Abstract: A seat cushion adjusting apparatus includes: a nut support mechanism that supports a nut member on a frame of a seat cushion; and a variable mechanism that changes a length of the seat cushion based on an axial movement of a screw shaft screwed to the nut member, wherein the nut support mechanism allows the nut member and the screw shaft to be integrally tilted while restricting rotation of the nut member.

Abstract: A cable apparatus is disposed between a handle and an actuator to transmit movement of the handle to the actuator. The handle includes a handle housing defining a housing chamber and an operation lever supported by the handle housing so as to be pivotable about a first axis. The cable apparatus includes a case housed in the housing chamber, a cable having a first end disposed in the case and a second end connected to the actuator, and a link lever supported by the case so as to be pivotable about a second axis. The link lever is connected to the first end of the cable in the case, and is displaceable by pivoting the operation lever.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle having a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat back assembly is disclosed. The upwardly extending seat back assembly comprises a seat back frame and a head rest hood module attached to an upper portion of the seat back frame, the head rest hood module comprising a mount disposed proximate a lower rear edge of the head rest hood module. A decorative seat back rear panel module comprising a first seat back rear perimeter panel and a second seat back rear central panel is operably coupled with the first seat back rear perimeter panel to define a rear exterior surface area of the decorative seat back rear panel module, wherein an upper laterally transverse member of the first seat back rear perimeter panel is attached to the mount disposed on the head rest hood module.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle seat assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a preassembled front seatback module and a seatback frame. The method further includes assembling a seatback assembly by coupling the front seatback module to a preassembled rear seatback module around and interconnected to the seatback frame. The method further includes providing a preassembled seat module and pivotally coupling the seat module to the seatback assembly. The assembly method further includes coupling the seat module to a seat frame, and further coupling a preassembled headrest module to an upper portion of the seatback assembly.

Abstract: A simply structured vehicle seat with reduced number of parts includes a cap for covering an anchor storage recess which stores an anchor to be engaged with an engagement member attached to a child seat. The anchor storage recess includes a side part and a bottom part. A cap is provided for covering the anchor storage recess, and includes a flange part, a main body part, and a slit. The main body part has a dimension larger than an inner dimension of the side part of the anchor storage recess. The cap is detachably fitted with the anchor storage recess by engagement between the anchor and the slit and pressure contact between the side part of the anchor storage recess and the main body part of the cap, when the main body of the cap is inserted along the side part into the anchor storage recess.

Abstract: A mat for removable installation on the floor surface of a vehicle foot well has at least one through-hole for receiving a mat retention device. At least one endless elastomeric sealing member extends radially inwardly from a general sidewall surface of the through-hole. A grommet for the through-hole includes a bottom grommet and a cap. An outer sealing surface of the grommet compresses the elastomeric sealing member of the through-hole, thereby creating an impermeable barrier to water incident on an upper surface of the mat body. The mat body may have an endless ridge on its upper surface that is radially outwardly spaced from the through-hole and that is compressibly engaged by a lower surface of a cap retention flange.

Abstract: A dual functional robot for collecting rollable objects capable of a stable upright position and a stable horizontal position, in which the robot includes a way to propelling the robot; a way to controlling propulsion of the robot connected to provide commands to the means for propelling; a way to locating the rollable object connected to provide data to the way to controlling propulsion; means for collecting the rollable object; a way to storing the rollable object positioned to accept the rollable object from the way to collecting; a way to supporting the robot and allowing the robot to move across a surface in a low-friction manner; and a way to stably reorienting the robot from the horizontal position into the upright position.

Abstract: An elongated tub includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. An A-frame structure includes a force transfer vertex positioned adjacent to a top portion of the first end, a first pivot vertex pivotally and releasably coupled to an elongated frame, and a second pivot vertex pivotally and releasably coupled to the elongated frame. The A-frame structure includes a first force transfer beam coupled to the first end and coupled between the force transfer vertex and the first pivot vertex, a second force transfer beam coupled to the first end and coupled between the force transfer vertex and the second pivot vertex, and a separation beam coupled to the first pivot vertex and the second pivot vertex.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.

Abstract: A trajectory module is configured to determine a trajectory of a boat located in water behind a trailer that is hitched to a vehicle based on an image behind the vehicle captured using a rear facing camera of the vehicle. An illuminating module is configured to turn a right brake light of the vehicle ON and OFF when the trajectory of the boat is left of a longitudinal axis of the trailer and to turn a left brake light of the vehicle ON and OFF when the trajectory of the boat is right of the longitudinal axis of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening fixture for a motor vehicle, comprising a sheet metal part (7) on the car body and a U-shaped bracket (1) attached thereto that has a crossbar (2) with adjoining U-shaped legs (3) from the ends of which foot sections (5) extend at an angle and engage underneath the sheet metal part (7) on the car body and are especially welded to it. According to the invention, the sheet metal part (7) has cutouts (8) that are separate from each other and spaced at the same distance as the two U-shaped legs (3) of the bracket (1), and the foot sections (5) of the U-shaped legs (3) pass through said cutouts (8).

Abstract: A system for monitoring operating parameters of a moving vehicle comprises an aftermarket device adapted to be in electrical communication with at least one vehicle protocol data bus. The aftermarket device is adapted to be connected to, in communication with, or in control of aftermarket components such as fins, flaps, or suspension and steering components. The aftermarket device communicates with, and monitors communications from, vehicle electronic control modules. The aftermarket device monitors vehicle operating parameters or conditions to detect when vehicle stiffness or aerodynamic performance or efficiency may be usefully altered, and then alters one or more of those aftermarket components, for example, to reduce or increase vehicle drag, stiffness, or to obtain other benefits. In some embodiments, the aftermarket device is adapted to detect certain conditions and locations, and usefully alter the aftermarket components.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight with a laser light source (1), having at least on laser diode branch (Z) with at least one modulated laser diode (DL), wherein the laser beam (2) of the at least one laser diode can be directed in a scanning manner by means of a light scanner (7) onto a light conversion means (8) in order to generate a luminous image (11) on same, which is projected by means of an imaging system (12) as light image (11?) onto the road (13), as well as with a laser diode controller (3) and a processing unit (4) associated with same, which is supplied with sensor signals (s1 . . . sn) and which delivers a modulation signal (sm) for the laser diode controller, and with a controlled power supply (15) for the laser diode controller. The laser diode branch (Z) is bridged by a controlled parallel circuit (P) which is designed as a current controller with an analog controller (16, T2) of the laser diode controller (3) and the modulation signal (sm) is fed to the analog controller.

Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly that includes a power source; a light-producing assembly that is coupled to the power source, supported by a backing member and comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode sources; a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape over the light-producing assembly, wherein the shape is visible under ambient lighting; and a polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. Further, the sealing structure can comprise a design feature. In addition, the plurality of light-emitting diode sources can be dispersed in the light-producing assembly. The light-emitting diode sources can also be micro-sized elements comprising gallium nitride that are arranged on a positive electrode layer in the form of an ink.

Abstract: An auto turn signal system for activating a turn signal of a vehicle includes an electronic control unit, a processor, a non-transitory computer readable memory, a camera and a machine-readable instruction set. The camera automatically captures image data and transmits the image data to the electronic control unit. The machine-readable instruction set causes the processor to receive the image data from the camera, determine at least one of a driver head movement and a driver eye movement based on the image data, predict a change in a lane of travel from a current lane of travel to a predicted destination lane of travel, detect initiation of the change from the current lane of travel to the predicted destination lane of travel, and automatically activate the turn signal in response to detecting the initiation of the change from the current lane of travel to the predicted destination lane of travel.

Abstract: A turn signal switch device has a manipulation lever and a cancel lever that can advance and retract to and from the rotation path of a cancel protrusion, which is shaped like a sector and rotates together with a shaft. A cancel protrusion engaging part that engages a cancel protrusion is formed at the front end of the cancel lever. The cancel protrusion engaging part is disposed at a position offset from the lever body of the cancel lever in the axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A warning signal control system is equipped with an optical warning signal actuator, preferably the headlight flasher which is already available, an acoustic warning signal actuator for emitting a vehicle-external warning sound which differs from the conventional horn signal, at least one electronic control unit, and a single operating switch. The switch signal is an input signal of the control unit by which both the optical warning signal actuator as well as the acoustic warning signal actuator can be activated separately or together. In the process, the activation of the optical warning signal actuator and/or the acoustic warning signal actuator can be controlled at least depending on the vehicle speed when the operating switch is actuated. The operating switch is the operating element which is already provided for the conventional light flashing function and is used here in a multifunctional manner.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a body panel and a badge attached to the panel. The badge includes a substrate and a housing attached thereto that define a cavity therebetween. A reflective member is disposed within the cavity. A light source is disposed within the cavity and is configured to emit excitation light in a first direction to illuminate a viewable portion of the badge and in a second direction towards the reflective member. The reflective member redirects the light through a peripheral portion of the badge.

Abstract: The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a protective barrier that is adapted for use with the interior door control panel of an automobile door. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a transparent barrier that is placed on top of the interior door control panel for the purpose of protecting the plurality of individual controls. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a plastic shield that fits over the interior door control panel such that the control switches of the interior door control panel can be operated through the plastic shield. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel further illuminates the interior door control panel to simplify the operation of the interior door control panel. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel comprises a guard, a lighting system, and an adhesive.

Abstract: A visor assembly including a visor, a mirror attached to the visor a diffused light source, and a directional light source. The diffused light source and directional light sources are disposed in a modular housing that is removable from the mirror assembly. The diffused light source is powered by the vehicle electrical system. The directional light source is independently operable and powered by a separate rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A system includes a shell at least partially formed in a shape of a steering wheel and having a first layer and a second layer spaced apart from one another. The system further includes an LED coupled to the shell or the steering wheel. The system also includes a positive triboelectric material coupled to the first layer of the shell and that loses electrons in response to friction. The system further includes a negative triboelectric material coupled to the second layer of the shell and that gains electrons in response to friction. The system further includes an electrical connector coupled to the LED and at least one of the positive triboelectric material or the negative triboelectric material. Current flows through the electrical connector to illuminate the LED when force is being applied to the shell causing the positive triboelectric material to contact the negative triboelectric material.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a liftgate, a trim panel located on an interior side of the liftgate, and a rotary lamp assembly assembled on the trim panel. The rotary lamp assembly includes a rotary bezel and a lamp supported on the bezel, wherein the lamp assembly is rotatable about at least one axis to redirect light output from the lamp.

Abstract: A sound control apparatus includes a sound selector that selects a base sound corresponding to condition information of a vehicle, a filter generator that analyzes a sound of an object, generates one or more partial formant filters, and synthesizes the generated one or more partial formant filters to generate an integrated formant filter, and a sound controller that uses the generated integrated formant filter and the selected base sound to generate a driving sound.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting a replacement component of a device. The method includes detecting a first identifier of a device which includes at least one replaceable component, using a mobile terminal; detecting a second identifier of at least one replacement component, using the mobile terminal; transmitting the detected first and second identifiers to a computing device; generating a control signal based on the first and second identifiers; transmitting the generated control signal to the device; and controlling the device with the aid of the control signal.

Abstract: A system mounted on a vehicle for detecting an obstruction on a surface of a window of the vehicle, a primary camera is mounted inside the vehicle behind the window. The primary camera is configured to acquire images of the environment through the window. A secondary camera is focused on an external surface of the window, and operates to image the obstruction. A portion of the window, i.e. window region is subtended respectively by the field of view of the primary camera and the field of view of the secondary camera. A processor processes respective sequences of image data from both the primary camera and the secondary camera.

Abstract: A vehicular viewing device including a display section that displays an imaging result of a rear imaging section imaging behind a vehicle, and a controller that, when an warning target has been detected in the imaging result, controls the display section such that a predetermined warning image is displayed in a region outside a predetermined field of view required range in a captured image expressed by the imaging result.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system is provided herein. A plurality of imaging devices is configured to capture rear-vehicle images. A controller is configured to receive output from each imaging device. The controller processes the output from each imaging device to track a number of trailer features. The controller determines a confidence score for the output of each imaging device. The confidence score is determined based on the number of trailer features being tracked and a tracking quality of each trailer feature. The controller also determines a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer based on the output associated with whichever imaging device yielded the highest confidence score.

Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit configured to supply the image capture unit with control signals, and an image reproduction unit configured to be disposed in the vehicle interior. At least one of the supply unit and the image capture unit is configured to perform video processing of the images captured by the image capture unit. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces separated from each other with respect to their sealing and are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit. The image capture unit is disposed in a water-vapor-tight housing, and a heating element may be integrated into the image capture unit, the heating element being controlled by the supply unit and being coupled to at least one of temperature detecting elements and vehicle control elements.

Abstract: The vehicle surveillance system is installed in a vehicle and includes a camera housing that is positioned at a topmost surface of the vehicle. The camera housing includes a plurality of cameras that are directed at differing angles with respect to one another. The plurality of cameras are directed away from the camera housing in order to provide a full 360 degrees of video footage around the vehicle. The camera housing is slideably engaged with respect to a second housing that is affixed to the vehicle. A rack-and-pinion gearing system enables the camera housing to extend and retract vertically with respect to the second housing. The plurality of cameras is wired to a video recording member that is located elsewhere with respect to said vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle side step has a running board with a slot in its back side through which bolts extend to clamp an insert and a base of a vehicle mounting bracket to the running board. A tubular top frame extends around the outer side of top step plate and has opposing ends fastened to the running board with the top step plate fastened to the running board and top frame member to form a top step. A second step support frame has two connector plates that bolt to a bottom side of the running board through slots in that bottom side. The second step support frame extends outward and downward from the connector plates to provide a lower support to which a lower step plate is fastened to form a lower step. A top step support extends upward from the second step support frame and connects to the bottom of the top step plate.

Abstract: An integrated running board and side skirt system is provided for a motor vehicle. That system includes a combined running board and side skirt and a control module. The control module includes a controller configured to displace the combined running board and side skirt between a stowed position, a running board position and an aero-skirt position depending up on a number of data inputs. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided for a cargo area of a motor vehicle. The cargo management system includes a first mounting element on a first side wall of the cargo area and a second mounting element on a second side wall of the cargo area. Further, the cargo management system includes a partition. The partition includes a plurality of retractable mounting pins displaceable between a retracted position for removing the partition from the first and second mounting elements and an extended position for engaging the partition with the first and second mounting elements.

Abstract: A vehicle garment hanger assembly is provided. The vehicle garment hanger assembly includes a housing mounted on a vehicle, a fixed garment hanger extending forward of the housing, a first retractable garment hanger connected to the housing and rotatable to a deployed position, and a second retractable garment hanger connected to the housing and rotatable to a deployed position.

Abstract: A ladder locking system that secures an extension ladder to an accessory rack mounted to a vehicle to define a secured position is provided. The secured ladder is prevented from moving fore or aft relative to the rack. The secured ladder is also prevented from moving laterally relative to the rack and vehicle by the downwardly directed force and engagement provided by the locking system. The locking system is movable to a released position wherein the ladder is not engaged by the locking system and thus can be removed from the ladder rack by an operator. An intermediate position occurs when the operator actuates the locking system between the secured and released positions depending upon whether the ladder is being readied for securement in the rack or being readied for removal from the rack.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a tire tread collection device is provided which may be coupled to any vehicle preferably having one or more tires. The device may include one or more vertical supports which may be coupled to a debris screen. The debris screen may have a first end, with a collection aperture, and a second end. The first end and collection aperture may be positioned behind and proximate to one or more tires of a vehicle. Preferably, the device may include a first vertical support and a second vertical support which may each be coupled to opposite sides of the collection aperture and which may also be coupled to an opposing side of the vehicle so that one or more tires are positioned approximately between the vertical supports. Tire debris thrown from the tires may enter the debris screen through the collection aperture of the first end and be retained therein between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A bike carrier mounted on a drawbar for a trailer hitch receiver via a pivot mechanism that allows the carrier to pivot between an operational horizontal position and a compact vertical position. A slidable trigger bar extends from the pivot mechanism to the back of the carrier. Pulling the trigger bar from the back of the carrier releases the pivot mechanism, providing a convenient operating position. One or more add-on bike carrying tray assemblies may be attached to a first bike carrying tray assembly on the drawbar to hold multiple bikes. Each add-on tray assembly may have a respective slidable trigger bar that latches onto the trigger bar of the previous tray assembly. A pull on the trigger bar of the last add-on assembly releases the pivot mechanism. This operates the pivot mechanism from the back of the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle having a space filling panel including a polystyrene layer, a polyurethane layer, and a polyethylene cover where the polyethylene cover forms a vacuum sealed space. The polystyrene layer and the polyurethane layer are both positioned in the polyethylene cover's vacuum sealed space. In another embodiment, a space filling panel for a vehicle includes a polystyrene layer comprising a plurality of polyurethane chips. The polystyrene layer having the plurality of polyurethane chips is enclosed in a vacuum sealed space formed by a polyethylene cover.

Abstract: A communication system includes a control device and a plurality of electric units configured to be connected to the control device respectively to communicate with each other, and each of the plurality of electric units having a unique identifier. Each of the plurality of electric units comprises a resistor configured to set the corresponding identifiers. The respective resistors of the plurality of electric units are connected to each other in series to form a setting circuit. The control device is configured to determine the corresponding identifiers of the plurality of respective electric units based on magnitudes of respective voltages applied to the plurality of respective resistors in the setting circuit, and to send signals indicating the determined identifiers to the plurality of electric units, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for an interior vehicle compartment comprises a seat adapted for moving in a travel direction and a console coupled to the movable seat. The console may include one or more of the following: (a) a collapsible portion for collapsing as a body portion of the console travels with the movable seat in the travel direction; (b) a stepped interface for connecting with the movable seat; (c) a rear drawer with a tiltable door to facilitate access by rear passengers; and (d) a deployable holder for a mobile handheld computer. A stationary base may also be provided for supporting the console during movement, such as along guide rails, which base may contain HVAC components, such as ducts, or electronic components, such as wires. Instead of a mechanical connection using a stepped interface, the coupled movement may also be achieved by commonly controlled motors for the seat and console.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed for detecting positions of two at least partially ferritic components that can move relative to one another, namely a stationary component and a component that can move lengthwise along a longitudinal extension of the stationary component, which are mounted right next to one another. The sensor system can include a Hall sensor and a preloaded magnet, eliminating flux concentrators and shielding sheets. The Hall sensor and the preloaded magnet are arranged along a longitudinal extension of the movable component such that relative movement of the two components is detected by monitoring a free longitudinal end of the stationary component.

Abstract: A vehicle device for protecting passengers from being thrown out is disposed at an inner side of a window of a vehicle. The vehicle device includes two rail units disposed at two opposing sides of the window and a block unit disposed between the rail units. The block unit is connected with a drive unit. The drive unit is connected with a control unit. When the control unit detects that the vehicle is about to roll, the control unit will actuate the drive unit to drive the block unit so that the block unit is rapidly unfolded to block the entire window. Thereby, when the vehicle is rolling, the vehicle device can effectively protect the passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle, improving the safety of the vehicle greatly.

Abstract: An airbag system includes an airbag having a main portion having a first periphery. The main portion is inflatable in an inflation direction to a first thickness. An extension extends from the main portion and has a second periphery spaced from the first periphery. The extension is inflatable in the inflation direction to a second thickness. The first periphery and the second periphery define a gap therebetween. A depression is disposed between the main portion and the extension at the gap and the depression has a third thickness in the inflation direction less than the first thickness and the second thickness. The extension and the depression may receive a head of an occupant during an oblique impact, in which the head of the occupant may avoid the main portion of the airbag.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle holding apparatus configured to receive and retain a female portion of a seat belt buckle so as to provide improved access thereto when adjacent a child booster seat. The seat belt buckle holding apparatus includes a housing being rectangular in shape having an exterior wall. The housing includes an upper end and a lower end. A central passage is centrally formed in the housing and extends intermediate the upper end and the lower end. The central passage includes an interior wall wherein the interior wall has gripping members formed thereon. The gripping members extend substantially the length of the central passage and are tapered in shape having a greater width proximate the upper end of the housing.

Abstract: An adjustment device has a frame, a guide, a holding bar, a connector, and a manipulating unit. The frame has a holding inclined surface. The guide has two guiding slots extending longitudinally. The holding bar is disposed in and is movable along the guiding slots. The holding bar and the holding inclined surface clamp the webbing of the seat belt. The connector is mounted around the frame and is connected to the webbing. The manipulating unit is slidably mounted around the connector and has a pushing portion formed on a back side of the front slat and disposed under the holding bar and in front of the holding inclined surface. The adjustment device is to connect the webbing's second segment that is positioned vertically and clamp the webbing's first segment that is fastened obliquely on a user, and is simply operated by stepless adjustment to enhance comfort and safety.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a seat belt system comprises a pinion (10) pivoted about an axis of rotation A which is adapted to be coupled to a best reel of a belt retractor, a drive unit, a force transmission element (12) and a guide means. By activating the drive unit the force transmission element (12) is moved along the guide means so that it engages in the pinion (10). The guide means includes a portion (16) which is deformable in a direction x perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the pinion (10) and to the direction of movement y of the force transmission element (12).

Abstract: An apparatus, including a memory which stores information regarding a limitation or restriction for allowing or prohibiting a control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding a vehicle or a premises, a first controller located remote from the vehicle or premises, which is specially programmed to perform the control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding the vehicle or premises. The first controller receives a first signal transmitted from a second controller. The first signal contains information regarding a control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding the vehicle or premises. The second controller is located at a location remote from the first controller and remote from the vehicle or premises. The first controller determines, utilizing the information regarding the limitation or restriction, whether the control, monitoring, or security, operation, is allowed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer system, and a computer program product for vehicle software security associated with a vehicle. The present invention may include collecting vehicle data from the vehicle. The present invention may also include collecting mobile device data from an authorized mobile device associated with an authorized operator. The present invention may then include comparing the collected vehicle data with the collected mobile device data. The present invention may further include determining that the collected vehicle data does not match the collected mobile device data. The present invention may include also sending an alert message to a security control application based on determining that the collected vehicle data does not match the collected mobile device data.

Abstract: In the case of a windshield wiper system with two opposite wipers 1, 2, 4, 5 and two reversing motors 6, 7, the risk of a collision of the wipers can be diminished greatly in that a defined phase displacement is generated between the wiping movements of the two wipers, which are driven in a reversing manner, with the aid of the lever mechanism 8 associated with the reversing motors, and said phase displacement is arranged so that the one wiper is leading relative to the other wiper in the first wiping direction and lagging in the second wiping direction.

Abstract: An adapter with flexible tongues for wiper systems is disclosed. The adapter has retractable locking buttons, each fixed to the end of a flexible tongue, that are disposed facing each other so that their respective tongues move toward each other on insertion of said adapter in said end fitting, said tongues being disposed so as to cross over during insertion of said adapter in said end fitting.

Abstract: An air passage and two lines of cleaning liquid paths are provided in a nozzle, and the air passage is bifurcated into two lines of distal end portions. A secondary tank is provided upstream of the cleaning liquid paths. A distal end portion of a cleaning liquid path and the distal end portion of the air passage are merged. When a compressed air is supplied to the air passage, the resulting air flow makes the inside of the secondary tank to be negative pressure. Thus, the cleaning liquid can be made into the form of a mist, and is suctioned, and the cleaning liquid in the form of a mist and the compressed air are mixed, whereby it is possible to clean a lens surface and to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid used.