Improving the surface properties of arthropod barriers

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera. This makes it possible to keep arthropods (such as crustaceans, millipedes, jawed animals (including arachnids), and hexapods (including insects) away from the camera's optical components, preventing them from being covered or contaminated by the arthropods themselves.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera. This makes it possible to keep arthropods (such as crustaceans, millipedes, mandibles (including arachnids), and hexapods (including insects) away from the camera's optical components, preventing them from being covered or contaminated by the arthropods themselves. background

[0002] The use of cameras is widespread for animal observation purposes because, on the one hand, the presence of humans would drive away many shy animals or at least significantly disturb their behavior and, on the other hand, cameras can provide insight into small animal dwellings that are otherwise very difficult or even impossible to access for observation.

[0003] To ensure an unobstructed view of the camera, the optical components must always be kept free of dirt or small creatures that could crawl over the camera. For example, when observing birds in nesting boxes, it's often the case that bird mites, which are common in wild birds, crawl over the camera, contaminating the camera lens and obscuring it. This significantly degrades the image captured by the camera, requiring cleaning. This should definitely be avoided during the nesting season. State of the art

[0004] A proven method of warding off microorganisms such as arthropods is to provide a barrier in the form of a net with meshes large enough to prevent arthropods from passing through.

[0005] For example, WO 2019 / 207250 A1 describes a protective screen for use against arthropods, which comprises a film with a core made of glass or plastic material. The core is at least partially transparent. Furthermore, a plurality of ventilation holes are provided, which are designed to prevent arthropods from passing through. The ventilation holes are designed so that a gaseous fluid, such as air, can flow through the screen while optimizing light transmission. While such a device could also directly protect the optical components of a camera if used accordingly, this does not prevent the arthropods from walking on the protective screen into the area in front of the optical components and leaving contaminants there, which could still adversely affect the camera's view.

[0006] JP H09 - 230 494 A takes a different approach to protecting a camera's optical components from contamination. This describes a method and a device for protecting the lens of a camera, wherein the lens is protected by a transparent protective film wound on rotating rollers. A light sensor behind the film detects the incidence of light through the transparent protective film, thereby determining the degree of contamination of the film based on the incident light. Once it reaches a certain degree of contamination, the protective film is moved further with the help of the rollers so that fresh, uncontaminated film reaches the lens. The disadvantage here is that the device is complex and has mechanical components which, when moved, can startle the animals being observed, thus negating the advantage of a camera for animal observation.

[0007] WO 2017 / 076 877 A1 operates according to the same principle and describes a protective arrangement for a camera lens, comprising a housing that can be attached to a camera or is designed to receive it, the housing having a window providing a viewing opening for a lens of the camera. Furthermore, an elongated transparent band is provided, which is mounted within the housing so as to be displaceable longitudinally over the window to define a renewable viewing area through which the camera lens receives an image. A disadvantage here, too, is that the device has a complex structure and comprises mechanical components. Furthermore, it cannot be designed compactly, since the entire camera must be enclosed by the protective arrangement; otherwise, the arthropods would simply walk around the protective arrangement and the protective effect would be lost.

[0008] US 5,223,880 A discloses a camera accessory that is intended to ensure that the outer surface of a lens system or a transparent accessory remains clean and free of droplets. The accessory consists of a housing, a cylindrical housing opening whose diameter is greater than or equal to the diameter of the lens, a rotatably mounted transparent protective element that closes the housing opening, a motor for rotating the protective element, and a connecting element for attaching the accessory to the camera so that the housing opening is aligned with the lens. The protective element, which is arranged in front of the lens, is rotated by the motor, and by utilizing centrifugal force, the surface of the protective element is kept free of dirt. This is intended to make it possible to take sharp photos even in adverse weather conditions.Advantageously, the connecting element is attached to the inner ring of a ball bearing, thus ensuring no restriction of the lens's rotational movement. The outer ring of the ball bearing is mounted in the outer surface of the housing opening.

[0009] A surveillance camera comprising a housing, a camera, an electric insect screen, and a power supply device is disclosed in DE 20 2005 010 496 U1. The electric insect screen is formed by a power conduction device that is intended to conduct electrical current and can be attached to the outside of the housing, so that the power conduction device delimits a specific area of ​​the surveillance camera and, by means of electrical current, prevents insects from moving into the delimited area via the power conduction device. The power supply device is electrically connected to the power conduction device in an electrical circuit and is suitable for supplying the power conduction device with electrical current. If insects come into contact with the power conduction device, they trigger a short circuit in the circuit and are thus exposed to an electrical voltage.This shocks the insects, preventing them from moving further on the surveillance camera's housing, especially in the lens area. To detect a short circuit, the power supply device should include a test device suitable for short-circuit testing. Upon detection of a short circuit, the electrical current in the circuit should be automatically shut off and only reactivated when the test device determines that the short circuit has been resolved. Several variants of the current-conducting device are disclosed.

[0010] CN 1 15 753 756 A discloses an optical monitoring unit comprising a housing consisting of several walls and an interior space enclosed by these walls, an opening located in one of the walls, and a movable panel providing access to the interior space. Furthermore, the invention includes a lighting arrangement provided in the interior space and used to project light onto the opening, a recording device comprising an image receiving lens and placed in optical communication with the opening in the interior space, which may, for example, be a camera, a storage device for storing the recorded image data, and a control unit electrically connected to the recording device and the storage device.The closed structure of the monitoring unit and the translucent material that closes the opening in a wall ensure that, despite creating an insurmountable barrier for insects, for example, the camera lens remains clean and images can be taken at the same time. Task

[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, which overcomes the disadvantages of the above-mentioned prior art, is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, has a compact shape and at the same time dispenses with mechanical components. Solution

[0012] The above-mentioned object is achieved by an arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to the features of claim 1. An arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera is described, comprising at least one barrier frame that can be attached concentrically to or to a lens on a camera, wherein the at least one barrier frame has a surface impassable for arthropods. The at least one barrier frame has, at least in sections, a mineral-based coating and / or consists of a mineral-based material.

[0013] The at least one barrier frame serves to protect the camera lens in such a way that small animals, especially arthropods, cannot walk over the front lens. This prevents the arthropods from bringing dirt onto the lens or its front lens, and also prevents the image captured by the camera from being obscured by the arthropods themselves. The at least one barrier frame is positioned on the camera in such a way that the arthropods cannot bypass it.

[0014] The mineral-based coating of the at least one barrier frame can advantageously contribute to the insurmountability of the at least one arthropod barrier by creating a particularly smooth, flat and thus slippery surface for the arthropods, which offers them little grip.

[0015] Due to the advantageous slippery properties of the coating, the particularly smooth surface of the at least one barrier frame in particular represents an obstacle for arthropods. The arthropods thus slide off the surface of the at least one barrier frame and are therefore unable to penetrate into the area delimited by the at least one barrier frame.

[0016] Advantageously, the particularly flat surface can help prevent arthropods from gaining a foothold on the surface of the at least one barrier frame of the at least one arthropod barrier. This prevents them from clinging to grooves or other uneven surfaces on the at least one barrier frame with their feet or other body parts, and thus prevents them from penetrating the area delimited by the at least one barrier frame.

[0017] Advantageously, the at least one barrier frame is formed from a mineral-based material. The mineral-based material advantageously has a particularly smooth and even surface. Advantageously, the mineral-based material has slippery properties, which make the surface of the at least one barrier frame appear smoother and further complicate its passage for arthropods.

[0018] Advantageously, the mineral can be a metal and / or a carbide and / or a carbon. Graphite powder is particularly advantageous.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least one barrier frame can be made of a plastic. Particularly advantageously, the plastic can be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polylactide (PLA), or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one barrier frame can be made of plastic. Particularly advantageously, the at least one barrier frame can have a coating according to the invention.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera are recited in the subclaims. Thus, in one advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the at least one barrier frame is a barrier ring. The barrier ring has a ring shape. This simultaneously represents the simplest embodiment of the at least one barrier frame, which in this case is designed as a circular ring. However, it is also conceivable for the at least one barrier frame to have an angular, i.e., polyhedral shape. Rounded corners are also conceivable. Instead of a round shape, an oval shape can also be provided. In any case, the at least one barrier frame has a closed outer shape with a recess in the center, wherein the recess in the center is at least large enough for the camera lens to fit through.The closed shape ensures that arthropods cannot bypass the at least one barrier frame, but must pass through it if they want to get into the interior of the at least one barrier frame.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the at least one barrier frame has at least one adhesive surface with which the at least one barrier frame can be adhered concentrically to or to a lens on the camera.

[0023] This allows the at least one barrier frame to be attached to the camera or its lens particularly easily and quickly. The adhesive surface is advantageously designed as a double-sided adhesive tape having the shape of the at least one barrier frame. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the adhesive surface to consist of applied adhesive, via which the at least one barrier frame can be adhered to the camera or its lens. In any case, the adhesive surface forms a tight connection between the at least one barrier frame and the camera or lens, which connection is impassable for arthropods. This means that when adhered, no small gaps or crevices remain between the at least one barrier frame and the camera or lens.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the at least one barrier frame has a smooth surface. The smooth surface has the effect that arthropods cannot adhere to the surfaces, but rather slide off them, preventing them from passing through this surface. Arthropods cannot move on smooth surfaces. Smooth here refers to a surface quality that corresponds, for example, to that of flat glass or an enameled surface. The smooth surface described here advantageously has a mean roughness value of R a ≤ 0.8 µm, advantageous R a ≤ 0.4 µm, even more advantageous R a ≤ 0.2 µm, particularly advantageous R a ≤ 0.1 µm, particularly advantageous R a ≤ 0.05 µm or particularly advantageous R a ≤ 0.025 µm.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the at least one barrier frame is formed from a material with non-stick properties or has a non-stick coating with a material with non-stick properties.

[0026] The background to this is that arthropods attach themselves to surfaces with their legs, which is why they are able to walk on vertical walls or upside down on ceilings without falling. This adhesion is achieved via a large number of small hairs on the legs, which provide an increased contact area with the surface, which strengthens surface adhesion in the form of van der Waals forces. Adhesion is therefore achieved through what is known as adhesion to the surface. Materials with non-stick properties form surfaces that only allow very weak adhesion forces. The reason for this can be, for example, non-polar compounds on the surface of the material with non-stick properties, which also leads to low wettability of the material. Such materials are usually hydrophobic. Water, for example, beads up very easily on such materials.The lower adhesion forces mean that even arthropods have difficulty, or even fail, to adhere to materials with non-stick properties, slipping when walking over them. This results in the feature of the at least one barrier frame that makes it insurmountable for arthropods. When arthropods attempt to enter the at least one barrier frame, they slip due to the non-stick properties and cannot adhere to the surface of the barrier frame, making it insurmountable for them. As a result, the camera lens, which is surrounded by the at least one barrier frame, remains protected from arthropods, and the camera or lens remains free of dirt and arthropods inside the barrier frame.

[0027] The class of insects (Insecta) belongs to the phylum Arthropoda. Insects also have a so-called arolium on their feet, which allows them to create a film of fluid on smooth surfaces, increasing the adhesion between the foot and the surface. If the surface has very low wettability, an additional film of fluid does not help with adhesion, and the insects slide off.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the material with non-stick properties is made of fluoroplastic. Fluoroplastic is a plastic based on so-called fluorocarbons, which forms a non-polar surface with these, resulting in the excellent non-stick properties of fluoroplastics. At the same time, fluoroplastics have a low coefficient of friction. This means that hardly any or no van der Waals forces can occur on the surface of fluoroplastics, which is why adhesion based on adhesive forces is non-existent or only minimal. The wettability of fluoroplastics is extremely low, so liquids simply bead up and roll off them. Due to the fact that hardly any or no van der Waals forces occur on the surface of fluoroplastics, arthropods cannot adhere to them with their legs or feet and simply slide off.They cannot overcome obstacles made of fluoroplastics.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the fluoroplastic is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene is also widely known under the trade name Teflon® from DuPont®. Polytetrafluoroethylene is very non-polar and therefore also anti-adhesive. This means that other substances or materials cannot adhere to polytetrafluoroethylene and simply slide or bead off. Thus, the legs of arthropods cannot find a grip on surfaces made of polytetrafluoroethylene and simply slide off. Movement on this material is therefore impossible for arthropods. At the same time, polytetrafluoroethylene has very good sliding properties, which further allows the legs of arthropods to slide off.

[0030] It is also conceivable that other fluoroplastics could be used instead of polytetrafluoroethylene. The fluorocarbon could also be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polyfluoroethylenepropene (FEP), or poly[tetrafluoroethyleneperfluoro(alkoxyvinylether)], simply referred to as perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the surface of the at least one barrier frame that is impassable for arthropods is impregnated with an arthropod-repelling biocide. As a result, the arthropods would absorb the active ingredient of the biocide upon walking over it and thereby die. The arthropods would simply die upon attempting to overcome the at least one barrier frame and would not reach the interior of the at least one barrier frame. As a result, the inner region of the at least one barrier frame and the camera lens arranged therein remain free of contamination from the arthropods and the arthropods themselves.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the arthropod barrier has a carrier ring for plugging onto a lens on the camera, wherein the at least one barrier ring can be attached to the carrier ring. In this way, the at least one barrier ring can be quickly and easily attached to the lens of the camera. The carrier ring forms a holder for the at least one barrier ring. The carrier ring is also designed such that it can be plugged onto the lens of the camera, wherein the carrier ring has an inner diameter which essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the lens. Essentially means here that small fitting tolerances, as is customary in the art, are provided so that a press fit is formed. In this way, a plug-in connection is formed between the carrier ring and the lens. The carrier ring forms the connection between the camera and the lens.The camera lens and at least one barrier ring are connected. In this embodiment, the arthropod barrier is formed in two parts.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the support ring has an outer side with a radially circumferential groove into which the at least one barrier ring can be arranged concentrically to the support ring. The at least one barrier ring is mounted on a rim like a tire by pressing the at least one barrier ring over the outer edge of the support ring and snapping it into the radially circumferential groove. The radially circumferential groove prevents the at least one barrier ring from slipping laterally off the support ring.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the at least one barrier ring is force-locked to the carrier ring by means of a press fit. The at least one barrier ring is thus held force-locked to the carrier ring in the form of a press fit. The at least one barrier ring has an inner diameter which essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the radially circumferential groove on the outside of the carrier ring. Essentially means that small fit tolerances, as is customary in the art, are provided so that a press fit is formed. Due to the press fit, the at least one barrier ring sits firmly on the carrier ring, ensuring a permanent and secure hold.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the support ring is black. This has the advantage that the black color of the support ring absorbs incoming light, resulting in less light scattering into the camera or lens. This reduces interference with the captured image and improves image quality.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the carrier ring is also made of a material with non-stick properties or has a non-stick coating with a material with non-stick properties; in an advantageous embodiment, the carrier ring is designed analogously to the previously described barrier frame.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, it is provided that the arthropod barrier is a sleeve which can be plugged onto a lens of a camera and is made of a material with non-stick properties or has a non-stick coating with a material with non-stick properties.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the surface impassable for arthropods is an adhesive surface that forms an adhesive barrier for arthropods. Upon stepping onto the adhesive surface, arthropods inevitably adhere to it due to the adhesive force of the adhesive surface and can no longer move. This prevents them from entering the interior of at least one barrier frame, and the camera or the camera lens remains free of dirt and arthropods themselves.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, at least one barrier frame is heatable. A temperature higher than the ambient temperature causes arthropods to die. Temperatures above the coagulation point of protein are sufficient. Every living organism consists of proteins and dies as soon as they coagulate. If arthropods walk over the at least one barrier frame and are heated accordingly, they die in a very short time. The advantage here is that this method requires no chemicals and is very environmentally friendly.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, the coating of the at least one barrier frame can be applied by tumbling and / or material application and / or material introduction. The surface of the at least one barrier frame is ground smooth.

[0041] Advantageously, the at least one barrier frame is tumbling together with a mineral-based material. Furthermore, fine abrasive media and small polishing balls and / or polishing pins, for example made of stainless steel, are used. For tumbling, the at least one barrier frame, the mineral-based material, the fine abrasive media and the small polishing balls and / or polishing pins are placed in a polishing drum. Therein, they are advantageously tumbling and / or ground smooth for several hours. Advantageously, the mineral can be a metal and / or a carbide and / or a carbon. Graphite powder is particularly advantageously used. The tumbling time is particularly advantageously eleven to thirteen hours.

[0042] Advantageously, a mineral-based material is applied to the at least one barrier frame. This advantageously smooths out any unevenness in the surface of the at least one barrier frame. Advantageously, the mineral can be a metal and / or a carbide and / or a carbon. Graphite powder is particularly advantageously used. Subsequently, the surface of the at least one barrier frame is advantageously ground smooth. This particularly advantageously results in a smooth and even surface.

[0043] Advantageously, a mineral-based material is applied to the at least one barrier frame. This advantageously smooths out any unevenness in the surface of the at least one barrier frame. Advantageously, the mineral can be a metal and / or a carbide and / or a carbon. Graphite powder is particularly advantageously used. Subsequently, the surface of the at least one barrier frame is advantageously ground smooth. This particularly advantageously results in a smooth and even surface.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an image recording device is provided that has at least one arthropod barrier according to the invention. The at least one arthropod barrier is arranged around the lens or in the front area of ​​the image recording device, or as a frame sealingly enclosing the image recording device on the sides. Furthermore, the at least one arthropod barrier is designed to be detachably or permanently connected to the image recording device.

[0045] This allows the at least one arthropod barrier to have a wider range of applications and thus be more flexible in its use. The composition of the coating can be adapted to the specific application, which is particularly advantageous.

[0046] Advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier can be retrofitted to existing image recording devices. Particularly advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier can be retrofitted to existing lenses. This makes the at least one arthropod barrier particularly user-friendly and environmentally friendly. Therefore, there is no need to purchase new equipment, which can generally be very costly, to use the at least one arthropod barrier.

[0047] Advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier seals the image recording device at its sides. This prevents arthropods from penetrating and / or passing through gaps. Particularly advantageously, the accumulation and / or penetration of water and / or dirt into and / or along gaps can be prevented. This increases the service life of the individual components, such as the at least one image recording device and / or the at least one arthropod barrier. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to replace or renew them.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is permanently connected to the image recording device. This ensures that the at least one arthropod barrier is always firmly attached to the image recording device. Furthermore, it can be ensured that no arthropods can overcome the barrier by shifting it.

[0049] Particularly advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is detachably connected to the image recording device. Thus, a plurality of image recording devices and / or lenses can be equipped with one arthropod barrier.

[0050] Particularly advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is screwed and / or bolted to the at least one image recording device and / or the at least one lens. This ensures a secure fit of the at least one arthropod barrier and allows it to be removed at any time.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a camera according to the invention is provided, which has at least one arthropod barrier according to the invention. The at least one arthropod barrier is arranged around the lens or in the front area of ​​the camera, or as a frame sealingly enclosing the camera on the sides. Furthermore, the at least one arthropod barrier is designed to be detachably or permanently connected to the camera.

[0052] This allows the at least one arthropod barrier to be advantageously retrofitted to existing cameras. The at least one arthropod barrier can be particularly advantageously retrofitted to existing lenses. This makes the at least one arthropod barrier particularly user-friendly and environmentally friendly. Therefore, there is no need to purchase new equipment, which can generally be very costly, to use the at least one arthropod barrier.

[0053] Advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier seals the camera along its sides. This prevents arthropods from penetrating and / or passing through gaps. Particularly advantageously, the accumulation and / or penetration of water and / or dirt into and / or along gaps can be prevented. This increases the service life of the individual components, such as the at least one camera and / or the at least one arthropod barrier. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to replace or renew them.

[0054] Advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is permanently connected to the camera. This ensures that the at least one arthropod barrier is always firmly attached to the camera. Furthermore, it can be ensured that no arthropods can overcome the barrier by shifting it.

[0055] Particularly advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is detachably connected to the camera. This allows a variety of cameras and / or lenses to be equipped with one arthropod barrier.

[0056] Particularly advantageously, the at least one arthropod barrier is screwed and / or bolted to the at least one camera and / or the at least one lens. This ensures a secure fit of the at least one arthropod barrier and allows it to be removed at any time.

[0057] Furthermore, a method for producing an arthropod barrier according to the invention is provided, which provides for the production of the at least one arthropod barrier as follows: a. Machining or additive manufacturing of the ring blanks b. Machining of the ring blanks c. Coating of the ring blanks by tumbling using the mineral and / or applying the mineral material and / or introducing the mineral material d. Smoothing the surface of at least one arthropod barrier

[0058] Particularly during the production of the ring blanks under a., it is important to ensure a certain allowance known to the expert, as this allows for the compensation of fundamental unevenness and / or manufacturing tolerances, particularly during additive manufacturing of the ring blanks, through the subsequent machining of the same under b. A particularly small allowance is particularly advantageous in order to minimize material waste and thus reduce the manufacturing costs of the arthropod barrier.

[0059] Advantageously, the connection of the at least one carrier ring to the at least one barrier ring can be introduced and / or reworked through machining. This ensures an optimal fit. This is particularly advantageous when using an exemplary thread to connect the at least one carrier ring to the at least one barrier ring.

[0060] Advantageously, the coating of the ring blanks can be formed by tumbling using the mineral in such a way that they are already particularly smooth and even according to the invention. This makes it particularly advantageous to avoid removing a lot of material by grinding the surface smooth.

[0061] Advantageously, the mineral material can be applied to the ring blanks in such a way that they are already particularly smooth and even according to the invention. This makes it particularly advantageous to avoid removing a lot of material by grinding the surface smooth.

[0062] Advantageously, the mineral material incorporation into the ring blanks can be designed in such a way that, according to the invention, they are already particularly smooth and even. This makes it particularly advantageous not to remove a large amount of material by smoothing the surface. This feature represents a particular advantage here, since no additional material is applied to the surface of the ring blanks during material incorporation, and a significant amount of material removal by smoothing the surface would result in an undesirable change in the dimensions of the arthropod barrier.

[0063] Advantageously, the mineral can be a metal and / or a carbide and / or a carbon. Graphite powder is particularly advantageous.

[0064] The specification of the number as “at least one” means the use of either exactly one element or two elements or three elements or four elements or five elements or any other integer number of elements.

[0065] When the number is specified as “multiple”, this means the use of either two elements or three elements or four elements or five elements or any other integer number of elements.

[0066] The term “at least in sections” refers to either a sub-area or several sub-areas, for example of a surface, or the entire surface.

[0067] Further advantages, features and design options emerge from the following description of figures of non-limiting embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

[0068] In the drawings shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a two-part arthropod barrier in exploded view, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1, Fig. 4 another perspective view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 a perspective view of a one-piece arthropod barrier.

[0069] Elements provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings essentially correspond to one another unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, components that are not essential to understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are omitted. Reference numerals will not be repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a two-part arthropod barrier in an exploded view, wherein the arthropod barrier has a support ring 3 and a barrier ring 1. The barrier ring 1 is arranged concentrically to the support ring 3 and has a larger diameter than the support ring 3. Advantageously, the barrier ring 1 is made of PTFE or another fluoroplastic with corresponding non-stick properties, so that arthropods cannot walk or crawl over the surface of the barrier ring 1.

[0071] The carrier ring 3 has a radially circumferential groove 4 on its outer surface. The outer diameter D4 of the groove 4 essentially corresponds to the inner diameter D1 of the barrier ring 1. Essentially, this means that standard fitting tolerances are provided, which lead to a press fit between the carrier ring 3 and the barrier ring 1 when the barrier ring 1 is pressed into the groove 4 of the carrier ring 3. This creates a permanent and stable connection between the barrier ring 1 and the carrier ring 3. To the side of the groove 4, the carrier ring 3 has elevations that provide additional support and prevent the barrier ring 1 from slipping out of the groove 4 of the carrier ring 3 when the latter is mounted on the carrier ring 3.

[0072] The support ring 3 also has a concentric graduation on its inner side, i.e., in the center of the support ring 3. This graduation has an inner diameter D3, which essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of a camera lens. Here, too, the diameters are selected to create a press fit, so that the support ring 3 can be easily and quickly attached to the lens. In an advantageous embodiment, the outer diameter of the lens is 14 mm. This is a common size for many small cameras, particularly surveillance cameras that are well suited for animal observation. However, other dimensions can also be provided, with both the support ring 3 and the barrier ring 1 being designed according to the dimensions of the lens to which the arthropod barrier is to be attached.

[0073] The carrier ring 3 is advantageously made of a plastic other than fluoroplastic, since fluoroplastic has a low coefficient of friction and would therefore adhere poorly to a lens in a plug-in connection or press fit. Other plastics that have a higher coefficient of friction than fluoroplastic are advantageous in this case. For example, it is conceivable that the carrier ring 3 is made of polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polyetherimide (PEI), or polypropylene (PP). However, this selection of plastics is not to be understood as limiting, so that other plastics can also be provided, which in any case have a higher coefficient of friction than fluoroplastics.

[0074] Advantageous when Fig. The difference between the two-part design shown in Figure 1 is that the barrier ring 1 is made of fluoroplastic and therefore has a low coefficient of friction, making it impassable for arthropods. The carrier ring 3 is made of a plastic other than fluoroplastic, which gives it a higher coefficient of friction and allows it to be easily and quickly plugged onto a camera lens using a plug-in connection or press fit. Fluoroplastic would slip off the lens in this case. The carrier ring 3 represents the connection between the barrier ring 1 and the camera lens.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1 in an assembled version, wherein the barrier ring 1 is pressed onto the carrier ring 3 and held in the groove 4 of the carrier ring 3. The groove 4 is in Fig. 2 is covered by the barrier ring 1 itself and is not visible. This view can also be referred to as a rear view of the arthropod barrier. The visible side of the arthropod barrier is attached to a camera lens during its intended use.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1. The barrier ring 1 visibly has a larger diameter than the support ring 3, onto which the barrier ring 1 is pulled or pressed. In the view shown, a camera lens would have to be attached from above, or conversely, the arthropod barrier would have to be brought up to the lens from below and attached there.

[0077] Fig. Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the two-part arthropod barrier from Fig. 1. In other words, Fig. 4 the front view, if Fig. 3 is understood as a rear view. In this view, the arthropod barrier would be attached from above to a camera lens underneath.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a one-piece arthropod barrier, wherein the arthropod barrier comprises a barrier ring 1 with an adhesive surface 2. The adhesive surface 2 is arranged on one side of the barrier ring 1 and serves for adhesive attachment to a camera lens or to the body of a camera, wherein the camera lens is arranged within the barrier ring 1. The barrier ring 1 thus protects the lens from arthropods, which are kept away from the lens due to the arthropod-repelling properties of the barrier ring 1. The barrier ring 1 is advantageously made of PTFE or another fluoroplastic with the same or at least similar non-stick properties.

[0079] The adhesive surface 2 can be adhesive applied to the barrier ring 1 or double-sided adhesive tape, with the double-sided adhesive tape also having the shape of the barrier ring 1. The resulting adhesive bond is advantageously flat and so tight that there are no cracks, gaps, or crevices between the lens or camera and the barrier ring 1 through which arthropods could crawl. Thus, arthropods must take the route over the barrier ring 1 to reach the camera lens. However, due to the arthropod-repelling properties of the barrier ring 1, they will not be able to do so.

[0080] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. Other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the feature combinations specified below; rather, other combinations and subcombinations that are obvious to those skilled in the art can also be formed from the disclosed features. List of reference symbols 1 barrier ring 2 Adhesive surface 3 carrier ring 4 grooves D1 Inner diameter of the barrier ring 1 D3 Inner diameter of the carrier ring 3 D4 Outer diameter of the groove 4

Claims

[1] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera, comprising at least one barrier frame which can be attached concentrically to or to a lens on a camera, wherein the at least one barrier frame has a surface which is insurmountable for arthropods, characterized by that the at least one barrier frame has at least in sections a mineral-based coating. [2] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one barrier frame is a barrier ring (1). [3] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one barrier frame has at least one adhesive surface (2) with which the at least one barrier frame can be adhered concentrically to or to a lens on the camera. [4] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one barrier frame has a smooth surface. [5] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one barrier frame is made of a material with non-stick properties or has a non-stick coating with a material with non-stick properties. [6] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 5, characterized by that the material with non-stick properties is made of fluoroplastic. [7] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 6, characterized by that the fluoroplastic is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). [8] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 2, characterized bythat the arthropod barrier has a support ring (3) for attaching to a lens on the camera, wherein the at least one barrier ring (1) can be attached to the support ring (3). [9] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 8, characterized by that the carrier ring (3) has an outer side with a radially circumferential groove (4) into which the at least one barrier ring (1) can be arranged concentrically to the carrier ring (3). [10] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to claim 9, characterized by that the at least one barrier ring (1) is non-positively connected to the carrier ring (3) by means of a press fit. [11] Arthropod barrier for attachment to a camera according to one of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized bythat the coating of the at least one barrier ring is designed to be applied by tumbling and / or material application and / or material introduction, wherein the surface is designed to be smooth. [12] Image recording device, comprising at least one arthropod barrier according to one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the at least one arthropod barrier is arranged around the lens or in the front region of the image recording device or as a frame, sealingly enclosing the image recording device on the sides, wherein the at least one arthropod barrier is detachably or firmly connected to the image recording device. [13] Camera, comprising at least one arthropod barrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arthropod barrier is arranged around the lens or in the front region of the camera or as a frame, sealingly enclosing the camera on the sides, wherein the at least one arthropod barrier is designed to be detachable or fixedly connected to the camera. [14] Method for producing an arthropod barrier according to claim 1-10, characterized by that the production of at least one arthropod barrier takes place as follows: a. Machining or additive manufacturing of ring blanks b. Machining of the ring blanks c. Coating of the ring blanks by tumbling using the mineral and / or applying the mineral material and / or introducing the mineral material d. Smoothing the surface of at least one arthropod barrier

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