Vehicular cleaner system, vehicle having vehicular cleaner system, vehicular cleaner and vehicle having vehicular cleaner

A vehicular cleaner system (1) for cleaning a to-be-cleaned object (100), wherein: the vehicular cleaner system (1) is provided with a tank (11) that accommodates a cleaning liquid, a pump (12) that pressure-feeds the cleaning liquid inside the tank (11), a high-pressure-air generation unit (2) that generates high-pressure air, a first ejection port that sprays the cleaning liquid toward a cleaning surface of the to-be-cleaned object (100), a second ejection port that sprays the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface, and a controller (4) and vehicle ECU (40) that control the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the spraying of the high-pressure air; and the controller (4) and the vehicle ECU (40) perform control so as to initiate the spraying of the high-pressure air from the second ejection port after spraying of the cleaning liquid from the first ejection port has been initiated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicular cleaner system configured to clean a to-be-cleaned object and a vehicle having the vehicular cleaner system.

Also, the present invention relates to a vehicular cleaner configured to clean a to-be-cleaned object and a vehicle having the vehicular cleaner.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, vehicles having a vehicle-mounted camera configured to capture a situation around a vehicle have been increasing. A lens, which is an imaging surface, of the vehicle-mounted camera may be smudged due to rain, mud and the like. For this reason, in order to remove foreign matters such as water droplets attached on the lens, a device configured to remove the foreign matters by ejecting a cleaning liquid, a compressed air and the like to the lens of the vehicle-mounted camera has been known.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration where a compressed air generation unit is provided in the vicinity of the vehicle-mounted camera, and a compressed air of the compressed air generation unit is sprayed from a nozzle to eject a high-pressure air to a front glass of the vehicle-mounted camera, thereby removing water droplets attached on the front glass (refer to Patent Document 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ejection of the high-pressure air may be insufficient to remove the foreign matters (particularly, mud and the like) attached on the front glass.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular cleaner system capable of effectively removing foreign matters attached on a to-be-cleaned object with a simple configuration, and a vehicle having the vehicular cleaner system.

Also, the configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1 can simply remove only the foreign matters attached on a single to-be-cleaned object (for example, a front glass of one vehicle-mounted camera).

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular cleaner capable of effectively removing foreign matters attached on a plurality of to-be-cleaned objects with a simple configuration, and a vehicle having the vehicular cleaner.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the above objects, a vehicular cleaner system of the present invention is a vehicular cleaner system for cleaning a to-be-cleaned object, and includes:

a tank configured to accommodate therein a cleaning liquid;

a pump configured to pressure-feed the cleaning liquid in the tank;

a high-pressure air generation unit configured to generate a high-pressure air;

a first ejection port configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward a cleaning surface of the to-be-cleaned object;

a second ejection port configured to spray the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface, and

a controller configured to control the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the spraying of the high-pressure air,

wherein the controller is configured to initiate the spraying of the high-pressure air from the second ejection port after the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the first ejection port has been initiated.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively remove foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object with the simple configuration.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the controller may be configured to initiate the spraying of the high-pressure air from the second ejection port after predetermined time elapses from completion of the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the first ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a fluid to be sprayed from the first ejection port from being introduced to the second ejection port for the high-pressure air.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the to-be-cleaned object may include at least one of a vehicular lamp and a vehicle-mounted sensor to be mounted on a vehicle, and

the tank and the pump may double as a tank and a pump for a window washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle.

According to the above configuration, the cleaning liquid that is to be used for the window washer can be used to clean the vehicular lamp and the vehicle-mounted sensor, too.

Also, the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention further includes a window washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle,

the window washer has a third ejection port configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward the window, and

the controller may be configured to switchably execute a mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from both the first ejection port and the third ejection port and a mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from any one of the first ejection port and the third ejection port.

According to the above configuration, the modes are switched depending on situations, so that it is possible to suppress lowering in lifetime of the pump and consumption of the cleaning liquid.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention, the first ejection port and the second ejection port may be configured as one ejection port.

According to the above configuration, the ejection ports of the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are commonly used, so that it is possible to miniaturize a nozzle in which the ejection ports are formed.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the first ejection port and the second ejection port may be configured as independent separate ejection ports, and

the first ejection port may be formed at a position more distant from the cleaning surface than the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to further prevent the fluid to be sprayed from the first ejection port from being introduced to the second ejection port for the high-pressure air.

Also, in order to achieve the above objects, a vehicular cleaner system of the present invention is a vehicular cleaner system for cleaning a to-be-cleaned object, and includes:

a tank configured to accommodate therein a cleaning liquid;

a pump configured to pressure-feed the cleaning liquid in the tank;

a high-pressure air generation unit configured to generate a high-pressure air;

a first ejection port configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward a cleaning surface of the to-be-cleaned object;

a second ejection port configured to spray the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface, and

a controller configured to control the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the spraying of the high-pressure air,

wherein the controller is configured to switchably execute a first actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface and a second actuation mode in which only the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the vehicular cleaner system capable of effectively removing foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object with the simple configuration.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the controller may be configured to switch the first actuation mode and the second actuation mode, depending on a type of the to-be-cleaned object.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform the cleaning with an appropriate method, depending on the type of the to-be-cleaned object.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the to-be-cleaned object may include at least one of a vehicular lamp and a vehicle-mounted sensor to be mounted on a vehicle, and

the tank and the pump may double as a tank and a pump for a window washer for spraying the cleaning liquid toward a window of the vehicle.

According to the above configuration, the cleaning liquid that is to be used for the window washer can be used to clean the vehicular lamp and the vehicle-mounted sensor, too.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

in a state where the window washer is actuated, the controller may determine whether an actuation switch of the vehicular cleaner system is on, and when it is determined that the actuation switch is on, the controller may execute the first actuation mode.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to execute the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward the to-be-cleaned object, depending on whether a driver of the vehicle turns on or off the actuation switch.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the to-be-cleaned object may include a plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras, and

the controller may be configured to execute the first actuation mode for one camera of the plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras and the second actuation mode for the other cameras.

According to the above configuration, the different actuation modes are executed for the vehicle-mounted cameras having different uses, so that it is possible to suppress consumptions of the pump and the cleaning liquid.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the first ejection port and the second ejection port may be configured as one ejection port.

According to the above configuration, the ejection ports of the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are commonly used, so that it is possible to miniaturize the nozzle in which the ejection ports are formed.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the first ejection port and the second ejection port may be configured as independent separate ejection ports, and

the first ejection port may be formed at a position more distant from the cleaning surface than the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the fluid from being mixed when spraying the high-pressure air.

Also, in order to achieve the above objects, a vehicular cleaner system of the present invention is a vehicular cleaner system for cleaning a to-be-cleaned object, and includes:

a tank configured to accommodate therein a cleaning liquid;

a pump configured to pressure-feed the cleaning liquid in the tank;

a high-pressure air generation unit configured to generate a high-pressure air, and

a nozzle configured to spray the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward a cleaning surface of the to-be-cleaned object,

wherein the nozzle has a first ejection port configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward the cleaning surface and a second ejection port configured to spray the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface, the first and second ejection ports being independently provided.

According to the above configuration, the high-pressure air and the cleaning liquid are independently sprayed toward the same to-be-cleaned object, so that it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the first ejection port may be formed at a position more distant from the cleaning surface than the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the fluid from being mixed upon the spraying the high-pressure air.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention, the first ejection port and the second ejection port may be arranged in parallel at the same side of the cleaning surface.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to downsize the nozzle.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the second ejection port may be arranged at a position facing a central part of the cleaning surface.

According to the above configuration, the second ejection port for the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to surrounding environments than the first ejection port for the cleaning liquid, is arranged to face the central part of the cleaning surface, so that it is possible to appropriately spray the high-pressure air toward the cleaning surface.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

a step may be formed between the first ejection port and the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid to be sprayed from the first ejection port from being introduced into the second ejection port for the high-pressure air.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

an ejection angle of the first ejection port may be greater than an ejection angle of the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to widen a spraying area of the cleaning liquid from the first ejection port arranged more distant from the cleaning surface than the second ejection port.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the first ejection port may be arranged to spray the cleaning liquid from a direction different from a spraying direction of the high-pressure air from the second ejection port.

According to the above configuration, the spraying of the high-pressure air and the spraying of the cleaning liquid do not interfere with each other.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention,

the to-be-cleaned object may include at least one of a vehicular lamp and a vehicle-mounted sensor to be mounted on a vehicle,

the second ejection port may be arranged at a position at which the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface from one direction in an upper and lower direction of the vehicle, and

the first ejection port may be arranged at a position at which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface from one direction in a right and left direction of the vehicle.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately spray the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to an exterior air environment than the cleaning liquid, toward the cleaning surface.

Also, a vehicle having a vehicular cleaner system of the present invention includes the vehicular cleaner system having any one of the above configurations.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object with the simple configuration.

Also, in order to achieve the above objects, a vehicular cleaner of the present invention is a vehicular cleaner for cleaning a to-be-cleaned object, and includes:

a generation unit configured to generate a high-pressure air, and

a nozzle configured to spray the high-pressure air toward a cleaning surface of the to-be-cleaned object,

wherein the generation unit includes:

a cylinder in which an air is to be introduced,

a piston movably supported to the cylinder and configured to deliver the high-pressure air toward the nozzle,

an urging spring for urging the piston,

a movement mechanism configured to apply a moving force to the piston, thereby moving the piston to a predetermined position, and

a single drive unit configured to drive the movement mechanism, and

wherein a plurality of the pistons configured to be movable by the movement mechanism and a plurality of the cylinders corresponding to the respective pistons are provided for the single drive unit.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the vehicular cleaner capable of effectively removing the foreign matters attached to the plurality of to-be-cleaned objects with the simple configuration.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

the movement mechanism may include:

a single worm configured to rotate by the single drive unit, and

a plurality of worm wheels configured to be in mesh with the single worm and to rotate in association with rotation of the single worm,

each worm wheel may have a piston having a plurality of gear teeth protruding from an outer peripheral part thereof, and

each piston may be coupled with a rack having rack teeth to be in mesh with the plurality of gear teeth.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to form a generation unit having a plurality of cylinders with the simple configuration.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

a first cylinder and a second cylinder may be provided for the single drive unit, and

the first cylinder may be arranged at a symmetrical position to the second cylinder about a drive shaft of the drive unit.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to thin the generation unit and to cancel vibrations to be generated from the respective cylinders.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention, the drive unit may be interposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to further downsize the generation unit.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

the first cylinder and the second cylinder may have an ejection port for delivering the high-pressure air toward the nozzle, respectively, and

the ejection port of the first cylinder may be formed to face toward an opposite direction to the ejection port of the second cylinder.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to further cancel the vibrations upon the spraying of the high-pressure air.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

a first cylinder and a second cylinder may be provided for the single drive unit, and

a phase of the piston of the first cylinder and a phase of the piston of the second cylinder may be different from each other.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to spray the high-pressure air toward the plurality of to-be-cleaned objects at different timings.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

a first cylinder and a second cylinder may be provided for the single drive unit, the movement mechanism may include:

a single worm configured to rotate by the single drive unit, and

a single worm wheel configured to be in mesh with the single worm and to rotate in association with rotation of the single worm,

the worm wheel may have a piston having a plurality of gear teeth protruding from an outer peripheral part thereof,

the piston of the first cylinder and the piston of the second cylinder may be respectively coupled with a rack having rack teeth configured to be in mesh with the plurality of gear teeth, and

the first cylinder may be arranged in the vicinity of the second cylinder.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to downsize the generation unit in a width direction.

Also, in the vehicular cleaner of the present invention,

the cylinder may have a second engaging part formed on an outer surface facing a first engaging part formed at a housing of the generation unit, and

the first engaging part and the second engaging part may be engaged with each other, so that the cylinder may be mounted to the housing.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily attach the cylinder to the housing of the generation unit.

Also, a vehicle having a vehicular cleaner of the present invention includes the vehicular cleaner having any one of the above configurations.

Also, according to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the plurality of to-be-cleaned objects with the simple configuration.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the vehicular cleaner system of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object with the simple configuration. Also, according to the vehicle having a vehicular cleaner system of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object with the simple configuration.

Also, according to the vehicular cleaner of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the plurality of to-be-cleaned objects with the simple configuration. Also, according to the vehicle having a vehicular cleaner of the present invention, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the plurality of to-be-cleaned objects with the simple configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an example of an exemplary embodiment with be described with reference to the drawings.

A vehicular cleaner system of the present invention is applied as a system configured to remove foreign matters such as water droplets, mud, grit and dust and the like attached to a vehicular lamp mounted to a vehicle, a vehicle-mounted sensor, a window of the vehicle or the like (examples of the to-be-cleaned object) by using a cleaning liquid and a high-pressure air.

As shown inFIG.1, a vehicular cleaner system1can be used to wash the foreign matters attached to a vehicle-mounted camera100(an example of the vehicle-mounted sensor) mounted at a rear part of a vehicle V and a rear window200of the vehicle V, for example.

The vehicular cleaner system1includes a window washer device10for spraying a cleaning liquid toward the rear window200of the vehicle V. The window washer device10includes a tank11configured to accommodate therein the cleaning liquid, and a motor pump12(an example of the pump) configured to pressure-feed the cleaning liquid accommodated in the tank11, and a nozzle13configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward the rear window200. The nozzle13is formed with an ejection port14(an example of the third ejection port) opening toward the rear window200. The tank11and the motor pump12are arranged in a bonnet of the vehicle V, for example. The nozzle13is coupled to the motor pump12through a coupling hose15. In the meantime, the tank11and the motor pump12may be arranged at a rear side of the vehicle V The window washer device10can function as a device configured to clean a front window of the vehicle V, too.

The window washer device10is controlled by a vehicle ECU (Electronic Controller)40. For example, when a rear washer button (not shown) for cleaning the rear window200is operated by a driver, the vehicle ECU40controls so that the cleaning liquid in the tank11is to be sprayed from the ejection port14toward the rear window200. Also, after the cleaning liquid is sprayed, the vehicle ECU40controls a rear wiper201so as to operate by a predetermined number of times.

Also, the vehicular cleaner system1includes a high-pressure air generation unit2configured to generate a high-pressure air, a nozzle3configured to spray the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward the vehicle-mounted camera100, and a controller4configured to control the spraying of the nozzle3.

The high-pressure air generation unit2is mounted to a mounting member310to which a license plate lamp301configured to irradiate light to a license plate300is mounted, for example. The nozzle3is formed integrally with a housing of the vehicle-mounted camera100, and is mounted to the mounting member310together with the vehicle-mounted camera100. The mounting member310is mounted to an outer panel210of the rear part of the vehicle, for example. The mounting member310mounted to the outer panel210is covered from an upper side by a garnish320. The controller4is arranged in the outer panel210, for example, and is connected to the vehicle ECU40configured to control the window washer device10. Also, the controller4is connected to the high-pressure air generation unit2. In the meantime, a configuration where the processing of the controller4is executed by the vehicle ECU40and the controller is thus integrated is also possible.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the vehicle-mounted camera100mounted to the mounting member310includes, for example, an inner mirror camera100A and a rearview camera100B. The inner mirror camera100A is a camera for capturing a rear situation (image) that can be checked by an inner mirror (rearview mirror), and is configured to operate while at least an engine of the vehicle V is on. The rearview camera100B is a camera for capturing an image in the vicinity of the rear of the vehicle V, and operates when a gear of the vehicle V is switched to a reverse state, for example. The images captured by the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B are displayed on a monitor (not shown) provided in a vehicle interior, for example.

A nozzle3A mounted to the inner mirror camera100A is coupled to the motor pump12of the window washer device10through the coupling hose15and is coupled to the high-pressure air generation unit2through a coupling hose29A. A nozzle3B mounted to the rearview camera100B is coupled to the motor pump12of the window washer device10through the coupling hose15and is coupled to the high-pressure air generation unit2through a coupling hose29B. The tank11and the motor pump12for the window washer device10are used as a tank and a motor pump for spraying the cleaning liquid for cleaning the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B, too.

As shown inFIG.4, the inner mirror camera100A is mounted to face toward the substantial right rear of the vehicle V. Also, as shown inFIG.5, the rearview camera100B is mounted to the rear of the vehicle V in an obliquely downward direction.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the high-pressure air generation unit2includes a housing21, a generation main body part22accommodated in the housing21, and a control unit (control substrate)23configured to control operations of the generation main body part22. The generation main body part22is mounted to the housing21via a damper24.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, the generation main body part22includes a plurality of (two, in the example) cylinders50A,50B, and pistons60A,60B movably supported in the respective cylinders. Also, the generation main body part22includes a movement mechanism70configured to apply a moving force to the pistons60A,60B to move the same to predetermined positions, and a single drive unit80configured to drive the movement mechanism70.

The cylinder50A and the cylinder50B are arranged at bilaterally symmetrical positions about a drive shaft81of the drive unit80. Also, in the example, the drive unit80is interposed between the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B.

The cylinder50A has an ejection port51A for delivering the high-pressure air toward the nozzle3A for the inner mirror camera100A. The cylinder50B has an ejection port51B for delivering the high-pressure air toward the nozzle3B for the rearview camera100B. The ejection port51A of the cylinder50A is formed to face toward an opposite direction to the ejection port51B of the cylinder50B (in the example, the ejection port51A faces leftward and the ejection port51B faces rightward). The ejection port51A is coupled with the coupling hose29A communicating with the nozzle3A. The ejection port51B is coupled with the coupling hose29B communicating with the nozzle3B.

The cylinders50A,50B of the generation main body part22are detachably configured. The housing90of the generation main body part22is formed with concave parts91(an example of the first engaging part). Outer surfaces of the cylinders50A,50B are formed with convex parts52A,52B (an example of the second engaging part) protruding upward. The convex parts52A,52B of the cylinders50A,50B are engaged with the concave parts91of the housing90, so that the cylinders50A,50B are mounted to the housing90.

The pistons60A,60B are supported to the cylinders50A,50B so as to be reciprocally movable in the front and rear direction. Urging springs61A,61B are supported to front parts of the pistons60A,60B, in the cylinders50A,50B. The urging springs61A,61B are, for example, compression coils, and are provided to urge rearward the pistons60A,60B. When the pistons60A,60B are moved rearward by the urging of the urging springs61A,61B, the high-pressure air compressed in the cylinders50A,50B are delivered from the ejection ports51A,51B. On the other hand, when the pistons60A,60B are moved forward against the urging of the urging springs61A,61B, the air (exterior air) is introduced into the cylinders50A,50B through air introduction grooves (not shown).

Front end portions of the pistons60A,60B are coupled with racks62A,62B extending in the front and rear direction. The racks62A,62B extend with protruding outward from the cylinders50A,50B, and are configured to reciprocally move in the front and rear direction together with the pistons60A,60B. The racks62A,62B are provided with rack teeth63A,63B. The rack tooth63A of the rack62A protrudes toward the rack62B (toward the rightward direction), and the rack tooth63B of the rack62B protrudes toward the rack62A (toward the leftward direction).

The movement mechanism70includes a single worm71configured to rotate by the drive unit80and a plurality of (in the example, two) worm wheels72A,72B configured to be in mesh with the worm71and to rotate in association with rotation of the worm71.

The worm71is fixed to the drive shaft81extending forward from the drive unit80and is configured to rotate in association with rotation of the drive shaft81.

The worm wheels72A,72B are supported at central parts thereof to support shaft parts92A,92B of the housing90via bearings. The worm wheel72A and the worm wheel72B are arranged at bilaterally symmetrical positions about the worm71.

The respective worm wheels72A,72B are configured by driven gears (helical gears)73A,73B and pinions74A,74B protruding laterally from central parts of the driven gears73A,73B. The driven gears73A,73B are in mesh with the worm71, and are configured to rotate in association with rotation of the worm71. The pinions74A,74B are arranged coaxially with the driven gears73A,73B, and are configured to rotate together with the driven gears73A,73B. The driven gear73A and the pinion74A are configured to rotate in a clockwise direction and the driven gear73B and the pinion74B are configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, inFIGS.8and9.

Outer peripheral parts of the pinions74A,74B are respectively formed with a plurality of (in the example, two) gear teeth75A,75B protruding radially. The gear teeth75A of the pinion74A can mesh with the rack tooth63A of the rack62A, and the gear teeth75B of the pinion74B can mesh with the rack tooth63B of the rack62B. In the meantime, positions at which the gear teeth75A of the pinion74A are formed in an outer periphery direction of the pinion74A and positions at which the gear teeth75B of the pinion74B are formed in an outer periphery direction of the pinion74B may be bilaterally symmetrical or may be asymmetrical about the worm71. For example, in the asymmetrical case, a phase of the piston60A and a phase of the piston60B configured to reciprocally move in the front and rear direction are different.

In the generation main body part22configured as described above, when the drive unit80is driven under predetermined conditions, the worm71is rotated, so that the driven gears73A,73B of the worm wheels72A,72B in mesh with the worm71are respectively rotated in opposite circumferences. When the driven gears73A,73B are rotated, the pinions74A,74B formed integrally with the driven gears73A,73B are rotated and the gear teeth75A,75B of the pinions74A,74B are respectively meshed with the rack teeth63A,63B of the racks62A,62B. When the pinions74A,74B are further rotated, the racks62A,62B are moved in the opposite direction (forward) to the delivery direction (rearward) of the high-pressure air by the mesh with the gear teeth75A,75B, against the urging force of the urging springs61A,61B. Thereby, the pistons60A,60B coupled to the racks62A,62B are located forward and the air is introduced into the cylinders50A,50B. When the pinions74A,74B are further rotated, the meshed state between the rack teeth63A,63B and the gear teeth75A,75B is released, so that the pistons60A,60B are moved in the delivery direction (rearward) by the urging force of the urging springs61A,61B. By the movement of the pistons60A,60B, the air in the cylinders50A,50B is delivered from the respective ejection ports51A,51B toward the nozzle3A,3B, as the high-pressure air.

As shown inFIGS.10to12, the nozzle3A mounted to the inner mirror camera100A has a cleaning liquid ejection port31A (an example of the first ejection port) configured to spray the cleaning liquid toward a lens101A (an example of the cleaning surface) of the inner mirror camera100A and a high-pressure air ejection port32A (an example of the second ejection port) configured to spray the high-pressure air toward the lens101A. In the meantime, since the nozzle3B mounted to the rearview camera100B has the same configuration as the nozzle3A, the respective corresponding parts are denoted with the reference numerals “B” replaced with “A”, and the nozzle3B is described focusing on differences from the nozzle3A.

The cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A are formed in the single nozzle3A, as independent separate ejection ports. The cleaning liquid ejection port3IA and the high-pressure air ejection port32A are aligned in parallel in the right and left direction on the same side surface (in the example, the upper surface) of the inner mirror camera100A. The high-pressure air ejection port32A is arranged at a position facing a central part of the lens101A. The cleaning liquid ejection port31A is arranged at a position (in the example, a position deviating rightward) deviating from the central part of the lens101A. That is, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A is formed at a position more distant from the lens101A than the high-pressure air ejection port32A. Also, a step33stepped in the upper and lower direction is formed between the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A.

The cleaning liquid ejection port31A is configured to communicate with a tube path34A through which the cleaning liquid is to pass. Also, the high-pressure air ejection port32A is configured to communicate with a tube path35A through which the high-pressure air is to pass. The tube paths34A,35A are arranged to extend in the front and rear direction above an upper surface of the inner mirror camera100A.

The tube paths34A,35A are formed so that diameters thereof are narrowed at rear ends. A diameter of a rear end port36A of the tube path34A is formed smaller than a diameter of a rear end port37A of the tube path35A (refer toFIG.12). The rear end port36A and the cleaning liquid ejection port31A are formed to communicate with each other by the ejection path38A, and the rear end port37A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A are formed to communicate with each other by the ejection path39A. The ejection path38A and the ejection path39A are formed so that they are wider toward the ejection ports31A,32A, respectively. An ejection angle θ1of the ejection path38A is formed greater than an ejection angle θ2of the ejection path39A. The ejection path38A is obliquely formed in a right and lower direction toward a central point of the lens101A. The ejection path39A is formed downward toward the central point of the lens101A.

A front end portion of the tube path34A is coupled with the coupling hose15communicating with the motor pump12of the window washer device10. A front end portion of the tube path35A is coupled with the coupling hose29A communicating with the cylinder50A. In the meantime, a front end portion of a tube path34B of the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B is coupled with the coupling hose15communicating with the motor pump12of the window washer device10, and a front end portion of a tube path35B is coupled with the coupling hose29B communicating with the cylinder50B.

In the example, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A are aligned in parallel in the right and left direction on the upper surface of the inner mirror camera100A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A may be respectively arranged on different side surfaces of the inner mirror camera100A. In this case, preferably, the high-pressure air ejection port32A is arranged at a position at which the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the lens101A from one direction in the upper and lower direction, and the cleaning liquid ejection port31A is arranged at a position at which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed toward the lens101A from one direction in the right and left direction. In the meantime, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted to the front part of the vehicle, the high-pressure air ejection port is preferably arranged below the lens, considering a wind pressure from the front.

The controller4and the vehicle ECU40can switchably execute an actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface for cleaning and an actuation mode in which only the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface for cleaning, for example. In this case, the controller4and the vehicle ECU40can switchably execute the two actuation modes, depending on a type of the to-be-cleaned object, for example. Also, in the case of the actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are to be sprayed toward the cleaning surface for cleaning, the controller4and the vehicle ECU40can initiate the spraying of the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air ejection port32A of the nozzle3A after the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A has been initiated, for example,

Also, the controller4and the vehicle ECU40can switchably execute an actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from both the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A and the ejection port14of the nozzle13and an actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from only one of the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A and the ejection port14of the nozzle13.

Subsequently, operations of the vehicular cleaner system1are described with reference toFIGS.13to15.

As shown inFIGS.13and14, for example, when the rear washer button for cleaning the rear window200of the vehicle V is pushed, a rear washer signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU40to the motor pump12of the window washer device10and the controller4.

The motor pump12having received the rear washer signal pressure-feeds the cleaning liquid in the tank11to the nozzle13of the window washer device10, the nozzle3A of the inner mirror camera100A and the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B through the coupling hose15. The cleaning liquid pressure-fed to the nozzle13is sent from the coupling hose15to the ejection port14of the nozzle13and is sprayed toward the rear window200. The cleaning liquid pressure-fed to the nozzle3A passes through the tube path34A from the coupling hose15, is sent to the cleaning liquid ejection port31A, and is then sprayed toward the lens101A of the inner mirror camera100A. The cleaning liquid pressure-fed to the nozzle3B passes through the tube path34B from the coupling hose15, is sent to the cleaning liquid ejection port31B and is then sprayed toward the lens101B of the rearview camera100B.

Time T1for which the rear window200is to be washed on the basis of one rear washer signal can be arbitrarily set. Also, the washing of the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B based on one rear washer signal is implemented in synchronization with a cleaning operation of cleaning the rear window200. Therefore, the time for which the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B are to be washed becomes the same length as time T1for which the rear window200is to be washed (or control may be performed so that the time is to be different from time T1).

The controller4having received the rear washer signal transmits a high-pressure air generation signal for operating the high-pressure air generation unit2toward the control unit23after predetermined time T2has elapsed from completion of the cleaning of the rear window200, based on time T1for which the rear window200is washed. The control unit23operates the generation main body part22of the high-pressure air generation unit2to generate the high-pressure air, and delivers the generated high-pressure air toward the nozzle3A of the inner mirror camera100A and the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B.

The high-pressure air delivered to the nozzle3A passes through the coupling hose29A and the tube path35A from the ejection port51A of the cylinder50A, is sent to the high-pressure air ejection port32A, and is then sprayed toward the lens101A of the inner mirror camera100A. The high-pressure air delivered to the nozzle3B passes through the coupling hose29B and the tube path35B from the ejection port51B of the cylinder50B, is sent to the high-pressure air ejection port32B and is then sprayed toward the lens101B of the rearview camera100B. The spraying of the high-pressure air is implemented with delay time T2from completion of the cleaning of the rear window200by the cleaning liquid. Time T3for which the cleaning is to be performed by the high-pressure air can be arbitrarily set.

Also, as shown inFIGS.13and14, when the gear of the vehicle V is shifted to the reverse position, for example, a reverse signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU40to the controller4.

The controller4having received the reverse signal transmits a high-pressure air generation signal for operating the high-pressure air generation unit2toward the control unit23, after predetermined time T4has elapsed from the shift of the gear. The control unit23operates the generation main body part22of the high-pressure air generation unit2to generate a high-pressure air, and delivers the generated high-pressure air to the nozzle3A of the inner mirror camera100A and the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B.

The high-pressure air delivered to the nozzle3A and the nozzle3B is sprayed from the high-pressure air ejection port32A and the high-pressure air ejection port32B toward the respective camera lenses, like the case where the rear washer button is pushed. Time T5for which the cleaning is to be performed by the high-pressure air can be arbitrarily set. Like this, the spraying of the cleaning liquid may be sprayed toward the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B, depending on the change in shift position of the gear, without synchronizing with the spraying toward the rear window200. In the meantime, when the gear is shifted to the reverse position, the controller4may spray the high-pressure air only from the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B without spraying the high-pressure air from the nozzle3A of the inner mirror camera100A.

Also, as shown inFIGS.13and15, for example, when it is recognized that the lens101A of the inner mirror camera100A or the lens101B of the rearview camera100B is smudged, a camera smudge signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU40to the motor pump12of the window washer device10and the controller4. Whether the lens is smudged is recognized on the basis of the image data captured by each camera, for example.

The motor pump12having received the camera smudge signal pressure-feeds the cleaning liquid in the tank11to the nozzle3A of the inner mirror camera100A and the nozzle3B of the rearview camera100B through the coupling hose15. The pressure-fed cleaning liquid is sprayed from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A toward the lens101A of the inner mirror camera100A and from the cleaning liquid ejection port31B of the nozzle3B toward the lens101B of the rearview camera100B. In the meantime, when the camera smudge signal is transmitted, the cleaning of the rear window200is not implemented. In this case, for example, a flow path switching unit for switching a flow path of the cleaning liquid is provided on the way of the coupling hose15, and when the camera smudge signal is transmitted, the flow path switching unit is controlled to enable the cleaning liquid to flow toward only the nozzles3A,3B, thereby cleaning only the lenses101A,101B of the cameras100A,100B. Time T6for which the lenses101A,101B are to be cleaned on the basis of one camera smudge signal can be arbitrarily set.

The controller4having received the camera smudge signal transmit a high-pressure air generation signal for operating the high-pressure air generation unit2toward the control unit23, after predetermined time T2has elapsed from completion of the cleaning of the lenses101A101B based on time T6for which the lenses101A,101B are cleaned. The operations to be performed thereafter are the same as the case where the rear washer button is pushed and the rear washer signal is received, and the high-pressure air is sprayed from the high-pressure air ejection port32A and the high-pressure air ejection port32B toward the lens101A of the inner mirror camera100A and the lens101B of the rearview camera100B. The spraying of the high-pressure air is implemented with delay time T2from completion of the spraying of the lenses101A,101B by the spraying of the cleaning liquid.

Also, as shown inFIGS.13and15, for example, a camera washing button (an actuation switch) for cleaning the vehicle-mounted camera may be provided in the vehicle interior, the vehicle ECU40may determine whether the camera washing button is pushed, and the spraying of the cleaning liquid toward the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100E may be controlled. Specifically, when the camera washing button is pushed, a camera washing signal is transmitted from the vehicle ECU40to the motor pump12of the window washer device10and the controller4.

The operations of the motor pump12and the controller4having received the camera washing signal are the same as the operations of the motor pump12and the controller4, which are performed when the lens of the camera is recognized as being smudged and the camera smudge signal is received.

In the meantime, in the respective operations, when cleaning the inner mirror camera100A and the rearview camera100B, the two-type cleaning by the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the spraying of the high-pressure air is performed for both the cameras. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the two-type cleaning by the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the spraying of the high-pressure air may be performed for the inner mirror camera100A, and the cleaning only by the spraying of the high-pressure air may be performed for the rearview camera100B, and vice versa.

The vehicular cleaner system1configured as described above has the actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are to be sprayed toward the vehicle-mounted camera100and the actuation mode in which only the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the vehicle-mounted camera100, and can switch the modes by the controller. Therefore, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the vehicle-mounted camera100with the simple configuration.

Also, it is possible to switch the actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air are to be sprayed and the actuation mode in which only the high-pressure air is to be sprayed, depending on the type of the to-be-cleaned object.

Therefore, it is possible to clean a variety of the to-be-cleaned objects by the appropriate method. In this case, for example, the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air can be sprayed toward the inner mirror camera100A, which is to be operated while at least the engine is on, and the high-pressure air can be sprayed toward the rearview camera100B, which is to be operated when the gear is switched to the reverse position. Therefore, while securing the high cleaning ability for the inner mirror camera100A that is to be frequently used, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the motor pump12and the cleaning liquid.

Also, for example, when cleaning the inner mirror camera100A, the spraying of the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air ejection port32A can be initiated after the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A has been initiated. Therefore, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the inner mirror camera100A with the simple configuration.

Also, the actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from both the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A and the ejection port14of the nozzle13and the actuation mode in which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed from only one of the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the ejection port14are provided, and the modes can be switched by the controller. Therefore, the modes are switched depending on the situations, so that it is possible to suppress lowering in lifetime of the motor pump12and consumption of the cleaning liquid.

Also, for example, an actuation switch (camera washing button) that can be set by a driver may be provided in the vehicle interior, and when the actuation switch is on, the cleaning liquid may be sprayed toward the vehicle-mounted camera100. Therefore, it is possible to execute the spraying of the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air toward the vehicle-mounted camera100, depending on whether the driver turns on or off the actuation switch.

Also, for example, the spraying of the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air ejection port32A is initiated after time T2has elapsed from completion of the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A for the inner mirror camera100A. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid, which is to be sprayed from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A, from being introduced to the high-pressure air ejection port32A for the high-pressure air.

Also, the tank and the motor pump, which are used so as to spray the cleaning liquid toward the vehicle-mounted camera100, are used as the tank11and the motor pump12of the window washer device10for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the window of the vehicle, too. Therefore, the cleaning liquid that is to be used for the window washer device10can be used as the cleaning liquid for cleaning the vehicle-mounted sensor100and the like, too, so that it is possible to remove the foreign matters with the convenience configuration.

Also, for example, the nozzle3A mounted to the inner mirror camera100A has the cleaning liquid ejection port31A configured to spray the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air ejection port32A configured to spray the high-pressure air, which are independently provided. For this reason, the high-pressure air and the cleaning liquid are independently sprayed to the same to-be-cleaned object (the inner mirror camera100A), so that it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the to-be-cleaned object.

Also, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A of the nozzle3A is formed at the position more distant from the lens101A than the high-pressure air ejection port32A. For this reason, when cleaning the lens101A by using the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid of the cleaning liquid ejection port31A from being introduced upon the spraying of the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air ejection port32A. Also, the ejection angle θ1of the ejection path38A in the cleaning liquid ejection port31A is formed greater than the ejection angle θ2of the ejection path39A in the high-pressure air ejection port32A. For this reason, it is possible to widen a spraying area of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A arranged more distant from the lens101A than the high-pressure air ejection port32A.

Also, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A of the nozzle3A are aligned in parallel on the upper surface of the inner mirror camera100A, for example. For this reason, it is possible to downsize the nozzle3A. Also, the high-pressure air ejection port32A is arranged at the position facing the central part of the lens101A on the upper surface of the inner mirror camera100A. For this reason, the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to surrounding environments (for example, weather conditions such as wind) than the cleaning liquid, can be appropriately sprayed toward the lens101A. Also, the step33stepped in the upper and lower direction is formed between the cleaning liquid ejection port31A and the high-pressure air ejection port32A. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid, which is to be sprayed from the cleaning liquid ejection port31A, from being introduced into the high-pressure air ejection port32A for the high-pressure air.

Also, the cleaning liquid ejection port31A can be arranged so as to spray the cleaning liquid from a direction different from the spraying direction of the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air ejection port32A. In this case, it is possible to prevent the spraying of the high-pressure air and the spraying of the cleaning liquid from interfering with each other. For example, the high-pressure air ejection port32A may be arranged at a position at which the high-pressure air is to be sprayed toward the lens101A from one direction in the upper and lower direction, and the cleaning liquid ejection port31A may be arranged at a position at which the cleaning liquid is to be sprayed toward the lens101A from one direction in the right and left direction. In this case, the high-pressure air, which is more susceptible to the exterior air environment than the cleaning liquid, can be appropriately sprayed toward the cleaning surface.

Also, the high-pressure air generation unit2for generating the high-pressure air is provided with the two pistons60A,60B configured to be movable by the movement mechanism70and the cylinders50A,50B corresponding to the respective pistons, for the single drive unit80. For this reason, it is possible to effectively remove the foreign matters attached to the plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras100with the simple configuration.

Also, the movement mechanism70includes the single worm71configured to rotate by the single drive unit80and the two worm wheels72A,72B configured to rotate with being meshed with the worm71. For this reason, it is possible to form the high-pressure air generation unit2having a plurality of cylinders with the simple configuration.

Also, the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B are arranged at symmetrical positions about the drive shaft81of the drive unit80. For this reason, it is possible to thin the high-pressure air generation unit2and to cancel vibrations to be generated from the respective cylinders50A,50B upon the spraying of the high-pressure air. Also, since the drive unit80is interposed between the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B, it is possible to further miniaturize the high-pressure air generation unit2. Also, since the ejection port51A of the cylinder50A is formed to face toward the opposite direction to the ejection port51B of the cylinder, it is possible to further cancel the vibrations upon the spraying of the high-pressure air.

Also, the phase of the piston60A of the cylinder50A and the phase of the piston60B of the cylinder50B may be configured to be different from each other. In this case, it is possible to spray the high-pressure air toward the plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras100at different timings.

Also, the cylinders50A,50B and the housing90of the generation main body part22have engaging parts to be engaged with each other. For this reason, the cylinders50A,50B can be easily mounted to the housing90of the generation main body part22.

MODIFIED EMBODIMENTS

In the below, a first modified embodiment of the generation main body part22of the high-pressure air generation unit2is described with reference toFIG.16. In the meantime, since the parts denoted with the same reference numerals as the above embodiment have the same functions, the overlapping descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the generation main body part22(refer toFIG.8) of the above embodiment, the drive unit80is interposed between the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B. In contrast, as shown inFIG.16, in a generation main body part22A of the first modified embodiment, the drive unit80is arranged in front of the cylinder50A and the cylinder SOB. In the meantime, the configuration where the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B are arranged at the bilaterally symmetrical positions about the drive shaft81of the drive unit80is the same as the generation main body part22.

According to the above configuration, since the cylinder50A and the cylinder50B are arranged at the symmetrical positions, it is possible to cancel the vibrations that are to be generated upon the operations of the cylinders.

In the below, a second modified embodiment of the generation main body part22of the high-pressure air generation unit2is described with reference toFIGS.17A and17B. In the meantime, the overlapping descriptions of the parts denoted with the same reference numerals as the above embodiment are omitted, like the first modified embodiment.

In the generation main body part22(refer toFIG.8) of the above embodiment, the movement mechanism70includes the single worm71and the two worm wheels72A,72B. In contrast, in a generation main body part22B of the second modified embodiment, a movement mechanism70aincludes the single worm71and a single worm wheel72. The worm wheel72is configured by a driven gear73and pinions74A,74B aligned in parallel and protruding toward one side (for example, the upper side shown inFIG.17B) of the driven gear73. Gear teeth75a,75bof the pinions74A,74B are configured to mesh with the rack teeth63A,63B of the racks62A,62B. In the meantime, the two pinions74A,74B may be arranged to protrude laterally (for example, both sides in the upper and lower direction, inFIG.17B) from a central part of the driven gear73with the driven gear73being interposed therebetween.

As shown inFIG.17A, the two cylinders50A,50B are aligned in parallel with being adjacent to each other in the upper and lower direction, and the ejection ports51A,51B of the respective cylinders are provided to face toward the same direction (in this example, rightward). The single drive unit80is arranged at the left of the cylinders50A50B.

According to the above configuration, since it is possible to reduce a width of the generation main body part22B in the right and left direction, it is possible to miniaturize the high-pressure air generation unit2.

In the below, a modified embodiment of the nozzle3A,3B that are to be mounted to the vehicle-mounted camera100is described with reference toFIG.18. In the meantime, since the parts denoted with the same reference numerals as the above embodiment have the same functions, the overlapping descriptions thereof are omitted.

The nozzle3A (refer toFIGS.10to12) of the above embodiment is formed with the cleaning liquid ejection port31A configured to spray the cleaning liquid and the high-pressure air ejection port32A configured to spray the high-pressure air, as independent separate ejection ports. In contrast, as shown inFIG.18, a nozzle130of the modified embodiment is formed with one common ejection port131, as the ejection port configured to spray the cleaning liquid and the ejection port configured to spray the high-pressure air. In the nozzle130, a passage132A of the cleaning liquid and a passage132B of the high-pressure air are separately formed in parallel, and the ejection port131is formed at a center of end portions of both the passages.

According to the above configuration, the ejection port of the nozzle is configured by one ejection port, so that it is possible to miniaturize the nozzle130. Also, since it is possible to simplify the structure of the nozzle130, it is possible to easily manufacture the same.

In the meantime, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and improved. In addition, the materials, shapes, sizes, numerical values, forms, numbers, arrangement places and the like of the constitutional elements of the above embodiments are arbitrary and are not particularly limited inasmuch as the present invention can be implemented.

The subject application is based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2016-256292 filed on Dec. 28, 2016, 2016-256293 filed on Dec. 28, 2016-256294 filed on Dec. 28 and 2016-256295 filed on Dec. 28, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.