Vehicle camera device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle camera. The vehicle camera of the present invention includes a camera unit configured to capture an image of a capturing side; a transparent heater provided in a range of a view angle of the camera unit on the capturing side of the camera unit, and configured to heat the capturing side of the camera unit by generating heat when energized; and a resistance component provided in a circuit including the heater, and configured to generate heat when energized, and to increase a resistance value with an increase in temperature caused by the heat generation, thereby reducing a current value of a current flowing to the heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle imaging device that performs imaging using an imaging unit. Background Art

[0002] There is a structure in which a film-shaped heater is used to heat the reflective film of a vehicle rearview mirror or other mirror body to remove fog and frost adhering to the reflective film surface. In addition, raindrops and other water droplets adhering to the reflective film surface are evaporated and removed. In this structure, the temperature of the heater is detected by a temperature sensor, and the current supplied to the heater is controlled based on the heater temperature (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-108851).

[0003] However, in this configuration, a so-called NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor could be used as a temperature sensor. However, the resistance of an NTC thermistor decreases as the temperature rises. Therefore, when voltage is initially applied to the circuit including the heater and the NTC thermistor, the NTC thermistor's resistance is high, and a high current does not flow through the heater. Consequently, the heater's temperature rises slowly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention takes the above-mentioned circumstances into consideration and provides a vehicle imaging device capable of accelerating the temperature increase of a heater.

[0005] The first embodiment of the vehicle shooting device of the present invention comprises: a shooting unit capable of shooting a shooting side; a transparent heater arranged on the shooting side of the above-mentioned shooting unit within the range of at least the viewing angle of the above-mentioned shooting unit, which generates heat by being energized, thereby heating the above-mentioned plate; and a resistance component, which is arranged in a circuit including the above-mentioned heater, generates heat by being energized, and the resistance value increases as the temperature rises due to the heat, thereby reducing the current value of the current flowing to the above-mentioned heater.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, a transparent heater is provided on the imaging side of the imaging unit. The heater generates heat when energized. Therefore, if frost or water droplets form on the imaging side of the imaging unit, the heat from the heater evaporates and removes them.

[0007] Here, a resistor component is provided in the circuit including the heater. The resistor component generates heat when electricity is applied to it. As the resistor component heats up, its resistance increases as its temperature rises. As the resistance of the resistor component increases, the current flowing through the heater decreases, thereby suppressing heat generation from the heater.

[0008] Here, the resistance value of the resistor component increases as the temperature of the resistor component rises. Therefore, when voltage is initially applied to the circuit including the resistor component and the heater, that is, when the temperature of the resistor component begins to rise, the resistance value of the resistor component is low. Therefore, when voltage is initially applied to the circuit including the resistor component and the heater, a high current can flow through the circuit including the resistor component and the heater. This allows the temperature of the heater to rise quickly.

[0009] The second embodiment of the vehicle camera device of the present invention is based on the first embodiment of the vehicle camera device. The above-mentioned camera unit includes a camera unit body having a lens provided on the shooting side portion, and a transparent plate provided on the shooting side of the above-mentioned camera unit body, and the above-mentioned heater is provided on the shooting side or the opposite side to the shooting side of at least one of the above-mentioned plate and the above-mentioned lens.

[0010] In a second aspect of the vehicle imaging device of the present invention, a heater is provided on the imaging side or the opposite side of at least one of the lens of the imaging unit main body and a transparent plate provided on the imaging side of the imaging unit main body. Thus, heat from the heater can be used to evaporate and remove frost, water droplets, and the like adhering to the lens of the imaging unit main body and the plate on the side where the heater is provided.

[0011] A vehicle imaging device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the vehicle imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the temperature of the heater is set to be lower than the specific temperature when the resistance member is at a specific temperature.

[0012] In the vehicle imaging device according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the resistance member is at a specific temperature, the temperature of the heater is lower than the specific temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature increase of the resistance member due to the heat of the heater.

[0013] The vehicle camera device of the fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the vehicle camera device of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the resistance component is set to increase the resistance value more when the temperature rises above the specified temperature than when the temperature is below the specified temperature.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect of the vehicle camera device of the present invention, the resistance value of the resistor component increases more significantly with increasing temperature at temperatures above a predetermined temperature than when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when the resistor component exceeds the predetermined temperature, the current flowing through the heater can be effectively reduced, thereby effectively suppressing a temperature increase in the heater.

[0015] A vehicle imaging device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle imaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a heat transfer suppressing unit that suppresses heat from outside the resistance member from being transferred to the resistance member.

[0016] In the vehicle imaging device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer suppressing unit suppresses the transfer of heat from outside the resistance member to the resistance member, thereby suppressing the influence of a heat source such as a heater on the temperature rise of the resistance member.

[0017] A vehicle imaging device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle imaging device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the heat transfer suppressing unit has the resistive member disposed inside and covers the resistive member.

[0018] In the vehicle imaging device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the resistance member is disposed inside the heat transfer suppression unit and is covered by the heat transfer suppression unit.

[0019] As described above, the vehicle imaging device according to each aspect of the present invention can accelerate the temperature increase of the heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a composite diagram of a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a main portion of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment and a schematic circuit diagram of an electric circuit including a heater and a resistance member.

[0021] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing a resistor component and a tube, and shows a state before the tube is attached to the resistor component.

[0022] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing a resistance member and a tube, and shows a state in which the resistance member is arranged inside the tube.

[0023] Figure 2C This figure shows the resistor member and the tube, and shows a state where the tube is heated and shrinks.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature and resistance value of a resistance component.

[0025] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the configuration of a main portion of a vehicle imaging device according to a second embodiment, as viewed from one side in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of a camera holder.

[0026] Figure 4B It is along Figure 4AA cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a main part of a vehicle imaging device according to a third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a bus bar in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Next, based on Figures 1 to 6 The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. In each figure, arrow A, as shown where appropriate, indicates the opening direction of a camera holder 14, described later. Arrow B indicates one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow A. Arrow C indicates one side in a direction perpendicular to both the directions of arrow A and arrow B. In the following description of each embodiment, identical components to those in an earlier embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0030] <Structure of the First Embodiment>

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle camera device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is disposed, for example, on the vehicle's exterior at the front end of a side door panel corresponding to the vehicle's front seat. Furthermore, the housing 12 is attached to the vehicle body via a connecting bracket (not shown). The connecting bracket is rotatable relative to the vehicle body between a stowed position and a usable position.

[0032] A camera holder 14 is provided inside the housing 12. The camera holder 14 is generally box-shaped and opens toward the rear of the vehicle in the aforementioned usable state. A camera 16 constituting a photographing unit is provided inside the camera holder 14 as the main body of the photographing unit. The camera 16 includes a camera body 18 and a lens 20. The lens 20 is provided on the opening side of the camera holder 14 of the camera body 18 ( Figure 1 (the side in the direction of arrow A).

[0033] An opening 22 is formed in the housing 12. The opening 22 extends through the interior and exterior of the housing 12 and is located on the opening side of the camera holder 14. This allows the camera 16 to capture images of the camera holder 14 opening on the outside of the housing 12, that is, the rear side of the vehicle on the outside of the housing 12 in the aforementioned usable state.

[0034] A circuit board (not shown) is installed inside the camera body 18 of the camera 16. The imaging element and other components are electrically connected to the circuitry on the circuit board. The circuitry on the circuit board is electrically connected to, for example, a monitor (not shown) located on the dashboard of the vehicle interior. Images captured by the camera 16 are displayed on the monitor. Therefore, a passenger seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle can confirm conditions behind the vehicle by observing the monitor.

[0035] On the other hand, Figure 1 As shown, the opening side of the camera bracket 14 on the inner side of the housing 12 ( Figure 1 A plate 24 is provided on the side (in the direction of arrow A) that, together with the camera 16, constitutes a photographing unit. The plate 24 is formed of, for example, glass and is transparent. The plate 24 is rectangular and faces the lens 20 of the camera 16 on the side facing the opening of the camera holder 14. The thickness of the plate 24 extends in the direction of the opening of the camera holder 14 and in the opposite direction. The outer periphery of the plate 24 is, for example, the same or similar to the outer periphery of the camera holder 14.

[0036] A heater 26 is provided on the side of the plate 24 opposite the opening of the camera holder 14. Heater 26 is in the form of a plate, sheet, or film, and its outer perimeter is a roughly rectangular shape that is the same as or larger than the outer perimeter of the plate 24. The thickness direction of heater 26 is in the direction of the opening of the camera holder 14 and in the direction opposite thereto. Heater 26 is formed, for example, from ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). Therefore, heater 26 is conductive and transparent. Heater 26 and plate 24 (including the viewing angle of camera 16) overlap in their thickness directions.

[0037] A pair of bus bars 28 are provided on the heater 26 and the plate 24. These bus bars 28 are formed of metal or the like and have electrical conductivity. One of the bus bars 28 is provided on one side of the heater 26 and the plate 24 in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14 ( Figure 1 On the other hand, the other bus bar 28 is provided on the other side of the heater 26 and the plate 24 in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14 (the other side of the heater 26 and the plate 24 in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14). Figure 1 That is, the two bus bars 28 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the opening direction of the camera holder 14 ( Figure 1 The two bus bars 28 are open on the sides facing each other.

[0038] In addition, each bus bar 28 can be elastically deformed in such a manner that the opening size of the opening end is increased by overcoming the elastic force of the bus bar 28 itself. Figure 1 The end portion of the heater 26 and the plate 24 in the direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14 (the side of the arrow B direction) is held and clamped by a bus bar 28. Figure 1 The end portion (opposite to the direction of arrow B) is clamped and held by another bus bar 28.

[0039] The other bus bar 28 is grounded. Meanwhile, one bus bar 28 is connected to a first connector 30. The first connector 30 is composed of a male connector and a female connector. By inserting the male connector from the opening of the female connector into the interior of the female connector, the male and female connectors are mechanically and electrically connected. The single bus bar 28 is electrically connected to either the male or female connector of the first connector 30.

[0040] The other of the male and female connectors constituting the first connector 30 is electrically connected to one of the terminals 34 and 36 of the resistor member 32. Figure 2A As shown, a tube 38 constituting a heat transfer suppressing unit is provided as a covering member on the resistance member 32. The tube 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and both ends of the tube 38 in the longitudinal direction are open.

[0041] The resistance member 32 is arranged inside the tube 38 from one open end of the tube 38 ( Figure 2B The tube 38 has a property of shrinking when heated, for example. When the tube 38 is heated while the resistance member 32 is disposed inside the tube 38, the tube 38 is deformed into a shape that matches the resistance member 32 ( Figure 2C In this way, the resistance member 32 is covered by the tube 38, thereby reducing the influence of heat received by the resistance member 32 from the outside of the tube 38.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the other terminal 36 of the resistor member 32 is connected to the second connector 40. The second connector 40 is formed of a male connector and a female connector. The male connector is inserted from the opening side of the female connector into the inner side of the female connector, thereby mechanically and electrically connecting the male connector and the female connector. The other terminal of the resistor member 32 is electrically connected to one of the male connector and the female connector of the second connector 40.

[0043] The other end of the male and female connectors of second connector 40 is electrically connected to one of a pair of terminals of switch 42, and the other terminal of switch 42 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of a battery 44 mounted in the vehicle. Switch 42 can be electrically or mechanically opened and closed using an operating member (not shown) located near the driver's seat in the vehicle interior. When switch 42 is closed, heater 26 is energized via resistor 32. Thus, when heater 26 is energized, it generates heat, and for example, frost, water droplets, etc. attached to plate 24 are heated and evaporated.

[0044] However, the above-mentioned resistance member 32 generates heat by being energized. Figure 3 As shown, when the temperature of the resistive member 32 rises to or above a predetermined temperature T0 (e.g., the Curie temperature of the resistive member 32), the resistance value of the resistive member 32 increases compared to when the temperature of the resistive member 32 is below the predetermined temperature T0. Therefore, if the voltage applied by the battery 44 to the circuit including the resistive member 32 and the heater 26 is constant, the resistance value of the resistive member 32 increases when the temperature T0 is reached or above, thereby reducing the current flowing through the circuit including the resistive member 32 and the heater 26.

[0045] Furthermore, the temperature of the resistor member 32 rises when electricity is supplied to it. Here, when a certain voltage is applied to the circuit including the heater 26 and the resistor member 32, for example, if the resistor member 32 exceeds a specific temperature higher than the predetermined temperature T0, the temperature of the resistor member 32 becomes higher than the temperature of the heater 26. The structure of the resistor member 32 is similar to that of a so-called "PTC thermistor," and a "PTC thermistor" can be used as the resistor member 32.

[0046] <Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0047] In the present embodiment having the above structure, for example, when the humidity inside housing 12 increases, water droplets may adhere to plate 24, or plate 24 may become foggy. Furthermore, when the temperature outside the vehicle is low, frost may adhere to plate 24. In such a situation, when operating components inside the vehicle interior, a certain voltage is applied to the circuit including heater 26. When this circuit is energized, heater 26 generates heat due to its own resistance.

[0048] When the temperature of heater 26 rises due to the heat generated by heater 26, the heat from heater 26 is transferred to plate 24, causing the temperature of plate 24 to rise. This rise in the temperature of plate 24 evaporates water droplets and frost adhering to plate 24, or removes fog from plate 24. This allows camera 16 to capture a clearer image of the vehicle's rear side than before the water droplets, frost, etc. are removed.

[0049] When a constant voltage is applied to the circuit including the heater 26 and the circuit is energized, current flows through the resistor member 32. When current flows through the resistor member 32, the resistor member 32 generates heat, and the temperature of the resistor member 32 rises. When the temperature of the resistor member 32 exceeds a predetermined temperature T0, the resistance value of the resistor member 32 increases.

[0050] Therefore, when the battery 44 applies a constant voltage to the circuit including the heater 26 and the resistor 32, the current flowing through the resistor 32 and the heater 26 decreases as the resistance value of the resistor 32 increases. Therefore, when the temperature of the resistor 32 rises to a temperature sufficiently higher than the predetermined temperature T0, the current flowing through the heater 26 becomes sufficiently low, effectively suppressing the temperature rise of the heater 26.

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, a constant voltage is applied to the heater 26 by the battery 44. Therefore, if the maximum voltage allowed by the circuit formed by the heater 26 and the resistor 32 is applied to the heater 26, the temperature of the heater 26 can be rapidly increased, and water droplets, frost, or fog on the plate 24 can be removed in a short time.

[0052] Furthermore, heater 26 is in the form of a plate, sheet, or film, and its outer periphery is the same as or larger than that of plate 24. Therefore, heater 26 can heat the entire plate 24, thereby rapidly raising the temperature of the center of plate 24 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of plate 24, and removing water droplets, frost, or mist from the center of plate 24 in a short period of time.

[0053] Furthermore, the resistance value of the resistor member 32 increases as current flows through the resistor member 32 and the temperature of the resistor member 32 rises. Specifically, when voltage is initially applied to the circuit comprising the resistor member 32 and the heater 26, the temperature of the resistor member 32 is low, and the resistance value of the resistor member 32 is low. Therefore, if the voltage applied to the circuit is constant, a large current can flow through the heater 26. Consequently, the temperature of the heater 26 can be increased in a short period of time.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, in a configuration where the temperature of heater 26 is detected by a temperature sensor or the like and power to heater 26 is stopped when the temperature of heater 26 reaches a certain temperature or higher, if the temperature sensor is located far from the heater, it is difficult to accurately detect the temperature of heater 26. Therefore, in such a configuration, the temperature sensor is disposed near the terminal of heater 26.

[0055] In contrast, in this embodiment, the temperature rise of the heater 26 is suppressed by raising the temperature of the resistor member 32 to a temperature sufficiently higher than the predetermined temperature T0, rather than the resistor member 32 directly detecting the temperature of the heater 26. Therefore, the resistor member 32 does not need to be positioned particularly close to the heater 26.

[0056] Furthermore, when a certain voltage is applied to the circuit including the heater 26 and the resistance member 32, for example, if the resistance member 32 exceeds a specific temperature higher than the predetermined temperature T0, the temperature of the resistance member 32 becomes higher than the temperature of the heater 26. Therefore, if the resistance member 32 exceeds the specific temperature higher than the predetermined temperature T0, heating of the resistance member 32 by the heat of the heater 26 can be suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, since the resistance member 32 is covered by the tube 38, it is possible to suppress the resistance member 32 from being heated by the heat outside the tube 38. This also suppresses the resistance member 32 from being heated by the heat from the heater 26. This suppresses the temperature of the resistance member 32 from rising due to the heat from the heater 26, allowing the resistance member 32 to be positioned near the heater 26.

[0058] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress an excessive temperature rise of the heater 26 regardless of the arrangement position of the resistance member 32. Therefore, the arrangement position of the resistance member 32 can be set with a high degree of freedom.

[0059] Furthermore, the resistance member 32 and the heater 26 are electrically and mechanically connected via the first connector 30, and the resistance member 32 and the switch 42 are electrically and mechanically connected via the second connector 40. Therefore, even with a resistance member 32 having different resistance value increase characteristics relative to temperature, as long as the first connector 30 is provided on the heater 26 side of the resistance member 32 and the second connector 40 is provided on the switch 42 side of the resistance member 32, the resistance member 32 can be connected to each of the heater 26 and the switch 42. Therefore, it is easier to change the specifications of the resistance member 32 having different resistance value increase characteristics relative to temperature.

[0060] <Second embodiment>

[0061] like Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B As shown, in this embodiment, a pair of retaining pieces 52 are provided on the outer side of the camera holder 14 in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14. These retaining pieces 52 are formed to protrude from the wall portion of the camera holder 14, and are provided on the opening direction side of the camera holder 14 and the opposite direction side ( Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B The sides in the direction of arrow A and the opposite direction thereof) are opposite to each other.

[0062] The portion of tube 38 covering terminals 34, 36 of resistor 32, i.e., the portion of tube 38 near resistor 32, is positioned between these retaining pieces 52. Tube 38 is deformed toward the opposing sides by retaining pieces 52, thereby being retained by the two retaining pieces 52.

[0063] Thus, the portion of the tube 38 near the resistor member 32 is held by the two retaining pieces 52, thereby preventing the resistor member 32 from unexpectedly moving due to vibrations during vehicle travel, etc. This prevents the resistor member 32 from unexpectedly moving and causing problems.

[0064] In this embodiment, the retaining piece 52 is formed on the camera holder 14. However, the retaining piece 52 may also be formed on the housing 12. In other words, the retaining piece 52 only needs to be provided near the location where the resistor member 32 is disposed, and the location of the retaining piece 52 is not particularly limited.

[0065] <Third embodiment>

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, in the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the camera bracket 14 (in Figure 5 The opening direction side (omitted in the figure) Figure 5 The heater 26 is arranged on the arrow A direction side. In addition, a bus bar 62 is provided to replace the bus bar 28 different from the bus bar 28 to be grounded (earth) in the pair of bus bars 28.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the bus bar 62 is electrically conductive as a whole and is formed of a plate such as a metal plate having elasticity in a direction intersecting the thickness direction. The bus bar 62 includes a curved portion 64. The curved portion 64 is bent to open in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the camera holder 14.

[0068] The side of the bus bar 62 closer to the curved portion 64 ( Figure 5 The first pressing portion 66 is formed on the side of the camera holder 14 (in the direction of the arrow D1) with the bus bar 62 mounted on the plate 24 and the heater 26. Figure 5 The side opposite to the opening direction (omitted in the figure) Figure 5 On the other hand, the bus bar 62 is on the other side of the curved portion 64 ( Figure 5 The second crimping portion 68 is formed on the camera support 14 of the heater 26 (on the side of the arrow D2 direction). Figure 5 The opening direction side (not shown in the figure) is shown in FIG.

[0069] The second crimping portion 68 includes a plurality of first terminal holding pieces 70 and a plurality of second terminal holding pieces 72. Figure 6 As shown, the first terminal holding piece 70 and the second terminal holding piece 72 are arranged in the direction of the curvature center axis of the curved portion 64 ( Figure 6 The plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately in the direction of arrow C).

[0070] The first terminal holding piece 70 includes a first terminal holding portion 74. The first terminal holding portion 74 extends from the other end of the curved portion 64 of the bus bar 62. In addition, the first terminal holding portion 74 is appropriately bent in the axial direction with the same direction as the central axis of curvature of the curved portion 64 as the axial direction. As a result, the shape of the first terminal holding portion 74 as viewed from the central axis of curvature of the curved portion 64 (i.e., Figure 5 The shape of the first terminal holding portion 74 in the state shown is roughly the opening direction of the camera bracket 14 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first gripping portion 76 extends from the end portion of the first terminal holding portion 74 on the opposite side of the curved portion 64.

[0071] On the other hand, the second terminal holding piece 72 includes a second terminal holding portion 78. The second terminal holding portion 78 extends from the other end of the curved portion 64 of the bus bar 62. The second terminal holding portion 78 is appropriately curved in a circumferential direction with the same direction as the central axis of curvature of the curved portion 64 as its axial direction.

[0072] Thus, the shape of the second terminal holding portion 78 as viewed from the direction of the curvature center axis of the curved portion 64 (ie, Figure 5 The shape of the second terminal holding portion 78 in the state shown is generally in the direction opposite to the opening direction of the camera bracket 14 (the direction opposite to the opening direction of the camera bracket 14). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second terminal retaining portion 78 has a concave shape that opens in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow A. The middle portion of the second terminal retaining portion 78 extending from the curved portion 64 is positioned closer to the camera holder 14 opening than the first terminal retaining portion 74 of the first terminal retaining piece 70. The portion of the tube 38 that covers the two terminals 34 and 36 is positioned between the first terminal retaining portion 74 and the second terminal retaining portion 78 in the direction of the camera holder 14 opening.

[0073] Furthermore, the distance between the first terminal retaining portion 74 and the second terminal retaining portion 78 at the intermediate portion of both the first terminal retaining portion 74 and the second terminal retaining portion 78 in the direction extending from the curved portion 64, in the direction of the opening of the camera holder 14, is less than or equal to the dimension of the portion of the tube 38 covering the two terminals 34, 36, along the direction of the opening of the camera holder 14. Furthermore, when no external force is applied to the first crimping portion 66 and the second crimping portion 68, that is, when the bus bar 62 is not attached to the plate 24 and the heater 26, the distance between the first crimping portion 66 and the second terminal retaining portion 78 is less than the sum of the thickness of the plate 24 and the thickness of the heater 26.

[0074] In addition, the second gripping portion 80 extends from the end portion of the second terminal holding portion 78 on the opposite side to the curved portion 64. The second gripping portion 80 is arranged closer to the opening direction of the camera holder 14 than the first terminal holding portion 74 of the first terminal holding piece 70 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 Therefore, when the first terminal holding piece 70 and the second terminal holding piece 72 are centered on the curved portion 64 and move in a direction in which the first gripping portion 76 and the second gripping portion 80 approach each other ( Figure 5 When the first terminal holding portion 74 and the second terminal holding portion 78 are elastically deformed in the direction of arrow E1 and arrow E2, the first terminal holding portion 74 and the second terminal holding portion 78 are separated from each other (ie, toward Figure 5 Move in the direction of arrow F1 and the direction of arrow F2).

[0075] In this manner, by separating the first terminal holding portion 74 and the second terminal holding portion 78 from each other, the portion of the tube 38 covering the two terminals 34 and 36 can be positioned between the first terminal holding portion 74 and the second terminal holding portion 78. From this state, if the load in the direction of approaching the first pinching portion 76 and the second pinching portion 80 is removed, the portion of the tube 38 covering the two terminals 34 and 36 is retained by the first terminal holding portion 74 and the second terminal holding portion 78 by virtue of the elasticity of the first terminal holding piece 70 and the second terminal holding piece 72 of the second crimping portion 68.

[0076] In this state, the plate 24 and the heater 26 are disposed between the first crimping portion 66 and the first terminal holding portion 74 of the second crimping portion 68. As a result, the first crimping portion 66 and the second terminal holding portion 78 of the second crimping portion 68 are separated (ie, moved toward the Figure 5 In this state, the curved portion 64 elastically deforms, and the elasticity of the curved portion 64 applies force to the first and second crimping portions 66, 68, bringing them closer together. As a result, the bus bar 62 is attached to the plate 24 and heater 26 so that the first and second crimping portions 66, 68 sandwich the plate 24 and heater 26.

[0077] In such a structure, by assembling the resistance member 32 covered with the tube 38 to the bus bar 62 in advance, the resistance member 32 can be assembled to the plate 24 and the heater 26 together with the bus bar 62. This can reduce the number of assembly steps.

[0078] Furthermore, since the bus bar 62 holds the resistor member 32 , it is not necessary to provide a structure for holding the resistor member 32 in the camera holder 14 or the housing 12 , thereby simplifying the camera holder 14 and the housing 12 .

[0079] Furthermore, by holding the resistance member 32 on the bus bar 62 , the resistance member 32 is stabilized, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction due to unintended movement of the resistance member 32 .

[0080] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the heat transfer suppressing means is formed by the tube 38. However, for example, a structure may be employed in which a partition wall serving as the heat transfer suppressing means is provided between the location where the camera holder 14 is located inside the housing 12 and the location where the resistive member 32 is located, and this partition wall suppresses the transfer of heat from the heater 26 to the resistive member 32. In other words, the heat transfer suppressing means is not limited to this specific embodiment as long as it can suppress the transfer of heat from the heater 26 to the resistive member 32.

[0081] In each of the above-described embodiments, heat transfer suppression means such as the tube 38 is used to suppress the transfer of heat from the heater 26 to the resistance member 32. However, for example, as long as the resistance member 32 is sufficiently separated from the heater 26 and the resistance member 32 is not (or is less likely to be) affected by the heat of the heater 26, a structure without heat transfer suppression means such as the tube 38 is also possible.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the resistive member 32 is disposed on the camera support 14, and in the third embodiment, the resistive member 32 is disposed on the plate 24. However, the resistive member 32 may be disposed inside the housing 12 away from the camera support 14 and the plate 24, or outside the housing 12.

[0083] Furthermore, the resistance member 32 generates heat when energized, but the aforementioned embodiments do not specifically mention the heat generated by the resistance member 32. For example, a configuration could be employed in which the resistance member 32 is positioned near the separation between the housing 12 and the vehicle body on which the housing 12 is mounted, and the heat generated by the resistance member 32 when energized heats the housing 12 and the vehicle body near the separation. In such a configuration, for example, the heat generated by the resistance member 32 during winter can be used to prevent moisture or the like from freezing in the gap, thereby maintaining the rotation of the housing 12.

[0084] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the structure is provided with the tube 38 as a heat transfer suppression unit, but as long as the resistance component 32 is not affected by the heat of the heater 26, or the resistance component 32 is only slightly affected by the heat of the heater 26, the structure may also be provided without the heat transfer suppression unit.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the "shooting side" photographed by the camera 16 is the rear side of the vehicle. However, the "shooting side" photographed by the camera 16 may also be the outer side in the vehicle width direction (the left or right side of the vehicle), or the upper side, lower side, or front side of the vehicle.

[0086] Furthermore, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the vehicle camera device 10 is configured to be installed on a side door panel of the vehicle and to capture images of the rear side of the vehicle. However, the vehicle camera device 10 may also be a so-called "front camera" installed on a front portion of the vehicle, such as the front grille, and to capture images of the front side of the vehicle, or a so-called "rear camera" installed on the rear portion of the vehicle and to capture images of the rear side of the vehicle. Furthermore, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the camera 16 is configured to be installed on the exterior of the vehicle, but the camera 16 may also be configured to be installed inside the vehicle's interior. That is, the configuration position of the vehicle camera device 10 is not particularly limited, and it can be widely applied.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the heater 26 is provided on the plate 24. However, the heater 26 may be provided on the lens 20 of the camera 16. In the case of providing the heater 26 on the lens 20 of the camera 16, the plate 24 may not be provided.

[0088] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the heater 26 is provided on the imaging side of the plate 24 (for example, Figure 1 However, the heater 26 may be provided on the side opposite to the shooting side of the plate 24 (for example, Figure 1 The structure of the lens 20 is on the opposite side of the arrow A direction) or on the opposite side of the lens 20 to the shooting side.

[0089] In the above-described embodiments, the outer peripheral shape of the heater 26 is a substantially rectangular shape that is the same as or larger than the outer peripheral shape of the plate 24. However, the outer peripheral shape of the heater 26 may be smaller than the outer peripheral shape of the plate 24. When the outer peripheral shape of the heater 26 is smaller than the outer peripheral shape of the plate 24, the arrangement position of the heater 26 is preferably set so that the heater 26 is located toward the center of the field of view of the camera 16.

Claims

1. A vehicle camera device, characterized in that: have: A shooting unit capable of shooting the shooting side; a transparent heater provided on the imaging side of the imaging unit within at least the range of the viewing angle of the imaging unit, and energized to generate heat to heat the imaging side of the imaging unit; and a resistance component provided in a circuit including the heater so as to be connected in series with the heater, generating heat when energized, and having a resistance value that increases as the temperature rises due to the heat, thereby reducing the current value flowing to the heater; When the resistance member generates heat by itself due to the passage of current and the temperature rises to a specific temperature higher than its Curie temperature, the heater is cooled to a temperature lower than the specific temperature due to the decrease in the current value of the current flowing therethrough. The resistance member is disposed sufficiently apart from the heater so as not to be affected by heat from the heater, or the vehicle imaging device includes a heat transfer suppressing unit that suppresses heat from outside the resistance member from being transferred to the resistance member.

2. The vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein: The shooting unit includes: a photographing unit body having a lens provided on the photographing side; and A transparent plate is provided on the shooting side of the shooting unit body, The heater is provided on an imaging side or a side opposite to the imaging side of at least one of the plate and the lens.

3. The vehicle camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the resistive component, the resistance value increases more significantly when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature than when the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature.

4. The vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein: The heat transfer suppression unit is configured to have the resistance member disposed therein and to cover the resistance member.

Images