Deicing snow device and camera control method

Abstract

The application discloses an ice and snow removing device and a control method of a camera, and belongs to the technical field of camera maintenance. The disclosed ice and snow removing device is used for being installed on a view window assembly of a camera, the view window assembly is provided with a view window, the ice and snow removing device comprises a frame body, a heating body and a driving mechanism, the heating body is arranged on the frame body, and the driving mechanism is connected with the frame body; in the case that the ice and snow removing device is installed on the view window assembly, the frame body and the heating body are towards the outer surface of the view window assembly, the driving mechanism can drive the frame body and the heating body to move relative to the view window assembly, and the heating body can cover at least part of the view window in the process that the frame body and the heating body move relative to the view window assembly. The above scheme can solve the problem that the related art involves that when the ice and snow on the view window of the camera is removed, the removal effect is poor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of camera maintenance technology, specifically relating to a snow and ice removal device and a camera control method. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, if there is rain or snow and the ambient temperature of the camera is low, ice and snow will usually form on the camera's view. The ice and snow will block the camera's view, making it difficult for the camera to perform its recording function.

[0003] Currently, the solution for removing ice and snow from camera windows involves heating the side of the window inside the camera to remove ice and snow. However, this heating method has two drawbacks: First, due to the poor thermal conductivity of the window, its ice and snow removal effect is not significant. To achieve the desired ice and snow removal, high heating power is required, which poses a significant challenge to the safety and reliability of the camera. Second, internal heating can easily create an air cavity between the ice and snow and the window, further worsening the ice and snow removal effect.

[0004] Therefore, the above-mentioned snow and ice removal method has the problem of poor removal effect on the camera window. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses a snow and ice removal device and a control method for a camera, in order to solve the problem of poor snow and ice removal effect when removing snow and ice from the camera window in related technologies.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a snow and ice removal device for installation on a camera's viewing window assembly. The viewing window assembly has a viewing window. The snow and ice removal device includes a frame, a heating element, and a driving mechanism. The heating element is disposed on the frame, and the driving mechanism is connected to the frame.

[0008] When the de-icing device is installed on the window assembly, the frame and the heating element face the outer surface of the window assembly, and the drive mechanism can drive the frame and the heating element to move relative to the window assembly. During the movement of the frame and the heating element relative to the window assembly, the heating element can cover at least a portion of the window.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling a camera, the camera including a viewing window assembly, a viewing window, and the aforementioned de-icing and snow removal device, both the viewing window and the de-icing and snow removal device being mounted on the viewing window assembly, with at least a portion of the de-icing and snow removal device located on the outer surface of the viewing window assembly, the method comprising:

[0010] In response to a snow and ice removal command, the control drive mechanism operates at the rated current;

[0011] When the torque output by the drive mechanism is insufficient to drive the heating element and the wiper, the drive current of the drive mechanism is increased to a preset current;

[0012] When the driving current of the drive mechanism reaches the current threshold and the torque output by the drive mechanism is insufficient to drive the heating element and the wiper, the drive mechanism is controlled to stop working, and the heating element is controlled to work.

[0013] When the heating element has been in operation for a preset time, the drive mechanism is controlled to operate.

[0014] The technical solution adopted in this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0015] This application places a heating element outside the camera window assembly, connected to a frame, and the heating element is connected to a drive mechanism via the frame. When there is no ice or snow on the camera window, the drive mechanism moves the frame and heating element away from the window to avoid obstructing the camera's view. When there is ice or snow on the camera window, the drive mechanism moves the frame and heating element along the camera window assembly. During this movement, the heating element covers at least part of the window, allowing it to directly heat and remove the ice and snow outside the window. Compared to the traditional method of heating the window inside the camera to indirectly heat and remove ice and snow outside, the solution adopted in this application is more effective at removing ice and snow from the window. Therefore, the de-icing device disclosed in this application solves the problem of poor removal effect when removing ice and snow from camera windows in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the camera disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 and Figure 3 All Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown;

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point E in the middle;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the snow and ice removal device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the snow and ice removal device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 8 and Figure 9 All are top views of a portion of the camera structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of point F in the middle;

[0024] Figure 11 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the camera disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating element disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support member and the heating element disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the power cord arrangement on the frame as disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 20 for Figure 19 A magnified view of a portion of point C in the middle;

[0034] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the snow and ice removal device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A magnified view of a portion of point D in the middle;

[0036] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the wiper structure disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 24 for Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0038] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting part disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 26 for Figure 25 A magnified view of a portion of point G in the middle;

[0040] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the camera control method disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 100-Frame, 110-Bracket, 111-Mounting slot, 112-Power supply slot, 120-Connector, 121-Limit connection hole, 130-Limit nut;

[0043] 200-Heating element, 210-First end, 220-Second end, 230-First side, 240-Second side, 250-Power cord, 260-Opening;

[0044] 300 - Drive mechanism, 310 - Drive rod, 320 - Power source;

[0045] 410 - Window assembly, 411 - Perforation, 420 - Window;

[0046] 500 - Wiper blade, 510 - Wiper blade body, 520 - First slot, 530 - Second slot;

[0047] 600 - Elastic component;

[0048] 700-Support member, 710-Strip mounting hole, 720-First insertion protrusion, 730-Second insertion protrusion;

[0049] L - First length, H1 - First vertical distance, H2 - First dimension, L1 - Second vertical distance, L2 - Second dimension, H3 - Third dimension, W - First width, D - First distance, d1 - First boundary layer thickness, P - Second distance, d2 - Second boundary layer thickness, R1 - First angle, J - Groove spacing;

[0050] 800 - Limiting part, 810 - First limit sensor, 820 - Second limit sensor, 830 - Limiting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a snow and ice removal device disclosed in this application through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1-27 This application discloses a snow and ice removal device, which includes a frame 100, a heating element 200 and a drive mechanism 300.

[0054] The snow and ice removal device disclosed in this application is installed on the viewport assembly 410 of a camera. The viewport assembly 410 is provided with a viewport 420. The viewport assembly 410 and the viewport 420 can protect the camera lens. The camera can observe the external environment of the camera through the viewport 420. In order to make the image captured by the camera clearer, the viewport 420 can be made of a transparent material, such as transparent glass or transparent plastic.

[0055] The heating element 200 is a component capable of generating heat. Optionally, the heating element 200 can be made of materials such as ceramic. The heating element 200 is disposed on the frame 100, and the drive mechanism 300 is connected to the frame 100. When the de-icing device is installed on the window assembly 410, the frame 100 and the heating element 200 are disposed facing the outer surface of the window assembly 410. The drive mechanism 300 can drive the frame 100 and the heating element 200 to move relative to the window assembly 410. During the movement of the frame 100 and the heating element 200 relative to the window assembly 410, the heating element 200 can cover at least part of the window 420 so that the heat generated by the heating element 200 can cover the ice and snow on the window 420. The ice and snow are melted by the heat, thereby enabling the de-icing device to remove the ice and snow on the window 420.

[0056] In this application, the heating element 200 is disposed outside the camera window assembly 410. The heating element 200 is connected to the frame 100, and the heating element 200 is connected to the drive mechanism 300 through the frame 100. When there is no ice or snow on the camera window 420, the drive mechanism 300 drives the frame 100 and the heating element 200 away from the window 420 to avoid the heating element 200 and the frame 100 obstructing the camera's view. When there is ice or snow on the camera window 420, the drive mechanism 300 drives the frame 100 and the heating element 200 along... As the outer surface of the camera's viewing window assembly 410 moves, and the frame 100 and heating element 200 move along the viewing window assembly 410, the heating element 200 can cover at least a portion of the viewing window 420. This allows the heating element 200 to directly heat and remove the ice and snow outside the viewing window 420. Compared to the traditional method of heating the viewing window 420 from inside the camera to indirectly heat and remove the ice and snow outside the viewing window 420, the method adopted in this application can more effectively remove ice and snow from the viewing window 420. Therefore, the de-icing device disclosed in this application can solve the problem of poor removal effect when removing ice and snow from the camera viewing window 420 in related technologies.

[0057] Optionally, the drive mechanism 300 can drive the frame 100 and the heating element 200 to move on the viewing window assembly 410, including movement and rotation. During the movement of the heating element 200 on the viewing window assembly 410, the heating element 200 can cover at least a portion of the viewing window 420 to heat the ice and snow on the viewing window 420. During the rotation of the heating element 200 on the viewing window assembly 410, the de-icing device is rotatably mounted on the viewing window assembly 410. The drive mechanism 300 can drive the frame 100 and the heating element 200 to rotate relative to the viewing window assembly 410. The rotatably mounted heating element 200 occupies less space, thus minimizing the space occupied by the de-icing device on the viewing window assembly 410, thereby preventing the de-icing device from occupying the installation space of the viewing window 420 and thus preventing the de-icing device from obstructing the camera's view.

[0058] Optionally, the heating element 200 has a first end 210 and a second end 220. When the drive mechanism 300 drives the frame 100 and the heating element 200 to rotate relative to the viewing window assembly 410, the second end 220 is located between the first end 210 and the rotation axis of the heating element 200, that is, the first end 210 is farther away from the rotation axis than the second end 220. The second end 220 can be located at any position between the first end 210 and the rotation axis of the heating element 200. Of course, the first end 210 and the second end 220 can also be two opposite ends of the heating element 200.

[0059] The width W1 of the first end 210 can be less than or equal to the width W2 of the second end 220. In this configuration, both the first end 210 and the second end 220 of the heating body 200 can achieve the function of heating ice and snow. However, during the process of the driving mechanism 300 driving the heating body 200 to rotate relative to the window assembly 410, according to the torque formula, the first end 210 of the heating body 200, which is far away from the axis of rotation, is subjected to a smaller driving force. Therefore, the rotation speed of the first end 210 is slower than that of the second end 220. Consequently, the heating speed and heating efficiency of the first end 210 for ice and snow are lower than those of the second end 220.

[0060] To avoid the above situation, the width W1 of the first end 210 of the heating element 200 can be greater than the width W2 of the second end 220. In this case, when the driving mechanism 300 drives the heating element 200 to rotate on the window assembly 410, the heating range of the first end 210 on the ice and snow is greater than that of the second end 220. Therefore, the heating speed and removal efficiency of the first end 210 on the ice and snow are improved, thereby further enhancing the removal effect of the heating element 200 on the ice and snow. Optionally, in this embodiment, the width W1 of the first end 210 can be twice the width W2 of the second end 220. The width W1 of the first end 210 can be 8.6 mm, and the width W2 of the second end 220 can be 4.3 mm.

[0061] Optionally, the width W1 of the first end 210 of the heating body 200 is greater than the width W2 of the second end 220. In this case, the structure of the heating body 200 can be a stepped structure, that is, the width of the heating body 200 changes in a stepped manner in the direction extending from the first end 210 to the second end 220. In this configuration, the heating body 200 can heat and remove the ice and snow on the viewing window 420. However, the heat provided by the heating body 200 to the ice and snow is not uniform enough. Therefore, the melting rate of the ice and snow covered at each step of the heating body 200 is uneven, which affects the rate of ice and snow removal.

[0062] In another embodiment, the width W1 of the first end 210 of the heating element 200 is greater than the width W2 of the second end 220, and the structure of the heating element 200 is a smooth structure. Specifically, the heating element 200 has a first side surface 230 and a second side surface 240 opposite to each other in the width direction of the heating element 200. Both the first side surface 230 and the second side surface 240 are planar. In the direction extending from the first end 210 to the second end 220, the distance between the first side surface 230 and the second side surface 240 gradually decreases. The direction in which the distance between the first side surface 230 and the second side surface 240 is located is the width direction of the heating element 200. That is, in this configuration, the width of the heating element 200 continuously changes in the direction extending from the first end 210 to the second end 220. This makes the heat provided by the heating element 200 to the ice and snow more uniform, and thus the melting rate of the ice and snow is more uniform, which has less impact on the rate at which the de-icing device removes ice and snow.

[0063] Optionally, the length of the heating element 200 is a first length L. During the movement of the heating element 200 relative to the window assembly 410, the first length L of the heating element 200 may be less than, equal to or greater than the width or length of the window 420, so as to satisfy that the heating element 200 at least partially covers the window 420.

[0064] In another embodiment, as the heating element 200 rotates relative to the window assembly 410, the first length L satisfies the following relationship:

[0065]

[0066] Wherein, H1 represents the first vertical distance between the rotation center of the heating element 200 and the viewing window 420, H2 represents the first dimension of the viewing window 420 in the direction of the first vertical distance, L1 represents the second vertical distance between the rotation center and the viewing window 420, and L2 represents the second dimension of the viewing window 420 in the direction of the second vertical distance.

[0067] In specific design, the first vertical distance H1 and the second vertical distance L1 can be zero or non-zero. When the first vertical distance H1 and the second vertical distance L1 are non-zero, the first vertical distance H1 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the second vertical distance L1. Of course, the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific values ​​of the first vertical distance H1 and the second vertical distance L1.

[0068] In the first vertical distance H1 and the second vertical distance L1, one direction can be the length direction of the window 420, i.e., the direction of the first dimension H2, and the other direction can be the width direction of the window 420, i.e., the direction of the second dimension L2. That is, the direction of the first vertical distance H1 can be the length direction of the window 420, and the direction of the second vertical distance L1 can be the width direction of the window 420; or, the direction of the first vertical distance H1 can be the width direction of the window 420, and the direction of the second vertical distance L1 can be the length direction of the window 420. Therefore, the first dimension H2 or the second dimension L2 can be the length or width of the window 420, and the first dimension H2 and the second dimension L2 can be equal or unequal. Of course, the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific values ​​of the first dimension H2 and the second dimension L2. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first length L of the heating element 200 can be 81 mm.

[0069] After the first length L of the heating body 200 satisfies the above formula, the heating body 200 can at least partially cover the viewing window 420 during rotation, thereby more reliably heating the heating body 200 and removing ice and snow from the viewing window 420.

[0070] After determining the first length L of the heating element 200, the amount of heat required to completely remove the ice and snow on the viewing window 420 can be calculated. Based on this amount of heat, the maximum width of the heating element 200 can be calculated, which is the first width W. The first width W can increase the contact area between the heating element 200 and the ice and snow, thereby ensuring the maximum heating range of the heating element 200 on the viewing window 420, and thus improving the heating efficiency of the heating element 200. The first width W satisfies the following relationship:

[0071] cρ(H2*L2)δ(T1-T2)=h(H3+W)L(T-T2)t;

[0072] Where c represents the specific heat capacity of ice and snow, ρ represents the density of ice and snow, δ represents the design thickness of ice and snow on the viewing window 420 (in this embodiment, δ can be taken as 5 mm), T1 represents the melting temperature of ice and snow (in this embodiment, T1 can be taken as 5℃), T2 represents the outdoor ambient temperature (in this embodiment, T2 can be taken as -30℃), h represents the convective heat transfer coefficient of heating body 200, H3 represents the third dimension of heating body 200 in its height direction (in this embodiment, H3 can be taken as 7.5 mm), T represents the design temperature of heating body 200 (in this embodiment, T can be taken as 15℃), and t represents the maximum time spent by heating body 200 to remove ice and snow (in this embodiment, t can be taken as 25 min). From the above values, the first width W can be calculated to be 8.6 mm.

[0073] Optionally, the distance between the heating element 200 and the viewing window 420 is a first distance D, which can be less than or equal to the first boundary layer thickness d1. The first boundary layer thickness d1 satisfies the following relationship:

[0074]

[0075] Where v represents the dynamic coefficient of the heating element 200 and u represents the heat flow velocity of the heating element 200. At this time, the convective heating space between the heating element 200 and the viewing window 420 is a limited space and the convective heat transfer intensity is small. The small convective heat transfer intensity has an adverse effect on the heating efficiency of the heating element 200.

[0076] In another embodiment, to increase the convective heat transfer intensity between the heating element 200 and the viewing window 420, the first distance D can be greater than the first boundary layer thickness d1. In this case, the convective heating space between the heating element 200 and the viewing window 420 increases, thereby increasing the heating range of the ice and snow on the viewing window 420 by the heating element 200, and thus increasing the melting rate of the ice and snow. Optionally, the first distance D can be 1.1 mm.

[0077] Optionally, after the heating element 200 heats the ice and snow, if the ambient temperature is low, the melted ice and snow will continue to freeze and adhere to the viewing window 420, obstructing the camera's view. To avoid this phenomenon, the heating power of the heating element 200 can be increased to heat and evaporate the water adhering to the viewing window 420. However, this will increase the power consumption of the de-icing device, thus making the cost of the de-icing device higher.

[0078] In another embodiment, the de-icing device disclosed in this application further includes a cleaning component for cleaning melted snow and ice on the viewing window 420. Optionally, the cleaning component can be a wiper 500, which is disposed on the frame 100. The wiper 500 can move relative to the viewing window assembly 410 along with the frame 100 and the heating element 200. During the movement of the wiper 500 relative to the viewing window assembly 410, the wiper 500 can contact at least a portion of the viewing window 420, thereby enabling the wiper 500 to promptly sweep away the melted snow and ice on the viewing window 420 and prevent the melted snow and ice from refreezing. Therefore, without increasing the heating power of the heating element 200, the wiper 500 can remove the moisture adhering to the viewing window 420, thus avoiding the problem of high cost of de-icing devices.

[0079] Optionally, the distance between the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 is a second distance P, which can be greater than or equal to the second boundary layer thickness d2. The second boundary layer thickness d2 satisfies the following relationship:

[0080]

[0081] Where v represents the dynamic coefficient of the heating element 200, u represents the heat flow velocity of the heating element 200, and L represents the first length of the heating element 200. This allows for a larger distance between the heating element 200 and the windshield wiper 500, which makes it easier for the heat generated by the heating element 200 to dissipate through the larger distance, thereby reducing the rate of snow and ice removal.

[0082] To avoid the aforementioned phenomenon, in another embodiment, the second distance P is smaller than the second boundary layer thickness d2. This prevents the heat generated by the heater 200 from dissipating through the larger gap, while also reducing the amount of heat transferred to the wiper 500. Therefore, there is less ineffective heat loss, which improves the de-icing rate. Furthermore, when the second distance P is smaller than the second boundary layer thickness d2, it also suppresses the intensity of convective heat transfer. Optionally, the distance between the heater 200 and the wiper 500, i.e., the second distance P, can be designed to be 2.5 mm.

[0083] Alternatively, the wiper 500 can be made of silicone. Silicone is generally soft, so the wiper 500 causes less damage to the window 420 when wiping away water. Silicone is also common and inexpensive, which can further reduce the cost of using the de-icing device.

[0084] Optionally, the frame 100 includes a bracket 110 and a connector 120, with the heating element 200 and windshield wiper 500 both mounted on the bracket 110. Both the heating element 200 and the windshield wiper 500 can be strip-shaped and can be arranged side-by-side on the bracket 110. The bracket 110 and the connector 120 are rotatably connected, allowing the angle between them to change, thus facilitating the adjustment of the positions of the heating element 200 and the windshield wiper 500. The connector 120 is connected to a drive mechanism 300, enabling the drive mechanism 300 to drive the connector 120 to move. When the connector 120 moves, it simultaneously moves the bracket 110 and the heating element 200 and windshield wiper 500 connected to the bracket 110.

[0085] During the long-term operation of the drive mechanism 300 driving the heating element 200 and the wiper 500, the connection between the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 and the bracket 110 may become loose. This not only causes only a small amount of the heat generated by the heating element 200 to be applied to the ice and snow, thus reducing the efficiency of ice and snow removal, but also causes insufficient contact between the wiper 500 and the viewing window 420, resulting in moisture still adhering to the viewing window 420 and affecting the camera's line of sight.

[0086] Therefore, the snow and ice removal device disclosed in this application may further include an elastic element 600, which elastically connects the bracket 110 and the connector 120. The elastic element 600 can apply a pulling force toward the viewing window 420 to the bracket 110, and the bracket 110 simultaneously applies a pulling force toward the viewing window 420 to the heating element 200 and the wiper 500, so that the wiper 500 and the heating element 200 are closer to the viewing window 420. This allows most of the heat generated by the heating element 200 to act on the ice and snow, and the wiper 500 to fit more tightly against the viewing window 420, thereby ensuring both cleaning effect and melting efficiency. Optionally, the elastic element 600 may be a component with elastic properties such as a spring or rubber.

[0087] Optionally, the drive mechanism 300 includes a power source 320 located inside the camera and a drive rod 310 coaxially connected to the power source 320. The drive rod 310 passes through a through hole 411 on the window assembly 410 and is limitedly connected to the connector 120. The axis of the through hole 411 is the rotation axis of the heating element 200. Optionally, the power source 320 can be a motor. The frame 100 also includes a limiting nut 130. The drive rod 310 passes through a limiting connection hole 121 on the connector 120 and is limitedly engaged with the limiting nut 130. Under the combined action of the limiting connection hole 121 and the limiting nut 130, the drive rod 310 can drive the connector 120 to move stably, so that the connector 120 can stably drive the bracket 110, the heating element 200, and the wiper 500 to move.

[0088] Alternatively, in order to make the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 more stably mounted on the frame 100, the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 can be designed as an integrated structure. The integrated heating element 200 and the wiper 500 can ensure heating and cleaning effects at the same time, and can be mounted on the frame 100 as a whole.

[0089] In another embodiment, to prevent the heat generated by the heating element 200 from being absorbed by the wiper 500, the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 can be designed as separate structures. In this case, to make the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 more stably mounted on the frame 100, the snow and ice removal device disclosed in this application may also include a support member 700. The support member 700 connects the heating element 200 and the wiper 500. The heating element 200 and the wiper 500 are mounted on the frame 100 through the support member 700, so as to realize that the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 are simultaneously mounted on the frame 100 through the support member 700, thereby improving the installation efficiency.

[0090] Meanwhile, under the constraint of the support member 700, the distance between the heating element 200 and the wiper 500, i.e. the second distance P, will not easily change. Therefore, the amount of heat that the heating element 200 applies to the wiper 500 is less, and consequently, the amount of heat absorbed by the heating element 200 by the wiper 500 is less, resulting in less heat loss.

[0091] Optionally, the support member 700 is provided with a strip-shaped mounting hole 710, a first insert protrusion 720 and a second insert protrusion 730. The wiper 500 is disposed at the strip-shaped mounting hole 710. In order to make it easier for the wiper 500 to be installed at the strip-shaped mounting hole 710, the material of the wiper 500 can be the softer silicone material mentioned above.

[0092] Specifically, the wiper 500 includes a wiper body 510, a first slot 520, and a second slot 530. The wiper 500 is disposed at the strip-shaped mounting hole 710 through the first slot 520 and the second slot 530. That is, the width M of the first slot 520 and the second slot 530 is the same as the thickness of the support member 700. Optionally, the width M of the first slot 520 and the second slot 530 is 1 mm. Further, in order to enable the support member 700 to effectively fix the wiper 500, the length M2 of the first slot 520 and the second slot 530 can be set to 2 to 3 times the width M of the first slot 520 and the second slot 530. That is, the length M2 of the first slot 520 and the second slot 530 can be set to 2.5 mm.

[0093] Optionally, the frame 100 is provided with two mounting slots 111. A first insert protrusion 720 and a second insert protrusion 730 are arranged opposite to each other. The first insert protrusion 720 is inserted into one of the mounting slots 111 of the frame 100, and the second insert protrusion 730 is inserted into the heating element 200 with a clearance fit, so that the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 are mounted on the frame 100 through the support member 700. Optionally, the heating element 200 is provided with an opening 260. The second insert protrusion 730 passes through the opening 260 and is inserted into the other mounting slot 111 of the frame 100, so that the support member 700 is more evenly connected to the frame 100 through the oppositely arranged first insert protrusion 720 and second insert protrusion 730, thereby making the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 more stably mounted on the frame 100 through the support member 700. Furthermore, compared to fastener connections, this insert method is easier to operate, requires no separate fasteners, and is less expensive. Optionally, since the second insert protrusion 730 is inserted into the heating element 200 with a clearance fit, the thickness of the second insert protrusion 730 and the width of the opening 260 can be the same; in this application, both can be designed to be 1 mm, thereby limiting abnormal movement of the heating element 200.

[0094] Optionally, in order to facilitate the installation of the first insertion protrusion 720 and the second insertion protrusion 730 into the two mounting slots 111 provided on the frame 100, the width N of the two mounting slots 111 can be greater than the thickness of the support member 700. In this application, the width N of the two mounting slots 111 can be designed to be 1.5 mm.

[0095] Optionally, the heating element 200 is provided with a power line 250 connected to the drive mechanism 300. The drive mechanism 300 provides current to the heating element 200 through the power line 250 to generate heat. Specifically, the bracket 110 is provided with a power groove 112, and the power line 250 is disposed in the power groove 112 to limit and protect the power line 250. Optionally, the diameter of the power line 250 can be 1 mm, and a 1 mm power line 250 can meet the heating power requirements of the heating element 200. The groove spacing J of the power groove 112 can be controlled between 1.1 and 1.3 times the diameter of the power line 250. Therefore, in this application, the groove spacing J of the power groove 112 can be 1.2 mm. Optionally, the shape of the power groove 112 can be U-shaped.

[0096] Optionally, the outer surface of the heating element 200 includes a first surface and a first side surface 230 (i.e., the first side surface 230 mentioned above). The first surface is a surface opposite to the viewing window 420. Both the first surface and the first side surface 230 extend along the length direction of the heating element 200 and are arranged adjacent to each other. The included angle between the first surface and the first side surface 230 is a first angle R1. The first angle R1 can be a right angle, an obtuse angle, or an acute angle. During the movement of the heating element 200 and its penetration into the ice and snow, the resistance of the ice and snow to obtuse or right angles is greater, making it more difficult for the heating element 200 to penetrate into the ice and snow, thus affecting the melting efficiency of the ice and snow. Compared to obtuse or right angles, the resistance of the ice and snow to acute angles is smaller, making it easier for the heating element 200 to penetrate into the ice and snow, and thus the melting efficiency of the ice and snow by the heating element 200 is higher.

[0097] Optionally, when the heating element 200 moves, force analysis shows that the forward motion of the heating element 200 is decomposed into a lifting force perpendicular to the windward surface and a forward motion parallel to the surface of the viewing window 420. Under the action of the lifting force, the ice and snow on the viewing window 420 are lifted away from the viewing window 420, allowing the ice and snow to be removed as quickly as possible. Under the action of the forward motion, the heating element 200 moves forward parallel to the surface of the viewing window 420. Therefore, further, to ensure that the heating element 200 can penetrate deep into the ice and snow during the snow removal process and improve the removal efficiency, the lifting force is set as half of the forward motion force. In this embodiment of the application, the first angle R1 can be taken as 60 degrees.

[0098] Optionally, the outer surface of the heating body 200 also includes a second side surface 240 (i.e., the second side surface 240 mentioned above). The second side surface 240 is opposite to the first side surface 230 in the width direction of the heating body 200. The second side surface 240 is arranged adjacent to the first surface. The included angle between the second side surface 240 and the first surface can also be an acute angle, so that the resistance of the ice and snow to the heating body 200 is small during the return movement of the heating body 200, and the heating body 200 can penetrate into the ice and snow more easily, thereby improving the melting efficiency of the ice and snow by the heating body 200.

[0099] If the angle between the first surface and the first side surface 230, and the angle between the first surface and the second side surface 240, are both acute angles, then during the movement or return movement of the heating body 200, the resistance generated by ice and snow on the heating body 200 will affect the structural strength of the heating body 200. Therefore, to ensure greater structural strength of the heating body 200, the second side surface 240 of the heating body 200 is perpendicular to the first surface, and the two are connected by an arc surface. The arc surface can not only reduce the resistance encountered by the heating body 200 during the return movement, but also minimize the adverse effects on the structural strength of the heating body 200. Furthermore, the arc surface can disperse the resistance encountered by the heating body 200 during the return movement towards its normal direction, thereby effectively reducing the resistance concentration. Optionally, in this embodiment, the radius R2 of the arc surface can be not less than 2 mm.

[0100] Optionally, the de-icing device also includes a limiting part 800, which is located on the side of the viewing window assembly 410 opposite to the heating element 200. The limiting part 800 is used to limit the driving direction of the drive mechanism 300. Specifically, the limiting part 800 includes a first limiting sensor 810, a second limiting sensor 820, and a limiting rod 830. The first limiting sensor 810 and the second limiting sensor 820 are spaced apart to accommodate the range of movement of the heating element 200 driven by the drive mechanism 300 on the viewing window assembly 410, i.e., to accommodate the viewing window 420. The drive mechanism 300 is connected to the limiting rod 830 to drive the limiting rod 830 to reciprocate between the first limiting sensor 810 and the second limiting sensor 820.

[0101] Specifically, when the drive mechanism 300 drives the limit rod 830 to move along the first direction until it contacts the first limit sensor 810, the first limit sensor 810 is triggered, causing the drive mechanism 300 to drive the limit rod 830 to move toward the second limit sensor 820; when the drive mechanism 300 drives the limit rod 830 to move along the second direction until it contacts the second limit sensor 820, the second limit sensor 820 is triggered, causing the drive mechanism 300 to drive the limit rod 830 to move toward the first limit sensor 810. The first direction and the second direction are opposite, thereby enabling the drive mechanism 300 to drive the limit rod 830 to reciprocate between the first limit sensor 810 and the second limit sensor 820.

[0102] Optionally, the first limit sensor 810 and the second limit sensor 820 can be U-shaped. Of course, this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0103] This application also discloses a camera control method. The camera includes a window assembly 410, a window 420, and the aforementioned de-icing device. Both the window 420 and the de-icing device are mounted on the window assembly 410. At least a portion of the de-icing device is located on the outer surface of the window assembly 410. The camera control method includes:

[0104] S100, in response to the snow and ice removal command, controls the drive mechanism 300 to operate at the rated current.

[0105] Specifically, when the camera cannot capture a clear image or detects ice and snow adhering to the viewing window 420, a de-icing command is generated. In response to the de-icing command, the camera controls the drive mechanism 300 to start working at the rated current. That is, at this time, the drive mechanism 300 maintains a rated current level and continues to work to generate a rated working output torque so that the drive mechanism 300 drives the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 to move on the outer surface of the viewing window assembly 410.

[0106] S200: When the torque output by the drive mechanism 300 is insufficient to drive the heater 200 and the wiper 500, the drive current of the drive mechanism 300 is increased to the preset current.

[0107] Specifically, when the torque output by the drive mechanism 300 is insufficient to drive the heater 200 and the wiper 500, that is, when the ice and snow attached to the window 420 are thick and the thick ice and snow have not been heated to melt by the heater 200, the thick ice and snow prevent the heater 200 and the wiper 500 from moving on the outer surface of the window assembly 410, the drive current of the drive mechanism 300 can be increased to a preset current to increase the output torque. The preset current is greater than the rated current, and the preset current can be the current set by the user in advance.

[0108] S300 When the drive current of the drive mechanism 300 reaches the current threshold and the torque output by the drive mechanism 300 is insufficient to drive the heating element 200 and the wiper 500, the drive mechanism 300 is controlled to stop working, and the heating element 200 is controlled to work.

[0109] Specifically, the current threshold can be the limit current value of the drive mechanism 300. When the drive current of the drive mechanism 300 reaches the current threshold, and the torque output by the drive mechanism 300 is still insufficient to drive the heating element 200 and the wiper 500, the camera controls the drive mechanism 300 to stop working, that is, controls the drive mechanism 300 to stop driving the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 to move, and controls the heating element 200 to continue working, that is, controls the heating element 200 to continue heating the ice and snow on the viewing window 420.

[0110] When the working time of the heating element 200 reaches the preset time, the control drive mechanism 300 is activated.

[0111] The preset duration here can be set in advance. Optionally, in a specific design, the heating element 200 is sufficient to melt the ice and snow within 1 minute. Therefore, the preset duration can be 1 minute. After 1 minute, the drive mechanism 300 can be controlled to continue working. At this time, the drive mechanism 300 can drive the heating element 200 and the wiper 500 to move.

[0112] Optionally, if the drive mechanism 300 still cannot drive the heater 200 and the wiper 500 to move at this time, the drive mechanism 300 is controlled to return to the starting point and a signal is sent to remind the user of the equipment failure.

[0113] The above embodiments of this application focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0114] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a camera, the camera comprising a window assembly (410) and a window (420), the camera comprising a de-icing device for mounting on the window assembly (410) of the camera, the window assembly (410) having a window (420), both the window (420) and the de-icing device being mounted on the window assembly (410), at least a portion of the de-icing device being located on the outer surface of the window assembly (410), characterized in that, The method includes: In response to a snow and ice removal command, the control drive mechanism (300) operates at the rated current; When the torque output by the drive mechanism (300) is insufficient to drive the heater (200) and the wiper (500), the drive current of the drive mechanism (300) is increased to a preset current. When the driving current of the driving mechanism (300) reaches the current threshold, and the torque output by the driving mechanism (300) is insufficient to drive the heating element (200) and the wiper (500), the driving mechanism (300) is controlled to stop working, and the heating element (200) is controlled to work. When the heating element (200) operates for a preset duration, the drive mechanism (300) is controlled to operate. The snow and ice removal device includes a frame (100), a heating element (200), a drive mechanism (300), and a cleaning component; The heating element (200) is disposed on the frame (100), and the driving mechanism (300) is connected to the frame (100); the heating element (200) has a first end (210) and a second end (220), the second end (220) is located between the first end (210) and the rotation axis of the heating element (200), and the width W1 of the first end (210) is greater than the width W2 of the second end (220); the heating element (200) has a first side surface (230) and a second side surface (240) opposite to each other in the width direction of the heating element (200), the first side surface (230) and the second side surface (240) are both planar, and the distance between the first side surface (230) and the second side surface (240) gradually decreases in the direction extending from the first end (210) to the second end (220); When the snow and ice removal device is installed on the window assembly (410), the frame (100) and the heating element (200) face the outer surface of the window assembly (410), and the drive mechanism (300) can drive the frame (100) and the heating element (200) to move relative to the window assembly (410). During the movement of the frame (100) and the heating element (200) relative to the window assembly (410), the heating element (200) can cover at least a portion of the window (420). The de-icing and snow removal device is rotatably mounted on the window assembly (410), and the drive mechanism (300) can drive the frame (100) and the heating element (200) to rotate relative to the window assembly (410); The cleaning component is a windshield wiper (500), which is disposed on the frame (100). The windshield wiper (500) can move relative to the window assembly (410) along with the frame (100) and the heating element (200). During the movement of the windshield wiper (500) relative to the window assembly (410), the windshield wiper (500) can contact at least a portion of the window (420), and there is a gap between the windshield wiper (500) and the heating element (200).

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the heating element (200) is a first length L, and the first length L satisfies the following relationship: ； Wherein, H1 represents the first vertical distance between the rotation center of the heating element (200) and the viewing window (420), H2 represents the first dimension of the viewing window (420) in the direction of the first vertical distance, L1 represents the second vertical distance between the rotation center and the viewing window (420), L2 represents the second dimension of the viewing window (420) in the direction of the second vertical distance, and the direction of the first vertical distance and the second vertical distance is the length direction and the direction of the other is the width direction.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum width of the heating element (200) is a first width W, and the first width W satisfies the following relationship: ； in, This indicates the specific heat capacity of ice and snow. Indicates the density of ice and snow. This indicates the designed thickness of the ice and snow on the viewport (420). Indicates the temperature at which ice and snow melt. Indicates the outdoor ambient temperature. This represents the convective heat transfer coefficient of the heating element (200). This indicates the third dimension of the heating element (200) in its height direction. This indicates the design temperature of the heating element (200). This indicates the maximum time taken for the heating element (200) to clear the ice and snow.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The de-icing device also includes an elastic element (600). The frame (100) includes a bracket (110) and a connector (120). The heating element (200) and the wiper (500) are both mounted on the bracket (110). The bracket (110) and the connector (120) are rotatably connected. The connector (120) is connected to the drive mechanism (300). The elastic element (600) elastically connects the bracket (110) and the connector (120) so that the wiper (500) and the heating element (200) are close to the viewing window (420).

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snow and ice removal device also includes a support member (700), which connects the heating element (200) and the windshield wiper (500). The heating element (200) and the windshield wiper (500) are mounted on the frame (100) via the support member (700).

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