Camera support device and camera device

Abstract

The camera support device for supporting the camera is provided with a heating device having a heating element and a support part supporting the heating device. The heating device is provided on the surface of the support part on the side of the object to be heated, and one or more non-contact parts are provided on the surface of the support part that do not contact the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a camera support device and a camera device for supporting a camera that, for example, captures images of the outside of a vehicle through a window. Background Technology

[0002] As an example, a vehicle camera is installed inside the passenger compartment near the windshield at the front of the vehicle body to detect the presence of other vehicles and obstacles in front of the vehicle. For example, the camera described in Patent Document 1 includes a bracket, a camera unit, and a light-shielding heating unit. The light-shielding heating unit is a component designed to capture clear images through the camera unit, and it functions to remove condensation, frost, and ice that adheres to the windshield (front window) near the camera unit. The light-shielding heating unit includes a light-shielding cover, a heater module, and a heat-insulating member. The heater module is mounted to the side of the light-shielding cover opposite to the camera unit via double-sided tape. The heat-insulating member is provided on the side of the heater module opposite to the light-shielding cover via a fuse module. The heat-insulating member prevents heat generated by the heater module from escaping to the outside from its lower surface.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: JP 2017-185896. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in cameras like the ones described above, water droplets or other debris adhering to the windshield may not completely disappear, depending on the situation. Therefore, there is a need to further improve the heating effect.

[0008] means for solving problems

[0009] According to one form of this disclosure, a camera support device is a camera support device for supporting a camera, comprising: a heating device having a heating element; a support portion supporting the heating device; the heating device being disposed on a surface of the support portion on the side of the object to be heated, and one or more non-contact portions not in contact with the heating element being disposed on the surface of the support portion.

[0010] According to one form of this disclosure, the camera device is a camera device having a camera and a camera support device for supporting the camera, the camera support device being provided with: a heating device having a heating element; a support portion supporting the heating device; the heating device being disposed on a surface of the support portion on the side of the object to be heated, and one or more non-contact portions not in contact with the heating element being disposed on the surface of the support portion. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the camera device and the camera support device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the mounting and dismounting unit of the camera support device according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera support device according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main parts of the cross-sectional structure of the camera support device according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the camera device of the second embodiment and the lens hood of the camera support device.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera support device according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a modified camera device and a lens hood for a camera support device.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a top view showing a modified example of a camera device and a lens hood for a camera support device. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (First Implementation)

[0020] The following describes one embodiment of a camera support device.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 The overall configuration of the camera device 10 with a camera support device will be described below. The camera device 10 includes a camera unit 11 and a camera support device 12. Hereinafter, the camera support device 12 will be simply referred to as the support device 12. The camera unit 11 corresponds to a camera.

[0022] The camera unit 11 has a main body 11A and a lens 11B. The main body 11A includes, for example, an image sensor, a recording sensor, and a housing for these sensors. The lens 11B is exposed through a notch 211 in the support device 12 and faces the windshield.

[0023] The support device 12 includes a bracket 21, a lens hood 22, a heating device 23, and a reflection suppressor 24. The bracket 21 supports the imaging unit 11. The bracket 21 has a pair of locking feet 21L. A pair of protrusions 110 provided on the imaging unit 11 are respectively inserted into the grooves 210 of each locking foot 21L, thereby supporting the imaging unit 11. In addition, the protrusions 110 provided on the imaging unit 11 are not provided in a pair, but in multiple pairs, but their number is not particularly limited. The lens hood 22 corresponds to the support portion that supports the heating device 23 from the rear. The bracket 21 and the lens hood 22 are mainly made of resin. The resin can be one type or multiple types. In addition, the bracket 21 and the lens hood 22 can also be made of resin and a combination of materials other than resin.

[0024] The bracket 21 has a notch 211 that exposes the lens 11B, and light-shielding walls 21W provided on both sides of the notch 211. The light-shielding walls 21W extend from the base end on the side of the notch 211 to the front end on the opposite side, with the relative distance between them and the other light-shielding wall 21W increasing. Therefore, the light-shielding walls 21W ensure the field of view of the imaging unit 11 while blocking a portion of the light incident on the bracket 21. This suppresses the incidence of light that adversely affects imaging, such as flare caused by reflected light from the windshield or the incidence of excess light.

[0025] Additionally, a heating device 23 is disposed between the light-shielding walls 21W. The light-shielding walls 21W also function as reflectors of the radiant heat from the heating device 23. The light-shielding walls 21W also heat the windshield by reflecting radiant heat that does not incident on the windshield to the windshield side as secondary radiation.

[0026] The bracket 21 supports the lens hood 22, the heating device 23, and the reflection suppressor 24. The lens hood 22, the heating device 23, and the reflection suppressor 24 are detachably mounted on the bracket 21. The lens hood 22, the heating device 23, and the reflection suppressor 24 constitute a mounting / removing unit 30. Therefore, by removing the mounting / removing unit 30 from the bracket 21, maintenance of the heating device 23 and the like can be performed.

[0027] Next refer to Figure 2 The loading and unloading unit 30 is described in detail. Figure 2As shown by the double-dotted line and the solid line, a heating device 23 is provided on the surface of the lens hood 22, and a reflection suppressing sheet 24 is provided on the surface of the heating device 23. The heating device 23 is attached to the lens hood 22 by an adhesive or the like. Similarly, the reflection suppressing sheet 24 is attached to the heating device 23 by an adhesive or the like.

[0028] The lens hood 22 supports the heating device 23. The lens hood 22 has a notch 22L on its back surface 22B for receiving the lens 11B. The notch 22L connects to the notch 211 of the bracket 21 when the mounting unit 30 is supported on the bracket 21. The surface 22F of the lens hood 22 has a generally trapezoidal shape, with its width W gradually increasing from the back surface 22B towards the front surface 22A. Furthermore, the lens hood 22 can be formed of one or more types of resin as described above, but its type is not limited as long as it has the strength to support the heating device 23. For example, the lens hood 22 can also be made of foamed plastic.

[0029] Additionally, locking protrusions 22E are provided on the sides 22C and 22D of the lens hood 22. The lens hood 22 is fixed in place by the locking protrusions 22E into the main body groove (not shown) provided on the bracket 21, thereby supporting the lens hood 22 on the bracket 21.

[0030] Side ends 22G are provided on both sides in the width direction of the lens hood 22. Furthermore, the lens hood 22 has a plurality of non-contact portions 220 on its surface 22F. Each non-contact portion 220 is defined by a side end 22G, a first protrusion 22H extending in the width direction, and a second protrusion 22I extending in a direction perpendicular to the width direction and intersecting the first protrusion 22H. The non-contact portion 220 is a space defined by the side end 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I. The side end 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I are on the same plane or approximately on the same plane, and the non-contact portion 220 is concave relative to these planes. The height H of the first protrusion 22H (refer to...) Figure 4 It is certain. Furthermore, the height H referred to here is the height from the bottom surface 22J that divides the non-contact portion 220. Multiple non-contact portions 220 are arranged in a grid pattern in the area sandwiched by the side ends 22G.

[0031] The heating device 23 includes a heating element 23A and a driving element 23B. The heating element 23A can be any flat heater, and its type is not particularly limited. For example, the heating element 23A has a planar good conductor, a current-carrying part, and a pair of insulating films. The current-carrying part is formed by a heating wire and is connected to the driving element 23B. The current-carrying part is sandwiched between a pair of insulating films. The planar good conductor is attached to one of the insulating films. The driving element 23B is electrically connected to the heating element 23A and supplies current to the heating element 23A. The driving element 23B has a protection circuit 23C. The protection circuit 23C has a thermal fuse that suppresses the current flowing to the planar heating element within a specified range.

[0032] An adhesive (not shown) is applied to the surface of the side end portion 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I of the lens hood 22. The heating element 23A of the heating device 23 is bonded to the side end portion 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I via the adhesive, and does not contact the non-contact portion 220. Furthermore, since the heights of the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I are fixed, a certain height space is maintained between the heating device 23 and the bottom surface 22J that divides the non-contact portion 220.

[0033] The reflection suppressor 24 is bonded to the heating element 23A via an adhesive or adhesive layer. The reflection suppressor 24 has a shape that covers substantially the entire area of ​​the heating element 23A. The reflection suppressor 24 is, for example, a resin film that suppresses light reflection by absorbing light incident on it. To suppress light reflection, the reflection suppressor 24 may also have an uneven surface.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The function of the camera device 10 will be explained. Figure 3 As shown, the camera device 10 is mounted with its lens 11B facing the windshield 100. The mounting location for the camera device 10 is not particularly limited; it can be at least one of, for example, the windshield, the roof, or the dashboard. Furthermore, the camera device 10 can be configured to cover not only the area in front of the vehicle but also the area behind or to the sides of the vehicle. In other words, besides having its lens 11B facing the windshield 100, the camera device 10 can also be configured to have its lens 11B facing the rear window located at the rear of the vehicle body, or the side window located on a door, etc., on the side of the vehicle body.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the heating element 23A of the heating device 23 transfers radiant heat to the windshield 100 via the reflection suppression sheet 24. When the heating element 23A is located on the rear back surface 22K side of the lens hood 22, heat from the heating element 23A is conducted to the lens hood 22 and then radiated to the windshield 100. Therefore, the heat conduction loss through the lens hood 22 is significant in this case. However, by placing the heating element 23A on the surface 22F, heat conduction does not need to occur through the lens hood 22, thus reducing heat conduction loss. Furthermore, when the heating device 23 is located on the surface 22F of the lens hood 22, the distance to the windshield 100 is shorter compared to when it is located on the rear back surface 22K of the lens hood 22. Therefore, the heating device 23 can directly and efficiently transfer heat radiation to the windshield 100.

[0036] On the other hand, since the lens hood 22 is in contact with the rear back surface 23D of the heating element 23A, heat is mainly transferred to the lens hood 22 via thermal conduction. Therefore, a portion of the heat from the heating element 23A is lost through conduction from the rear back surface 23D to the lens hood 22 instead of radiating to the windshield 100. However, by providing a non-contact portion 220 to the lens hood 22, the contact area is reduced, and the heat is conducted along the side end 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I that are in contact with the heating element 23A, instead of through the air in the non-contact portion 220 which has low thermal conductivity. Therefore, less heat is conducted from the heating element 23A to the lens hood 22 compared to the case where the non-contact portion 220 is not provided. In other words, less heat is lost from the rear back surface 23D of the heating element 23A, thus improving the heating effect and increasing the heating rate when the heating device 23 is activated. Furthermore, the maximum temperature reached by the heating element 23A during heating is also higher.

[0037] Furthermore, in addition to the side end 22G, the rear back surface 23D of the heating element 23A can also be supported by the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I, thus enabling it to withstand the load even when the vehicle is subjected to vibration or impact. Moreover, even assuming the heating element 23A is made of a flexible material or structure, the support by the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I can suppress deflection caused by its own weight. Since the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I have a certain height H, a non-contact portion 220 with a certain height can be provided between the heating element 23A and the bottom surface that defines the non-contact portion 220. Therefore, there is no deviation in the heat insulation effect of the lens hood 22 on the heating element 23A, thus suppressing temperature unevenness of the heating element 23A. Therefore, the area of ​​the windshield 100 to be heated can be heated without deviation.

[0038] As explained above, the following effects are obtained according to the first embodiment.

[0039] (1) The support device 12 has a heating device 23 on the surface of the windshield 100 side within the lens hood 22. This configuration shortens the distance between the heating element 23A of the heating device 23 and the windshield 100, allowing the heating device 23 to directly and efficiently transfer radiant heat to the windshield 100. Furthermore, since the lens hood 22 has a non-contact portion 220 on its surface 22F, the contact area between the lens hood 22 and the heating element 23A is reduced. This reduces heat loss from the rear back surface 23D of the heating element 23A, further improving the heating effect.

[0040] (2) The lens hood 22 has a side end portion 22G that contacts the heat-generating part 23A, a first protrusion 22H, and a second protrusion 22I. The non-contact part 220 is divided by the side end portion 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I. Since the side end portion 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I support the heat-generating part 23A, they can stably support the heat-generating part 23A.

[0041] (3) Since the height H of the side end 22G, the first protrusion 22H, and the second protrusion 22I is constant, a non-contact portion 220 with a certain height can be provided between the heating part 23A and the bottom surface that divides the non-contact portion 220. Therefore, the temperature unevenness of the heating part 23A can be suppressed.

[0042] (Second Implementation)

[0043] Next, a second embodiment of the camera support device and the camera will be described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the lens hood differs from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used for the parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the lens hood 31 has a pair of side ends 31G on its surface 31F. A non-contact portion 310 is provided between the pair of side ends 31G. That is, in the first embodiment, the non-contact portion 220 is divided into multiple parts by the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I, while in the second embodiment, the first protrusion 22H and the second protrusion 22I are not provided, which is different.

[0045] like Figure 6As shown, by providing a non-contact portion 310 on the lens hood 31, the contact area between the heating element 23A and the lens hood 31 is reduced. Therefore, the heat from the heating element 23A is transferred and moved along the side end 31G that contacts the heating element 23A. Consequently, less heat is conducted from the heating element 23A to the lens hood 31 compared to the case where the non-contact portion 310 is not provided, thus improving the heating effect.

[0046] Furthermore, the non-contact portion 310 of this embodiment occupies a larger volume compared to the non-contact portion 220 of the first embodiment, thus improving the heat insulation effect of heat transferred from the heating portion 23A. Additionally, compared to the non-contact portion 220 of the first embodiment, thermal deviation within the non-contact portion 310 is suppressed, thus potentially improving the effect of suppressing temperature unevenness in the heating portion 23A.

[0047] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also obtained.

[0048] (4) According to the second embodiment, the lens hood 31 has a non-contact portion 310. As a result, compared with the case where multiple non-contact portions are provided, the volume of the non-contact portion 310 is increased, thereby improving the heat insulation effect of the heat transferred from the heat-generating portion 23A.

[0049] (Other implementation methods)

[0050] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0051] In the first embodiment, a first protrusion 22H and a second protrusion 22I are provided on the lens hood 22 to divide it into multiple non-contact portions 220. In the second embodiment, one non-contact portion 310 is provided, but the number of non-contact portions is not limited. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusions dividing the multiple non-contact portions is not particularly limited. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the surface 40F of the lens hood 40 can also be a honeycomb structure, with the non-contact portion 400 divided by the wall portion 40A. The non-contact portion 400, viewed from the surface side, can also be circular or triangular instead of hexagonal. Additionally, a protrusion different from the ridge can be provided in one of the non-contact portions to support the heating element 23A from the rear back surface 23D. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, a non-contact portion 410 can also be provided on the surface 41F of the lens hood 41, and a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 41A can be provided in the non-contact portion 410. The shape of the protrusions 41A is not particularly limited, and can also be a quadrangular prism or the like.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the lens hood 22 is provided with a first protrusion 22H of a certain height and a plurality of second protrusions 22I. Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to provide protrusions of different heights or other protrusions on the lens hood 22. For example, by providing protrusions of different heights on the lens hood 22, the surface 22F can be made into an inclined surface. Alternatively, the volume of the non-contact portion can be increased by raising the protrusions, especially in the parts of the lens hood 22 where the temperature is prone to rise.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the lens hood 22 has a plurality of first protrusions 22H and a plurality of second protrusions 22I. Alternatively, a single protrusion may be provided on the lens hood 22. Furthermore, any protrusion other than a protrusion may be used, as long as it can support the heating device 23.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the bracket 21 and the lens hood 22 are separate components. Alternatively, the bracket 21 and the lens hood 22 can be integrated. In other words, the bracket 21 can also have a support portion with the same configuration as the lens hood 22. Furthermore, in this form, the support portion supports the heating device 23, and it is not limited to the shape of the above embodiments as long as one or more non-contact portions are provided that do not contact the heating element. In addition, in this form, the heating device 23 and the reflection suppressor 24 can be detachably mounted on the bracket 21.

[0055] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate design changes can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, the lens hood 22 may not be trapezoidal in shape but rectangular in shape when viewed from above. In addition, the bracket 21 may be a shape that omits the light-shielding wall 21W, or it may have a locking foot, which can be omitted if the locking foot is not needed.

[0056] In the embodiments described above, the camera device 10 is installed on the vehicle to capture images of the area surrounding the vehicle. Alternatively, the camera device 10 can also be installed on a moving body other than a vehicle, such as a ship or aircraft, or at a fixed location. For example, a camera device 10 installed on a moving body may be installed near the window of the moving body to capture images of the external environment of the moving body. Conversely, a camera device installed at a fixed location may be installed near the window of a facility or similar structure to capture images of the external environment of the facility or similar structure.

Claims

1. A support device for a video camera for supporting a video camera, wherein, Provided are: a support that supports the camera and has a notch portion that accommodates a lens of the camera on the inside and light-blocking walls that are provided on both sides of the notch portion and that suppress the incidence of light; a detachable unit that is detachably supported on the support and that is positioned between the light-blocking walls, with a surface of the detachable unit exposed toward a heating target; the detachable unit has: a heating device that has a heat-generating portion; a support portion that supports the heating device from a rear surface of the heating device as a lens light-blocking cover; a reflection-suppressing sheet that is provided on a surface of the heating device; the heating device is provided on the heating-target side among the support portions, one or more non-contact portions that do not contact the heat-generating portion are provided on a surface of the support portion.

2. The camera support device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a notch portion that accommodates the lens, the notch portion formed in the support portion is continuous with the notch portion formed in the support in a state in which the detachable unit is supported on the support.

3. The camera support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support has a pair of locking leg portions positioned below the detachable unit, the camera is supported below the detachable unit by the locking leg portions being respectively engaged with respective protrusions provided in the camera.

4. An imaging device that has a camera and a camera support device that supports the camera, wherein the camera support device is provided with: a support that supports the camera and has a notch portion that accommodates a lens of the camera on the inside and light-blocking walls that are provided on both sides of the notch portion and that suppress the incidence of light; a detachable unit that is detachably mounted on the support and that is positioned between the light-blocking walls, with a surface of the detachable unit exposed toward a heating target; the detachable unit has: a heating device that has a heat-generating portion; a support portion that supports the heating device from a rear surface of the heating device as a lens light-blocking cover; a reflection-suppressing sheet that is provided on a surface of the heating device; the heating device is provided on the heating-target side among the support portions, one or more non-contact portions that do not contact the heat-generating portion are provided on a surface of the support portion.

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