Scanner component

Abstract

A scanner component (1) for a distance measurement device comprises: a rotary shaft (15); a reflective member (20); one or more first magnetic assemblies (41, 41a, 41b); and one or more second magnetic assemblies (42, 42a, 42b). The reflective member is coupled to the rotary shaft, has a reflective surface (23) intersecting a plane perpendicular to the rotary shaft, and is configured such that the reflective surface is capable of reciprocating between a first return point (B1) and a second return point (B2) along a circumferential direction (B) of the rotary shaft in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft. The first magnetic assemblies are arranged on the reflective member and displaced in the circumferential direction in accordance with the reciprocation of the reflective surface. When the reflective surface is displaced to the first return point, the second magnetic assemblies generate, with respect to the first magnetic assemblies, a repulsive force acting in a direction in which the reflective surface is directed toward the second return point.

Description

Scanner parts CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-151430, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 3, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to scanner components for range finders.

[0003] There is a range finder that emits a transmitted wave and detects the reflected wave from an object to determine the distance to the object and / or the relative speed of the object. This type of range finder is mounted on a vehicle and is used to detect various objects around the vehicle.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a scanning device for a laser radar. The scanning device includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is configured to be rotatable about an axis. The stator is configured to provide a torque that rotates the rotor in a direction away from an equilibrium position.

[0005] The rotor is coupled to a reflecting mirror configured to reflect a beam and reciprocates the reflecting mirror in a circumferential direction of the shaft at a constant frequency. The scanning device irradiates the beam onto the reciprocating reflecting mirror and detects the reflected wave of the irradiated beam from an object, thereby achieving light beam scanning.

[0006] A first magnetic module is fixed to the stator. A second magnetic module is connected to the rotor. The first and second magnetic modules have the same magnetic poles. The second magnetic module reciprocates around the axis at a constant frequency together with the reflecting mirror. As the second magnetic module moves away from the equilibrium position, it approaches the first magnetic module and receives a repulsive force from the first magnetic module that moves the second magnetic module toward the equilibrium position. This interaction between the first and second magnetic modules provides a torque due to the reciprocating motion in addition to the torque of the stator.

[0007] Chinese Utility Model No. 220438543

[0008] In the scanning device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second magnetic module connected to the rotor is disposed on the opposite side of the rotor's rotation axis from the reflecting mirror, which increases the size of the scanning device in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides new scanner components having a configuration that allows for reduced size in a range finder device.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a scanner component for a distance measuring device, comprising: a rotating shaft; a reflecting member; one or more first magnetic assemblies; and one or more second magnetic assemblies. The rotating shaft is rotatable by a driving device. The reflecting member is coupled to the rotating shaft and has a reflecting surface that intersects with a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft, and is configured so that the reflecting surface can reciprocate between a first turning point and a second turning point along a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates. The one or more first magnetic assemblies are disposed on the reflecting member and displace in the circumferential direction as the reflecting surface reciprocates. The one or more second magnetic assemblies are positioned in positions where, when the reflecting surface displaces to the first turning point during the reciprocating motion, the second magnetic assemblies can generate a repulsive force against at least one of the one or more first magnetic assemblies, the repulsive force acting in a direction toward the second turning point during the reciprocating motion of the reflecting surface. The distance between each of the one or more first magnetic assemblies and the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis is shorter than the distance between any of the one or more second magnetic assemblies and the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0011] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a scanner component having a configuration that allows for a reduction in size.

[0012] 1 is a perspective view of a scanner component of a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a side view of a scanner component of a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a scanner component of a first embodiment when the reflective surface is at a central position; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a scanner component of a first embodiment when the reflective surface is at a first turning point; FIG. 5 is a plan view of a scanner component of a first embodiment when the reflective surface is at a second turning point; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a scanner component of a second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a scanner component of a third embodiment; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a scanner component of a fourth embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view of a scanner component including a detection unit of another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a scanner component including a detection unit of another embodiment when the reflective surface is at a central position; FIG. 11 is a plan view of a scanner component including a detection unit of another embodiment when the reflective surface is at a first turning point; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reflective member in which a first magnetic assembly is arranged on a frame of a mirror in another embodiment; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reflective member in which a first magnetic assembly is arranged directly on a mirror in another embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Overall Configuration] A scanner component 1 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 is mounted on a distance measuring device. The distance measuring device measures the distance to and / or relative speed of an object by irradiating a beam and receiving light reflected from the object that reflects the irradiated beam. The distance measuring device is mounted on a vehicle for use. An example of a distance measuring device is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0015] The scanner component 1 is used in a distance measuring device to irradiate beams in multiple directions, and includes a fixing member 10, a reflecting member 20, a driving device 3, one or more first magnetic assemblies 41, and one or more second magnetic assemblies 42.

[0016] The fixing member 10 has a wall portion 11 , a first plate-shaped portion 12 , a second plate-shaped portion 13 , a bearing 14 , a rotating shaft 15 , and a ridge 16 .

[0017] The wall portion 11 is a plate-like portion extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The thickness direction of the wall portion 11 is the same as a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0018] The first plate-shaped portion 12 is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes from the end of the wall portion 11 on the first side in the first direction toward the first side in the third direction and expands in the second and third directions. The plate thickness direction of the first plate-shaped portion 12 is the same as the first direction. The width of the first plate-shaped portion 12 in the second direction narrows from the second side opposite the first side in the third direction toward the first side. A first through-hole 121 that penetrates in the first direction is provided at the end of the first side in the third direction of the first plate-shaped portion 12.

[0019] The second plate-shaped portion 13 is a plate-shaped part that protrudes from an end portion on a second side opposite the first side in the first direction of the wall portion 11 toward the first side in the third direction and widens in the second and third directions. The width of the second plate-shaped portion 13 in the second direction narrows from the second side toward the first side in the third direction. A second through-hole 131 that penetrates in the first direction is provided at the end portion on the first side in the third direction of the second plate-shaped portion 13.

[0020] The first plate-shaped portion 12 and the second plate-shaped portion 13 have the same shape. The positions of the first through-holes 121 and the second through-holes 131 in the second direction and the third direction are the same.

[0021] The bearings 14 are provided in the portion of the first plate-shaped portion 12 where the first through-hole 121 is formed and in the portion of the second plate-shaped portion 13 where the second through-hole 131 is formed.

[0022] The rotating shaft 15 is configured to be rotatable by receiving torque from an external source. The rotating shaft 15 is arranged to pass through the first through-hole 121 and the second through-hole 131. The axial direction A of the rotating shaft 15 is the same as the first direction. The rotating shaft 15 is supported by bearings 14 provided on the first plate-shaped portion 12 and the second plate-shaped portion 13, respectively.

[0023] The protruding strip 16 protrudes from the surface of the wall portion 11 on the first side in the third direction toward the first side in the third direction and extends along the second direction. In this embodiment, the protruding strip 16 is located near the center of the wall portion 11 in the first direction. An inclined portion 161 is provided at each end of the protruding strip 16 on both sides in the second direction (in other words, on both the first side and the second side).

[0024] The length of the inclined portion 161 in the third direction relative to the wall portion 11 is formed to decrease with increasing distance from the center of the ridge 16 in the second direction.

[0025] The reflecting member 20 is connected to the rotating shaft 15. The reflecting member 20 is configured to be able to swing along a circumferential direction B (see FIG. 3 ) of the rotating shaft 15 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 15. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction B of the rotating shaft 15 will also be simply referred to as the circumferential direction B.

[0026] The reflecting member 20 has a connecting portion 21 , a mirror 22 , and a supporting portion 24 .

[0027] The connecting portion 21 is a portion that is connected to the rotating shaft 15. The connecting portion 21 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends in the first direction. The connecting portion 21 is connected to the rotating shaft 15 so as to cover a portion of the rotating shaft 15. In other words, the rotating shaft 15 penetrates the connecting portion 21 in the first direction. The connecting portion 21 is configured to be integrated with the rotating shaft 15 and to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 15.

[0028] The mirror 22 has a reflecting surface 23. The reflecting surface 23 reflects the beam transmitted by the distance measuring device. The mirror 22 is plate-shaped.

[0029] The mirror 22 is disposed so as to intersect with a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15. In the present embodiment, as an example, the mirror 22 is orthogonal to the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15. In other words, the mirror 22 is parallel to the first direction.

[0030] The mirror 22 is a surface of the connecting portion 21 that is parallel to the first direction. The mirror 22 is connected to a surface of the connecting portion 21 on the opposite side to the fixing member 10.

[0031] The reflecting surface 23 is located on the surface of the mirror 22 that is radially outward from the rotation axis 15. In other words, the reflecting surface 23 is located on the surface of the mirror 22 opposite to the surface that is connected to the connecting portion 21.

[0032] The support portion 24 is a portion that supports the mirror 22 together with the connecting portion 21. The support portion 24 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The support portion 24 extends from both a first side surface of the connecting portion 21 in the second direction and a second side surface opposite the first side in the second direction in a direction away from the connecting portion 21 (in other words, radially outward from the rotation axis 15).

[0033] The support portion 24 has a surface that is located on the same plane as the surface of the connecting portion 21 that is connected to the mirror 22. This surface of the support portion 24 is connected to the mirror 22. In other words, the mirror 22 is supported by both the connecting portion 21 and the support portion 24.

[0034] The driving device 3 is a cylindrical motor extending in the first direction and connected to one end of the rotating shaft 15 in the first direction (in this embodiment, the end on the second side in the first direction).

[0035] The driving device 3 provides torque to the rotating shaft 15. The driving device 3 is configured to be able to switch the rotation direction of the torque. Examples of the driving device 3 include a VC (Voice Coil) motor and an AC (Alternate Current) motor.

[0036] The driving device 3 is arranged on a surface of the base 5 on a first side in the first direction. The driving device 3 is located on a second side in the first direction of the second plate-shaped portion 13 of the fixed member 10 and the reflecting member 20. The driving device 3 and the fixed member 10 are arranged side by side in the first direction. The driving device 3 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0037] The first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are made of a material that generates a magnetic field in the surrounding area. Examples of the first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 include a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are each shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0038] When the first magnetic assembly 41 is located near the second magnetic assembly 42 , the second magnetic assembly 42 generates a repulsive force against the first magnetic assembly 41 .

[0039] In this embodiment, there are two first magnetic assemblies 41 and two second magnetic assemblies 42. Hereinafter, the two first magnetic assemblies 41 are also referred to as first magnetic assemblies 41a and 41b, and the two second magnetic assemblies 42 are also referred to as second magnetic assemblies 42a and 42b.

[0040] The two first magnetic assemblies 41 a, 41 b are arranged on both ends of the surface of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 on the second side in the third direction, on the radially outer side of the rotation shaft 15. That is, the first magnetic assembly 41 a is arranged at the end on the second side in the second direction of the support portion 24 located on the second side in the second direction of the connecting portion 21. The first magnetic assembly 41 b is arranged at the end on the first side in the second direction of the support portion 24 located on the first side in the second direction of the connecting portion 21.

[0041] The two second magnetic assemblies 42a, 42b are arranged on the surfaces of the two inclined portions 161 of the ridge 16 of the fixed member 10. That is, the second magnetic assembly 42a is arranged on the surface of the inclined portion 161 on the second side in the second direction. The second magnetic assembly 42b is arranged on the surface of the inclined portion 161 on the first side in the second direction.

[0042] 3 shows, in a transparent manner using dashed lines, the configuration of the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 that is hidden when the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 are viewed from the first side in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the first magnetic assemblies 41a, 41b and the second magnetic assemblies 42a, 42b are located on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction. The first magnetic assemblies 41a, 41b and the second magnetic assemblies 42a, 42b are located on the same circumference centered on the rotation axis 15 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0043] The distance between each of the first magnetic assemblies 41a, 41b and the reflecting surface 23 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15 (in other words, a plane perpendicular to the first direction) is shorter than the distance between either of the second magnetic assemblies 42a, 42b and the reflecting surface 23 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15.

[0044] [1-1-2. Reciprocating motion] The rotating shaft 15 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction B of the rotating shaft 15 by torque provided by the driving device 3. The reflecting member 20 is configured to be integrated with the rotating shaft 15 via the connecting portion 21 and to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 15.

[0045] Furthermore, the first magnetic assemblies 41 a and 41 b are disposed on the reflecting member 20. Therefore, the first magnetic assemblies 41 a and 41 b are also configured to be integral with the rotating shaft 15 and the reflecting member 20 and to be displaced in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 15.

[0046] That is, the mirror 22, the reflective surface 23 of the mirror 22, and the first magnetic assemblies 41 a, 41 b are configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 15 by the torque provided by the drive device 3. At this time, the mirror 22, the reflective surface 23 of the mirror 22, and the first magnetic assemblies 41 a, 41 b are displaced along the circumferential direction B.

[0047] As described above, the driving device 3 is configured to be able to switch the rotation direction of the torque. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the mirror 22 and the reflective surface 23 of the mirror 22 are configured to be able to reciprocate between a first turning point B1 and a second turning point B2 along the circumferential direction B of the rotating shaft 15 in accordance with the torque and the rotation of the rotating shaft 15. The frequency of the reciprocating motion of the mirror 22 and the reflective surface 23 is, for example, five times per second.

[0048] The first turning point B1 and the second turning point B2 correspond to the positions of the reflecting surface 23 when the rotation direction of the torque provided by the driving device 3 switches.

[0049] The reciprocating motion of the reflecting surface 23 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show, in a transparent manner with dashed lines, the configuration of the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 that is hidden when the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 are viewed from the first side in the first direction.

[0050] When the reflecting surface 23 is located midway between the first turning point B1 and the second turning point B2 in the circumferential direction B, it is said that the reflecting surface 23 is in the central position. When the reflecting surface 23 is in the central position, the normal N of the reflecting surface 23 is the same as the third direction. Figure 3 shows the state in which the reflecting surface 23 is in the central position.

[0051] Hereinafter, "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" both refer to the rotation direction when viewed from the first side of the first direction. In Fig. 3, "clockwise" refers to the direction from the first turning point B1 to the second turning point B2 in the circumferential direction B. "Counterclockwise" refers to the direction from the second turning point B2 to the first turning point B1 in the circumferential direction B.

[0052] When the rotation shaft 15 rotates counterclockwise, the reflecting surface 23 is displaced toward the first turning point B1 along the circumferential direction B. The normal N of the reflecting surface 23 is displaced counterclockwise.

[0053] As the reflecting surface 23 approaches the first turning point B1, the first magnetic assembly 41a approaches the second magnetic assembly 42a. As the first magnetic assembly 41a approaches the second magnetic assembly 42a, the repulsive force that the first magnetic assembly 41a receives from the second magnetic assembly 42a increases.

[0054] When the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the first turning point B1, the first magnetic assembly 41a faces the second magnetic assembly 42a. There is a gap between the first magnetic assembly 41a and the second magnetic assembly 42a. Figure 4 shows the state in which the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the first turning point B1.

[0055] After the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the first turning point B1, the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 15 switches from counterclockwise to clockwise.

[0056] When the rotation shaft 15 rotates clockwise, the reflecting surface 23 is displaced toward the second turning point B2 along the circumferential direction B. The normal N of the reflecting surface 23 is displaced clockwise.

[0057] As the reflecting surface 23 approaches the second turning point B2, the first magnetic assembly 41b approaches the second magnetic assembly 42b. As the first magnetic assembly 41b approaches the second magnetic assembly 42b, the repulsive force that the first magnetic assembly 41b receives from the second magnetic assembly 42b increases.

[0058] When the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the second turning point B2, the first magnetic assembly 41b faces the second magnetic assembly 42b. There is a gap between the first magnetic assembly 41b and the second magnetic assembly 42b. Figure 5 shows the state in which the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the second turning point B2.

[0059] After the reflecting surface 23 is displaced to the second turning point B2, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 15 switches from clockwise to counterclockwise.

[0060] In this way, the reflecting surface 23 is configured to reciprocate between the first turning point B1 and the second turning point B2 along the circumferential direction B by switching the rotation direction of the torque provided by the driving device 3. Due to the reciprocating motion of the reflecting surface 23, the normal N of the reflecting surface 23 is displaced along the circumferential direction B.

[0061] The distance measuring device can irradiate a beam onto the reflecting surface 23 of the mirror 22 that reciprocates in the scanner component 1, and can irradiate the beam reflected by the reflecting surface 23 in a plurality of directions.

[0062] [1-2. Actions and Effects] According to the embodiment described above, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0063] (1a) During the reciprocating motion of the reflecting surface 23 along the circumferential direction B of the rotation shaft 15, when the first magnetic assembly 41 is located near the second magnetic assembly 42, the second magnetic assembly 42 generates a repulsive force against the first magnetic assembly 41. This repulsive force acts in a direction along the circumferential direction B.

[0064] According to this configuration, when the reflecting surface 23 is located near the first turning point B1 or the second turning point B2, the repulsive force of the second magnetic assembly 42 acts in a direction in which the reflecting surface 23 moves toward the center position through the first magnetic assembly 41. That is, the second magnetic assembly 42 provides torque in the circumferential direction B to the reflecting member 20 through the first magnetic assembly 41. Therefore, the driving device 3 can efficiently provide torque for the reciprocating motion of the reflecting member 20.

[0065] (1b) The reflecting surface 23 is located on a surface of the reflecting member 20 on a first side in the third direction. The first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed on a surface of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 on a second side in the third direction. The distance between the first magnetic assembly 41 and the reflecting surface 23 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15 is shorter than the distance between the second magnetic assembly 42 and the reflecting surface 23 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 15.

[0066] With this configuration, in the third direction, the first magnetic assembly 41 is located between the reflecting surface 23 and the second magnetic assembly 42. Therefore, the size of the scanner component 1 in the third direction can be reduced.

[0067] As a comparative example, a configuration may be considered in which the first magnetic assembly 41 is positioned on the second side in the third direction relative to the second magnetic assembly 42 in a scanner component. For example, see Patent Document 1 mentioned above. In this case, in order for the second magnetic assembly 42 to provide torque in the circumferential direction B through the first magnetic assembly 41, a structure is required that protrudes from the connecting portion 21 or the driving device 3 toward the second side in the third direction relative to the second magnetic assembly 42. The protruding structure positions the first magnetic assembly 41 closer to the second side in the third direction relative to the second magnetic assembly 42.

[0068] Compared to this configuration, in the configuration of this embodiment, the first magnetic assembly 41 is positioned on the first side in the third direction relative to the second magnetic assembly 42, so the size of the scanner component 1 in the third direction can be reduced.

[0069] Generally, it is advantageous to mount a ranging device such as LiDAR as high as possible. Additionally, the ranging device is required to be compact in all of the first, second, and third directions. In this embodiment, the ranging device is mounted on a vehicle and used. Therefore, for example, it is advantageous to place the ranging device on the exterior of the roof of the vehicle. In this case, from the viewpoint of vehicle design, it is required to be compact in all of the first, second, and third directions. Alternatively, when the ranging device is mounted inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, it is advantageous to place it in the upper front portion of the passenger compartment (for example, behind the windshield or behind or near the rearview mirror). In this case, from the viewpoint of ensuring a safe space for passengers positioned behind the ranging device, it is required to be compact in all of the first, second, and third directions.

[0070] In this regard, the configuration of this embodiment is advantageous in that it can reduce the size of the scanner component 1 in the third direction. For example, if the first direction is the up-down direction, the second direction is the width direction, and the third direction is the depth direction, the configuration of this embodiment can reduce the size in the depth direction. Reducing the size in the depth direction contributes to ensuring a safe space for occupants.

[0071] (1c) The first magnetic assembly 41 and the reflecting member 20 are configured to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 15 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 15. The first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed on the end of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 on the second side surface in the third direction, on the radially outer side of the rotating shaft 15.

[0072] With this configuration, the torque provided by the repulsive force exerted by the second magnetic assembly 42 on the first magnetic assembly 41 can be made greater than when the first magnetic assembly 41 is positioned inside the radially outer end of the rotating shaft 15 in the reflecting member 20.

[0073] (1d) The first magnetic assembly 41 is displaced along the circumferential direction B during the reciprocating motion of the reflecting surface 23. The circumferential direction B is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0074] The component of the repulsive force exerted by the second magnetic assembly 42 on the first magnetic assembly 41 in the circumferential direction B is a value obtained by multiplying the repulsive force by the cosine of the angle between the circumferential direction B and a line connecting the first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42. When the first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are positioned on the same plane perpendicular to the first direction, the cosine of the angle is 1.

[0075] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the component of the repulsive force that the second magnetic assembly 42 applies to the first magnetic assembly 41 in the circumferential direction B. As a result, it is possible to increase the torque provided by the repulsive force that the second magnetic assembly 42 applies to the first magnetic assembly 41.

[0076] (1e) The driving device 3 is located on the second side in the first direction relative to the reflecting member 20. The driving device 3 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0077] With this configuration, the size of the scanner component 1 in the third direction can be reduced compared to when the drive device 3 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the third direction.

[0078] In particular, when the size of the scanner component 1 in the third direction is restricted, the radial size of the drive device 3 can be increased compared to when the drive device 3 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the third direction, thereby enabling the torque provided by the drive device 3 to be increased.

[0079] 6 is similar to the scanner component 1 of the first embodiment, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same components, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0080] The scanner component 201 of the second embodiment includes a connecting portion 221, a supporting portion 224, and a driving device 230 instead of the connecting portion 21, the supporting portion 24, and the driving device 3 of the first embodiment.

[0081] In the first embodiment described above, the drive device 3 is arranged alongside the fixed member 10 and the reflecting member 20 in the first direction. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, the drive device 230 is arranged on the second side in the third direction relative to the reflecting member 20. That is, in the axial direction A of the rotating shaft 15, the position of the drive device 230 at least partially overlaps the position of the reflecting surface 23. The drive device 230 is located between the first plate-shaped portion 12 and the second plate-shaped portion 13 of the fixed member 10. The drive device 230 is arranged to cover the rotating shaft 15. The drive device 230 is a cylindrical body extending in the first direction. The drive device 230 has an outer rotor configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction around the outer circumferential surface of the drive device 230.

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, the connecting portion 21 is connected to the rotating shaft 15. The support portion 24 is connected to the connecting portion 21. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the connecting portion 221 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the drive device 230. The support portion 224 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the drive device 230 and the connecting portion 221.

[0083] In the first embodiment described above, the reflecting member 20 is configured to be integrated with the rotation shaft 15 and to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 15. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the reflecting member 20 is configured to be integrated with the drive device 230 and to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the drive device 230.

[0084] [2-2. Actions and Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those (1a) to (1d) in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the second embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0085] (2a) The driving device 230 is disposed on the second side in the third direction relative to the reflecting member 20. The driving device 230 is located between the first plate-shaped portion 12 and the second plate-shaped portion 13 of the fixing member 10.

[0086] With this configuration, the size of the scanner component 201 in the first direction can be reduced compared to when the drive device 3 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0087] As in the first embodiment, miniaturization is required in all of the first, second, and third directions in this embodiment, as described above. In this regard, the configuration of this embodiment is advantageous in that it can reduce the size of the scanner component 1 in the first direction as well as in the third direction. For example, if the first direction is the vertical direction, the second direction is the width direction, and the third direction is the depth direction, the configuration of this embodiment can reduce the size in the vertical and depth directions.

[0088] 7 is similar to the scanner component 1 of the first embodiment, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same components, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0089] The scanner component 301 of the third embodiment further includes an inner rotor 330. The inner rotor 330 is located between the second plate-shaped portion 13 of the fixed member 10 and the drive device 3. The inner rotor 330 provides torque to the rotary shaft 15 instead of the drive device 3. The inner rotor 330 is configured to be able to switch the rotation direction of the torque. The outer shape of the inner rotor 330 is smaller than that of the drive device 3.

[0090] [3-2. Actions and Effects] According to the third embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the third embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0091] (3a) The moment of inertia of the inner rotor 330 is smaller than that of the drive unit 3. Therefore, the inner rotor 330 can achieve a larger angular acceleration than the drive unit 3.

[0092] (3b) The outer shape of the inner rotor 330 is smaller than that of the drive unit 3. Therefore, when the inner rotor 330 is used instead of the drive unit 3, the size of the scanner component 301 in the first direction can be reduced.

[0093] As in the first embodiment, as described above, miniaturization is required in the present embodiment in all of the first, second, and third directions. In this regard, the configuration of the present embodiment is advantageous in that it can reduce the size of the scanner component 1 in the first direction. For example, if the first direction is the vertical direction, the second direction is the width direction, and the third direction is the depth direction, the configuration of the present embodiment can reduce the size in the vertical direction.

[0094] 8 is similar to the scanner component 1 of the first embodiment, the differences between the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same components, and the preceding description will be referred to.

[0095] A scanner component 401 of the fourth embodiment includes a fixing portion 410 and a driving device 430 instead of the fixing member 10 and the driving device 3 of the first embodiment.

[0096] The fixing portion 410 is a portion that replaces the inclined portion 161 in the fixing member 10 of the first embodiment described above. The fixing portion 410 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fixing portion 410 is fixed by an arbitrary member (not shown) so as to be located on the same plane as the first magnetic assembly 41 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (in other words, the axial direction A of the rotation shaft 15). The fixing portion 410 is located on the same circumference as the first magnetic assembly 41, with the rotation shaft 15 as the center.

[0097] Hereinafter, "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" both refer to the rotation direction when viewed from the first side of the first direction.

[0098] In this embodiment, there are two fixed portions 410. Hereinafter, the two fixed portions 410 are also referred to as fixed portions 410a and 410b. The fixed portions 410a and 410b are arranged in the counterclockwise direction in this order: fixed portion 410a, fixed portion 410b.

[0099] The second magnetic assembly 42a is disposed on the clockwise surface of the fixed part 410a, and the first magnetic assembly 41a is located clockwise relative to the fixed part 410a.

[0100] The second magnetic assembly 42b is disposed on the counterclockwise surface of the fixed part 410b. The first magnetic assembly 41b is located counterclockwise relative to the fixed part 410b.

[0101] The driving device 430 is a disk-shaped motor that provides torque to the rotating shaft 15. The function of the driving device 430 is basically the same as that of the driving device 3. The thickness direction of the driving device 430 is the same as the first direction.

[0102] The driving device 430 includes a rotor 431 , a magnet 432 , and a stator 433 .

[0103] The rotor 431 is a disk-shaped part that provides torque to the rotating shaft 15. One surface of the rotor 431 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 15 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the surface of the rotor 431 on a first side in the first direction is connected to an end of the rotating shaft 15 on a second side in the first direction.

[0104] The magnet 432 is a ring-shaped permanent magnet that is disposed so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 431 and is connected to the rotor 431.

[0105] The stator 433 is a part of the motor that rotates the rotor 431 and the magnet 432. A plurality of stators 433 are arranged on the outer periphery of the magnet 432. A coil (not shown) is wound around each of the plurality of stators 433.

[0106] The driving device 430 rotates the magnets 432 and the rotor 431 connected to the magnets 432 by passing a current through each coil of the multiple stators 433 to generate a magnetic field. The rotor 431 and the magnets 432 rotate in the circumferential direction of the rotor 431 (i.e., the circumferential direction B of the rotating shaft 15).

[0107] [4-2. Actions and Effects] According to the fourth embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0108] (4a) Because the driving device 430 is a disk-shaped motor, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the driving device 430 in the first direction, thereby reducing the size of the scanner component 401 in the first direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the driving device 430 is arranged side by side in the first direction with the reflecting member 20. With this configuration, the size in the vertical direction can be reduced compared to when the driving device 430 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction).

[0110] In particular, when the vertical size of the scanner component 401 is limited, the radial size of the drive unit 430 can be increased compared to when the drive unit 430 and the reflecting member 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the torque provided by the drive unit 430.

[0111] That is, for example, when a large torque is required and the driving device 430 needs to be thinned due to size restrictions in the first direction, the configuration of the fourth embodiment is effective.

[0112] In addition, as in the first embodiment, as described above, miniaturization is required in both the first direction and the vertical direction in this embodiment. In this respect, the configuration of this embodiment is advantageous in that it can reduce the size of the scanner component 1 in the first direction. For example, if the first direction is the up-down direction, the configuration of this embodiment can reduce the size in the up-down direction.

[0113] 5. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0114] (5a) As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, in the above-described embodiment, the scanner component 1 may further include a detection unit 60. Figures 10 and 11 show, in a transparent manner, the configuration of the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 that is hidden when the fixing member 10 and the reflecting member 20 are viewed from the first side in the first direction, using dashed lines.

[0115] The detection unit 60 is configured to be able to acquire the position of the first magnetic assembly 41 by detecting a change in the magnetic force received from the first magnetic assembly 41 .

[0116] When the detection unit 60 detects that the first magnetic assembly 41 is located in the vicinity of the detection unit 60, it can detect the angle displaced from the central position of the reflection surface 23 that is integrated with the first magnetic assembly 41 (in other words, the direction of the normal N of the reflection surface 23).

[0117] If the first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed on the drive device 3 as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to consider the mounting tolerance between the reflecting member 20 and the drive device 3 in order to calculate the angle displaced from the center position of the reflecting surface 23 of the reflecting member 20. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed on the reflecting member 20, and therefore it is not necessary to consider the mounting tolerance between the reflecting member 20 and the drive device 3. Therefore, it is possible to detect the angle displaced from the center position of the reflecting surface 23 with high accuracy.

[0118] As an example, the detection unit 60 may include a Hall element. The Hall element is a semiconductor that detects a magnetic field and outputs an analog signal proportional to the magnitude of the detected magnetic field. The detection unit 60 detects changes in the magnetic field near the Hall element by converting the analog signal output by the Hall element into a digital signal using a comparator.

[0119] 9 and 10 , the detection unit 60 may be disposed on a surface of the second plate-shaped portion 13 of the fixing member 10 on the first side in the first direction. The detection unit 60 may be disposed near the second magnetic assembly 42. The support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20, the first magnetic assembly 41, the inclined portion 161 of the fixing member 10, and the second magnetic assembly 42 may be disposed slightly closer to the first side in the first direction than the detection unit 60.

[0120] When the first magnetic assembly 41 disposed on the reflecting member 20 passes near the Hall element of the detection unit 60, the magnetic field near the Hall element changes, and the signal output by the Hall element also changes. Therefore, the detection unit 60 can detect whether the first magnetic assembly 41 is located near the detection unit 60.

[0121] 11 , when the first magnetic assembly 41 approaches the second magnetic assembly 42a while the detection unit 60 is disposed near the second magnetic assembly 42a, the detection unit 60 detects that the first magnetic assembly 41a is located near the detection unit 60. Through this detection, the detection unit 60 can detect that the reflective surface 23 has approached the first turning point B1.

[0122] (5b) In the above embodiment, the scanner component 1 includes two first magnetic assemblies 41, the first magnetic assembly 41a and the first magnetic assembly 41b. The scanner component 1 includes two second magnetic assemblies 42, the second magnetic assembly 42a and the second magnetic assembly 42b. However, the number of first magnetic assemblies 41 and the number of second magnetic assemblies 42 are not limited to two, and may be one or more. For example, one or more first magnetic assemblies 41 and one or more second magnetic assemblies 42 may be arranged on at least one of the first side and the second side in the second direction with respect to the rotation axis 15.

[0123] (5c) In the above embodiment, the first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed on the surface of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 on the second side in the third direction, at the end portion on the radial outer side of the rotating shaft 15. However, the position where the first magnetic assembly 41 is disposed is not limited to the end portion on the radial outer side of the rotating shaft 15.

[0124] For example, the first magnetic assembly 41 may be arranged on a surface of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 on the second side in the third direction, other than the radially outer end portion of the rotation shaft 15. The first magnetic assembly 41 may be arranged on a surface of the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20 other than the surface on the second side in the third direction. The first magnetic assembly 41 may be arranged on a portion of the reflecting member 20 other than the support portion 24.

[0125] As an example of arranging the first magnetic assembly 41 in a part other than the support portion 24 of the reflecting member 20, the first magnetic assembly 41 may be arranged on a frame 25 further provided on the reflecting member 20, as shown in Figure 12.

[0126] The frame 25 is a member that functions as a frame for reinforcing the mirror 22. The frame 25 is connected to the surface of the reflecting member 20 on the same side as the connecting portion 21 of the mirror 22, and extends around the edge of that surface.

[0127] The first magnetic assemblies 41 may be arranged on the surface of the frame 25 opposite to the surface where the frame 25 is connected to the mirror 22. In FIG. 12 , the first magnetic assemblies 41 are arranged at the four corners of the frame 25.

[0128] 13 , the first magnetic assemblies 41 may be disposed directly on the mirror 22. The first magnetic assemblies 41 may be disposed on the same surface of the mirror 22 as the connecting portion 21. In FIG. 13 , six first magnetic assemblies 41 are disposed on the end of the mirror 22.

[0129] (5d) In the above embodiment, the first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are located on the same plane in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 are located on the same circumference of a circle centered on the rotation axis 15 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0130] However, the first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 do not have to be located on the same plane in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The first magnetic assembly 41 and the second magnetic assembly 42 do not have to be located on the same circumference centered on the rotation axis 15 in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the position of the second magnetic assembly 42 in the first direction may be located on the first side or the second side in the first direction relative to the first magnetic assembly 41. The distance of the second magnetic assembly 42 from the rotation axis 15 may be different from the distance of the first magnetic assembly 41 from the rotation axis 15.

[0131] (5e) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. At least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0132] [Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Specification] [Item 1] A scanner component for a distance measuring device, comprising: a rotation shaft configured to be rotatable by a drive device; a reflecting member connected to the rotation shaft, the reflecting member having a reflecting surface that intersects with a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft, the reflecting surface configured to be able to reciprocate between a first turning point and a second turning point along the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft as the rotation shaft rotates; one or more first magnetic assemblies disposed on the reflecting member and displaced in the circumferential direction as the reflecting surface reciprocates; and one or more second magnetic assemblies positioned in a location where, when the reflecting surface is displaced to the first turning point during the reciprocating motion, the second magnetic assemblies can generate a repulsive force against at least one first magnetic assembly of the one or more first magnetic assemblies, the repulsive force acting in a direction in which the reflecting surface moves toward the second turning point during the reciprocating motion. A scanner component, wherein a distance between each of the one or more first magnetic assemblies and the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis is shorter than a distance between any of the one or more second magnetic assemblies and the reflecting surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0133] [Item 2] The scanner component according to item 1, wherein the drive device is disposed on the same side of the reflecting surface as the rotation axis, and the position of the drive device at least partially overlaps the position of the reflecting surface in the axial direction of the rotation axis.

[0134] [Item 3] The scanner component according to item 1, wherein the reflecting member and the driving device are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0135] [Item 4] The scanner component according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the one or more first magnetic assemblies are disposed at an end of the reflecting member that is radially outward from the rotation shaft.

[0136] [Item 5] The scanner component according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a detection unit configured to be able to acquire the position of the one or more first magnetic assemblies by detecting a change in magnetic force received from the one or more first magnetic assemblies.

[0137] [Item 6] A scanner component according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the one or more second magnetic assemblies are located on the same plane as any of the planes displaced by the one or more first magnetic assemblies during the reciprocating motion.

[0138] [Item 7] The scanner component according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the one or more second magnetic assemblies are permanent magnets or electromagnets.

Claims

1. A scanner component (1, 201, 301, 401) for a distance measuring device, comprising: a rotating shaft (15) configured to be rotatable by a driving device (3, 230, 430); a reflecting member (20) connected to the rotating shaft, the reflecting member having a reflecting surface (23) intersecting a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft, the reflecting surface being configured to be able to reciprocate between a first turning point (B1) and a second turning point (B2) along a circumferential direction (B) of the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates; and one or more first magnetic assemblies (41, 41a, 41b) disposed on the reflecting member and displacing in the circumferential direction as the reflecting surface reciprocates. a scanner component comprising: one or more second magnetic assemblies (42, 42a, 42b) positioned at a location where, when the reflective surface is displaced to the first turning point during the reciprocating motion, the second magnetic assemblies can generate a repulsive force against at least one first magnetic assembly of the one or more first magnetic assemblies, the repulsive force acting in a direction toward the second turning point in the reciprocating motion of the reflective surface; wherein a distance between each of the one or more first magnetic assemblies and the reflective surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis is shorter than a distance between any of the one or more second magnetic assemblies and the reflective surface in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

2. A scanner component according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is disposed on the same side of the reflecting surface as the rotation axis, and the position of the drive device at least partially overlaps the position of the reflecting surface in the axial direction of the rotation axis.

3. A scanner component according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting member and the driving device are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

4. A scanner component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more first magnetic assemblies are arranged at an end of the reflecting member that is radially outward from the rotation axis.

5. A scanner component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a detection unit configured to be able to acquire the position of said one or more first magnetic assemblies by detecting a change in the magnetic force received from said one or more first magnetic assemblies.

6. A scanner component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more second magnetic assemblies are located on the same plane as any of the planes displaced by the one or more first magnetic assemblies during the reciprocating motion.

7. A scanner component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more second magnetic assemblies are permanent magnets or electromagnets.

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