Protection device for marine outdoor camera and use method

Abstract

The protection device comprises a base, a protection cover and a photoelectric cabin, the protection cover is arranged at the top of the base, the photoelectric cabin is arranged in the protection cover through a pitching support, a glass window is arranged in the center of the front face of the photoelectric cabin, and the camera is arranged in the photoelectric cabin. The pitching bracket is provided with a cleaning mechanism corresponding to the upper part of the glass window; a rotary driving mechanism is arranged between the base and the protective cover and drives the protective cover to rotate; an air curtain mechanism is arranged at an opening in the side wall of the protective cover and is connected with an external compressed air source; according to the device, cleaning of the glass window and adjustment of the azimuth angle can be achieved, vibration deicing is conducted on the device, and the implementation method is simple, effective and high in universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of anti-icing and defogging for cameras, and particularly relates to a protective device and method of use for a marine outdoor camera. Background Technology

[0002] When a ship is anchored or sailing in a cold environment, cameras installed outdoors are constantly exposed to seawater or rain. Seawater droplets typically have a high salinity; after evaporating and drying on the camera's viewing window, salt crystals remain on the glass. If not cleaned regularly, these crystals solidify and become difficult to remove, affecting image quality and clarity, and even causing further corrosion. In extremely harsh weather, seawater or rainwater splashing onto the camera can form ice, not only affecting image quality but also freezing the camera's servo structure.

[0003] Most existing technologies employ targeted heating of the lens's viewing area or use the mechanical movement of a wiper to remove water droplets and ice. Methods for heating the viewing window include attaching a heating film around the glass window, installing a thermal resistor and fan inside the camera, electromagnetic heating and waveguide, and liquid circulation. For example, patent CN 110086974 A uses a mechanical wiper to de-ice the camera's glass window.

[0004] While existing defogging and de-icing methods can address the condensation of water droplets and thin ice on camera glass windows, ice forms instantly on the camera glass windows and metal casing when the camera is continuously splashed with seawater or rain in low-temperature environments. This ice buildup thickens quickly, completely freezing the servo drive mechanism and wipers. The camera's limited heating power is insufficient to melt the ice layer on the glass windows and casing, and the wipers, frozen solid, cannot function to assist in de-icing. Practical experience shows that salt crystals condensed on the surface of camera glass windows installed outdoors on ships cannot be scraped off with wipers; manual cleaning with cleaning fluid is required, causing inconvenience and increasing maintenance costs for users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a protective device and a method for using a marine outdoor camera, so as to remove water and clean the glass window of the marine outdoor camera in high-latitude and low-temperature environments, and remove ice from the camera caused by seawater and rain splashes.

[0006] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows: This application provides a protective device for a marine outdoor camera, characterized in that it includes a base, a protective cover, and an optoelectronic chamber. The protective cover is a cover structure with openings on the side walls and is installed on the top of the base. The optoelectronic chamber is installed inside the protective cover via a pitch bracket. A glass window is provided at the center of the front of the optoelectronic chamber, and the camera is installed inside the optoelectronic chamber. A cleaning mechanism is provided above the glass window corresponding to the pitch bracket. A rotary drive mechanism is provided between the base and the protective cover to drive the protective cover to rotate; The protective cover has an air curtain mechanism at the side wall opening, which is connected to an external compressed air source; It also includes a control system, which includes a temperature and humidity sensor and a PLC controller installed inside the protective cover. The PLC controller controls the start and stop of the pitch support, cleaning mechanism, rotary drive mechanism and air curtain mechanism.

[0007] In some optional implementations, the pitch support includes a pitch support and two side connecting frames. The pitch support is connected to the inner wall of the top of the protective cover. The two side connecting frames are hinged to the two sides of the optoelectronic cabin via rotating shafts. The pitch support is provided with a pitch drive mechanism, which synchronously drives the rotating shafts on both sides to rotate, thereby causing the optoelectronic cabin to rotate up and down.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning nozzle, a cleaning agent storage tank, and a cleaning main pipe. The pitch support has a cleaning chamber, and the cleaning agent storage tank and the cleaning main pipe are both located in the cleaning chamber. The cleaning nozzle is positioned directly above the glass window and is connected to the outlet end of the cleaning main pipe. The inlet end of the cleaning main pipe is connected to three inlet branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the cleaning agent storage tank and an external compressed air source and clean water source. Each of the three inlet branch pipes is equipped with an on / off valve.

[0009] In some alternative implementations, the rotary drive mechanism includes a rotary motor and an adapter plate disposed in a groove on the top surface of the base. The adapter plate is connected to the bottom opening of the protective cover. The rotary motor includes a motor stator and a motor rotor. The motor stator is fixedly connected to the base, and the motor rotor is connected to the adapter plate, driving the adapter plate to rotate.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the air curtain mechanism includes a jet pipe laid along the top edge of the opening in the side wall of the protective cover. The jet pipe is connected to an external compressed air source, and gas nozzles are evenly spaced on the jet pipe to spray gas outward to form an air curtain.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, a plurality of de-icing vibrators are evenly spaced along the circumference of the adapter plate. Each de-icing vibrator includes a vibration motor and a connecting spring, and the vibration motor is connected to the adapter plate through the connecting spring.

[0012] In some optional implementations, the protective cover and the adapter plate are provided with water guide holes at even intervals to drain water accumulated inside the protective cover.

[0013] In some alternative implementations, heating modules are provided inside the connecting frames on both sides of the pitch support to heat the rotating shaft.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, a mechanical seal structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the adapter plate and the base, including grates on the bottom surface of the adapter plate and grooves on the top surface of the base, wherein the grates and grooves are matched and inserted for sealing.

[0015] A method for using a protective device for a marine outdoor camera, characterized by comprising the following steps: Step 1: The temperature and humidity data inside the protective cover are collected in real time by temperature and humidity sensors. The collected data is transmitted to the PLC controller. The PLC controller makes a comprehensive logical judgment based on meteorological information, temperature and humidity data and sea conditions, and starts the air curtain mechanism. Step 2: Based on the real-time camera requirements, control and start the rotation drive mechanism and pitch support, adjust the orientation angle of the optoelectronic cabin, start the cleaning mechanism to clean the glass window as needed, and start the heating module inside the connecting frame on both sides to prevent the rotating shaft from freezing. Step 3: When the adapter plate and the base are frozen, start the de-icing vibrator. Through the vibration and resonance, the frozen body will resonate and break itself.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The protective device and method for using a marine outdoor camera provided by this application form an air curtain barrier at the opening of the protective cover by setting an air curtain mechanism, which effectively prevents seawater and rain and snow from entering the internal cabin and causing problems such as equipment icing; at the same time, when the external rotating structure is frozen by the de-icing vibrator, the de-icing vibrator can be powered on and work, and through the vibration resonance effect, it causes the ice body to resonate and break itself, preventing the relative rotating protective cover from freezing and failing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the protection device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a front view of the protection device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pitch support according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a side view of the protection device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the protection device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the embodiment does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] The terms "lateral," "longitudinal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The features and performance of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the present invention discloses a protective device for a marine outdoor camera, including a base 1, a protective cover 2, and an optoelectronic chamber 3. The protective cover is a cover structure with openings on the side walls and is installed on the top of the base. The optoelectronic chamber is installed inside the protective cover via a pitch bracket 4 and can rotate within a range of 0-90 degrees around the two pivot axes on both sides of the pitch bracket. A glass window 5 is provided at the center of the front of the optoelectronic chamber, and the camera is installed inside the optoelectronic chamber. A cleaning mechanism is provided above the glass window on the pitch bracket.

[0028] A rotary drive mechanism 6 is provided between the base and the protective cover, which drives the protective cover to rotate and, in conjunction with the pitch support, adjusts the optoelectronic cabin to a suitable position.

[0029] The protective cover has an air curtain mechanism 7 installed in the side wall opening, which is connected to an external compressed air source. When encountering extreme sea conditions and rain or snow, the protective device will activate the nozzle jet function to form an air curtain barrier at the opening of the outer shell, effectively preventing seawater and rain or snow from entering the internal compartment and causing problems such as equipment icing.

[0030] Furthermore, the air curtain mechanism includes a jet pipe laid along the top edge of the opening on the side wall of the protective cover. The jet pipe is connected to an external compressed air source, and gas nozzles 701 are evenly spaced on the jet pipe to spray air outward to form an air curtain 702 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0031] It is also equipped with a control system, which includes temperature and humidity sensors and a PLC controller installed in the protective cover. The PLC controller controls the start and stop of the pitch support, cleaning mechanism, rotary drive mechanism and air curtain mechanism to realize the automation of the whole process.

[0032] Furthermore, the pitch support includes a pitch support 401 and two connecting frames 402 on both sides (see...). Figure 3 The pitch support is connected to the inner wall of the top of the protective cover, and the two side connecting frames are hinged to the two sides of the optoelectronic cabin via rotating shafts. The pitch support is equipped with a pitch drive mechanism, which synchronously drives the rotating shafts on both sides to rotate, thereby causing the optoelectronic cabin to rotate up and down. At the same time, heating modules are installed inside the two side connecting frames of the pitch support to heat the rotating shafts and prevent the pitch rotating shafts from icing.

[0033] The pitch drive mechanism can be a belt drive mechanism, which drives the inner rotating shaft to rotate, thereby realizing the pitch rotation of the optoelectronic cabin.

[0034] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning nozzle 8, a cleaning agent storage tank, and a cleaning main pipe. A cleaning chamber is provided inside the pitch support. Both the cleaning agent storage tank and the cleaning main pipe are located inside the cleaning chamber. The cleaning nozzle is positioned directly above the glass window and is connected to the outlet end of the cleaning main pipe. The inlet end of the cleaning main pipe is connected to three inlet branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the cleaning agent storage tank and the external compressed air source and clean water source. Each of the three inlet branch pipes is equipped with an on / off valve.

[0035] When salt crystals adhere to the surface of the glass window, the cleaning agent is first sprayed from the cleaning nozzle. After waiting for a period of time, the cleaning nozzle switches to spray clean water to clean the glass window. Then, the cleaning nozzle switches to blow out high-pressure gas to remove the residual liquid, thus completing the cleaning of the glass window.

[0036] Furthermore, the rotary drive mechanism includes a rotary motor and an adapter plate 601 located in a groove on the top surface of the base. The adapter plate is connected to the bottom opening of the protective cover. The rotary motor includes a motor stator 602 and a motor rotor 603. The motor stator is fixedly connected to the base, and the motor rotor is connected to the adapter plate, driving the adapter plate to rotate. The adapter plate drives the protective cover connected to it to rotate, adjusting the direction of the opening.

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple de-icing vibrators 9 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the adapter plate. Each de-icing vibrator includes a vibration motor 901 and a connecting spring 902. The vibration motor is connected to the adapter plate via the connecting spring. Through the connecting spring, a slight displacement can occur when the vibrator is powered on and vibrates, allowing the de-icing vibrator to operate even when the adapter plate and base are frozen. Through vibration and resonance, the frozen material resonates and breaks up, preventing the relatively rotating diamond ring plate and base from freezing and failing.

[0038] This invention provides a logic control scheme for preventing icing. 1. The device is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor to collect temperature and humidity data inside the device in real time. The collected data is transmitted back to the PLC controller via means including but not limited to serial port, network, CAN bus, etc.

[0039] 2. Then, based on meteorological information, temperature and humidity data, and sea conditions, a comprehensive logical judgment is made, and the air curtain mechanism is opened or closed according to the judgment conclusion.

[0040] 3. Examples of judgment logic are as follows: 1) If the temperature collected is 0℃ < 5℃, open the air curtain mechanism and adjust the air pressure to spray out at a lower pressure; 2) When collecting samples at a temperature ≤ 0℃, with no rain / snow and sea state X or below, open the air curtain mechanism and adjust the air pressure to spray out at a lower pressure. 3) When the temperature collected is ≤0℃, there is rain / snow, and the sea state is X or below, open the air curtain mechanism, adjust the air pressure to spray out at a higher pressure, and at the same time start the pitch support shaft heating module. 4) When the collected temperature is ≤0℃ and the sea conditions are above level X, open the air curtain mechanism, adjust the air pressure to spray out at a higher pressure, and at the same time start the pitch support shaft heating module.

[0041] Example 1 In this embodiment, water guide holes 10 are evenly spaced at the connection position between the protective cover and the adapter plate to drain the water accumulated inside the protective cover.

[0042] Example 2 In this embodiment, a mechanical seal structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the adapter plate and the base, including grating teeth 10 on the bottom surface of the adapter plate and toothed grooves 11 on the top surface of the base (see...). Figure 6 The teeth and grooves are matched and inserted to form a seal, which can prevent seawater from splashing and corroding the internal motor components.

[0043] The method of using the protective device for the above-mentioned marine outdoor camera includes the following steps: Step 1: The temperature and humidity data inside the protective cover are collected in real time by temperature and humidity sensors. The collected data is transmitted to the PLC controller. The PLC controller makes a comprehensive logical judgment based on meteorological information, temperature and humidity data and sea conditions, and starts the air curtain mechanism.

[0044] Step two: Based on the real-time camera requirements, control and start the rotation drive mechanism and pitch support, adjust the orientation angle of the optoelectronic cabin, start the cleaning mechanism to clean the glass window as needed, and start the heating module inside the connecting frame on both sides to prevent the rotating shaft from freezing.

[0045] Step 3: When the adapter plate and the base are frozen, start the de-icing vibrator. Through the vibration and resonance, the frozen body will resonate and break itself.

Claims

1. A protective device for a marine outdoor camera, characterized in that, The device includes a base, a protective cover, and an optoelectronic chamber. The protective cover is a cover structure with openings on the side walls and is installed on the top of the base. The optoelectronic chamber is installed inside the protective cover via a pitch bracket. A glass window is provided in the center of the front of the optoelectronic chamber, and a camera is installed inside the optoelectronic chamber. A cleaning mechanism is provided above the glass window on the pitch bracket. A rotary drive mechanism is provided between the base and the protective cover to drive the protective cover to rotate; The protective cover has an air curtain mechanism at the side wall opening, which is connected to an external compressed air source; It also includes a control system, which includes a temperature and humidity sensor and a PLC controller installed inside the protective cover. The PLC controller controls the start and stop of the pitch support, cleaning mechanism, rotary drive mechanism and air curtain mechanism.

2. The protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pitch support includes a pitch support and two side connecting frames. The pitch support is connected to the inner wall of the top of the protective cover. The two side connecting frames are hinged to the two sides of the optoelectronic cabin via rotating shafts. The pitch support is equipped with a pitch drive mechanism, which synchronously drives the rotating shafts on both sides to rotate, thereby causing the optoelectronic cabin to rotate up and down.

3. The protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning nozzle, a cleaning agent storage tank, and a cleaning main pipe. The pitch support has a cleaning chamber, in which the cleaning agent storage tank and the cleaning main pipe are located. The cleaning nozzle is positioned directly above the glass window and is connected to the outlet end of the cleaning main pipe. The inlet end of the cleaning main pipe is connected to three inlet branch pipes, which are respectively connected to the cleaning agent storage tank and an external compressed air source and clean water source. Each of the three inlet branch pipes is equipped with an on / off valve.

4. The protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotary drive mechanism includes a rotary motor and an adapter plate disposed in the groove on the top surface of the base. The adapter plate is connected to the bottom opening of the protective cover. The rotary motor includes a motor stator and a motor rotor. The motor stator is fixedly connected to the base, and the motor rotor is connected to the adapter plate, driving the adapter plate to rotate.

5. A protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air curtain mechanism includes a jet pipe laid along the top edge of the opening on the side wall of the protective cover. The jet pipe is connected to an external compressed air source. Gas nozzles are evenly spaced on the jet pipe to spray gas outward to form an air curtain.

6. The protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple de-icing vibrators are evenly spaced along the circumference of the adapter plate. Each de-icing vibrator includes a vibration motor and a connecting spring. The vibration motor is connected to the adapter plate through the connecting spring.

7. The protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protective cover and the adapter plate are provided with water guide holes at even intervals to drain water accumulated inside the protective cover.

8. A protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 2 or 7, characterized in that, Heating modules are installed inside the connecting frames on both sides of the pitch support to heat the rotating shaft.

9. A protective device for a marine outdoor camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, A mechanical seal structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the adapter plate and the base, including grates on the bottom surface of the adapter plate and grooves on the top surface of the base, wherein the grates and grooves are matched and inserted for sealing.

10. A method of using the protective device for a marine outdoor camera as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The temperature and humidity data inside the protective cover are collected in real time by temperature and humidity sensors. The collected data is transmitted to the PLC controller. The PLC controller makes a comprehensive logical judgment based on meteorological information, temperature and humidity data and sea conditions, and starts the air curtain mechanism. Step 2: Based on the real-time camera requirements, control and start the rotation drive mechanism and pitch support, adjust the orientation angle of the optoelectronic cabin, start the cleaning mechanism to clean the glass window as needed, and start the heating module inside the connecting frame on both sides to prevent the rotating shaft from freezing. Step 3: When the adapter plate and the base are frozen, start the de-icing vibrator. Through the vibration and resonance, the frozen body will resonate and break itself.

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