JP7503989B2 - Apparatus and method for removing deposits - Google Patents

Description

The disclosed embodiments relate to a device and method for removing adhesions.

Conventionally, there is known a device for removing adhesions that removes adhesions from a lens of an in-vehicle camera by spraying a fluid such as compressed air from a nozzle with an ejection port arranged toward the lens (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-008005 A

However, there is room for further improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology in terms of saving energy by eliminating the need for a power source to drive the pump.

For example, many conventional adhesion removal devices use a power source that requires a power source to drive a pump that compresses air.

One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an attachment removal device and attachment removal method that can achieve energy savings by eliminating the need for a power source to drive the pump.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, the deposit removal device includes a chamber, a pedal, a pump, and a nozzle . The chamber stores fluid under pressure. The pump is configured to deliver fluid to the chamber by being actuated by a stroke of the pedal. The nozzle sprays the fluid stored in the chamber toward a detection surface of a sensor.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, the power supply required to drive the pump is unnecessary, thereby achieving energy savings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a deposit removal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle on which an on-board camera is provided. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of a deposit removal device according to a first comparative example. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of a deposit removal device according to a second comparative example. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spray mechanism of the deposit removal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of the deposit removal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of an attachment removal device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of the deposit removal device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of an attachment removal device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism of an attachment removal device according to the fifth embodiment.

Below, the embodiments of the deposit removal device and deposit removal method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

In the following, an example will be described in which the camera to which the deposit removal device is attached is an on-board camera 5 mounted on a vehicle V. The on-board camera 5 is, for example, a rear camera that is disposed at the rear of the vehicle V and captures images of the area behind the vehicle V.

First, an overview of the deposit removal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the deposit removal device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle V on which an on-board camera 5 is provided. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the adhesion removal device 10 includes a nozzle 11 and an injection mechanism 12.

The nozzle 11 is connected to the injection mechanism 12 and injects the fluid delivered from the injection mechanism 12 toward the lens 5a of the vehicle-mounted camera 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 11 is formed, for example, from a resin or the like so that it can be fitted closely to the outer shape of the upper part of the main body 5b of the vehicle-mounted camera 5 and has a low profile.

The nozzle 11 is positioned so that the nozzle 11a can spray fluid from the side toward the lens 5a of the vehicle-mounted camera 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 11 is formed so that the nozzle 11a hangs down toward the lens 5a. The nozzle 11 is fixed integrally with the vehicle-mounted camera 5 to the bracket 7.

The injection mechanism 12 stores air as a fluid, and when a detection device (not shown) detects adhesion of a substance to the lens 5a or when a manual operation by the user is received, the injection mechanism 12 is triggered to inject the stored compressed air through the nozzle 11 toward the lens 5a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle-mounted camera 5 is installed, for example, above the license plate 93 at the rear of the vehicle V and at a position that is approximately in the center of the vehicle V in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle-mounted camera 5 captures, for example, a rearview image behind the vehicle V from this position.

As shown in FIG. 3, a license plate 93 is attached to a metallic body panel 91 at the rear of the vehicle V. A garnish 92 made of, for example, resin is attached to the body panel 91 above the license plate 93.

Between the vehicle body panel 91 and the garnish 92, a space 94 is formed in which parts and the like can be placed. The bottom surface 92a of the garnish 92 is provided so that its planar direction is, for example, approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. A garnish hole 92b is opened in the bottom surface 92a.

The vehicle-mounted camera 5 is supported on the vehicle body panel 91 via, for example, a bracket 7. The bracket 7 is fixed so as to cover a body hole 91a opened in the vehicle body panel 91. The vehicle-mounted camera 5 is attached to the bracket 7 and supported by the bracket 7 with the optical axis direction tilted relative to the vertical direction so that the rear of the vehicle V can be imaged.

The nozzle 11 is fixed integrally with the vehicle-mounted camera 5 to the bracket 7, and sprays compressed air from the spray mechanism 12 toward the lens 5a.

Here, we will explain a configuration example of the spray mechanism of the deposit removal device according to the comparative example of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the spray mechanism 120 of the deposit removal device 100 according to the first comparative example. Also, Figure 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the spray mechanism 220 of the deposit removal device 200 according to the second comparative example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the deposit removal device 100 according to the first comparative example includes an injection mechanism 120. The injection mechanism 120 includes a motor, a drive circuit, and a pump. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston, and a spring. The piston is connected to the motor so that it periodically disengages from the motor depending on the rotation angle of the motor. The spring is provided to bias the piston in a direction that pushes it.

In this injection mechanism 120, the piston is pulled by the driving force of the motor, and air is accumulated in the pump cylinder. As the piston is pulled, the spring load increases, and when the motor and piston are disengaged, the spring pushes the piston back by the reaction force against the spring load. As the piston is pushed back, the air that was sucked into the piston is exhausted and injected from the nozzle 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, the deposit removal device 200 according to the second comparative example includes an injection mechanism 220. The injection mechanism 220 includes a motor, a drive circuit, a pump, a check valve 221, a chamber 222, and an electromagnetic valve 223.

The pump includes a cylinder and a piston. The piston is connected to the motor so that it reciprocates according to the rotation angle of the motor.

The check valve 221 is provided between the pump and the nozzle 11, downstream of the pump and upstream of the chamber 222. The chamber 222 is provided between the pump and the nozzle 11, downstream of the check valve 221 and upstream of the solenoid valve 223. The solenoid valve 223 is provided between the pump and the nozzle 11, downstream of the chamber 222 and upstream of the nozzle 11.

The injection mechanism 220 reciprocates a piston using the driving force of a motor, sending air into a chamber 222. The chamber 222 accumulates air by closing a check valve 221 and a solenoid valve 223, causing the piston to move once or repeatedly. The motor stops the pump operation when the pressure in the chamber 222 reaches a predetermined pressure.

When the solenoid valve 223 is opened by the control circuit based on the aforementioned trigger, the compressed air stored in the chamber 222 is exhausted all at once and sprayed from the nozzle 11.

However, both of the deposit removal devices 100 and 200 according to the comparative example shown in Figures 4 and 5 require the use of a motor that requires a power source to operate the pump. This results in a large amount of power being required. Also, in order to accommodate multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5, it is necessary to install multiple pumps, or to increase the air pressure and air volume for one pump and branch off from that one pump. This tends to lead to an increase in the size of the device.

Therefore, in this embodiment, air is pressurized in a chamber using a pump that is activated by the stroke of the pedal, and the compressed air is then sprayed toward the lens 5a of the vehicle-mounted camera 5.

First Embodiment
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spray mechanism 12 of the deposit removal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the spray mechanism 12 of the deposit removal device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a pedal P, a pump 12a, a check valve 12b, a chamber 12c, a solenoid valve 12d, and a control circuit 12e.

The pedal P is an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, or a dedicated pedal that can be depressed with the left foot in an automatic transmission (AT) vehicle. The injection mechanism 12 operates the pump 12a with a stroke caused by depressing the pedal P.

Check valve 12b is provided between pump 12a and nozzle 11, downstream of pump 12a and upstream of chamber 12c. Chamber 12c is provided between pump 12a and nozzle 11, downstream of check valve 12b and upstream of solenoid valve 12d. Solenoid valve 12d is provided between pump 12a and nozzle 11, downstream of chamber 12c and upstream of nozzle 11. Control circuit 12e controls the opening and closing of solenoid valve 12d.

The injection mechanism 12 reciprocates the piston of the pump 12a with the stroke of the pedal P, sending air into the chamber 12c. The chamber 12c accumulates the air sent from the pump 12a by closing the check valve 12b and the solenoid valve 12d.

When the solenoid valve 12d is opened by the control circuit 12e based on the aforementioned trigger, the compressed air stored in the chamber 12c is exhausted all at once and sprayed from the nozzle 11.

Thus, the deposit removal device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a pedal P, a pump 12a, a chamber 12c, and a nozzle 11. The pump 12a is arranged to discharge fluid by being actuated by the stroke of the pedal P. The chamber 12c stores the fluid discharged from the pump 12a. The nozzle 11 sprays the fluid stored in the chamber 12c toward the lens 5a (corresponding to an example of a "detection surface") of the vehicle-mounted camera 5 (corresponding to an example of a "sensor").

Therefore, according to the deposit removal device 10 of the first embodiment, the power supply required to drive the pump 12a is not required, thereby achieving energy conservation. In addition, it is possible to obtain a larger driving force for the pump 12a than would be possible using a small motor, for example.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spray mechanism 12A of an attachment removal device 10A according to the second embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

Therefore, the description of the components that have already been described may be simplified or omitted. This also applies to the third and fourth embodiments described below.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spray mechanism 12A of the attachment removal device 10A according to the second embodiment further includes a pressure sensor 12f. The pressure sensor 12f measures the pressure in the chamber 12c. The pressure sensor 12f is also connected to the control circuit 12e, and outputs the measurement result of the pressure in the chamber 12c to the control circuit 12e at any time.

The control circuit 12e monitors the measurement results from the pressure sensor 12f. Then, when the pressure in the chamber 12c reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the control circuit 12e opens the solenoid valve 12d. When the solenoid valve 12d opens, the compressed air stored in the chamber 12c is exhausted all at once and sprayed from the nozzle 11.

This allows the gas inside chamber 12c to be vented, so to speak, and prevents chamber 12c from becoming overpressurized more than necessary. In addition, it prevents pedal P from becoming unnecessarily heavy due to an increase in pressure inside chamber 12c.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
In addition, although an example using the pressure sensor 12f is shown in Fig. 7, the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spray mechanism 12A of the deposit removal device 10A according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the injection mechanism 12A of the deposit removal device 10A according to the modified example of the second embodiment includes a relief valve 12g instead of the pressure sensor 12f shown in FIG. 7.

Relief valve 12g is connected to chamber 12c, and when the pressure in chamber 12c reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, it is opened by the pressure and exhausts the compressed air accumulated in chamber 12c.

This also vents the gas from within chamber 12c, preventing chamber 12c from becoming overpressurized more than necessary. Another advantage is that no power is wasted.

In this way, in the second embodiment of the deposit removal device 10A, the chamber 12c discharges the pressurized fluid to the outside when the internal pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Therefore, according to the deposit removal device 10A of the second embodiment, the power supply required to drive the pump 12a is not required, which saves energy, and the chamber 12c can be prevented from being overpressurized more than necessary. In addition, the force applied to the pedal P is not excessive, which can suppress the effect on the original function of the pedal P.

The deposit removal device 10A according to the second embodiment further includes a pressure sensor 12f. When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 12f reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the chamber 12c sends out the fluid stored therein toward the nozzle 11.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the adhesion removal device 10A, the pressure sensor 12f can be used to prevent the chamber 12c from being overpressurized more than necessary.

The deposit removal device 10A according to the second embodiment further includes a relief valve 12g connected to the chamber 12c. When the pressure inside the chamber 12c reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the relief valve 12g exhausts the fluid accumulated inside the chamber 12c to the outside of the chamber 12c.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment of the deposit removal device 10A, the relief valve 12g can be used to prevent the chamber 12c from being overpressurized more than necessary.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a spray mechanism 12B of an attachment removal device 10B according to the third embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 9, the injection mechanism 12B of the deposit removal device 10B according to the third embodiment includes a cam link mechanism 12h between the pedal P and the pump 12a. The cam link mechanism 12h connects the pedal P and the piston of the pump 12a.

The cam link mechanism 12h has a cam 12ha and a link 12hb. The cam 12ha is integral with the piston of the pump 12a. The cam 12ha also has a cam groove.

The link 12hb is formed, for example, in a roughly fan-like shape, and connects the cam 12ha to the pedal P. The link 12hb has two guide shafts, one of which is engaged with the cam groove of the cam 12ha, and the other is engaged with a guide portion provided on the pedal P.

The cam groove of the cam 12ha is formed so that the cam 12ha pushes the piston only during the initial movement of the stroke of the pedal P. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the piston of the pump 12a sends air into the chamber 12c only during the initial movement of the pedal P.

When the solenoid valve 12d is opened by the control circuit 12e based on the aforementioned trigger, the compressed air stored in the chamber 12c is exhausted all at once and sprayed from the nozzle 11.

Thus, the deposit removal device 10B according to the third embodiment further includes a cam link mechanism 12h that is provided to connect the pedal P and the pump 12a and is configured so that the pump 12a delivers fluid only during the initial movement of the pedal P stroke.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment of the deposit removal device 10B, the power supply required to drive the pump 12a is not required, which saves energy, and the stroke amount of the piston can be reduced relative to the stroke amount of the pedal P. This also allows the size of the pump 12a to be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a spray mechanism 12C of an attachment removal device 10C according to the fourth embodiment. Note that in the fourth embodiment, differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the injection mechanism 12C of the attachment removal device 10C according to the fourth embodiment is provided with one pump 12a and one chamber 12c, multiple solenoid valves 12d corresponding to the multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5, and multiple flow paths branching off from the chamber 12c to these solenoid valves 12d.

In this way, the deposit removal device 10C according to the fourth embodiment has multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5, one pump 12a and one chamber 12c, and multiple flow paths branching off from the chamber 12c toward each of the vehicle-mounted cameras 5.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment of the deposit removal device 10C, the power supply required to drive the pump 12a is not required, thereby achieving energy conservation. In addition, with a simple configuration without multiple pumps 12a, compressed air can be selectively sprayed onto multiple targets for removing deposits, such as multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a spray mechanism 12D of an attachment removal device 10D according to the fifth embodiment. Note that in the fourth embodiment, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 11, the injection mechanism 12D of the attachment removal device 10D according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a pump 12a, a plurality of check valves 12b, a chamber 12c, and a solenoid valve 12d corresponding to each of the vehicle-mounted cameras 5, and a plurality of flow paths branching off from the pump 12a to these.

Thus, the deposit removal device 10D according to the fifth embodiment has multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5, one pump 12a, multiple chambers 12c corresponding to each of the vehicle-mounted cameras 5, and multiple flow paths branching from the pump 12a to each of the chambers 12c.

Therefore, the fifth embodiment of the deposit removal device 10D can achieve energy savings by eliminating the need for a power source to drive the pump 12a. In addition, with a simple configuration without multiple pumps 12a, it is possible to spray compressed air at the same pressure, for example, individually or simultaneously, to multiple targets for removing deposits, such as multiple vehicle-mounted cameras 5, with independent control for each.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the pump 12a is actuated by the stroke of the pedal P caused by the user's pedaling force, but this is not limited to the above, and the pump may be actuated by the user's weight or vibrations of the vehicle V.

In such a case, the pump is provided, for example, in the shape of a bellows that is integrated with the pedal P and is placed under the seat. Then, the pump can be moved by the weight of the user sitting on the seat. Also, while the vehicle is moving, the pump can be moved by the vertical movement caused by the vibration of the vehicle V.

As a result, the air sent from the pump to chamber 12c accumulates in chamber 12c and is sprayed from nozzle 11 when solenoid valve 12d is opened. It is preferable to release the gas when the pressure reaches a certain level so as not to affect the comfort of the seat.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which the target from which the deposits are removed by the deposit removal devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D is the lens 5a, which is the detection surface of the vehicle-mounted camera 5, but this is not limited thereto.

In other words, it is sufficient if the sensor is an optical sensor that acquires images through a lens or acquires information about targets around the vehicle. Specifically, the target can be the detection surface of various optical sensors, such as a radar device that detects targets around the vehicle.

The deposit removal device 10 may be installed not only on vehicles, but also on ships, aircraft, etc. Furthermore, it may be installed as a deposit removal device not only on such mobile machines, but also on machines that are installed and operated in a fixed location.

Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

5: on-board camera 5a: lens 5b: main body 7: bracket 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D: deposit removal device 11: nozzle 11a: injection port 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D: injection mechanism 12a: pump 12b: check valve 12c: chamber 12d: solenoid valve 12e: control circuit 12f: pressure sensor 12g: relief valve 12h: cam link mechanism 12ha: cam 12hb: link P: pedal V: vehicle

Claims (8)

a chamber for storing fluid;
Pedals and
a pump arranged to pump fluid into said chamber by actuation of said pedal stroke;
a nozzle that injects the fluid pressurized in the chamber toward a detection surface of a sensor. The chamber comprises:
When the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the stored fluid is discharged to the outside .
The deposit removal device according to claim 1 . a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure inside the chamber;
The chamber comprises:
When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the fluid stored in the pressure chamber is discharged toward the nozzle .
The deposit removal device according to claim 2 . a relief valve connected to the chamber;
The relief valve is
When the pressure inside the chamber reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the fluid accumulated in the chamber is discharged to the outside of the chamber .
The deposit removal device according to claim 2 . The deposit removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a cam linkage mechanism provided to connect the pedal and the pump, the cam linkage being configured to cause the pump to deliver fluid only during the initial movement of the pedal stroke. The sensor is a plurality of sensors,
The pump and the chamber are each one,
6. The deposit removal device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flow paths branching from said chamber toward each of said sensors. The sensor is a plurality of sensors,
The pump is one,
a plurality of said chambers corresponding to each of said sensors;
The deposit removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a plurality of flow paths branching from said pump to each of said chambers. A method for removing deposits using a deposit removal device including a chamber for accumulating fluid and a pedal, comprising the steps of:
delivering fluid to the chamber by a stroke of the pedal;
and spraying the fluid pressurized in the chamber toward a detection surface of a sensor.

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