Shield device and imaging apparatus including the same

Abstract

The invention provides a shielding device which is used for a vehicle-mounted camera device with a camera. The shielding device comprises a shielding piece, a first motion execution piece, a second motion execution piece and a driving device. The shield has a closed position and an open position. The first motion execution piece is pivotally connected with the shielding piece around a first shaft, and the first motion execution piece is rotatably installed around a second shaft and is configured to drive the shielding piece to rotate around the second shaft relative to the camera. The second motion execution member is pivotally connected with the shielding member at a position spaced from the first shaft by a certain distance, and the second motion execution member is configured to drive the shielding member to overturn around the first shaft relative to the camera. The driving device is in transmission connection with the first motion execution piece and the second motion execution piece and is configured to drive the first motion execution piece and the second motion execution piece. The shielding member is driven to rotate around the second shaft and is simultaneously driven to overturn around the first shaft so as to move between a closed position and an open position.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410623451.4, filed on May 20, 2024, entitled “Shielding Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to a shielding device and a camera device including the shielding device, and more particularly to a vehicle-mounted camera device and its camera shielding device. Background Technology

[0004] In-vehicle cameras are used to image the vehicle's external environment, assisting drivers in reversing, automatic parking, and autonomous driving. The cameras in these devices are exposed and susceptible to contamination from dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants, and are also at risk of damage. Some existing in-vehicle camera systems incorporate movable covers as shielding elements. These covers slide between the side and front of the camera, or flip between above and in front of the camera, moving between open and closed positions. When the camera is not in operation, the cover is in the closed position, covering the camera and preventing contamination or damage. When the camera is in operation, the cover is in the open position, exposing the camera for operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors of this application, through long-term observation and research, discovered that vehicle-mounted camera devices require 360° panoramic shooting. Therefore, it is desirable that the shielding component, when open, is not in the 360° shooting path of the camera, thus avoiding obstruction of the 360° panoramic shooting. Existing shielding components that slide between the side and front of the camera obstruct the side shooting of the camera when open. For existing shielding components that flip between the top or front of the camera, only when both the covering surface of the shielding component and the surface of the camera housing are spherical, and the shielding component is against the surface of the camera housing during the flipping process, can the covering surface of the shielding component be against the surface of the camera housing when closed. However, the shielding component being against the surface of the camera housing during the flipping process can easily cause component damage, and the non-spherical surfaces of the shielding component and the camera housing cannot be against each other in the closed position, which is not conducive to the shielding component providing protection for the camera.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to a first aspect of this application, this application provides a shielding device for a vehicle-mounted camera device with a camera. The shielding device includes a shielding member, a first motion actuator, a second motion actuator, and a driving device. The shielding member has a closed position and an open position. The first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member about a first axis, rotatably mounted about a second axis, and configured to drive the shielding member to rotate about the second axis relative to the camera. The second motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member at a distance from the first axis, and configured to drive the shielding member to flip about the first axis relative to the camera. The driving device is drively connected to the first and second motion actuators and configured to drive the first and second motion actuators. The shielding member is driven to rotate about the second axis and simultaneously driven to flip about the first axis, thereby moving between the closed position and the open position.

[0007] In some embodiments, in the closed position, the shield covers the entire height range of the camera on one side, and in the open position, the shield is located outside the height range of the camera to expose the camera.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first motion actuator includes a rotating arm having opposing first and second arm ends, the first motion actuator being pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first arm end and being transversely engaged with the drive device via the second arm end to rotate the shielding member about the second axis under the drive of the drive device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first motion actuator includes two of the rotating arms, which are located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second motion actuator includes a first rod and a second rod rotatably connected to each other, the second motion actuator being pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first rod and being transversely engaged with the drive device via the second rod to cause the shielding member to rotate about the first axis under the drive of the drive device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second motion actuator includes two sets of the first rod and the second rod, respectively located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive device has an output shaft that engages with the second rod. The shielding device further includes a transmission device that connects the drive device to the rotating arm and is configured to drive the rotating arm to rotate in the same direction as the second rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the transmission device includes a gear set.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gear set includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear is connected to the output shaft and to the second rod. The second gear meshes with the first gear. The third gear meshes with the second gear and is connected to the rotating arm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second gear is a single gear or a group of multiple gears.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this application, a camera device is provided for use in a vehicle. The camera device includes a mounting base, a camera, and a shielding device according to this application. The camera and the shielding device are disposed on the mounting base.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this application, a shielding device is provided for a vehicle-mounted camera device with a camera. The shielding device includes a mounting base, a shielding member, a first motion actuator, a second motion actuator, and a driving device. The shielding member has a closed position and an open position, and is movable between the closed position and the open position. The first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member about a first axis, and is rotatably mounted on the mounting base about a second axis, and configured to drive the shielding member to rotate about the second axis relative to the camera. The second motion actuator includes a guide groove disposed on the mounting base and a guide member disposed on the shielding member. The guide member is supported in the guide groove and is slidable along the guide groove, such that the shielding member rotates about the first axis relative to the camera while being driven to rotate by the first motion actuator. The driving device is drively connected to the first motion actuator and configured to drive the first motion actuator. The shielding member is driven to rotate about the second axis and simultaneously driven to rotate about the first axis, thereby moving between the closed position and the open position.

[0018] In some embodiments, in the closed position, the shield covers the entire height range of the camera on one side, and in the open position, the shield is located outside the height range of the camera to expose the camera.

[0019] In some embodiments, the guide groove is located outside the height range of the camera on the side of the camera.

[0020] In some embodiments, the shielding member includes two guides disposed opposite to each other, and the mounting base includes two guide slots for receiving the two guides respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first motion actuator includes a rotating arm having opposing first and second arm ends, the first motion actuator being pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first arm end and engaging with the output shaft of the drive device via the second arm end to rotate the shielding member about the second axis under the drive of the drive device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first motion actuator includes two of the rotating arms, which are located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

[0023] When the shielding member of this application moves from the closed position to the open position, it can simultaneously move away from the camera and flip towards the camera. Conversely, when the shielding member moves from the open position to the closed position, it can simultaneously move towards the camera and flip away from the camera. This allows the shielding member to rest against the camera housing surface when it reaches the closed position, providing reliable protection for the camera, without contacting the camera housing surface during movement, thus avoiding damage to the components. Furthermore, the surface covered by the shielding member and the surface of the camera housing are not limited to spherical shapes, but can still rest against each other in the closed position of the shielding member. According to this application, the shielding member is not in the 360° shooting path of the camera when in the open position, avoiding interference with the camera's shooting. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A This is a schematic perspective view of a camera device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the camera device shown;

[0026] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A The side view of the camera device shown has the shield in the open position;

[0027] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A The side view of the camera device shown has the shielding element in the middle position;

[0028] Figure 2C yes Figure 1A The side view of the camera device shown has the shielding in the closed position;

[0029] Figure 2D It is along the diagram Figure 2C A cross-sectional view of the DD line;

[0030] Figure 3A This is a schematic perspective view of a camera device according to another embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3B Figure 3A An exploded view of the camera device shown;

[0032] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A The side view of the camera device shown has the shield in the open position;

[0033] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A The side view of the camera device shown has the shielding element in the middle position;

[0034] Figure 4C yes Figure 3A The image shows a side view of the camera device with the shield in the closed position.

[0035] Main Identification Description

[0036] Camera device 100 / 300; mounting base 110 / 310; substrate 111; camera cover 112 / 312; opening 113; surface 114; mounting plate 115; shielding device 120 / 320; shielding member 121 / 321; first end 131 / 331; second end 132; hole 133; protrusion 134; hole 135; drive device 141 / 341; output shaft 142 / 342; first gear 151; second gear 152; third gear 153; rotating arm 161 / 361; first arm end 163 / 363; second arm end 164 / 364; first rod 171; second rod 172; pin 173; covering surface 201; guide member 335; guide groove 371. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0038] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The overall structure of a camera device 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1A This is a schematic 3D diagram of the camera device 100. Figure 1B This is an exploded view of the camera device 100.

[0039] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the camera device 100 includes a mounting base 110, a camera housing 112 extending from the base plate 111 of the mounting base 110, and the camera housing 112 having a surface 114 with an opening 113. A camera (not shown) is disposed inside the camera housing 112, aligned with the opening 113, and captures images of the external environment through the opening 113. The shape of the opening 113 shown in the figure is schematic. In other embodiments, the opening 113 may extend the circumference of the camera housing 112, allowing the camera to rotate along the entire circumference of the opening 113, thus achieving 360° panoramic shooting. The shapes and configurations of the mounting base 110 and the camera housing 112 shown in the figure are schematic. In other embodiments, the mounting base 110 and the camera housing 112 may have other shapes and configurations.

[0040] The camera device 100 includes a shielding device 120, which is mounted to the mounting base 110 via a mounting plate 115. The shielding device 120 includes a shielding element 121 and a drive device 141. The drive device 141 provides power for the movement of the shielding element 121. The drive device 141 has an output shaft 142 for outputting power. In one embodiment, the drive device 141 is a motor. The shielding element 121 has a closed position and an open position. Under the drive of the drive device 141, the shielding element 121 is in the open position (see...). Figure 2A ) and closing position (see Figure 2C The camera is exposed when the shield 121 is in the open position; when the shield 121 is in the closed position, the shield 121 covers the camera.

[0041] The shielding member 121 has a first end 131 and a second end 132 opposite to each other. When the shielding member 121 is in the open position, both the first end 131 and the second end 132 are located below the camera in the height direction of the camera, so that the shielding member 121 is located outside the height range of the camera to expose the camera (see [link]). Figure 2A In the closed position, the first end 131 is positioned above the camera in the height direction, and the second end 132 is positioned below the camera, so that the shielding member 121 covers the entire height range of the camera in front of it, thereby covering the camera (see...). Figure 2CThe shielding member 121 has holes 133 on its opposite side surfaces as first connecting portions, and protrusions 134 with holes 135 at a certain distance from the two holes 133 as second connecting portions. The first and second connecting portions are respectively used to connect with the first and second motion actuators described below, so that the shielding member 121 moves between a closed position and an open position under the drive of the drive device 141. The shielding member 121 has an axis X passing through the center of the hole 133, and as will be described below, the shielding member 121 can be driven to rotate about the axis X. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the holes 133 and the protrusions 134 with holes 135 are provided only on one side surface of the shielding member 121. It should be understood that the first and second connecting portions can be constructed in other forms, as long as the shielding member 121 can be driven.

[0042] The shielding device 120 includes a transmission mechanism for connecting to and transmitting power from the drive device 141. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the transmission mechanism includes a gear set comprising a first gear 151, a second gear 152, and a third gear 153. The first gear 151 engages with the output shaft 142 of the drive device 141, which drives the first gear 151 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The first gear 151 meshes with the second gear 152, and the rotation of the first gear 151 drives the second gear 152 to rotate in the opposite direction to the first gear 151. The third gear 153 meshes with the second gear 152, and is thus able to rotate in the opposite direction to the second gear 152 (i.e., in the same direction as the first gear 151) when the second gear 152 rotates. Although the figure shows only one second gear 152, in other embodiments, the second gear 152 may be a group of multiple gears. It should be understood that in other embodiments, other forms of transmission mechanisms can be provided to transmit power from the drive device 141.

[0043] The masking device 120 includes a first motion actuator connected to and driven by a drive device 141 via a transmission device. The first motion actuator has an axis Y, is connected to and rotatably mounted about the masking member 121 about the axis Y, to drive the masking member 121 to rotate relative to the camera about the axis Y. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first motion actuator includes two rotating arms 161, located on opposite sides of the masking member 121. The first arm ends 163 of both rotating arms 161 are provided with pins for insertion into holes 133 on opposite sides of the masking member 121, such that the two rotating arms 161 are pivotally connected to the masking member 121 about the axis X relative to each other. The second arm ends 164 of the two rotating arms 161 define an axis Y passing through the center of the second arm ends 164 and are rotatably mounted to a mounting plate 115 about the axis Y. A second arm end 164 of a rotating arm 161 is rotatably connected to a mounting plate 115 and to a third gear 153, and can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about axis Y following the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the third gear 153. The rotation of this rotating arm 161 applies a force to the shielding member 121, causing it to rotate about axis Y toward or away from the camera, thereby shortening or increasing the distance to the camera. The second arm end 164 of another rotating arm 161 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 115, and this rotating arm 161 can rotate following the movement of the shielding member 121. It should be understood that although two rotating arms 161 are shown in the figure, in other embodiments, only one rotating arm 161 connected to the third gear 153 may be provided.

[0044] The shielding device 120 includes a second motion actuator connected to and driven by a drive device 141. The second motion actuator is connected to the shielding member 121 and drives the shielding member 121 to rotate about axis X relative to the camera. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the second motion actuator includes two sets of links, each set including a first rod 171 and a second rod 172 rotatably connected to each other, and the two sets of links are located on opposite sides of the shielding member 121. Each of the first rods 171 in both sets of links is provided with a pin 173 for insertion into two holes 135 on the shielding member 121, so that the first rod 171 and the shielding member 121 are pivotally connected relative to each other. The second rod 172 in one set of links engages with the output shaft 142 of the drive device 141 and connects to a first gear 151, thereby being driven by the drive device 141 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise together with the first gear 151. Because the third gear 153 rotates in the same direction as the first gear 151, the second rod 172 rotates in the same direction as the rotating arm 161. The rotation of the second rod 172 drives the first rod 171 connected to it to rotate in the same direction as the rotating arm 161. The rotation of the first rod 171 drives the shielding member 121 to flip about axis X in the vertical direction, so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 moves away from the camera, or to flip in the folding direction, so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 moves closer to the camera. The second rod 172 in another set of links is pivotally connected to the mounting plate 115, and the first rod 171 and the second rod 172 in this other set of links rotate with the movement of the shielding member 121. It should be understood that although two sets of links are shown in the figure, in other embodiments, only one set of links may be provided. When the rotating arm 161 drives the shielding member 121 to rotate around axis Y toward the camera to shorten the distance to the camera, the first rod 171 drives the shielding member 121 to flip around axis X in the vertical direction, so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 moves away from the camera; while when the rotating arm 161 drives the shielding member 121 to rotate around axis Y away from the camera to increase the distance to the camera, the first rod 171 drives the shielding member 121 to flip around axis X in the lying direction, so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 moves closer to the camera.

[0045] Figures 2A to 2C The process of the shielding member 121 in the shielding device 100 moving from the open position to the closed position is shown. Figure 2A In the middle, the shielding component 121 is in the open position; Figure 2B In the middle, the shielding component 121 is in the middle position; Figure 2C In the middle, the shielding component 121 is in the closed position. Figure 2D It is along Figure 2C The cross-sectional view along line DD shows the positional relationship between the shield 121 and the camera cover 112 when the shield 121 is in the closed position.

[0046] like Figure 2AAs shown, when the shielding member 121 is in the open position, it is laid down. At this time, both the first end 131 and the second end 132 of the shielding member 121 are located below the camera in the height direction of the camera, thus the shielding member 121 is outside the height range of the camera, and the camera is exposed. In the open position, there is a certain distance between the shielding member 121 and the camera cover 112, with the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 closer to the camera cover 112 than the second end 132. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the shielding member 121 is approximately horizontal in the open position. It should be understood that the shielding member 121 can also be tilted, as long as the camera is exposed.

[0047] from Figures 2A to 2B The shielding member 121 is driven to move from the open position to the intermediate position. During this process, it interacts with gear 153 (see...). Figure 1A The engaged rotating arm 161 rotates around axis Y under the drive of drive device 141 (see...) Figure 1A and Figure 1B The first rod rotates clockwise, thus driving the shielding member 121 to rotate about the Y-axis toward the camera, thereby shortening the distance between the shielding member 121 and the camera. Simultaneously, during this process, the second rod 172, engaged with the drive device 141, rotates clockwise under the drive of the drive device 141, thereby driving the first rod 171 to rotate. The first rod 171 then drives the shielding member 121 to rotate about the X-axis (see [link to original text]). Figure 1A and Figure 1B Flip it in the vertical direction so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 is away from the camera. Figure 2B As shown, when the shielding member 121 reaches the middle position, it tilts upward from the second end 132 to the first end 131, partially positioned in front of the camera, covering a portion of the camera's height. In the middle position, the shielding member 121 still maintains a certain distance from the camera cover 112.

[0048] from Figures 2B to 2C The shielding member 121 is driven to move from the intermediate position to the closed position. During this process, it interacts with gear 153 (see...). Figure 1A The engaged rotating arm 161, driven by the drive device 141, further rotates around the axis Y (see...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The first rod rotates clockwise, thus driving the shielding member 121 to rotate further toward the camera around the Y-axis, thereby shortening the distance between the shielding member 121 and the camera. Simultaneously, during this process, the second rod 172, engaged with the drive device 141, rotates further clockwise under the drive of the drive device 141, thereby driving the first rod 171 to rotate further. The first rod 171 then drives the shielding member 121 to rotate further around the X-axis (see [link to original text]). Figure 1A and Figure 1BFlip it in the vertical direction so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 is away from the camera. Figure 2C As shown, when the shielding member 121 reaches the closed position, the shielding member 121 is erected so that the first end 131 is higher than the camera and the second end 132 is lower than the camera. Therefore, the shielding member 121 covers the entire height range of the camera in front of it, and the camera is completely blocked. Further as... Figure 2D As shown, the shield 121 has a covering surface 201. In the closed position, the covering surface 201 of the shield 121 is in contact with the surface 114 of the camera cover 112, thus providing reliable protection for the camera. Figure 2D The surface 114 of the camera cover 112 is cylindrical, and the covering surface 201 of the shielding member 121 is arc-shaped. In other embodiments, they may be configured into other shapes. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the shielding member 121 is upright in the closed position. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the shielding member 121 may be tilted in the closed position, as long as the covering surface 201 of the shielding member 121 is in contact with the surface 114 of the camera cover 112 and the shielding member 121 covers the camera.

[0049] It should be understood that when executing from Figures 2C to 2A During the process, the shielding member 121 moves from the closed position to the open position. During the movement of the shielding member 121 from the closed position to the open position, the shielding member 121 is driven to rotate away from the camera to increase the distance between the shielding member and the camera, and is simultaneously driven to flip in the folding direction, so that the first end 131 of the shielding member 121 is close to the camera.

[0050] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The overall structure of a camera device 300 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3A A schematic perspective view of the camera device 300 is shown. Figure 3B This is an exploded view of the camera device 300. The camera device 300 includes a shielding device 320, which includes a mounting base 310. The camera is housed in a camera cover 312 disposed on the mounting base 310. The differences between the camera device 300 and the camera device 100 are described below.

[0051] like Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the mounting base 310 has two opposing guide slots 371. The two guide slots 371 are in front of the camera and located below the camera, outside the camera's height range. The shielding device 320 includes a shielding member 321. As shown, in the shielding member 321, the two holes 135 on the shielding member 121 are replaced by two guides 335 in the form of pins. The two guides 335 are supported in the corresponding guide slots 371 and are capable of sliding along the length of the guide slots 371. Unlike the embodiment of the camera device 100, in the camera device 300, the guides 335 and guide slots 371 serve as a second motion actuator for causing the shielding member 321 to rotate about axis X. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of guides 335 and guide slots 371 may be set to one.

[0052] The masking device 320 includes a drive unit 341 and a first motion actuator connected to and driven by the drive unit 341. The first motion actuator includes two rotating arms 361 located on either side of the masking member 321. The first arm ends 363 of the two rotating arms 361 are rotatably connected to two opposing first connecting portions 333 of the masking member 321 in the same manner as rotating arms 161, such that the two rotating arms 361 are pivotally connected to the masking member 321. The second arm end 364 of one rotating arm 361 engages with the output shaft 342 of the drive unit 341 and is driven by the drive unit 341 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about axis Y, thereby applying a force to the masking member 321 about axis Y toward or away from the camera, driving the masking member 321 to rotate about axis Y toward or away from the camera. The second arm end 364 of the other rotating arm 361 is rotatably connected to a mounting base 310 and rotates following the movement of the masking member 321. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of rotating arms 361 and first connecting parts 333 may be set to one.

[0053] When the drive unit 341 drives the rotating arm 361 engaged with it to rotate around axis Y, the rotating arm 361 applies a force to the shielding member 321 to rotate toward or away from the camera around axis Y, thereby driving the shielding member 321 to rotate toward or away from the camera around axis Y. Since the guide 335 is received in the guide groove 371, the guide groove 371 and the guide 335 cooperate such that when the rotating arm 361 drives the shield 321 to rotate around the axis Y toward the camera, the guide 335 slides along the guide groove 371 toward the camera, thereby shortening the distance between the shield 321 and the camera, and at the same time, the shield 321 flips around the axis X in the vertical direction, so that the first end 331 of the shield 321 moves away from the camera; while when the rotating arm 361 drives the shield 321 to rotate around the axis Y away from the camera, the guide 335 slides along the guide groove 371 away from the camera, thereby increasing the distance between the shield 321 and the camera, and at the same time, the shield 321 flips around the axis X in the folding direction, so that the first end 331 of the shield 321 moves closer to the camera.

[0054] Figures 4A to 4C The process of the shielding member 321 moving from the open position to the closed position is shown. Figure 4A In the middle, the shielding component 321 is in the open position. Figure 4B In the middle, the shielding component 321 moves to the middle position. Figure 4C In the middle, the shielding component 321 moves to the closed position.

[0055] When the shielding element 321 is located Figure 4A When in the open position as shown, the shield 321 is in a similar state to the shield 121 when it is in the open position, exposing the camera. The guide 335 of the shield 321 is located at the far end of the guide groove 371, away from the camera.

[0056] from Figures 4A to 4B The shielding member 321 moves from the open position to the intermediate position. During this process, the drive unit 341 drives the rotating arm 361, which is engaged with it, to rotate around axis Y (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The rotating arm 361 thus applies a force to the shielding member 321 about the Y axis toward the camera, driving the shielding member 321 to rotate about the Y axis toward the camera. At this time, with the cooperation of the guide groove 371 and the guide member 335, the guide member 335 slides along the guide groove 371 toward the camera, thereby shortening the distance between the shielding member 321 and the camera, and simultaneously the shielding member 321 rotates about the X axis (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B Flip it in the vertical direction so that the first end 331 of the shielding member 321 is away from the camera, until the shielding member 321 reaches Figure 4B The middle position is shown. When in the middle position, the state of the shielding member 321 is similar to that of the shielding member 121 when it is in the middle position.

[0057] from Figures 4B to 4C The shielding member 321 moves from the intermediate position to the closed position. During this process, the drive unit 341 drives the rotating arm 361, which is engaged with it, to continue rotating around the axis Y (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The rotating arm 361 continues to apply a force to the shielding member 321 about the Y axis towards the camera, thus driving the shielding member 321 to rotate about the Y axis towards the camera. At this time, with the cooperation of the guide groove 371 and the guide member 335, the guide member 335 continues to slide along the guide groove 371 towards the camera, thereby shortening the distance between the shielding member 321 and the camera, while the shielding member 321 continues to rotate about the X axis (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B Flip it in the vertical direction so that the first end 331 of the shielding member 321 is away from the camera, until the shielding member 321 reaches Figure 4C The closed position is shown. In the closed position, the state of the shielding member 321 is similar to that of the shielding member 121 in the closed position.

[0058] It should be understood that when the shielding member 321 moves from the closed position to the open position, the execution from... Figures 4C to 4A The process involves the guide groove 371 and the guide member 335 cooperating such that when the rotating arm 361 applies a force to the shielding member 321 to rotate away from the camera around the axis Y, the guide member 335 slides along the guide groove 371 away from the camera, increasing the distance between the shielding member 321 and the camera. At the same time, the shielding member 321 flips in the falling direction, bringing the first end 331 of the shielding member 321 closer to the camera.

[0059] In this application, during the movement of the shielding member from the open position to the closed position, the shielding member is driven to flip, causing its first end, which is close to the camera, to move away from the camera. This ensures that, although the shielding member moves towards the camera and shortens the distance between the shielding member and the camera housing during this process, the shielding member does not contact the camera housing before reaching the closed position. Furthermore, during the movement of the shielding member from the closed position to the open position, the flipping of the shielding member causes its first end, which is close to the camera, to gradually approach the camera. However, because the shielding member is simultaneously driven to move away from the camera during this process, the distance between the shielding member and the camera housing changes from being close together to having a gap, and this gap gradually increases as the shielding member moves. This gap provides space for the shielding member, ensuring that the shielding member does not contact the camera housing during its movement from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the shielding member does not contact the camera housing during its movement between the closed and open positions, avoiding damage to the shielding member and the camera housing caused by the movement of the shielding member.

[0060] In this application, when the shielding member reaches the closed position, the covering surface of the shielding member is in contact with the surface of the camera cover, thereby providing reliable protection for the camera.

[0061] In addition, in this application, the shielding member is located outside the camera height range when in the open position, so the shielding member is not on the 360° rotation path of the camera, and the shielding member does not interfere with the 360° panoramic shooting of the camera when in the open position.

[0062] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A shielding device for a vehicle-mounted camera device with a camera, characterized in that... include: A shielding element having a closed position and an open position; A first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member about a first axis, the first motion actuator is rotatably mounted about a second axis, and configured to drive the shielding member to rotate relative to the camera about the second axis; A second motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member at a distance from the first axis, and the second motion actuator is configured to drive the shielding member to rotate relative to the camera about the first axis. and A driving device, which is connected to the first motion actuator and the second motion actuator and is configured to drive the first motion actuator and the second motion actuator; The shielding member is driven to rotate about the second axis and simultaneously driven to flip about the first axis, thereby moving between the closed position and the open position.

2. The shielding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the closed position, the shield covers the entire height range of the camera on one side; in the open position, the shield is located outside the height range of the camera to expose the camera.

3. The shielding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first motion actuator includes a rotating arm having opposing first arm ends and second arm ends. The first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first arm end and is transversely engaged with the drive device via the second arm end to cause the shielding member to rotate about the second axis under the drive of the drive device.

4. The shielding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first motion actuator includes two rotating arms, which are located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

5. The shielding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second motion actuator includes a first rod and a second rod rotatably connected to each other. The second motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first rod and is transversely engaged with the drive device via the second rod to cause the shielding member to rotate about the first axis under the drive of the drive device.

6. The shielding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second motion actuator includes two sets of the first rod and the second rod, respectively located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

7. The shielding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drive device has an output shaft, which engages with the second rod; and The shielding device further includes a transmission device that connects the drive device to the rotating arm and is configured to drive the rotating arm to rotate in the same direction as the second rod.

8. The shielding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transmission device includes a gear set.

9. The shielding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gear set includes: A first gear, which is connected to the output shaft and also to the second rod; A second gear, which meshes with the first gear; and The third gear meshes with the second gear and is connected to the rotating arm.

10. The shielding device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second gear is a single gear or a group of multiple gears.

11. A camera device for use in a vehicle, characterized in that... include: Mounting base; A camera is mounted on the mounting base; and The shielding device according to any one of claims 1-10 is disposed on the mounting base.

12. A shielding device for a vehicle-mounted camera device with a camera, characterized in that... include: Mounting base; A shielding member having a closed position and an open position, and being movable between the closed position and the open position; A first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member about a first axis, and the first motion actuator is rotatably mounted on the mounting base about a second axis and configured to drive the shielding member to rotate relative to the camera about the second axis. The second motion actuator includes a guide groove disposed on the mounting base and a guide member disposed on the shielding member. The guide member is supported in the guide groove and can slide along the guide groove so that the shielding member is rotated about the first axis relative to the camera while the first motion actuator drives the shielding member to rotate. and A driving device, which is connected to the first motion actuator and configured to drive the first motion actuator; The shielding member is driven to rotate about the second axis and simultaneously driven to flip about the first axis, thereby moving between the closed position and the open position.

13. The shielding device according to claim 12, characterized in that: In the closed position, the shield covers the entire height range of the camera on one side; in the open position, the shield is located outside the height range of the camera to expose the camera.

14. The shielding device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The guide groove is located outside the height range of the camera on the side of the camera.

15. The shielding device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The shielding component includes two guides arranged opposite to each other, and the mounting base includes two guide slots for receiving the two guides respectively.

16. The shielding device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first motion actuator includes a rotating arm having opposing first and second arm ends. The first motion actuator is pivotally connected to the shielding member via the first arm end and engages with the output shaft of the drive device via the second arm end to rotate the shielding member about the second axis under the drive of the drive device.

17. The shielding device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first motion actuator includes two rotating arms, which are located on opposite sides of the shielding member.

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