from the cleaner 40. In this embodiment, the cleaner 40 is configured to spray the liquid and gas separately toward the permeable region AR, and has a liquid unit 41 that sprays liquid toward the permeable region AR and a gas unit 45 that sprays gas toward the permeable region AR.

[0106] A support base 15 extending in the front-to-back direction is attached to the front end of the housing 11 at the lower part. The front end of the support base 15 is located in front of the outer cover 12. The liquid unit 41 of this embodiment mainly comprises a tank 41a for storing liquid, a pump 41b, and an injection nozzle 41c. The pump 41b is connected to a pipe 42a that connects to the tank 41a and a pipe 42b that connects to the injection nozzle 41c. The pump 41b pumps the liquid in the tank 41a to the injection nozzle 41c. The pump 41b adjusts the amount of liquid pumped to the injection nozzle 41c or stops pumping the liquid based on a control signal from the control unit CO. The injection nozzle 41c is attached to a part of the support base 15 located in front of the outer cover 12 so that the liquid pumped from the tank 41a is injected toward the permeation region AR. The injection nozzle 41c is located below the permeation region AR. Therefore, the pump 41b pressurizes the liquid to the injection nozzle 41c, causing the liquid to be injected from below towards the permeable area AR. Examples of liquid stored in the tank 41a include water and windshield washer fluid. If this liquid is windshield washer fluid, the tank 41a may be a windshield washer tank provided in the vehicle VE. The liquid unit 41 only needs to be able to inject liquid from outside the vehicle VE through the outer cover 12 towards the permeable area AR, and the configuration of the liquid unit 41 is not particularly limited. The injection nozzle 41c is preferably configured so that the liquid is sprayed over the entire permeable area AR, but it may also be configured so that the liquid is sprayed over a part of the permeable area AR. The injection nozzle 41c may also be located above the permeable area AR and configured to inject the liquid from above towards the permeable area AR. The liquid unit 41 may also be configured to inject a mist-like liquid towards the permeable area AR. Furthermore, the liquid unit 41 may be equipped with a heater to heat the liquid to be injected and configured to inject a liquid at a predetermined temperature, for example, 50°C or higher, towards the permeable area AR.

[0107] The gas unit 45 of this embodiment mainly comprises a tank 45a for storing gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, a valve 45b, and an injection nozzle 45c. The valve 45b is connected to a pipe 46a connected to the tank 45a and a pipe 46b connected to the injection nozzle 45c. When the valve 45b opens, the gas in the tank 41a is pumped to the injection nozzle 45c. The valve 45b's degree of opening and closing is adjusted by a control signal from the control unit CO. The injection nozzle 45c is mounted in front of the outer cover 12 on the support base 15 so that the gas pumped from the tank 45a is injected towards the permeation region AR. Furthermore, the injection nozzle 45c is located below the permeation region AR. Therefore, when the valve 45b opens, the gas is injected from below towards the permeation region AR. Examples of the gas stored in the tank 41a include air. If the gas is air, a compressor may be connected to the tank 41a, and the compressor may maintain the pressure of the air in the tank 41a within a predetermined range. The gas unit 45 only needs to be able to inject gas from the outside of the vehicle VE through the outer cover 12 toward the permeable region AR, and the configuration of the gas unit 45 is not particularly limited. The injection nozzle 45c is preferably configured so that the gas is sprayed over the entire permeable region AR, but it may also be configured so that the gas is sprayed over a part of the permeable region AR. The injection nozzle 45c may also be located above the permeable region AR and configured to inject gas toward the permeable region AR from above. Furthermore, the gas unit 45 may further include a heater for heating the gas to be injected and be configured to inject gas at a predetermined temperature, for example, 50°C or higher, toward the permeable region AR.

[0108] The luminaire unit LU of this embodiment is configured to emit light L with a predetermined light distribution pattern toward the front. The light L emitted from the luminaire unit LU is irradiated toward the front of the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12. In this embodiment, the luminaire unit LU is configured to switch between emitting and not emitting light L based on a control signal from the control unit CO, and to switch the light distribution pattern of the emitted light L between a low beam light distribution pattern and a high beam light distribution pattern. An example of such a luminaire unit LU is a configuration comprising a light source section in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix and a lens through which the light emitted from the light source section is transmitted. An example of this light source section is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array. The configuration of the luminaire unit LU is not particularly limited. The luminaire unit LU does not need to be able to change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and may be a parabolic type luminaire unit or a projector type luminaire unit. Furthermore, the luminaire unit LU may be controlled by a control unit different from the control unit CO.

[0109] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, specifically the operation of controlling the ON / OFF of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd, will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP13.

[0110] In the starting state shown in Figure 2, the sensor unit 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover 12, and the control unit CO receives signals related to electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit 20. These signals are the signal from the transmitting unit 25 and the signal Se from the receiving unit 26, as described above. Also in the starting state, the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs a detection signal Sd.

[0111] (Step SP11) This step involves the control unit CO determining whether the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26 is below a first threshold. As described above, the radio wave EW1 emitted from the sensor unit 20 propagates toward the outer cover 12. A portion of the radio wave EW1 passes through the outer cover 12 and illuminates the front of the vehicle VE. Another portion of the radio wave EW1 is reflected by the outer cover 12 and received by the sensor unit 20 as radio wave EW2. Furthermore, if there is an object attached to the transmission area AR, yet another portion of the radio wave EW1 is reflected by the object and received by the sensor unit 20 as radio wave EW2. For this reason, when there is an object attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 tends to be higher than when there is no object attached to the transmission area AR. Also, when there is an object attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 tends to change depending on the object. Generally, the intensity of the radio waves EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 tends to decrease when ice and snow are attached to the transmission area AR, followed by when dust and water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR. In this embodiment, the first threshold is set to a value lower than the intensity of the radio waves EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of dust and water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR. The control unit CO proceeds to step SP12 if the intensity of the radio waves EW2 indicated by the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26 is less than the first threshold. On the other hand, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP13 if the intensity of the radio waves EW2 indicated by this signal Se is equal to or greater than the first threshold. In this way, the control unit CO changes the next step depending on the case of the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26.

[0112] (Step SP12) In this step, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 to OFF and the sensor unit 20 to ON, and outputs a detection signal Sd for the entire period during which the heater 30 is OFF. As a result, the heater 30 stops, the transmitter unit 25 emits radio waves EW1 outwards from the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12, and the receiver unit 26 receives radio waves EW2, which are reflected from the radio waves EW1 by objects in the path of EW1, via the outer cover 12. The transmitter unit 25 also outputs the signal related to the transmitted radio waves EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiver unit 26 outputs the signal Se related to the received radio waves EW2 to the control unit CO. The control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd generated based on the signal input from the transmitter unit 25 and the signal Se input from the receiver unit 26. Next, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0113] (Step SP13) In this step, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 to turn ON, thereby turning ON the sensor unit 20, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd for the entire period that the heater 30 is ON. As a result, the heater 30 is driven and generates heat, which is transferred to the outer cover 12, and the outer cover 12, including the transparent region AR, is warmed to a predetermined temperature. The deposits adhering to the outer cover begin to melt due to the heat from the outer cover 12. In this step, the transmitting unit 25 emits radio waves EW1 toward the outer cover 12, and the receiving unit 26 receives radio waves EW2 that have been reflected from the deposited deposits. Also in this step, similar to step SP12, the transmitting unit 25 outputs a signal related to radio waves EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiving unit 26 outputs a signal Se related to the received radio waves EW2 to the control unit CO. Also in this step, similar to step SP12, the control unit CO generates the detection signal Sd based on the signal input from the transmitting unit 25 and the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26. However, in this step, unlike step SP12, the control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd. Therefore, in this step, the transmitter 25 and receiver 26 do not stop, but rather the control unit CO does not output the detection signal Sd. In this step, since the detection signal Sd is not output, the power consumption due to the output of the detection signal Sd is suppressed compared to when the detection signal Sd is output. Next, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11. In this step, the control unit CO has stopped outputting the detection signal Sd, but it is receiving the signal Se from the receiver 26. Therefore, when the control flow returns from step SP13 to step SP11, in step SP11, the control unit CO determines whether the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is less than the first threshold.

[0114] As described in each of the above steps, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON / OFF based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se, and also switches the output of the detection signal Sd to stop / switch based on the ON / OFF switching of the heater 30.

[0115] Incidentally, in the vehicle sensor device described in Patent Document 1, electromagnetic waves are emitted even if there is debris adhering to the cover in order to detect an object. In this case, the propagation of electromagnetic waves may be obstructed by the debris, which can reduce the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device. If the detection accuracy is low, the information obtained through detection is difficult to use, and the power used to output that information may be wasted.

[0116] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer cover 12 and a sensor unit 20 positioned inside the vehicle VE beyond the outer cover 12, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the outer cover 12 and outputs a signal related to electromagnetic waves incident on the inside of the outer cover 12. The vehicle sensor device 1 also comprises a heater 30 provided on the outer cover 12 that heats the transmission region AR through which electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20 in the outer cover 12 pass, and a control unit CO. The control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd of an object located outside the outer cover 12 based on the signal related to electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit 20 during the entire period when the heater 30 is OFF, and stops outputting the detection signal Sd during the entire period when the heater 30 is ON.

[0117] In this vehicle sensor device 1, when electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20 toward the outside of the vehicle VE are reflected by objects outside the vehicle VE in the direction of propagation and pass through the transmission region AR, the sensor unit 20 can receive the electromagnetic waves, and an object can be detected from the signal related to the electromagnetic waves. In the vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO outputs an object detection signal Sd based on the signal related to the electromagnetic waves from the sensor unit 20 during the period when the heater 30 is OFF. Generally, during the period when the heater 30 is OFF, there is a tendency for no deposits to be attached to the transmission region AR. In this case, the obstruction of the propagation of electromagnetic waves by deposits is suppressed, so the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. Also, generally, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, there is a tendency for deposits to be attached to the transmission region AR. In this case, the propagation of electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the deposits, so the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases. Therefore, the information obtained by detection is difficult to use, and the power used to output the detection signal Sd containing this information may be wasted. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd for the entire duration that the heater 30 is ON. In other words, the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped for the entire duration that the deposits are being removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, in step SP13, while the heater 30 is ON, the transmitter 25 of the sensor unit 20 emits radio waves EW1 as electromagnetic waves towards the outside of the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12.

[0119] In the above configuration, the transmitter 25 emits radio waves EW1 during the periods when the heater 30 is ON and when the heater 30 is OFF, and does not stop or switch the emission of radio waves EW1 in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater 30. Therefore, the burden on the transmitter 25 due to switching can be reduced. In addition, although it generally takes time to start up the transmitter 25, in the above configuration, the transmitter 25 is always running and emitting radio waves EW1, so the time required for startup can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal Sd can be output sooner when the heater 30 switches from ON to OFF compared to when the time is not eliminated.

[0120] Furthermore, in step SP13, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the receiving unit 26 of the sensor unit 20 receives the radio wave EW2 as an electromagnetic wave that enters the inside of the vehicle VE from the outside of the vehicle VE through the outer cover 12.

[0121] In the above configuration, the receiver 26 receives radio waves EW2 during the periods when the heater 30 is ON and when the heater 30 is OFF, and does not stop receiving radio waves EW2 or switch reception of radio waves EW2 in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater 30. Therefore, the load on the receiver 26 due to switching can be reduced. In addition, since the receiver 26 is always running and receiving radio waves EW2, the time required for startup can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal Sd can be output earlier as described above.

[0122] Furthermore, in step SP13, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the receiving unit 26 of the sensor unit 20 receives the radio wave EW2 as an electromagnetic wave that enters the inside of the vehicle VE from the outside of the vehicle VE through the outer cover 12, and outputs the signal Se to the control unit CO.

[0123] In the above configuration, the receiving unit 26 outputs signal Se to the control unit CO during the periods when the heater 30 is ON and when the heater 30 is OFF, and does not stop or switch the output of signal Se in response to the ON / OFF switching of the heater 30. Therefore, the load on the receiving unit 26 due to switching can be reduced. In addition, since the receiving unit 26 is always running and outputting signal Se, the time required for startup can be eliminated. If this time is eliminated, the detection signal Sd can be output earlier as described above.

[0124] In step SP13, the control unit CO only needs to stop outputting the detection signal Sd, and the operation of the sensor unit 20 and the control unit CO is not particularly restricted. For example, in step SP13, the transmitter unit 25 may stop without outputting the radio wave EW1, the transmitter unit 25 may stop without outputting the signal related to the radio wave EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiver unit 26 may stop without outputting the signal Se related to the radio wave EW2 to the control unit CO. As a result, the detection signal Sd is not generated based on the signals from the transmitter unit 25 and the receiver unit 26, and the output of the detection signal Sd stops. Since at least one of the transmitter unit 25 and the receiver unit 26 is turned OFF and the output of the detection signal Sd stops, power consumption is reduced compared to the case where both the transmitter unit 25 and the receiver unit 26 are turned ON and the output of the detection signal Sd stops. Note that if at least one of the transmitter unit 25 and the receiver unit 26 is turned OFF, both the transmitter unit 25 and the receiver unit 26 are controlled to be turned ON after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the heater 30 was turned ON in step SP13. As a result, the transmitting unit 25 emits radio wave EW1 toward the outer cover 12, and the receiving unit 26 receives the reflected radio wave EW2 from the emitted radio wave EW1. The transmitting unit 25 also outputs the signal related to the transmitted radio wave EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiving unit 26 outputs the signal related to the received radio wave EW2 to the control unit CO. The control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd generated based on the signals input from the transmitting unit 25 and the receiving unit 26, and the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0125] In step SP12, the control unit CO may output a detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period during which the heater 30 is OFF. In step SP13, the control unit CO may stop outputting the detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period during which the heater 30 is ON.

[0126] When the control unit CO returns the control flow from step SP13 to step SP11, it may return the control flow to step SP11 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the heater 30 was turned ON in step SP13. This increases the interval for determining the intensity in step SP11 compared to when the control flow returns from step SP13 to step SP11 before the predetermined period has elapsed, thereby reducing the burden on the control unit CO.

[0127] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0128] The first modified example will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a timing chart for the ON / OFF of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd according to the intensity in this modified example.

[0129] The control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd if, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the intensity is greater than the first threshold and the amount of deposits is greater than the amount at the first threshold (i.e., the amount of deposits at the second threshold). The control unit CO also outputs the detection signal Sd if, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the intensity is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. This intensity is the intensity of the radio wave EW2 as described in the first embodiment, and is indicated by the signal Se from the receiving unit 26 and changes according to the amount of deposits adhering to the transmission area AR.

[0130] At time t11, as shown in Figure 3, the intensity is below the first threshold, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t12, which is later than time t11, if deposits adhere to the transparent region AR, the intensity will be above the first threshold. At time t12, a large amount of deposits have adhered, and the intensity is above the second threshold. In this case, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. As time passes from time t12, the deposits generally melt due to the heat from the heater 30, and the amount decreases with each passing moment. As the amount of deposits decreases, the reflection of electromagnetic waves reflected by the deposits decreases, and the intensity decreases. At time t13, which is later than time t12, if the intensity is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and outputs the detection signal Sd. As time passes from time t13, the amount of deposits decreases further, and the intensity decreases further. If the intensity falls below the first threshold at time t14, which is later than time t13, the control unit CO switches heater 30 to OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd. Note that heater 30 may remain ON at time t14.

[0131] As described above, generally, deposits tend to adhere to the transparent region AR while the heater 30 is ON. In the vehicle sensor device 1, when deposits adhere to the transparent region AR, a portion of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20 is reflected by the deposits and received by the sensor unit 20. The intensity of the received electromagnetic waves tends to increase as the amount of deposits increases, because more electromagnetic waves are reflected by the deposits. Generally, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 tends to increase when dust or water droplets adhere to the transparent region AR, followed by when ice or snow adheres to the transparent region AR. In this case, the first threshold value is set to a value lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when dust or water droplets adhere to the transparent region AR. Furthermore, the second threshold is set to be higher than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR, and lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when ice or snow is attached to the transmission area AR. When the intensity of electromagnetic waves is above the second threshold, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases compared to when the intensity is above the first threshold and below the second threshold. Therefore, the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, and the time during which power is wasted increases. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, when the intensity of electromagnetic waves is above the second threshold, the output of the detection signal Sd stops, which can shorten the time during which power is wasted.

[0132] Furthermore, as the amount of deposits begins to dissolve and decreases, the reflection of electromagnetic waves by the deposits is suppressed, and the intensity decreases. When the intensity is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, the amount of deposits is less than when the intensity is above the second threshold, so the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation by the deposits is suppressed, and the decrease in detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In this case, even if the vehicle sensor device 1 outputs a detection signal Sd, more accurate information can be obtained compared to when the intensity is above the second threshold, and the safety of the vehicle while it is running can be improved by using this information.

[0133] Next, a second modified example will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a timing chart showing the ON / OFF status of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd according to the intensity in this modified example.

[0134] The control unit CO turns on the heater 30 for a predetermined period of time after the intensity reaches the second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold, when the intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold. In addition, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the control unit CO makes the period during which the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped longer than the output period of the detection signal Sd. The intensity, first threshold, and second threshold are the same as those in the first modified example.

[0135] At time t21 shown in Figure 4, the intensity is below the first threshold, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t22, which is later than time t21, if a large amount of deposits adhere to the transparent region AR, the intensity will exceed the second threshold. In this case, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. The control unit CO also turns on the heater 30 for a predetermined period of time. Time t25 is defined as the time after the predetermined period has elapsed from time t22. The control unit CO also sets the time between time t22 and time t25 as time t24. Time t24 is set so that the period between time t22 and time t24 is longer than the period between time t24 and time t25. As time elapses from time t22, the deposits are heated and decrease in number, and the intensity decreases. At time t23, between time t22 and time t24, even if the intensity falls between the first threshold and the second threshold, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. At time t24, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t25, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd.

[0136] As described above, when the electromagnetic wave intensity exceeds the second threshold, the heater 30 is turned ON for a predetermined period. If the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the output stop period of the detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases because a large amount of deposits are attached to the transparent region AR as described above. Therefore, the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, and the time during which power is wasted increases. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, the output stop period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the output period of the detection signal Sd, so the time during which power is wasted can be reduced. The timing at which the detection signal Sd switches from stop to output varies appropriately depending on the time between when the intensity is above the second threshold and when the intensity is between the first threshold and below the second threshold. Therefore, this timing may be when the intensity is above the second threshold, or when the intensity is between the first threshold and below the second threshold. Also, at time t25, the heater 30 may remain ON.

[0137] Next, a third modified example will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a timing chart for the ON / OFF of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd according to the intensity in this modified example.

[0138] The control unit CO turns on the heater 30 for a predetermined period of time after the intensity becomes between the first threshold and the second threshold, provided that the intensity is above the first threshold and below the second threshold. Furthermore, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the control unit CO makes the output period of the detection signal Sd longer than the period during which the detection signal Sd is not output. The intensity, first threshold, and second threshold are the same as those in the first modified example.

[0139] At time t31 shown in Figure 5, the intensity is below the first threshold, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t32, which is later than time t31, the deposit adheres to the transparent region AR, and in this case, the intensity is between the first threshold and the second threshold. In this case, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. The control unit CO also turns on the heater 30 for a predetermined period of time. Time t34 is defined as the time after the predetermined period has elapsed from time t32. The control unit CO also sets the time between time t32 and time t34 as time t33. Time t33 is set so that the period between time t33 and time t34 is longer than the period between time t32 and time t34. As time elapses from time t32, the deposit is heated and decreases, and the intensity decreases. At time t33, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd while keeping the heater 30 ON. At time t34, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 to OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd.

[0140] As described above, when the intensity is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, the amount of deposits is less than when the intensity is above the second threshold. Therefore, interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by deposits is suppressed, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In this case, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the period when the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped. Therefore, more accurate information can be obtained compared to when the intensity is above the second threshold, and the safety of the vehicle VE during operation can be improved by using this information. Note that the heater 30 may remain ON at time t34.

[0141] The fourth modified example will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the ON / OFF status of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in accordance with the temperature of the transparent region AR in this modified example.

[0142] The control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd if, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the signal output from the temperature sensor 50, which measures the temperature of the transparent region AR, indicates a temperature below a predetermined temperature. The control unit CO also outputs the detection signal Sd if, during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the signal output from the temperature sensor indicates a temperature equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be a value pre-set in the storage unit 52.

[0143] The temperature sensor 50 is attached, for example, to the outer surface of the outer cover 12 and measures the temperature of the transmission region AR through the outer surface of the outer cover 12. Since the transmission region AR is at approximately the same temperature as the outer surface, the temperature sensor 50 measures the temperature of the outer surface as the temperature of the transmission region AR. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 50 may be positioned in the transmission region AR so as not to obstruct the propagation of electromagnetic waves and measure the temperature of the transmission region AR. The temperature sensor 50 is electrically connected to the control unit CO and outputs a signal indicating the measured temperature to the control unit CO.

[0144] At time t41 shown in Figure 6, the temperature of the transparent region AR is below the predetermined temperature, so the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t42, which is later than time t41, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. When the heater 30 is ON, the temperature of the transparent region AR rises due to the heat from the heater 30. If this temperature is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO remains stopped outputting the detection signal Sd. At time t43, which is later than time t42, if this temperature rises to or above the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and outputs the detection signal Sd. From time t43 until time t44, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t44, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd. Note that at time t44, the heater 30 may remain ON.

[0145] When the temperature of the transmission region AR is below a predetermined temperature, the deposits are less likely to melt even when heated compared to when the temperature of the transmission region AR is above the predetermined temperature. As a result, the propagation of electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the deposits, and the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 decreases. Consequently, the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, and the time during which power is wasted increases. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, if the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 indicates a temperature below the predetermined temperature during the period when the heater 30 is ON, the output of the detection signal Sd stops, which can shorten the time during which power is wasted.

[0146] Furthermore, when the temperature of the transmission area AR is above a predetermined temperature, the deposits dissolve more easily compared to when the temperature of the transmission area AR is below the predetermined temperature, suppressing interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by the deposits, and thus suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. In this case, even if the vehicle sensor device 1 outputs a detection signal Sd, it can utilize information with higher accuracy compared to when the temperature of the transmission area AR is below the predetermined temperature, and the use of this information can improve the safety of the vehicle while it is in motion.

[0147] Next, a fifth modified example will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a timing chart showing the ON / OFF status of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in accordance with the temperature of the transparent region AR in this modified example.

[0148] If the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 indicates a temperature below a predetermined temperature after the heater 30 has been turned ON for a predetermined period, the control unit CO makes the period during which the detection signal Sd is not output longer than the period during which the detection signal Sd is output during the period when the heater 30 is ON.

[0149] At time t51 shown in Figure 7, the temperature of the transparent region AR is below a predetermined temperature, and the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t52, which is later than time t51, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. The control unit CO also keeps the heater 30 ON for a predetermined period of time. Time t54 is defined as the time after the predetermined period has elapsed from time t52. The control unit CO also sets the time between time t52 and time t54 as time t53. Time t53 is set so that the period between time t52 and time t53 is longer than the period between time t53 and time t54. Between time t52 and time t53, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. By time t53, the deposits have been heated and are less numerous compared to time t52. Therefore, at time t53, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd while keeping the heater 30 ON. Then, at time t54, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd. Note that the heater 30 may remain ON at time t54.

[0150] When the temperature of the transmission region AR is below a predetermined temperature, such as the temperature of an attached substance, the attached substance is less likely to melt even when heated compared to when the temperature of the transmission region AR is above the predetermined temperature, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the attached substance. In this case, even if the output period of the detection signal Sd is longer than the period during which the detection signal Sd is not output, the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 will decrease. Therefore, the information obtained in this case becomes difficult to use, and the time during which power is wasted increases. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example, the above configuration can reduce the time during which power is wasted.

[0151] Next, the sixth modified example will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a timing chart showing the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in accordance with the temperature of the transparent region AR in this modified example.

[0152] If the control unit CO determines that the signal output from the temperature sensor 50 indicates a temperature above a predetermined temperature after the heater 30 has been turned ON for a predetermined period, it extends the output period of the detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is ON to a period when the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped.

[0153] At time t61 shown in Figure 8, the temperature of the transparent region AR is below a predetermined temperature, so the control unit CO turns off the heater 30 and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t62, which is later than time t61, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 on and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. The control unit CO also turns on the heater 30 for a predetermined period of time. Time t65 is defined as the time after the predetermined period has elapsed from time t62. The control unit CO also sets the time between time t62 and time t65 as time t64. Time t64 is set so that the period between time t64 and time t65 is longer than the period between time t62 and time t64. When the heater 30 is turned on, the temperature of the transparent region AR rises due to the heat from the heater 30. If this temperature is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO continues to stop outputting the detection signal Sd. At time t63, between time t62 and time t64 when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. Also, between time t63 and time t64, the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. At time t64, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd with the heater 30 still ON. At time t65, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 OFF, but continues to output the detection signal Sd. Note that at time t65, the heater 30 may remain ON.

[0154] When the temperature of the transmission region AR is above a predetermined temperature, such as the temperature of an attached substance, the attached substance melts more easily compared to when the temperature of the transmission region AR is below the predetermined temperature. This suppresses interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by the attached substance, and thus can suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. In this case, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this modified example can utilize information with higher accuracy compared to when the temperature of the heater 30 is lower than the predetermined temperature, and the use of this information can improve the safety of the vehicle VE during operation.

[0155] Next, the seventh modified example will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a timing chart showing the ON / OFF states of the light source unit 61 and the heater 30, and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd in this modified example.

[0156] The control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is ON and the light source unit 61, which emits light outwards from the vehicle VE via the outer cover 12, is ON. When the light source switch (not shown) is OFF, no control signal indicating that the light source unit 61 is ON is input from the light source switch to the control unit CO. When the light source switch is ON, the said control signal is input from the light source switch to the control unit CO.

[0157] At time t71 shown in Figure 9, the light source unit 61 is OFF, no control signal is input to the control unit CO, and the control unit CO turns the heater 30 OFF and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t72, which is later than time t71, the light source unit 61 remains OFF and no control signal is input to the control unit CO, so the control unit CO switches the heater 30 ON and stops outputting the detection signal Sd. At time t73, which is later than time t72, when the light source unit 61 is turned ON, a control signal is input to the control unit CO, and the control unit CO keeps the heater 30 ON and outputs the detection signal Sd. At time t74, which is later than time t73, the control unit CO switches the heater 30 OFF but continues to output the detection signal Sd. At time t73, the light source unit 61 is ON, but it may also be OFF.

[0158] In the vehicle sensor device 1, the outer cover 12, including the transparent region AR, is heated by light emitted from the light source unit 61 and transmitted through the outer cover 12. Therefore, the attached material is heated by both the heat from the heater 30 and the light from the light source unit 61, and can melt and be removed faster than when heated only by the heat from the heater 30. When the attached material is removed, even if a detection signal Sd is output, the decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, in this modified vehicle sensor device 1, more accurate information can be used compared to the case where the attached material is not removed, and the safety of the vehicle VE during operation can be improved by using this information.

[0159] Next, the eighth modified example will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a timing chart for the ON / OFF of the heater 30 and the output / stop of the detection signal Sd according to the speed of the vehicle VE in this modified example.

[0160] The control unit CO controls the heater 30 to turn ON when the vehicle VE is stopped, and stops the output of the detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is ON.

[0161] At time t81 shown in Figure 10, vehicle VE is stopped, and control unit CO turns on heater 30 and stops outputting detection signal Sd. Later, at time t82, when vehicle VE starts moving, control unit CO switches heater 30 off and outputs detection signal Sd. Later, at time t83, when vehicle VE stops, control unit CO switches heater 30 on and stops outputting detection signal Sd.

[0162] Generally, when the vehicle VE is stationary, the removal of attached objects is required to improve the safety of the vehicle VE when it is in motion, rather than to detect objects. In the vehicle sensor device 1, when the vehicle VE is stationary, the heater 30 is turned ON, and the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped during the period when the heater 30 is ON. The state in which the vehicle VE is stationary includes at least a portion of the period from when the ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle VE is turned ON until the drive instruction for the vehicle VE is input from the ECU 100 to the control unit CO. The state in which the vehicle VE is stationary also includes when the vehicle VE's shift lever is in the parking position. When the heater 30 is turned ON, the attached objects are removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, when the vehicle starts moving, interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by attached objects is suppressed, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. In addition, in the above configuration, since the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped, the power consumption due to the output of the detection signal Sd can be suppressed compared to when the detection signal Sd is output.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 to the OFF position when the vehicle VE is in motion, and outputs a detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is OFF.

[0164] Generally, when a vehicle VE is in motion, the focus is on detecting objects to improve the safety of the vehicle VE while it is running, rather than on removing attached objects. In the vehicle sensor device 1, when the vehicle VE is in motion, the heater 30 is turned OFF, and a detection signal Sd is output during the period when the heater 30 is OFF. As a result, when the vehicle VE is in motion, objects can be detected by the detection signal Sd, which can improve the safety of the vehicle VE while it is running. In addition, generally, when a vehicle VE is in motion, attached objects tend to be removed and reduced by wind pressure. Therefore, interference with the propagation of electromagnetic waves by attached objects is suppressed, and a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the heater 30 is OFF, power consumption by the heater 30 can be reduced compared to when the heater 30 is ON.

[0165] In this modified example, the control unit CO may control the heater 30 to be ON for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is stopped, and may stop outputting the detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period when the heater 30 is ON. Alternatively, the control unit CO may control the heater 30 to be OFF for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is moving, and may output the detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period when the heater 30 is OFF.

[0166] Speed ​​may be used as the criterion for deciding whether to turn the heater 30 ON or OFF. In this case, the control unit CO receives a signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE measured by a measuring unit (not shown). Upon receiving the signal, the control unit CO determines whether the speed is greater than a predetermined value. If the speed is greater than the predetermined value, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 to OFF for at least a portion of the period during which the vehicle VE's speed is greater than the predetermined value, and outputs a detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the period during which the heater 30 is OFF. If the speed is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 to ON for at least a portion of the period during which the speed is less than or equal to the predetermined value, and stops outputting the detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the period during which the heater 30 is ON.

[0167] Furthermore, the criteria for deciding whether to turn the heater 30 ON or OFF may include the outside temperature or a heater switch (not shown).

[0168] When the outside temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, deposits such as frost may adhere to the permeable area AR. In this case, when the outside temperature rises above the predetermined temperature, the deposits such as frost, even if they are attached to the permeable area AR, will melt due to the outside temperature and be removed from the outer cover 12. In this case, when a signal indicating that the outside temperature is above the predetermined temperature is input from the temperature sensor 50 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP12 of the control flow. Also, when a signal indicating that the outside temperature is below the predetermined temperature is input from the temperature sensor 50 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP13 of the control flow.

[0169] Alternatively, when the heater switch is OFF, no control signal is input from the heater switch to the control unit CO, and the control unit CO proceeds to step SP12 in the control flow. When the heater switch is ON, a control signal indicating that the heater 30 is ON is input from the heater switch to the control unit CO, and the control unit CO proceeds to step SP13 in the control flow. When the heater switch is OFF, no control signal from the heater switch is input to the power supply circuit 32, and the power supply circuit 32 does not supply current from the power supply (not shown) to the heating element 31, so the heater is OFF. When the heater switch is ON, the power supply circuit 32, in response to the control signal from the heater switch, supplies current from the power supply (not shown) to the heating element 31, and the heater 30 is ON.

[0170] As described above, the ON / OFF control of the heater 30 is not particularly limited; the control unit CO simply needs to output a detection signal Sd when the heater 30 is OFF and stop outputting the detection signal Sd when the heater 30 is ON.

[0171] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment, as a second aspect of the present invention, will now be described. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The vehicle lamp VL in this embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicle lamp VL in Embodiment 1, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0172] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, specifically the setting of the drive period and voltage, and the operation of applying voltage during the drive period, will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 and SP21 to SP24.

[0173] In the starting state shown in Figure 11, the ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle VE switches from OFF to ON, and the transmitter 25 emits radio wave EW1. The control unit CO also receives a signal Se from the receiver 26 indicating the strength of radio wave EW2 when the ignition switch is ON. In the starting state, the control unit CO has turned off the heater 30 and no voltage is applied to the heater 30. Therefore, the power supply circuit 32 does not apply voltage to the heating element 31 from the power supply (not shown) based on the control signal from the control unit CO. When no voltage is applied, no current flows to the heating element 31, the heating element 31 does not generate heat, and the outer cover 12 is not heated.

[0174] (Step SP11) In this step, the control unit CO repeats step SP11 if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26 is less than the first threshold. On the other hand, if the intensity is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP21.

[0175] If the control flow repeats step SP11, the control unit CO controls the sensor unit 20 to ON while keeping the heater 30 OFF. As a result, the heater 30 remains stopped, and as described in the first embodiment, the transmitter 25 emits radio wave EW1 and the receiver 26 receives radio wave EW2. The transmitter 25 also outputs the signal related to the transmitted radio wave EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiver 26 outputs the signal Se related to the received radio wave EW2 to the control unit CO. The control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd generated based on the signal input from the transmitter 25 and the signal Se input from the receiver 26.

[0176] (Step SP21) In this step, the control unit CO sets the operating period of the heater 30 and the amount of power consumed by the heater 30 during that operating period based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se. In the following, the power consumption of the power supply circuit 32 is ignored. Therefore, in the following, the resistance value of the heater 30 is approximately the resistance value of the heating element 31 and is a fixed value, the amount of power consumed by the heater 30 can be understood as the amount of power consumed by the heating element 31, and the voltage applied to the heater 30 can be understood as the voltage applied to the heating element 31. The amount of power consumed by the heater 30 is obtained by integrating the operating period with the power consumed by the heater 30. The power of the heater 30 is obtained by the voltage applied to the heater 30 and the fixed resistance value of the heater 30. In the following, the operating period of the heater 30 refers to the period during which voltage is applied to the heating element 31.

[0177] The voltage application time and voltage, which constitute the drive period, are preset based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se, and are stored in the table of the storage unit 52. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the table that shows the relationship between the intensity range, the drive period, and the voltage. The table stores a first range and a second range. The first range indicates that the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. The second range indicates that the intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold. As described in the first embodiment, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 tends to increase in the order of dust, water droplets, and ice / snow. In this case, the first threshold is set to a value lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR. Furthermore, the second threshold is set to a value higher than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR, and lower than the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 when ice or snow is attached to the transmission area AR. Therefore, when deposits such as dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity falls within the first range, which is between the first threshold and the second threshold. Also, when deposits such as ice or snow are attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity falls within the second range, which is above the second threshold. The table stores the drive period and voltage for each range. The first range is set to a predetermined drive period T1 and a predetermined voltage value V1, and the second range is set to a predetermined drive period T2 and a predetermined voltage value V2. The predetermined periods T1 and T2 are preset values, for example, 15 minutes. The predetermined values ​​V1 and V2 are preset values, with predetermined value V1 being lower than predetermined value V2. The predetermined period T1 may be longer or shorter than the predetermined period T2, and the predetermined value V1 may be greater than or equal to the predetermined value V2.

[0178] In this embodiment, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 is within the first range, the control unit CO rapidly increases the voltage applied to the heater 30 from zero V to a predetermined value V1, as shown in Figure 14, which will be described later. Rapid increase means that the voltage changes like a single step over time. When the voltage reaches the predetermined value V1, the control unit CO maintains the voltage at the predetermined value V1 for a predetermined period T1. After the predetermined period T1 has elapsed since the voltage reached the predetermined value V1, the control unit CO rapidly decreases the voltage from the predetermined value V1 to zero V. When the intensity is within the second range, the control unit CO controls the voltage in the same way as when the intensity is within the first range, except that the predetermined value V1 is changed to a predetermined value V2 and the predetermined period T1 is changed to a predetermined period T2.

[0179] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the setting process for the drive period and the amount of power consumed by the heater 30 during that drive period, as explained in step SP21.

[0180] (Step SP31) This step involves the control unit CO determining, based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by signal Se, whether the intensity falls within a first range, which is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold. As described above, when dust or water droplets are adhering to the transmission region AR, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by signal Se falls within the first range. If the intensity falls within the first range, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP32. On the other hand, if the intensity is not greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP33.

[0181] (Step SP32) In this step, the control unit CO reads the drive period and voltage corresponding to the first range from the table, sets the drive period to a predetermined period T1, and sets the voltage to a predetermined value V1. Next, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP22 of the control flow.

[0182] (Step SP33) As described above, when ice and snow are adhering to the transmission region AR, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by signal Se falls within the second range. In this step, the control unit CO reads the drive period and voltage corresponding to the second range from the table, sets the drive period to a predetermined period T2, and sets the voltage to a predetermined value V2. Next, the control unit CO proceeds the control flow to step SP22.

[0183] (Step SP22) Next, let's return to Figure 11 and continue the explanation. In this step, the control unit CO applies a voltage of a predetermined value V1 set in step SP32, or a predetermined value V2 set in step SP33, to the heater 30. As a result, the voltage rises sharply from zero V to the predetermined value V1 or V2, and the heat from the heater 30 is transferred to the outer cover 12, warming the outer cover 12, including the permeable region AR, to a predetermined temperature. Any deposits adhering to the permeable region AR begin to melt due to the heat from the outer cover 12. The steeper the voltage rise, the greater the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 rises in a short time, so the deposits can be heated and melted quickly.

[0184] In this step, as described above, the transmitting unit 25 emits radio wave EW1 and the receiving unit 26 receives radio wave EW2. Also, as described above, the transmitting unit 25 outputs a signal related to radio wave EW1 to the control unit CO, and the receiving unit 26 outputs a signal related to radio wave EW2 to the control unit CO. The control unit CO generates a detection signal Sd based on the signal input from the transmitting unit 25 and the signal Se input from the receiving unit 26. However, in this step, unlike when the heater 30 is OFF, the control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd. Therefore, in this step, the transmitting unit 25 and the receiving unit 26 do not stop, but rather the control unit CO does not output the detection signal Sd. In this step, since the detection signal Sd is not output, power consumption is reduced compared to when the detection signal Sd is output.

[0185] When the control unit CO applies a voltage of a predetermined value V1 to the heater 30 for a predetermined period T1 or a voltage of a predetermined value V2 for a predetermined period T2, the control flow proceeds to step SP23.

[0186] (Step SP23) In this step, the control unit CO determines whether the predetermined periods T1 and T2, which are the drive periods set in steps SP32 and SP33, have elapsed. If the predetermined periods T1 and T2 have not elapsed, the process returns to step SP22, and the control unit CO applies voltage to the heater 30 until the predetermined periods T1 and T2 have elapsed. If the predetermined periods T1 and T2 have elapsed, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP24.

[0187] (Step SP24) In this step, the control unit CO stops applying voltage to the heater 30. As a result, the voltage drops sharply from a predetermined value V1 or V2, and the heater 30 turns OFF. Generally, deposits tend to be removed and reduced the longer they are heated. Therefore, after the predetermined periods T1 and T2 have elapsed, there tends to be less deposit than during the predetermined periods T1 and T2. For this reason, the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 may be low. In addition, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the voltage rises to a predetermined value V1 or V2 and then drops sharply after the predetermined periods T1 and T2 have elapsed. As a result, unnecessary power consumption of the heater 30 can be suppressed compared to the case where the voltage does not drop sharply. Also, even when the voltage drops, residual heat may remain on the outer cover 12, so any remaining deposits on the outer cover 12 can be removed by the residual heat. When the application of voltage stops, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11. In this control flow, the control unit CO receives the signal Se from the receiving unit 26 as described above. Therefore, when the control flow returns from step SP24 to step SP11, in step SP11, the control unit CO determines whether the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se is less than the first threshold.

[0188] Figure 14 is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in this embodiment. Although the first range is used for the explanation in Figure 14, the same operation and effects as in the first range can be obtained in the second range as well.

[0189] At time t110 shown in Figure 14, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 is below the first threshold, so the control unit CO does not apply voltage to the heater 30 and turns off the heater 30. At time t111, after time t110, if the intensity becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit CO advances the control flow from step SP11 to step SP21. As described in steps SP21, SP31, and SP32, if the intensity is between the first and second thresholds, the control unit CO sets a predetermined period T1 and a predetermined value V1. Next, as described in step SP22, the control unit CO applies a voltage of the predetermined value V1 to the heater 30 from time t111. In this embodiment, the voltage rises sharply from zero V to the predetermined value V1 at time t111, and remains at the predetermined value V1 for a predetermined period T1. When a predetermined period T1 has elapsed from time t111 to time t112, the control unit CO advances the control flow from step SP22 through step SP23 to step SP24. In this embodiment, the voltage drops sharply from a predetermined value V1 to zero V at time t112, after the predetermined period T1 has elapsed from time t111. Note that even when the intensity is in the second range, the voltage profile is generally the same as that shown in Figure 14.

[0190] By the way, in the vehicle sensor device described in Patent Document 1, electromagnetic waves are emitted not only when detecting an object, but also when there is attached material on the cover, as described above. In this case, it is necessary to constantly control the ON and OFF states of the lighting unit, which acts as a heater, based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, which increases the burden on the control unit.

[0191] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer cover 12 and a sensor unit 20 positioned inside the vehicle VE beyond the outer cover 12, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the outer cover 12 and outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover 12. The vehicle sensor device 1 also comprises a heater 30 provided on the outer cover 12 that heats the transmission region AR through which electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20 in the outer cover 12 pass, and a control unit CO. The control unit CO sets the operating period of the heater 30 and the amount of power of the heater 30 during the operating period based on the intensity, and applies a voltage at the set amount of power to the heater 30 during the set operating period.

[0192] In this vehicle sensor device 1, when electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor unit 20 toward the outside of the vehicle VE are reflected by objects outside the vehicle VE in the direction of propagation and pass through the transmission region AR, the sensor unit 20 can receive the electromagnetic waves, and an object can be detected from the signal related to the electromagnetic waves. In the vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO sets the operating period of the heater 30 and the amount of power of the heater 30 during the operating period based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. The amount of power of the heater 30 is obtained by integrating the power of the heater 30 with the operating period of the heater 30. The power is obtained by the voltage applied to the heater 30 and the resistance of the heater 30, which is a fixed value. The control unit CO applies the voltage corresponding to the set amount of power to the heater 30 during the set operating period. Generally, during the period when the heater is ON, deposits tend to adhere to the transmission region AR. Also, during the period when the heater is ON, the deposits tend to melt and decrease over time because they are warmed by the heat from the heater. As the amount of attached material decreases, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor tends to decrease because the reflection of electromagnetic waves by the attached material decreases. In the vehicle sensor device 1, as described above, the operating period of the heater 30 and the power output of the heater 30 are set based on the intensity. Therefore, compared to a case where the power output of the heater 30 is constantly controlled based on the intensity each time the intensity changes, the burden on the control unit CO can be reduced.

[0193] Generally, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 tends to increase when dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR, followed by when ice or snow is attached to the transmission area AR. Thus, the more attached material there is, the higher the intensity becomes, and the more power is required to remove the attached material. In the vehicle sensor device 1, since the amount of power is set based on the intensity, it is prevented from setting the amount of power too low or too high relative to the amount of attached material, and the attached material can be appropriately removed with power corresponding to the intensity.

[0194] During the period when the heater 30 is ON, deposits tend to adhere to the transparent region AR as described above, and the propagation of electromagnetic waves is obstructed by the deposits, thus reducing the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1. Consequently, the information obtained by detection is difficult to use, and the power used to output the detection signal Sd containing this information may be wasted. However, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd for the entire period when the heater 30 is ON. In other words, the output of the detection signal Sd is stopped for the entire period while the deposits are being removed by the heat of the heater 30. Therefore, wasted power consumption can be suppressed. The control unit CO may also stop outputting the detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period when the heater 30 is ON. Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd during the period when the heater 30 is OFF. During the period when the heater 30 is OFF, deposits tend not to be present. In this case, since the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation by attached substances is suppressed, a decrease in the detection accuracy of the vehicle sensor device 1 can be suppressed. The control unit CO may output a detection signal Sd for at least a portion of the predetermined period during which the heater 30 is OFF.

[0195] When the ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle VE switches from OFF to ON, the control unit CO outputs a signal to the storage unit 52 indicating the strength of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the receiving unit 26, and the storage unit 52 may store the strength from the signal Se. The storage unit 52 stores the strength while the ignition switch is ON. The storage unit 52 also stores the strength when the ignition switch is ON when it switches from ON to OFF. The storage unit 52 also stores the strength when the ignition switch is ON when it switches from ON to OFF, and may erase the strength stored in other cases. When the ignition switch switches from OFF to ON again after switching from ON to OFF, the control unit CO reads the strength when the ignition switch was ON when it switched from ON to OFF from the storage unit 52. Furthermore, when the ignition switch is switched from OFF to ON again, the control unit CO receives the signal Se from the receiving unit 26 as described above, and the control unit CO acquires the strength of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se. If the strength when the ignition switch is switched from OFF to ON is higher than the strength when the ignition switch is switched from ON to OFF, the amount of deposits tends to be greater when the vehicle VE engine is running than when the engine is stopped. If the strength when the ignition switch is switched from OFF to ON is above the first threshold, the vehicle sensor device 1 sets the operating period and power of the heater 30 based on that strength, and the heater 30 is operated for the set operating period and power. In this case, the deposits can be removed more quickly than when the heater 30 is not operated when the ignition switch is switched from OFF to ON.

[0196] In step SP24, the control unit CO does not need to stop applying voltage to the heater 30, and step SP24 may be omitted. Once the drive period has elapsed, the control unit CO may return the control flow to step SP11.

[0197] When the intensity of the radio wave EW2 is within the first range, the voltage does not need to remain at the predetermined value V1 after rising to V1; it may increase or decrease from V1. Also, the voltage does not need to drop to zero V; it may be less than the predetermined value V1 or greater than or equal to V1. Even when the intensity is within the second range, the voltage may change from the predetermined value V2 as described above.

[0198] Alternatively, the control unit CO may calculate the operating period and power consumption based on the intensity and set the operating period and power consumption to the calculated operating period and power consumption.

[0199] Furthermore, in step SP22, if the signal output from the temperature sensor 50, which measures the temperature outside the vehicle VE, indicates a temperature below a predetermined temperature, the control unit CO may increase the voltage applied to the heater 30.

[0200] When the temperature outside the vehicle VE is below a predetermined temperature, such as the temperature of deposited material or the temperature at which water freezes, the deposited material is less likely to melt and more likely to freeze compared to when the temperature outside the vehicle VE is above the predetermined temperature. With the above configuration, the deposited material can be melted and removed more quickly in the vehicle sensor device 1 compared to when the voltage does not rise.

[0201] Next, modifications of this embodiment will be described. In each modification, the first range will be used for the explanation, but the same effects and benefits as in the first range can be obtained in the second range as well.

[0202] The first modified example will be explained using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in this modified example.

[0203] In this modified example, the voltage increases gradually up to a predetermined value V1. In this case, the voltage changes in steps over time. At time t120 in this example, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 is below the first threshold, and the control unit CO does not apply voltage to the heater 30 and turns off the heater 30. At time t121, after time t120, the intensity is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, and the control unit CO sets the period T4 of the predetermined period T1 and the predetermined value V1, and gradually increases the voltage up to the predetermined value V1 between time t121 and time t122, after the period T4 has elapsed. The period T4 is, for example, 3 minutes. Note that the example of the predetermined period T1 in this modified example is different from the example of the predetermined period T1 in the above embodiment.

[0204] In this modified example, once the voltage rises to a predetermined value V1, it remains at that predetermined value V1 for a period T5 within a predetermined period T1, starting from time t122. The control unit CO sets a period T5 within the predetermined period T1 and continues to apply a voltage of the predetermined value V1 to the heater 30 during period T5. Period T5 is, for example, 15 minutes, which is longer than period T4. Period T5 may be the same as period T4, or it may be shorter than period T4.

[0205] In this modified example, the voltage gradually decreases from a predetermined value V1 to zero V. At time t123, after the period T5 has elapsed from time t122, the control unit CO sets a period T6 within the predetermined period T1, and gradually decreases the voltage from the predetermined value V1 to zero V between time t123 and time t124, after the period T6 has elapsed. Period T6 is, for example, the same as period T5. However, period T6 may be the same as periods T4 and T5, or it may be shorter or longer than each of them.

[0206] In this modified vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO only needs to control the heater 30 at the timing when the voltage is increased in stages. Therefore, the burden on the control unit CO can be reduced compared to the case where the voltage is not increased in stages.

[0207] Furthermore, in this modified vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO only needs to control the heater 30 at the timing when the voltage is gradually reduced. Therefore, the burden on the control unit CO can be reduced compared to the case where the voltage is not gradually reduced. Also, compared to the case where the voltage is not gradually reduced but drops abruptly, the time for the outer cover 12 to be heated at a high temperature can be extended, and the deposits may melt more easily.

[0208] Next, a second modified example will be explained using Figure 16. Figure 16 is a timing chart relating to the drive period and voltage in this modified example.

[0209] In this modified example, the voltage gradually increases to a predetermined value V1. In this case, it is preferable that the voltage increases at a constant rate of change. This rate of change may increase or decrease as time progresses. At time t130 in this example, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 is less than the first threshold, and the control unit CO does not apply voltage to the heater 30 and turns the heater 30 OFF. At time t131, after time t130, the intensity is between the first threshold and the second threshold, and the control unit CO sets the period T4 of the predetermined period T1 and the predetermined value V1, and gradually increases the voltage to the predetermined value V1 between time t131 and time t132, after the period T4 has elapsed. The period T4 may be different from, for example, the period T4 in the first modified example. In this modified example as well, the example of the predetermined period T1 is different from the example of the predetermined period T1 in the above embodiment.

[0210] Furthermore, in this modified example, similar to the first modified example, once the voltage rises to a predetermined value V1, it remains at that predetermined value V1 for a period T5 within the predetermined period T1, starting from time t132.

[0211] In this modified example, the voltage gradually decreases from a predetermined value V1 to zero V. At time t133, after the period T5 has elapsed from time t132, the control unit CO sets a period T6 within the predetermined period T1, and gradually lowers the voltage from the predetermined value V1 to zero V between time t133 and time t134, after the period T6 has elapsed. Period T6 may be different from, for example, period T6 in the first modified example.

[0212] In this modified vehicle sensor device 1, the temperature of the heat from the heater 30 gradually increases. This can suppress abrupt temperature changes in the outer cover 12, and prevent thermal shock to the outer cover 12 caused by abrupt temperature changes.

[0213] Furthermore, in this modified vehicle sensor device 1, compared to the case where the voltage does not gradually decrease, rapid temperature changes of the outer cover 12 can be suppressed, and thermal shock to the outer cover 12 due to rapid temperature changes can be suppressed.

[0214] In setting the voltage, for example, as in a combination of this embodiment and the first or second variant, the voltage may rise sharply and then decrease gradually or stepwise. Alternatively, as in a combination of the first variant and this embodiment or the second variant, the voltage may rise gradually and then decrease sharply or stepwise. Alternatively, as in a combination of the second variant and this embodiment or the first variant, the voltage may rise gradually and then decrease sharply or stepwise. Alternatively, as in a combination of this embodiment and the first or second variant, the voltage may rise sharply and then rise gradually or stepwise. In the above, the order in which the voltage rises is not particularly limited. Alternatively, as in a combination of this embodiment and the first or second variant, the voltage may drop sharply and then decrease gradually or stepwise. In the above, the order in which the voltage drops is not particularly limited. In the above combinations, the voltage may repeat the rise of any of this embodiment, the first variant, and the second variant, and the drop of any of this embodiment, the first variant, and the second variant. In the above combination, a period may be provided during which the voltages remain constant at predetermined values ​​V1 and V2. The above combination is just one example, and the voltage settings may be appropriately combined from each of the above embodiments and modifications.

[0215] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment, as a third aspect of the present invention, will now be described. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The configuration of the vehicle lighting fixture VL in this embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle lighting fixture VL in the first embodiment, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0216] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, specifically the operation of removing deposits adhering to the outer surface 12o of the outer cover 12, will be described. In addition to ice, snow, dust, and water droplets described in the above embodiment, mud can also be used as a deposit in this embodiment. The intensity of the radio waves EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 generally tends to decrease in the following order: when mud is attached to the transmission area AR, when ice and snow are attached to the transmission area AR, and when dust or water droplets are attached to the transmission area AR. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 and SP41 to SP45.

[0217] In the starting state shown in Figure 17, the sensor unit 20 emits radio wave EW1 and outputs a signal Se indicating the strength of the received radio wave EW2.

[0218] (Step SP11) If the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se input from the receiver 26 is less than the first threshold, the control unit CO repeats step SP11. On the other hand, if the intensity is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP41.

[0219] (Step SP41) This step involves the control unit CO determining, in the same manner as in step SP31, whether the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by signal Se falls within a first range, which is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold. If dust or water droplets are adhering to the transmission region AR, the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by signal Se may fall within the first range. If the intensity falls within the first range, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP42. On the other hand, if the intensity is not greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP43.

[0220] (Step SP42) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the first operation consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period may be constant or may change according to the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20. In this first operation, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period. In this embodiment, the first operation is one in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 injects gas from the gas unit 45 toward the permeation area AR for, for example, only 3 seconds. For this reason, the control unit CO controls the valve 45b so that it is open for only 3 seconds. When the valve 45b is open, gas is injected from the injection nozzle 45c toward the permeation area AR. The predetermined period in the first operation is 3 seconds, and the cleaner 40 is driven for the entirety of this predetermined period. Note that the first operation may also be one in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 intermittently injects gas. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0221] (Step SP43) This step involves the control unit CO determining, based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20, whether the intensity falls within a second range, which is greater than or equal to a second threshold and less than a third threshold greater than the second threshold. In this embodiment, the third threshold is set to a value higher than the intensity of the radio wave EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of ice and snow is attached to the transmission area AR, and lower than the intensity of the radio wave EW2 received by the sensor unit 20 when a predetermined amount of mud is attached to the transmission area AR. Therefore, when ice and snow are attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 can be set to fall within the second range. Also, when mud is attached to the transmission area AR, the intensity indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 can be set to fall within a third range, which is greater than or equal to the third threshold. If the intensity falls within the second range, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP44. On the other hand, if the intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold but not less than the third threshold, i.e., within the third range, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP45.

[0222] (Step SP44) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 such that the second operation consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period in the second operation may be constant, may change according to the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20, may be the same as the predetermined period in the first operation, or may be different. In this second operation, the heater 30 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and this second operation is different from the first operation in step SP42. In this embodiment, the second operation is one in which the cleaner 40 is not driven and the heater 30 is driven for, for example, only 15 minutes. For this reason, the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 32 so that current flows through the heating element 31 for only 15 minutes. When current flows through the heating element 31, the heating element 31 generates heat and the outer cover 12 is heated. Furthermore, the predetermined period in the second operation is 15 minutes, and the heater 30 is driven for the entire duration of this predetermined period. Note that the second operation may also involve the cleaner 40 not being driven, and the heater 30 being driven intermittently. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0223] (Step SP45) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 such that the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 as time progresses over a predetermined period constitutes the third operation. The predetermined period in the third operation may be constant, may change according to the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20, may be the same as or different from the predetermined period in the first and second operations. In this third operation, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and this third operation is different from the second operation in step SP44. In other words, the first and third operations are different from the second operation. In this embodiment, the third operation is an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven, and liquid is sprayed from the liquid unit 41 of the cleaner 40 toward the permeable region AR for, for example, only 3 seconds. For this reason, the control unit CO controls the pump 41b so that it operates for only 3 seconds. When the pump 41b operates, liquid is sprayed from the spray nozzle 41c toward the permeable region AR. Furthermore, the predetermined period in the third operation is 3 seconds, and the cleaner 40 is driven for the entire duration of this predetermined period. Note that the third operation may also be an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 intermittently sprays liquid. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0224] Incidentally, in addition to ice, snow, and frost, other substances such as mud can adhere to the cover of vehicle sensor devices, and this mud cannot be removed by heating the cover. Therefore, there is a need to properly remove the deposits adhering to the cover to suppress the decrease in object detection accuracy.

[0225] Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment comprises an outer cover 12, a sensor unit 20, a heater 30, a cleaner 40, and a control unit CO. The sensor unit 20 is located inside the vehicle VE beyond the outer cover 12 and transmits and receives radio waves through the outer cover 12. The sensor unit 20 outputs a signal indicating the intensity of radio waves EW2 incident inside the outer cover 12. The heater 30 is provided on the outer cover 12 and heats the transmission region AR in the outer cover 12 through which the radio waves EW1 emitted from the sensor unit 20 pass. The cleaner 40 sprays at least one of a liquid and a gas from outside the vehicle VE beyond the outer cover 12 toward the transmission region AR.

[0226] The control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 so that the heater 30 operates for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the second range described above. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 so that the cleaner 40 operates for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the first or third range, which is different from the second range. Therefore, if the second range is defined as the predetermined range, and the range consisting of the first and third ranges is defined as the specific range, it can be understood that the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 so that the heater 30 operates for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity of the signal Se indicated by the sensor unit 20 is within the predetermined range, and so that the cleaner 40 operates for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity of the signal Se indicated by the sensor unit 20 is within the specific range, which is different from the predetermined range. Furthermore, the second operation, which consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity of the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the second range, is different from the first operation, which consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity of the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the first range. Also, this second operation is different from the third operation, which consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity of the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the third range. In other words, the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity of the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within a specific range is different from the combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity of the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within a predetermined range.

[0227] Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 can be changed over time in a predetermined period of time according to the difference in the amount of material adhering to the outer cover 12. Furthermore, the vehicle sensor device of this embodiment can remove dust and water droplets adhering to the outer cover 12 with gas from the cleaner 40. In addition, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can melt and remove ice and snow adhering to the outer cover 12 by heating the outer cover 12 with the heater 30. Furthermore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can remove mud adhering to the outer cover 12 with liquid from the cleaner 40. Accordingly, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can remove adhering materials appropriately and suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection, compared to a case where the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 does not change according to the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20.

[0228] Furthermore, from the standpoint of properly removing deposits, if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within a predetermined range, the heater 30 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and if this intensity is within a specific range different from the predetermined range, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period. In addition, the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 when this intensity is within a specific range and the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 when this intensity is within a predetermined range should be different from each other. For example, the second operation may be the operation shown in Figure 18, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that their operation becomes the operation shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is a timing chart schematically showing a modified example of the second operation.

[0229] As shown in Figure 18, the heater 30 starts operating at time t201 and begins heating the outer cover 12. The cleaner 40 starts spraying liquid at time t202, which is later than time t201, and stops spraying liquid at time t203, for example, 3 seconds after time t202. Therefore, the cleaner 40 sprays liquid towards the permeable area AR for 3 seconds from time t202. The cleaner 40 also starts spraying gas at time t204, which is later than time t203, and stops spraying gas at time t205, for example, 3 seconds after time t204. Therefore, the cleaner 40 sprays gas towards the permeable area AR for 3 seconds from time t204. The timing of the cleaner 40 starting operation is time t202, which is the timing of the start of liquid spraying, and the timing of the cleaner 40 ending operation is time t205, which is the timing of the end of gas spraying. Furthermore, the heater 30 stops operating at time t206, which is later than time t205. Therefore, the heater 30 heats the outer cover 12 during the period from time t201 to time t206.

[0230] In this second operation, the predetermined period is from time t201 to time t206, and time t202, which is the timing of the start of liquid spraying from the cleaner 40, is after time t201, which is the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. In other words, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the second range, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 to be in this state. With this configuration, after heating the outer cover 12, water can be interposed between the ice and snow adhering to the outer cover 12 and the outer cover 12, and then the liquid can be sprayed onto the ice and snow. When water is interposed between the ice and snow and the outer cover 12, the adhesion force of the ice and snow to the outer cover 12 tends to be smaller than when there is no water interposed between the ice and snow and the outer cover 12. Therefore, with this configuration, the ice and snow can be removed more easily than when the outer cover 12 is not heated before the liquid is sprayed onto the outer cover 12.

[0231] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of easily removing ice and snow from the outer cover 12, it is sufficient that the timing of the start of operation of the cleaner 40, time t202, is after the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30, time t201. For example, the heater 30 may be stopped before time t202 during the period TW when the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid, or during the period TA when the cleaner 40 is spraying gas. Also, the cleaner 40 may spray only liquid or only gas. If the cleaner 40 sprays only gas, the timing of the start of operation of the cleaner 40 is time t204, which is after time t201. In this case, after creating a condition where water is interposed between the ice and snow adhering to the outer cover 12 and the outer cover 12, gas can be sprayed towards the ice and snow. Therefore, even in such a case, the ice and snow can be easily removed. Also, the heater 30 may be driven intermittently, and the cleaner 40 may intermittently spray liquid or gas. However, the timing of the cleaner 40 starting to operate may be earlier than the timing of the heater starting to operate.

[0232] Furthermore, in this second operation, there is a period in which the heater 30 is operating after time t205, which is the timing when the cleaner 40 stops operating. In other words, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this occurs. As a result, the outer cover 12 is heated even after the injection of liquid or gas into the outer cover 12 has finished. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the injection of liquid or gas into the outer cover 12 has finished, or to vaporize and remove this liquid. Consequently, compared to the case in which the outer cover 12 is not heated after the timing when the cleaner 40 stops operating, a decrease in the accuracy of object detection can be suppressed.

[0233] Furthermore, in order to prevent the liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 from freezing after the cleaner 40 has finished operating, or to remove this liquid, it is sufficient for the heater 30 to be operating for a period after time t205, which is the timing when the cleaner 40 finishes operating. For example, the cleaner 40 may spray only liquid or only gas. However, it is not necessary for the heater 30 to be operating for a period after the timing when the cleaner 40 finishes operating.

[0234] Furthermore, in this second operation, there is a period in which the heater 30 is driven after time t203, which is the timing when the spraying of liquid from the cleaner 40 ends. In other words, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this occurs. As a result, the outer cover 12 is heated even after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended, for example, the liquid from the cleaner 40, or to vaporize and remove this liquid.

[0235] Furthermore, from the standpoint of preventing the liquid from the cleaner 40 from freezing or removing the liquid by vaporization, it is sufficient for the heater 30 to be running for a period after time t203, which is the timing when the liquid spraying from the cleaner 40 ends. For example, the heater 30 may start running during the period TW or after time t203, the heater 30 may run intermittently, and the cleaner 40 may spray liquid intermittently. However, the spraying of liquid from the cleaner 40 may end before the running of the heater 30 ends.

[0236] Furthermore, in this second operation, the timing of the start of gas injection from the cleaner 40, time t204, is later than the timing of the end of liquid injection from the cleaner 40, time t203. In other words, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this occurs. Therefore, gas is injected towards the outer cover 12 after the liquid injection from the cleaner 40 has finished. Thus, with this configuration, any liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the liquid injection to the outer cover 12 has finished can be removed by the gas from the cleaner 40.

[0237] Furthermore, from the standpoint of removing liquid adhering to the outer cover 12, it is sufficient that the timing of the start of gas injection by the cleaner 40, time t204, is after the timing of the end of liquid injection by the cleaner 40, time t203. For example, the cleaner 40 may intermittently inject liquid or gas. However, the gas injection of the cleaner 40 may start before the liquid injection of the cleaner 40 has ended.

[0238] Furthermore, the third operation may be the operation shown in Figure 19, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 is as shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 is a timing chart schematically showing a first modified example of the third operation.

[0239] As shown in Figure 19, the cleaner 40 starts spraying liquid at time t211 and stops spraying liquid at time t212, for example, 3 seconds after time t211. The cleaner 40 does not spray gas. The heater 30 starts operating at time t213, which is later than time t212, to start heating the outer cover 12, and stops operating at time t214, for example, 15 minutes after time t213.

[0240] In this third operation, the predetermined period is from time t211 to time t214, and there is a period in which the heater 30 is driven after time t212, which is the timing when the spraying of liquid from the cleaner 40 ends. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended. Thus, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended, for example, the liquid from the cleaner 40, or to vaporize and remove this liquid.

[0241] Furthermore, in this third operation, the timing of the start of liquid spraying from the cleaner 40, time t211, is before the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30, time t213. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is not heated before the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover 12. Here, when the outer cover 12 is heated and the moisture content of dirt such as mud adhering to the outer cover 12 decreases, the adhesion force of the dirt such as mud to the outer cover tends to increase. Therefore, with this configuration, dirt such as mud can be removed more easily compared to the case where the liquid is sprayed toward the outer cover 12 after the outer cover 12 has been heated.

[0242] Furthermore, from the standpoint of easily removing dirt and other contaminants, it is sufficient that the time t211, which is the timing of the start of liquid spraying by the cleaner 40, is before the time t213, which is the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. For example, the heater 30 may start operating during the period TW in which the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid.

[0243] Furthermore, the third operation may be the operation shown in Figure 20, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 is as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 is a timing chart schematically showing a second modified example of the third operation.

[0244] As shown in Figure 20, the third operation of this modified example differs from the third operation shown in Figure 19 in that the timing of the start of liquid injection by the cleaner 40 is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. The heater 30 starts operating at time t221 to begin heating the outer cover 12 and stops operating at time t224. The cleaner 40 starts injection of liquid at time t222, which is later than time t221 but earlier than time t224, and stops injection of liquid at time t223, which is earlier than time t224. In addition, the cleaner 40 does not inject gas.

[0245] In this third operation, the predetermined period is from time t221 to time t224, and time t222, which is the timing of the start of liquid injection from the cleaner 40, is after time t221, which is the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated before the liquid is injected into the outer cover 12. Here, if the temperature outside the vehicle VE is high enough to freeze water, the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 tends to freeze. With this configuration, the liquid can be injected after the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 has melted due to the heating of the outer cover 12. Therefore, this is useful when the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 is frozen.

[0246] Furthermore, in order to properly remove mud when the moisture in the mud has frozen, the timing of the cleaner 40 starting to operate may be later than the timing of the heater 30 starting to operate. For example, the heater 30 may stop operating before the timing of the cleaner 40 starting to spray liquid, and the cleaner 40 may spray gas instead of liquid.

[0247] Furthermore, the third operation may be the operation shown in Figure 21, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 is as shown in Figure 21. Figure 21 is a timing chart schematically showing a third modified example of the third operation.

[0248] As shown in Figure 21, the cleaner 40 starts spraying liquid at time t231 and stops spraying liquid at time t232, for example, 3 seconds after time t231. The cleaner 40 also starts spraying gas at time t233, which is later than time t232, and stops spraying gas at time t235, for example, 3 seconds after time t233. The heater 30 starts operating at time t234, which is later than time t233 and earlier than time t235, to start heating the outer cover 12, and stops operating at time t236, for example, 15 minutes after time t234.

[0249] In this third operation, the predetermined period is from time t231 to time t236, and the timing of the start of gas injection from the cleaner 40, time t233, is after the timing of the end of liquid injection from the cleaner 40, time t232. Therefore, gas is injected towards the outer cover 12 after the liquid injection from the cleaner 40 has finished. Thus, with this configuration, any liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the liquid injection to the outer cover 12 has finished can be removed by the gas from the cleaner 40.

[0250] Furthermore, in this third operation, similar to the third operation shown in Figure 19, there is a period in which the heater 30 is driven after time t232, which is the timing when the spraying of liquid from the cleaner 40 ends. As a result, the outer cover 12 is heated after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of liquid to the outer cover 12 has ended, such as the liquid from the cleaner 40, or to vaporize and remove this liquid.

[0251] Furthermore, although not illustrated, the third operation may be an operation in which the cleaner 40 sprays liquid and gas without the heater 30 being driven. In this case, from the viewpoint of removing liquid adhering to the outer cover 12, it is preferable that the timing of the start of gas spraying by the cleaner 40 is after the timing of the end of liquid spraying by the cleaner 40, similar to the third operation shown in Figure 21, but the timing of the start of gas spraying may be before the timing of the start of liquid spraying. Also, the third operation may be an operation in which the heater 30 is driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only gas, or an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only gas. Furthermore, the third operation may be the same as the second operation shown in Figure 18. Furthermore, when the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 in step SP44 so that the second operation shown in Figure 18 occurs, for example, at least one of the periods TH during which the heater 30 is driven, TW during which the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid, and TA during which the cleaner 40 is spraying gas will differ between the third operation and the second operation.

[0252] Furthermore, the first operation may be the operation shown in Figure 22, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 is as shown in Figure 22. Figure 22 is a timing chart schematically showing a first modified example of the first operation.

[0253] As shown in Figure 22, the heater 30 starts operating at time t241 to begin heating the outer cover 12 and stops operating at time t244. The cleaner 40 starts injecting gas at time t242, which is later than time t241 but earlier than time t244, and stops injecting gas at time t243, which is earlier than time t244. The cleaner 40 does not inject any liquid.

[0254] In this first operation, the predetermined period is from time t241 to time t244, and time t242, which is the timing of the start of gas injection from the cleaner 40, is after time t241, which is the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. Therefore, the outer cover 12 is heated before the gas is injected toward the outer cover 12. Here, if the temperature outside the vehicle VE is high enough to freeze water, etc., dust tends to have ice attached to it. With this configuration, the ice attached to the dust adhering to the outer cover 12 can be melted by heating the outer cover 12 before the gas is injected. Therefore, this is useful when ice is attached to the dust adhering to the outer cover 12.

[0255] Furthermore, in order to properly remove dust that has ice attached to it, the timing of the start of operation of the cleaner 40 may be later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. For example, the heater 30 may stop operating before the timing of the start of gas injection by the cleaner 40, and the cleaner 40 may inject liquid instead of gas.

[0256] Furthermore, the first operation may be the operation shown in Figure 23, and the control unit CO may control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that their operation is as shown in Figure 23. Figure 23 is a timing chart schematically showing a second modified example of the first operation.

[0257] As shown in Figure 23, the heater 30 is not driven. The cleaner 40 starts injecting gas at time t251 and stops injecting gas at time t252, for example, 3 seconds after time t251. The cleaner 40 also starts injecting liquid at time t253, which is later than time t252, and stops injecting gas at time t254, for example, 1 second after time t253.

[0258] In this first operation, the predetermined period is from time t251 to time t254, and the timing of the start of liquid injection by the cleaner 40, time t253, is after the timing of the end of gas injection, time t252. Therefore, dust that adheres to the outer cover 12 and is not removed by gas injection can be removed by liquid injection, thus more reliably removing dust. From the viewpoint of more reliably removing dust, it is sufficient that the timing of the start of liquid injection is after the timing of the end of gas injection. In this example, the period TW during liquid injection is shorter than the period TA during gas injection, but it may be longer than or equal to the period TA. Also, the cleaner 40 may intermittently inject liquid or gas.

[0259] Furthermore, the first operation may be the same as the third operation. For example, the first operation may be an operation in which the heater 30 is driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only liquid, or it may be an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 sprays only liquid.

[0260] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment, which is a third aspect of the present invention, will be described in detail. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0261] The configuration of the vehicle light fixture VL in this embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle light fixture VL in the third embodiment. However, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 to remove deposits in the vehicle light fixture VL of this embodiment differs from the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 in the third embodiment.

[0262] Figure 24 shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 24, the control flowchart in this embodiment differs from the control flowchart in the third embodiment in that it has steps SP51 to SP58 instead of steps SP42 to SP45 in the control flowchart of the third embodiment.

[0263] In this embodiment, in step SP41, if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within a first range, which is between a first threshold and a second threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP51. On the other hand, if the intensity is above the second threshold, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP54.

[0264] (Step SP51) This step involves the control unit CO determining whether the temperature indicated by the signal from the temperature sensor 50 is below a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is, for example, the temperature at which water begins to freeze, or a temperature close to that temperature, and in this embodiment, it is set to 0°C. If the temperature indicated by this signal is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP52. On the other hand, if the temperature indicated by the signal exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP53.

[0265] (Step SP52) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the fourth operation consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 as time progresses over a predetermined period. In this fourth operation, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period. The fourth operation in this embodiment is the same as the first operation shown in Figure 22, and the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this operation occurs. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0266] In this step, the temperature outside the vehicle VE is such that water would freeze, and in the fourth operation, the timing of the start of gas injection from the cleaner 40 is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can inject gas after the ice adhering to the dust on the outer cover 12 has melted due to the heating of the outer cover 12, making it easier to remove the dust. In addition, since the cleaner 40 does not inject liquid, no liquid will adhere to or freeze on the outer cover 12.

[0267] (Step SP53) In this step, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 such that an operation consisting of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over time during a predetermined period becomes the fifth operation. In this fifth operation, at least the cleaner 40 is driven during at least a part of the predetermined period. The fifth operation of the present embodiment is an operation in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 injects gas, for example, for only 3 seconds, and the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so as to perform such a fifth operation. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0268] In this fifth operation, since gas is injected from the cleaner 40 toward the transmission region AR, dust and water droplets adhering to the outer cover 12 can be removed by the gas.

[0269] (Step SP54) In this step, the control unit CO determines whether or not the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within a second range where the intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold value and less than the third threshold value, in the same manner as in step SP43. In the present embodiment, when the intensity of the radio wave is within the second range, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP55. On the other hand, when the intensity is not greater than or equal to the second threshold value and less than the third threshold value, that is, when it is within the third range that is greater than or equal to the third threshold value, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP56.

[0270] (Step SP55) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the sixth operation is a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time. In this sixth operation, the heater 30 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and this sixth operation is different from the fourth operation in step SP52 and the fifth operation in step SP53. The sixth operation in this embodiment is the same as the second operation shown in Figure 18, and the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this operation occurs. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0271] In this step, ice and snow adhering to the outer cover 12 can be removed by heating the outer cover 12 and using liquid from the cleaner 40. Furthermore, any liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the spraying of liquid onto the outer cover 12 has finished can be removed by gas from the cleaner 40.

[0272] (Step SP56) This step, similar to step SP51, is a step in which the control unit CO determines whether the temperature indicated by the signal from the temperature sensor 50 is below the predetermined temperature. If the temperature indicated by this signal is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP57. On the other hand, if the temperature indicated by this signal exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP58.

[0273] (Step SP57) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the seventh operation consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time. In this seventh operation, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and this seventh operation is different from the sixth operation in step SP55. The seventh operation in this embodiment is the same as the third operation shown in Figure 20, and the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this operation occurs. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0274] In this step, the temperature outside the vehicle VE is such that water would freeze, and in the seventh operation, the timing of the start of liquid spraying from the cleaner 40 is later than the timing of the start of operation of the heater 30. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can spray liquid after the moisture in the mud adhering to the outer cover 12 has melted due to the heating of the outer cover 12, thereby making it easier to remove the mud.

[0275] Furthermore, in the seventh operation, there is a period in which the heater 30 is driven after the timing of the end of liquid injection from the cleaner 40. Therefore, even after the timing of the end of liquid injection from the cleaner 40, the outer cover 12 is heated when the temperature outside the vehicle VE is high enough to freeze water, etc. Accordingly, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can more effectively suppress the freezing of liquid adhering to the outer cover 12 after the liquid injection has ended, such as the liquid from the cleaner 40.

[0276] (Step SP58) This step involves the control unit CO controlling the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that the operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40, combined over a predetermined period of time, constitutes the eighth operation. In this eighth operation, the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period, and this eighth operation differs from the sixth operation in step SP55. In this embodiment, the eighth operation is one in which the heater 30 is not driven and the cleaner 40 sprays liquid for, for example, 3 seconds, and the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 so that this eighth operation occurs. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0277] In this eighth operation, liquid is sprayed from the cleaner 40 toward the permeable area AR, so that the liquid can remove mud adhering to the outer cover 12.

[0278] Here, if we define the second range as a predetermined range and the range consisting of the first and third ranges as a specific range, then the control unit CO of this embodiment can be understood to control the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 in such a way that, similar to the third embodiment, the heater 30 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is within the predetermined range, and the cleaner 40 is driven for at least a portion of the predetermined period if the intensity is in a specific range different from the predetermined range. Furthermore, the sixth operation, which consists of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 as time progresses during the predetermined period when the intensity is within the second range, differs from the fourth and fifth operations, which consist of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 as time progresses during the predetermined period when the intensity is within the first range. Also, this sixth operation differs from the seventh and eighth operations, which consist of a combination of the operation of the heater 30 and the operation of the cleaner 40 as time progresses during the predetermined period when the intensity is within the third range. In other words, the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity is within a specific range is different from the combination of operation of the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 over a predetermined period of time when the intensity is within a predetermined range. Therefore, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection, similar to the third embodiment.

[0279] Furthermore, as described above, in steps SP53 and SP58, the heater 30 is not driven and only the cleaner 40 is driven. Therefore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, if the temperature outside the vehicle VE exceeds the temperature at which water freezes and mud, dust, etc. adhere to the outer cover 12, the heater is not driven and only the cleaner 40 is driven. Therefore, according to the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to remove mud, dust, etc. adhering to the outer cover 12 while reducing the opportunities for the heater 30 to be driven.

[0280] Furthermore, the sixth operation in this embodiment may be the same as the second operation in the third embodiment or a modified version of the second operation. Also, the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth operations may each be the same as the first operation, third operation, a modified version of the first operation, or a modified version of the third operation in the third embodiment. In addition, at least two of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth operations may be the same as each other. However, from the viewpoint of properly removing mud, dust, etc., it is preferable that the fourth and seventh operations are operations in which the heater 30 and the cleaner 40 are driven, and the timing of the start of the cleaner 40 operation is later than the timing of the start of the heater 30 operation. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the opportunities for the heater 30 to be driven, it is preferable that the fifth and eighth operations are operations in which the heater 30 is not driven and only the cleaner 40 is driven. Furthermore, the predetermined periods for each of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth operations may be constant, or they may change according to the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20. Also, these predetermined periods may be the same or different from each other.

[0281] Although a third aspect of the present invention has been described above with reference to the third and fourth embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0282] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments and the above modifications, the specific range was described as a first range in which the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and a third range in which the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by this signal is greater than or equal to a third threshold. Furthermore, the predetermined range was described as a second range in which the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is greater than or equal to a second threshold and less than a third threshold. However, the predetermined range and the specific range are not limited to these. For example, the specific range may be the first range and the predetermined range may be the second range. Also, the specific range may be the third range and the predetermined range may be the second range. In the latter case, for example, in step SP11 of the third embodiment, if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20 is less than the second threshold, the control unit CO repeats step SP11, and if this intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control flow proceeds to step SP43. Furthermore, the specific range may be the second and third ranges and the predetermined range may be the first range, or the specific range may be the first and second ranges and the predetermined range may be the third range. In the latter case, for example, in step SP42 of the third embodiment, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 to perform the first operation, in step SP44, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 to perform the third operation, and in step SP45, the control unit CO controls the heater 30 and cleaner 40 to perform the second operation. There may be a width between the predetermined range and the specific range boundary. Also, the values ​​of the first threshold, second threshold, and third threshold are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0283] Furthermore, the operation of the heater 30 also includes the amount of heat applied per unit time to the permeable region AR, and for example, the current value flowing through the heating element 31. The operation of the cleaner 40 also includes the liquid injection speed and the gas injection speed. For this reason, the control unit CO may change the current value flowing through the heating element 31, the liquid injection speed, or the gas injection speed depending on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal Se from the sensor unit 20. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the current value flowing through the heating element 31 in the sixth operation may be greater than the current value flowing through the heating element 31 in the seventh operation. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the liquid injection speed in the seventh operation may be faster than the injection speed in the eighth operation.

[0284] Furthermore, the control unit CO may control the transmitting unit 25 so that the emission of electromagnetic waves from the transmitting unit 25 is stopped for at least a portion of the period TW during which the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid.

[0285] Furthermore, in step SP55 of the fourth embodiment, the sixth operation may be changed according to the temperature indicated by the signal output from the temperature sensor 50. For example, the length of the period TH during which the heater 30 is driven may be changed according to the temperature indicated by the signal.

[0286] Furthermore, the length of the period TH during which the heater 30 is operating, the length of the period TW during which the cleaner 40 is spraying liquid, and the length of the period TA during which the cleaner 40 is spraying gas can be set as appropriate. However, the length of period TH is preferably 1 minute or more, and the lengths of periods TW and TA are preferably 0.5 seconds or more.

[0287] Furthermore, the lengths of these periods TW, TA, and TH do not have to be predetermined. For example, the control unit CO may control the cleaner 40 so that the liquid injection is terminated when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit 20 during liquid injection falls below a first predetermined value which is less than or equal to the intensity at the start of liquid injection. The first predetermined value may be, for example, a predetermined value, or it may be 7 / 10 of the initial intensity which is the intensity at the start of liquid injection, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, 1 / 10 of the initial intensity, etc. With such a configuration, for example, liquid injection can be suppressed when the deposits on the outer cover 12 have been removed. In addition, if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of liquid injection is greater than the first predetermined value, the control unit CO may output a signal to the ECU indicating an abnormality and instruct the cleaner 40 to terminate liquid injection.

[0288] Furthermore, the control unit CO may control the cleaner 40 so that the gas injection is terminated when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit 20 during gas injection falls below a second predetermined value, which is less than the intensity at the start of gas injection. The second predetermined value may be, for example, a predetermined value, such as 7 / 10 of the initial intensity, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, or 1 / 10 of the initial intensity. With such a configuration, for example, gas injection can be suppressed when deposits on the outer cover 12 have been removed. Also, if the intensity of the radio wave EW2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of gas injection is greater than the second predetermined value, the control unit CO may output a signal to the ECU indicating an abnormality and instruct the cleaner 40 to terminate gas injection, or it may instruct the cleaner 40 to terminate gas injection and start liquid injection. The period TW when liquid injection is started may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit CO may terminate the spraying of liquid into the cleaner 40 when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid spraying falls below a first predetermined value, as described above.

[0289] Further, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 indicated by the signal output from the sensor unit 20 becomes equal to or less than a third predetermined value that is less than the intensity at the start of driving of the heater 30 during the driving of the heater 30, the control unit CO may control the heater 30 so that the driving of the heater 30 ends. The third predetermined value may be, for example, a predetermined value, or may be 7 / 10 of the initial intensity that is the intensity at the start of driving of the heater 30, 1 / 2 of the initial intensity, 1 / 10 of the initial intensity, or the like. With such a configuration, for example, driving of the heater 30 in a state where deposits on the outer cover 12 are removed can be suppressed. Further, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 at a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving of the heater 30 is greater than the third predetermined value, the control unit CO may stop the heater 30 and output a signal indicating an abnormality to the ECU.

[0290] Further, for example, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid injection becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined value as described above during the second operation shown in FIG. 18 or the third operation shown in FIG. 21, the control unit CO controls the cleaner 40 so that the liquid injection ends. Thus, when the intensity becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined value, the liquid injection ends and the gas injection starts. That is, the control unit CO controls the cleaner 40 so as to switch from liquid injection to gas injection when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid injection becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined value. The period TA in this case may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit CO may end the liquid injection to the cleaner 40 when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during gas injection becomes equal to or less than the second predetermined value as described above. The second predetermined value in this case is smaller than the first predetermined value.

[0291] Further, when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during gas injection becomes equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the control unit CO may control the cleaner 40 so as to switch from gas injection to liquid injection. The period TW in this case may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit CO may end the liquid injection to the cleaner 40 when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid injection becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined value as described above. The first predetermined value in this case is smaller than the second predetermined value. As an operation in which the control unit CO performs such control, for example, the first operation shown in FIG. 23 can be cited.

[0292] Furthermore, the control unit CO may stop the cleaner 40 and drive the heater 30 when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid injection falls below a first predetermined value, or when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during gas injection falls below a second predetermined value. The period TH in this case may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit CO may control the heater 30 so that the drive ends when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during operation falls below a third predetermined value, in which case the third predetermined value is smaller than the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value. An example of such control operation by the control unit CO is the third operation shown in Figure 19. Also, the control unit CO may stop the heater 30 and start the injection of liquid or gas into the cleaner 40 when the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during operation of the heater 30 falls below a third predetermined value. The periods TW and TA in this case may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit CO may terminate the injection of liquid into the cleaner 40 based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during liquid injection, or terminate the injection of gas into the cleaner 40 based on the intensity of the radio wave EW2 during gas injection, as described above.

[0293] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment, as a fourth aspect of the present invention, will now be described. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The configuration of the vehicle lighting fixture VL in this embodiment is the same as that of the vehicle lighting fixture VL in the first embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0294] Next, the operation of the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, it will be assumed that electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit CO.

[0295] <Step SP61> In the example shown in Figure 25, the vehicle VE is parked in a parking lot or similar location, and the engine is off. When the driver uses the vehicle VE in this state, the driver first turns on the ignition of the vehicle VE in this step. When the ignition is turned on, an ignition-on signal is input from the vehicle VE's ECU 100 to the control unit CO.

[0296] <Step SP62> When an ignition-on signal is input to the control unit CO, a signal relating to the outside temperature of the vehicle VE is input to the control unit CO from the temperature sensor 50. When the control unit CO receives the signal relating to the outside temperature, in this step it determines whether the outside temperature indicated by the signal is below a predetermined temperature or above a predetermined temperature. If the outside temperature indicated by the signal is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP63. This predetermined temperature is, for example, 3°C. On the other hand, if the outside temperature indicated by the signal is above the predetermined temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP64.

[0297] <Step SP63> In this step, the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to apply a predetermined voltage to the heating element 31. This predetermined voltage may be a constant voltage or a voltage that changes over time. As a result, current flows through the heating element 31, and the heating element 31 generates heat. Therefore, even if frost or the like adheres to the outer surface 12o of the outer cover 12, this frost or the like can be melted. Also, in this step, the control unit CO does not operate the sensor unit 20. Therefore, no electromagnetic wave signals are input from the sensor unit 20 to the control unit CO, and the control unit CO does not output an object detection signal Sd. Alternatively, the control unit CO may operate the sensor unit 20 so that electromagnetic waves are emitted from the transmitter unit 25 and received by the receiver unit 26, and an electromagnetic wave signal Se may be input from the sensor unit 20 to the control unit CO. However, in this step, even if an electromagnetic wave signal Se is input from the sensor unit 20 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO does not output an object detection signal Sd. Alternatively, the control unit CO controls the sensor unit 20 to cause the transmission unit 25 and the receiving unit 26 to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves as described above, but does not need to output an electromagnetic wave-related signal Se from the sensor unit 20.

[0298] <Step SP64> In this step, the control unit CO determines whether the gear position signal input from the ECU 100 indicates that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state. A drivable state for the vehicle VE means that the vehicle VE can move if the brakes are not applied, for example, when the gear position is in drive or reverse. If the ECU 100 does not input a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state, the control unit CO repeats this step. On the other hand, if the signal input from the ECU 100 indicates that the vehicle VE is in a drivable state, the control unit CO proceeds the control flow to step SP65.

[0299] <Step SP65> In this step, the gear position is, for example, in drive or reverse. In this embodiment, in this state, the brakes may not be applied and the vehicle VE may not be moving, or the vehicle VE may start moving. In this step, the sensor unit 20 and the heater 30 are operated. Figure 26 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20, the detection signal Sd output by the control unit CO, and the operation of the heater 30 in this step. In Figure 26, as shown by the solid line, the sensor unit 20 periodically transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. This period is, for example, 5 milliseconds to 200 milliseconds. When the sensor unit 20 receives an electromagnetic wave, it outputs a signal Se related to the electromagnetic wave, and the signal Se is input to the control unit CO. In this example, the signal Se is periodically input from the sensor unit 20 to the control unit CO.

[0300] The control unit CO processes the signal Se input from the sensor unit 20 and periodically outputs a detection signal Sd for an object located outside the outer cover 12 at predetermined time intervals. The period during which the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd is the same as the period during which the sensor unit 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. However, as shown by the arrows in Figure 26, the timing at which the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd is delayed compared to the timing at which the sensor unit 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, in each period, the length of the period during which the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd is different from the length of the period during which the sensor unit 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves, as shown in Figure 26. However, the length of the period during which the control unit CO outputs the detection signal Sd and the length of the period during which the sensor unit 20 transmits and receives electromagnetic waves may be the same.

[0301] As described above, the detection signal Sd output by the control unit CO uses electromagnetic waves periodically transmitted and received from the sensor unit 20, which is shown by a solid line in Figure 26. Therefore, the transmission and reception period Ta during which the electromagnetic waves used in the detection signal Sd output by the control unit CO are transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20 is the periodic period during which the electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received, as shown by the solid line in Figure 26.

[0302] Furthermore, during the period Tb enclosed by the transmission / reception period Ta, the sensor unit 20 may or may not transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. For example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 26, the sensor unit 20 may continuously transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. Even in this case, since the detection signal Sd is output from the control unit CO at predetermined time intervals, not all of the electromagnetic waves received by the sensor unit 20 are used for the detection signal Sd, and the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received periodically by the sensor unit 20. Therefore, in this case, the sensor unit 20 alternately transmits and receives electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd and electromagnetic waves not used for the detection signal Sd. Thus, even in this case, the transmission / reception period Ta is the periodic period shown in Figure 26. In the example shown by the dashed line in Figure 26, even if the signal Se related to electromagnetic waves is output from the sensor unit 20 to the control unit CO during period Tb, the control unit CO does not output the detection signal Sd using the signal Se. Alternatively, the sensor unit 20 does not have to output the signal Se related to electromagnetic waves received during period Tb. Thus, during period Tb, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20 are electromagnetic waves that are not used for the detection signal Sd.

[0303] Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to apply a voltage to the heating element 31. In this case, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 as the first voltage V1 for at least a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta, and the voltage applied to the heating element 31 as the second voltage V2 for at least a portion of the period Tb sandwiched between the transmission / reception periods, and sets the first voltage V1 to be lower than the second voltage V2. In the example shown in Figure 26, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 as the first voltage V1 for the entire transmission / reception period Ta, and sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 as the second voltage V2 for the entire period Tb. Therefore, in this example, the period during which the voltage applied to the heating element 31 is the first voltage V1 coincides with the transmission / reception period Ta, and the period during which the voltage applied to the heating element 31 is the second voltage V2 coincides with the period Tb.

[0304] In this way, an electric current flows through the heating element 31, causing it to generate heat. This heat can melt any snow or ice that may be adhering to the outer cover 12. It can also cause any moisture that may be present on the outer cover 12 to evaporate.

[0305] In this embodiment, even if the vehicle VE starts moving after this, the control unit CO continues this step. In other words, in this example, the control unit CO continues this step for the entire duration that the vehicle VE is moving. In this embodiment, the control unit CO only needs to perform step SP65 for at least a portion of the duration that the vehicle VE is moving. In other words, the control unit CO does not need to perform step SP65 for a portion of the duration that the vehicle VE is moving. An example of such control is a control in which the control unit CO performs step SP65 when the vehicle VE is traveling at a speed of 5 km / h or more, but does not perform step SP65 when the vehicle VE is traveling at a speed less than 5 km / h.

[0306] Incidentally, a heating element installed on the cover of a vehicle sensor device can be used as a heater to melt ice, snow, or frost that has accumulated on the cover. When voltage is applied to the heating element and current flows, a magnetic field is generated around the heating element. There are concerns that this magnetic field may affect the sensitivity of the radar device, reducing the accuracy of object detection.

[0307] Therefore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit CO outputs a detection signal Sd of an object located outside the outer cover 12 at predetermined time intervals based on the electromagnetic wave signal Se from the sensor unit 20, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element 31 during at least a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal Sd are transmitted and received by the sensor unit 20 to a voltage lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element 31 during at least a portion of the period Tb sandwiched between the transmission / reception periods.

[0308] Therefore, the strength of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire during at least a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta in which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating wire is lower than the strength of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire 31 during at least a portion of the period Tb sandwiched between the transmission / reception periods in which the second voltage V2 is applied to the heating wire. As a result, compared to the case where the second voltage V2 is continuously applied to the heating wire 31, the influence of the magnetic field generated from the heating wire 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection.

[0309] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 to be the first voltage V1 for the entire transmission / reception period Ta. Therefore, compared to the case where the voltage applied to the heating element 31 is the first voltage V1 for part of the transmission / reception period Ta and the voltage applied to the heating element 31 is the second voltage V2 for the other part of the transmission / reception period Ta, it is possible to suppress the influence of the magnetic field generated from the heating element 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20.

[0310] Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit CO stops outputting the detection signal Sd and applies voltage to the heating element 31 during the period from when the ignition-on signal is input to the control unit CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is ready to drive is input to the control unit CO. During the period from when the ignition is turned on until the vehicle VE starts moving, safety concerns are generally low. Therefore, during the period from when the ignition is turned on until the vehicle VE is ready to drive, applying voltage to the heating element 31 to melt snow and other debris adhering to the outer cover takes priority over detecting objects around the vehicle VE. This reduces the amount of snow accumulation on the outer cover and suppresses a decrease in the accuracy of object detection by the vehicle sensor device 1 after the vehicle VE starts moving. Then, while the vehicle VE is moving, the control unit CO performs step SP65. Therefore, when the vehicle VE is in motion, compared to the case where the second voltage V2 is continuously applied to the heating element 31, the magnetic field generated from the heating element 31 can be suppressed from affecting the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20, thereby suppressing a decrease in the accuracy of object detection.

[0311] In this embodiment, the control unit CO may stop outputting the detection signal Sd and apply voltage to the heating element 31 for a period of time, rather than the entire period from when the ignition-on signal is input to the control unit CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is ready to drive is input to the control unit CO. Furthermore, in the vehicle sensor device 1, the control unit CO may stop outputting the detection signal Sd and apply voltage to the heating element 31 for at least a period of time when the vehicle VE is stopped, not limited to the period from when the ignition-on signal is input to the control unit CO until a signal indicating that the vehicle VE is ready to drive is input to the control unit CO. For example, during the period when a signal indicating that the speed is zero is input to the control unit CO from a speed sensor or ECU 100, the control unit CO may stop outputting the detection signal Sd and apply voltage to the heating element 31. When the vehicle VE is stationary, there tends to be less concern about safety than when the vehicle VE is in motion. Therefore, by having the control unit CO operate in this manner, the amount of snow accumulation on the outer cover can be reduced while the vehicle VE is stopped, and the decrease in the accuracy of object detection by the vehicle sensor device 1 after the vehicle VE starts moving can be suppressed.

[0312] Furthermore, in this embodiment, step SP62 may be omitted. In this case, regardless of the ambient temperature, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP63 after step SP61.

[0313] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0314] (Variation 1) Figure 27 shows the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. In Figure 27, the operation of the heater 30 in Figure 26 is shown by a dashed line. As shown by the solid line in Figure 27, this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating element 31 is shorter than the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating element 31 in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the period during which the voltage applied to the heating element 31 was the first voltage V1 coincided with the transmission / reception period Ta. Therefore, in this modified example, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 to the first voltage V1 for a part of the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0315] According to this modified version, since the period during which the first voltage V1, which is lower than the second voltage V2, is applied is shorter than the transmission / reception period Ta, the amount of power applied to the heating element 31 is greater than in the above embodiment, making snow melting and the like more efficient.

[0316] (Modification 2) Figure 28 shows the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. In Figure 28, the operation of the heater 30 in Figure 26 is shown with a dashed line, similar to Figure 27. As shown by the solid line in Figure 28, this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating element 31 is longer than the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to the heating element 31 in the above embodiment. In this modified example, the control unit CO sets the voltage applied to the heating element 31 as the first voltage V1 for a period including and longer than the transmission / reception period Ta. In the example shown in Figure 28, the control unit CO changes the voltage applied to the heating element 31 from the second voltage V2 to the first voltage V1 before the start of the transmission / reception period Ta, and changes the voltage applied to the heating element 31 from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 after the end of the transmission / reception period Ta. However, the control unit CO may change the voltage applied to the heating element 31 from the second voltage V2 to the first voltage V1 at the start of the transmission / reception period Ta. Alternatively, the control unit CO may change the voltage applied to the heating element 31 from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 at the end of the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0317] According to this modified example, a first voltage V1, which is lower than the second voltage V2, is applied to the heating element at at least one of the start and end of the transmission / reception period Ta. Therefore, the influence of the magnetic field generated from the heating element 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20 can be suppressed more effectively than in the above embodiment.

[0318] (Variation 3) Figure 29 shows the operation of the heater 30 in this modified example. In Figure 29, the operation of the heater 30 in Figure 26 is shown with a dashed line, similar to Figure 27. As shown by the solid line in Figure 29, this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the first voltage V1 applied to the heating element 31 during the transmission / reception period Ta is zero. The fact that the first voltage V1 applied to the heating element 31 is zero means that no voltage is applied to the heating element 31. In other words, in this modified example, the control unit CO does not apply a voltage to the heating element 31 during the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0319] According to this modified example, no voltage is applied to the heating element 31 during the transmission / reception period Ta. Therefore, the emission of a magnetic field from the heating element during the transmission / reception period Ta can be suppressed more than in the above embodiment, and the influence of the magnetic field generated by the heating element 31 on the sensitivity of the sensor unit 20 can be further suppressed.

[0320] Modification 3 may also be applied to Modification 1 or Modification 2. When Modification 3 is applied to Modification 1, the control unit CO applies a first voltage V1 with a magnitude of zero to the heating element 31 for a portion of the transmission / reception period Ta. When Modification 3 is applied to Modification 2, the control unit CO applies a first voltage V1 with a magnitude of zero to the heating element 31 for a period including and longer than the transmission / reception period Ta.

[0321] (Modification 4) Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit CO in step SP65 in the modified example 7 described later, based on this modified example. Step SP71 is a determination step to proceed to step SP72 or step SP73 depending on whether the vehicle VE is in a specific state. In this modified example, this specific state is when the vehicle VE is above a predetermined speed. Therefore, in step SP71 of this modified example, based on a signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE input to the control unit CO from the ECU 100 or the like, the control unit CO determines whether the speed of the vehicle VE indicated by the signal is above a predetermined speed. If the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE indicates that it is above a predetermined speed, the control unit CO proceeds the control flow to step SP72 and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to a first operating state. On the other hand, if the signal indicating the speed of the vehicle VE does not indicate that it is above a predetermined speed, that is, if the signal indicates that it is below a predetermined speed, the control unit CO proceeds the control flow to step SP73 and sets the heater 30 to a second operating state. This speed is, for example, 5 km / h.

[0322] In this modified version, the control unit CO applies a voltage to the heating element 31 in the first operating state, for example, as shown in Modification 2 in Figure 27 or Modification 3 in Figure 29, and in the second operating state, for example, as shown in the above embodiment in Figure 26 or Modification 1 in Figure 27. In other words, in this modified version, the control unit CO applies a voltage to the heating element 31 in the first operating state, for example, as shown in the above embodiment, Modification 2, or Modification 3, and in the second operating state, for example, as shown in Modification 1 in Figure 27.

[0323] (Variation 5) In this modified example, the specific state shown in Figure 30 is a state in which the distance between the vehicle VE and the object detected outside the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance. Therefore, in step SP71 of this modified example, the control unit CO determines whether the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than the predetermined distance. If the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than the predetermined distance, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP72 of the control flow and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operating state described in Modified Example 4. On the other hand, if the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP73 of the control flow and sets the heater 30 to the second operating state described in Modified Example 4. This predetermined distance is, for example, 5m. In other words, in this modified example, the control unit CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than the predetermined distance smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. Alternatively, the control unit CO extends the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is less than a predetermined distance, compared to the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal Sd is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0324] (Experimental variation 6) In this modified example, the specific state shown in Figure 30 is the state in which the vehicle VE is in rainy weather. Therefore, in step SP71 of this modified example, the control unit CO determines whether the signal input to the control unit CO from the rain sensor 51 is a signal indicating rain. If the control unit CO receives a signal indicating rain, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP72 of the control flow and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operating state described in Modified Example 4. On the other hand, if the control unit CO does not receive a signal indicating rain, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP73 of the control flow and sets the heater 30 to the second operating state described in Modified Example 4. In other words, in this modified example, the control unit CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when the control unit CO receives a signal indicating rain less than the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when the control unit CO does not receive a signal indicating rain. Alternatively, the control unit CO applies the first voltage V1 for a longer period when a signal indicating rain is input to the control unit CO than when the first voltage V1 is applied when no signal indicating rain is input.

[0325] (Example 7) In this modified example, the specific state shown in Figure 30 is the state in which the vehicle VE has its headlights on. Therefore, in step SP71 of this modified example, the control unit CO determines whether or not the signal input to the control unit CO from the ECU 100, etc., indicates that the vehicle VE's headlights are on. When a signal indicating that the headlights are on is input, low beam or high beam is emitted from the lighting unit LU. If the control unit CO receives a signal indicating that the headlights are on, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP72 of the control flow and controls the power supply circuit 32 of the heater 30 to set the heater 30 to the first operating state described in Modified Example 4. On the other hand, if the control unit CO does not receive a signal indicating that the vehicle VE's headlights are on, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP73 of the control flow and sets the heater 30 to the second operating state described in Modified Example 4. In other words, in this modified example, the control unit CO makes the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when a signal indicating that the headlights are on is input to the control unit CO smaller than the magnitude of the first voltage V1 when a signal indicating that the headlights are on is not input. Alternatively, the control unit CO makes the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied when a signal indicating that the headlights are on is input to the control unit CO longer than the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied when a signal indicating that the headlights are on is not input.

[0326] As explained in the above modifications 4 to 7, situations where the vehicle VE is moving at a high speed, the distance from the vehicle VE to an object is small, it is raining, or the headlights are on are situations where the occupants need more information about the area around the vehicle VE by means other than visual observation. In these situations, by reducing the magnitude of the first voltage V1 to reduce the magnetic field generated from the heating element 31, or by extending the period during which the first voltage V1 is applied to extend the period during which the magnetic field generated from the heating element 31 is suppressed, the vehicle sensor device 1 can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of object detection and contribute to greater safety.

[0327] Although a fourth aspect of the present invention has been described above with reference to the fifth embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above description.

[0328] For example, in the fifth embodiment, the control unit CO performed step SP65 for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE was moving. However, in the present invention, the control unit CO only needs to perform step SP65 for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is stationary and for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is moving. Therefore, for example, the control unit CO may perform step SP65 for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is stationary. However, the time when the vehicle VE is moving is a time when the occupants need information about the area around the vehicle VE by means other than visual observation, more than the time when the vehicle VE is stationary. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit CO performs step SP65 for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle VE is moving.

[0329] Alternatively, for example, steps SP62 through SP64 of the fifth embodiment may be omitted, and the control unit CO may perform step SP65 after step SP61. In this case, for example, the control unit CO performs step SP65 in all states where the vehicle VE is stationary and in all states where the vehicle VE is moving.

[0330] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the vehicle sensor device 1 only needs to include at least an outer cover 12, a sensor unit 20, a heating element 31, and a control unit CO, and for example, the lighting unit LU does not need to be located within the housing space 13 of the housing 10. In this case, the lighting unit LU will be located in a housing different from the housing 10.

[0331] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the cleaner 40 is not an essential component, and the cleaner 40 may not be provided. Alternatively, if the cleaner 40 is provided as in the above embodiment, the cleaner 40 may be operated in step SP63 of Figure 25 when a predetermined voltage is applied to the heating element 31. For example, liquid may be sprayed from the spray nozzle 41c of the liquid unit 41 into the permeable area AR before the voltage is applied to the heating element 31.

[0332] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0333] For example, in the above embodiment, a vehicle sensor device 1 provided in a vehicle light fixture VL, which is a headlight, was described as an example. However, the vehicle sensor device 1 may also be provided in a vehicle light fixture such as a turn signal lamp or a brake lamp. Furthermore, the vehicle sensor device 1 does not have to be provided in a vehicle light fixture. As an example of such a configuration of the vehicle sensor device 1, one can be said to be a configuration in which the vehicle light fixture VL in the above embodiment does not include a light fixture unit LU.

[0334] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle sensor device is provided that can suppress a decrease in detection accuracy while suppressing unnecessary power consumption; according to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle sensor device is provided that can reduce the burden on the control unit; and according to third and fourth aspects of the present invention, a vehicle sensor device is provided that can suppress a decrease in object detection accuracy, and can be used in fields such as automobiles.

Claims

1. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit changes the voltage applied to the heating element from the second voltage to the first voltage and from the first voltage to the second voltage during the transmission and reception period. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

2. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit sets the voltage applied to the heating element to be the second voltage for at least a portion of each of the periods sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods, and sets the voltage applied to the heating element to be the first voltage for at least a portion of each of the transmission and reception periods. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

3. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The period during which the voltage applied to the heating element is the first voltage coincides with the transmission and reception period. The period during which the voltage applied to the heating element is the second voltage coincides with the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

4. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit reduces the magnitude of the first voltage when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed to be less than the magnitude of the first voltage when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the predetermined speed. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

5. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit extends the period during which the first voltage is applied when the vehicle's speed is greater than a predetermined speed to a longer period during which the first voltage is applied when the vehicle's speed is less than or equal to the predetermined speed. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

6. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit reduces the magnitude of the first voltage when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a predetermined distance, to be less than the magnitude of the first voltage when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

7. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit extends the period during which the first voltage is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is less than a predetermined distance, to be longer than the period during which the first voltage is applied when the distance of the object indicated by the detection signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

8. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit reduces the magnitude of the first voltage when a signal indicating rain is input to the control unit to less than the magnitude of the first voltage when the signal indicating rain is not input. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

9. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit extends the period during which it applies the first voltage when a signal indicating rain is input to it to be longer than the period during which it applies the first voltage when a signal indicating rain is not input to it. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

10. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit reduces the magnitude of the first voltage when a signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are illuminated is input to the control unit, to a value lower than the magnitude of the first voltage when the signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are illuminated is not input. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

11. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit extends the period during which it applies the first voltage when it receives a signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are illuminated to a longer period during which it applies the first voltage when it does not receive a signal indicating that the vehicle's headlights are illuminated. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

12. Outer cover and, A sensor unit is positioned inside the vehicle beyond the outer cover, transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the outer cover, and outputs a signal related to the electromagnetic waves incident inside the outer cover. A heating element is provided in the outer cover and heats the transmission region through which the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sensor portion in the outer cover pass. Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit outputs a detection signal for an object located outside the outer cover at predetermined time intervals based on the signal from the sensor unit, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period in which the electromagnetic waves used for the detection signal are transmitted and received by the sensor unit to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the period sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. The control unit stops outputting the detection signal and applies a voltage to the heating element during at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped, outputs the detection signal at predetermined time intervals during at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is moving, and sets the first voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the transmission and reception period to be lower than the second voltage applied to the heating element during at least a portion of the time sandwiched between the transmission and reception periods. A vehicle sensor device characterized by the following features.

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