Optical device

Abstract

An optical device includes a lens, a lens barrel, and a heating member. The lens comprises an optical effective area exposed out of the optical device and an optical axis extending through the optical effective area, and external light enters the optical device through the optical effective area. The lens barrel supports the lens. The heating element comprises an electrical connection part and a heating part, the electrical connection part is connected to the heating part, the electrical connection part is arranged on the lens barrel, and the heating part heats the lens, so that the optical effective area has a set temperature at which water vapor cannot freeze on the optical effective area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of an optical device with a heating function, and in particular to an optical device capable of heating a lens to prevent ice from forming on the lens surface. Background Art

[0002] The operating environment can affect the performance of optical devices to a certain extent. For example, when using optical devices in temperate or frigid regions, the lens is exposed to the atmosphere during use. Under certain climatic conditions, atmospheric moisture can form ice on the lens surface. Because ice crystals accumulate on the lens surface through which light passes, even a trace amount of ice can affect the light passing through the lens, such as causing light deflection or scattering, which can seriously affect image quality.

[0003] The existing solution to this problem is to seal the interior of the optical device from the outside world after the lens is assembled into the optical device, and to evacuate the air from the optical device to prevent moisture from freezing on the lens. However, this solution only works for lenses installed inside the optical device. For lenses exposed to the outside of the optical device, which are still exposed to the atmosphere during use, the problem of ice forming on the lens surface remains unsolved.

[0004] Another solution is to apply a water repellent on the surface of the lens to prevent moisture from adhering. However, the water repellent has only a certain shelf life and cannot continuously produce the effect of preventing moisture from adhering. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device capable of solving the problem of icing of lenses exposed to the atmosphere due to climate.

[0006] An embodiment of an optical device of the present invention includes a lens, a lens barrel, and a heating element. The lens includes at least one lens and an optical axis. The lens includes an object-side surface and an edge region. The object-side surface includes an optically effective region. The edge region surrounds the optical axis. The optical axis extends through the optically effective region, and external light enters the optical device through the optically effective region. The lens barrel is used to accommodate the lens. The lens barrel includes an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface surrounds and is parallel to the optical axis, and the inner circumferential surface and the edge region abut each other. The heating element is disposed in the lens barrel and is used to heat the lens. The heating element includes an electrical connection portion and a heating portion. The electrical connection portion is connected to the heating portion. The electrical connection portion is an outward extension of the heating portion and is disposed on the outer circumferential surface.

[0007] In another embodiment, the heated optical device of the present invention further includes a lens cover, wherein the object side further includes a non-optically effective area, and at least a portion of the lens cover abuts against the non-optically effective area to keep the lens positioned on the lens barrel.

[0008] In another embodiment, the heating portion is attached to the non-optically effective area.

[0009] In another embodiment, the non-optically active area is connected to the edge area, and the heating portion of the heating element extends to and is sandwiched between the non-optically active area and the lens cover.

[0010] In another embodiment, the heating optical device of the present invention further includes a heat insulating member disposed between the heating portion and the lens cover.

[0011] In another embodiment, the heating portion of the heating element is disposed on the outer circumference of the lens barrel and is opposite to the edge area, and there is a predetermined distance between the lens cover and the heating portion.

[0012] In another embodiment, the non-optically active area is parallel to, perpendicular to, or / and inclined to the optical axis.

[0013] In another embodiment, the heating portion of the heating element is ring-shaped and surrounds the lens.

[0014] In another embodiment, the electrical connection portion extends along the axial direction of the lens barrel.

[0015] In another embodiment, the lens barrel has a flange and a positioning recess, the flange is disposed on the outer peripheral surface, and the positioning recess is formed in the flange, and the electrical connection portion passes through the flange and is positioned in the positioning recess.

[0016] The optical device of the present invention utilizes a heating element that is directly in contact with or positioned near the lens. The heating element heats the lens by heat conduction or heat radiation, causing the optically active area of the lens to reach a temperature higher than the freezing point of water vapor. This prevents water vapor from freezing in the optically active area of the lens, thus resolving the problem of weather-related freezing in the optically active area of the lens in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the optical device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part II of the optical setup.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the optical device with the lens cover removed.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the optical device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the optical device with the lens cover removed.

[0022] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the optical device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the optical device with the lens cover removed.

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an optical device according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the optical device with the lens cover removed.

[0026] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the optical device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the optical device with the lens cover removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , which shows a first embodiment of the optical device of the present invention. The optical device 1 of this embodiment includes a lens 10, a lens barrel 20, a lens cover 30, and a heater 40. The lens barrel 20 supports and positions the lens 10, the lens cover 30 abuts against the lens 10 to limit its position, thereby maintaining its position within the lens barrel 20, and the heater 40 heats the lens 10. Their structures are described in detail below.

[0029] The lens 10 includes an object-side surface 11, an edge region 12, and an optical axis 13. The object-side surface 11 includes an optically active area 111, which is a surface area through which light passes and collects light. The optical axis 13 extends through the center of the optically active area 11. The lens 10 of this embodiment is a convex lens. The optically active area 11 is a parabolic or spherical surface that protrudes from the lens cover 30 of this embodiment. The edge region 12 is connected to the optically active area 11. The edge region 12 includes an abutment surface 121 and a non-optically active area 122. The abutment surface 121 of this embodiment is parallel to the optical axis 13 of the lens 10, while the non-optically active area 122 is inclined relative to the optical axis 13. The optically active area 111 is a light-transmitting portion, allowing external light that passes through the optically active area 111 to reach the imaging surface. The non-optically active area 122 is a light-proof portion. Preferably, a light-proof film (not shown) is formed on the non-optically active area of the lens, such as a light-absorbing coating, a metal layer, or a carbon black and metal composite film composed of carbon black and metal. The light-absorbing coating can absorb stray light to avoid affecting the imaging quality. The material of the light-absorbing coating is, for example, carbon black.

[0030] The lens barrel 20 is cylindrical and has an end 21 and a mounting flange 22 that protrudes axially from the end 21. The lens 10 is supported by the end 21 and is clamped and positioned by the mounting flange 22. The optical device 1 further includes a sealing member 50 disposed at the end 21 of the lens barrel 20 and between the lens 10 and the end 21, thereby forming an airtight state within the optical device 1. In this embodiment, the sealing member 50 is an O-ring. The mounting flange 22 includes an inner circumferential surface 211 and an outer circumferential surface 212, which are disposed opposite each other. The inner circumferential surface 211 of the mounting flange 22 abuts against the abutting surface 121 of the edge region 12 of the lens 10 to clamp and position the lens 10.

[0031] The lens cover 30 has a central opening to expose the optically effective area 111 of the lens. The lens cover 30 includes an extension portion 32 that surrounds a portion of the outer circumference 212 of the lens barrel 20, with an appropriate distance between the extension portion 32 and the outer circumference 212 of the lens barrel 20.

[0032] The heating element 40 includes an electrical connection portion 41 and a heating portion 42. The electrical connection portion 41 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface 23 of the lens barrel 20. In this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 41 extends axially along the lens barrel 20. The heating portion 42 is connected to the electrical connection portion 41. The heating portion 42 is annular and disposed within the non-optically active region 122 of the edge region 12 of the lens 10, surrounding the lens 10. The lens cover 30 abuts against the heating portion 42, thereby sandwiching the heating portion 42 between the lens cover 30 and the non-optically active region 122 of the edge region 12 of the lens 10. The outer circumferential surface 23 of the lens barrel 20 is provided with a flange 24. The flange 24 forms a positioning recess 25 at a position corresponding to the electrical connection portion 41. The electrical connection portion 41 extends through the positioning recess 25 and is positioned within the positioning recess 25. In this embodiment, the heating element 40 is a flexible circuit board. The electrical connection portion 41 includes a power supply circuit, and the heating portion 42 is provided with a resistor. When current flows through the resistor, the heating portion 42 generates heat. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to directly supplying power for heating, in other embodiments, the electrical connection portion may also include a pipeline for liquid flow. Liquid heated to a predetermined temperature flows through the electrical connection portion to the heating portion, where heat is exchanged between the heating portion and the lens, thereby heating the lens.

[0033] Because the heating portion 42 abuts the non-optically active area 122 of the edge region 12 of the lens 10, the heat generated by the heating portion 42 is transferred into the lens 10 via heat conduction and then to the optically active area 11 of the lens 10, maintaining an appropriate temperature in the optically active area 11. For example, the temperature of the optically active area 11 is kept above the freezing point of water vapor, thereby preventing frost from forming on the optically active area 11. Furthermore, because the lens cover 30 abuts the heating portion 42, the heating portion 42 is able to closely abut the non-optically active area 122 of the edge region 12, reducing the thermal resistance between the heating portion 42 and the edge region 12 and increasing the efficiency of heat conduction.

[0034] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , which represents a second embodiment of the optical device of the present invention. The optical device 2 of this embodiment shares some of the same structure with the optical device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, identical components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The optical device 2 of this embodiment differs from the optical device 1 of the first embodiment in that the non-optically active area 122' of the edge region 12 of the lens 10 of this embodiment is formed perpendicular to the optical axis 13. The heating portion 42 of the heating element 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment and is also sandwiched between the non-optically active area 122' of the edge region 12 and the lens cover 30.

[0035] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7, which represents a third embodiment of the optical device of the present invention. The optical device 3 of this embodiment has partially the same structure as the optical device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, identical components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The difference between the optical device 3 of this embodiment and the optical device 1 of the first embodiment is that the non-optically active area 122" of the edge region 12 of the lens 10 of the optical device 3 of this embodiment is formed in a stepped shape, that is, the non-optically active area 122" has portions that are perpendicular and parallel to the optical axis 13. The heating portion 42 of the heating element 40 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the heating portion 42 is also clamped between the non-optically active area 122" of the edge region 12 and the lens cover 30.

[0036] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 , which represents a fourth embodiment of the optical device of the present invention. The optical device 4 of this embodiment shares some of the same structure with the optical device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, identical components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The optical device 4 of this embodiment differs from the optical device 1 of the first embodiment in that the non-optically active area 122'" of the edge region 12 of the lens 10 of this embodiment is partially perpendicular, parallel, and inclined to the optical axis 13. The heating portion 42 of the heating element 40 is disposed between the non-optically active area 122'" of the edge region 12 and the lens cover 30. The heating portion 42 is in contact with the non-optically active area 122'" and the lens cover 30 is appropriately spaced apart from the non-optically active area 122'" of the edge region 12, such that the lens cover 30 does not abut the heating portion 42. The heating portion 42 of this embodiment is also annular and transfers heat to the lens 10 via thermal conduction. This embodiment may include a heat insulating member (not shown) disposed between the heating portion 42 and the lens cover 30. The heat insulating member is made of a material with a low thermal conductivity coefficient, which can block the heat energy of the heating portion 42 from being transferred to the lens cover 30, thereby preventing the lens cover 30 from thermal deformation or material degradation. Furthermore, the heat insulating member can prevent the heat energy generated by the heating portion 42 from escaping toward the lens cover 30, thereby providing a heat preservation effect and reducing energy consumption.

[0037] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11, which represents a fifth embodiment of the optical device of the present invention. The optical device 5 of this embodiment has partially the same structure as the optical device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and their descriptions are omitted. The difference between the optical device 5 of this embodiment and the optical device 1 of the first embodiment is that the heating portion 42 of the heating element 40 of this embodiment is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 212 of the mounting flange 22 of the lens barrel 20, and the lens cover 30 does not abut the heating portion 42 of the heating element 40. The heat generated by the heating portion 42 of this embodiment is transferred to the lens 10 via the lens barrel 10 by thermal conduction. The heat generated by the heating portion 42 of this embodiment is also transferred to the lens 10 by heat radiation after being reflected by the lens cover 30.

[0038] The optical device of the present invention utilizes a heating element that is directly in contact with or positioned near the lens. The heating element heats the lens by heat conduction or heat radiation, causing the optically active area of the lens to reach a temperature higher than the freezing point of water vapor. This prevents the formation of frost in the optically active area of the lens, thereby resolving the problem of weather-related freezing of the optically active area of the lens, as encountered in prior art structures.

[0039] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Simply equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention is required to achieve all of the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed herein. Furthermore, the abstract and title are intended solely to assist in searching patent documents and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical device, characterized in that: include: A lens, comprising at least one lens and an optical axis, the lens including an object-side surface and an edge region, the object-side surface including an optically effective region, the edge region surrounding the optical axis, the optical axis extending through the optically effective region, and external light entering the optical device through the optically effective region; a lens barrel for arranging the lens, the lens barrel comprising an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface surrounding and parallel to the optical axis, the inner circumferential surface and the edge region abutting against each other; and A heating element, disposed on the lens barrel and used to heat the lens; The heating element includes an electrical connection portion and a heating portion, wherein the electrical connection portion is connected to the heating portion, and the electrical connection portion extends outward from the heating portion and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein The lens cover is further included, wherein the object side further includes a non-optical effective area, and at least a portion of the lens cover abuts against the non-optical effective area to keep the lens positioned on the lens barrel.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein The heating portion is attached to the non-optically effective area.

4. The optical device according to claim 3, wherein The non-optical effective area is connected to the edge area, and the heating portion of the heating element extends to and is sandwiched between the non-optical effective area and the lens cover.

5. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein The heating portion of the heating element is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel and is arranged opposite to the edge area. There is a predetermined distance between the lens cover and the heating portion.

6. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein The invention further comprises a heat insulating member which is arranged between the heating portion and the lens cover.

7. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein: The non-optically effective area is parallel to, perpendicular to, or / and inclined to the optical axis.

8. The optical device according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that The heating portion of the heating element is ring-shaped and surrounds the lens.

9. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein The electrical connection portion extends along the axial direction of the lens barrel.

10. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein The lens barrel has a flange and a positioning recess. The flange is arranged on the outer peripheral surface, and the positioning recess is formed on the flange. The electrical connection part passes through the flange and is positioned in the positioning recess.

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