Optical device for a vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to an optical device for a vehicle. It also relates to an onboard camera for an in-vehicle vision system. The optical device includes a housing adapted to house a lens and a heating element for heating the lens. To enhance the optical properties of the optical device, the heating element is arranged within the housing at a fixed distance from the lens and is adapted to transfer heat to the lens by conduction and / or radiation. The heating element is arranged within a shadow space, the boundary of which is formed by the inner wall of the housing and the optical path of the light beam within the maximum field of view of the optical device.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an optical device for a vehicle and an onboard camera for an in-vehicle vision system. The optical device includes a housing adapted to house a lens and a heating element for heating the lens.

[0002] US 2020 / 314311 A1 describes an automotive camera for an automotive vision system. The automotive camera includes a housing having a front housing portion and a rear housing portion, wherein the front housing portion includes a lens barrel for housing a lens. A heating device is disposed at the outermost lens element. The heating device includes a pair of conductive elements electrically connected to circuitry at a printed circuit board along wiring along the lens barrel. The outer end of each conductive element is disposed at and in contact with a heating element located at and in contact with the inner surface of the outermost lens element. When energized, the heating element heats the outermost lens element to evaporate moisture or condensation at the outermost lens element. The camera is configured to be disposed on an external portion of a vehicle to have a field of view outside the vehicle.

[0003] EP 1 626 583 A1 describes an image acquisition unit comprising a housing with a protected interior, a window enclosed by a transparent element, and a support component for carrying an optical system facing the window. The unit also includes an image detection component housed within the housing, facing the optical system and associated with an external connection component for supplying and / or bidirectional signal exchange. The unit further includes a heating component for providing heat to the transparent element or its adjacent area to avoid problems of lack of transparency due to environmental and climatic factors.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to enhance the optical properties of optical devices.

[0005] This invention solves this problem through the features of the independent claims. Other preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the associated description and drawings.

[0006] An optical device for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a housing adapted to house a lens. The optical device also includes a heating element for heating the lens. The heating element is arranged within the housing at a fixed distance from the lens. The heating element is adapted to transfer heat to the lens by conduction and / or radiation. The heating element is arranged within a shadow space, wherein the boundary of the shadow space is formed by the inner wall of the housing and the optical path of the light beam within the maximum field of view of the optical device.

[0007] This invention is based on the finding that heating elements typically occupy additional space in optical devices. For example, a heater ring adjacent to the front lens makes the optical system longer. Another example is a heater wrapped around the housing, which increases the diameter of the housing. The solution according to the invention addresses this problem by using the shadow space within the housing of the optical device. This is advantageous because the solution utilizes free space and has no impact on the mechanical dimensions of the optical device.

[0008] The present invention is further based on the discovery that high-temperature points are typically generated by heater rings located at the rear of the front lens and in direct contact with it. These heater rings induce stress in the lens material and its coating due to the resulting high temperature gradient. The solution according to the invention also solves this problem caused by the arrangement of the heating elements within the housing at a fixed distance from the lens. Thus, heating is achieved from within the housing, and high-temperature points on the optics are avoided.

[0009] Preferably, the vehicle is a motor vehicle, particularly an automobile. Preferably, the housing is formed from a lens barrel. The heating element preferably comprises a resistive conductive element, such as a heating element based on a thin-film resistor, which includes a thin film or substrate with conductive traces disposed thereon, the conductive traces generating heat when current passes along them.

[0010] The lens is preferably an optical lens. More preferably, the lens is a biconvex lens, plano-convex lens, positive meniscus lens, negative meniscus lens, plano-concave lens, biconcave lens, and / or aspherical lens. The lens is preferably the outermost lens that is in direct contact with the area surrounding the vehicle and / or an inner lens within a housing.

[0011] The term "lens" is preferably understood as a single lens or a group of lenses. A group of lenses comprises multiple lenses, as a set, which are the targets of heating by the heating element.

[0012] Preferably, the purpose of the heater element is to heat the lens to evaporate moisture or condensate at the lens.

[0013] The fixed distance is preferably a distance greater than 0. More preferably, the fixed distance is a distance greater than 1 mm, for example, 1.5 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the fixed distance is a distance greater than 2 mm, for example, 3 mm.

[0014] The description of the heating element being suitable for transferring heat to the lens by conduction and / or radiation is preferably understood by those skilled in the art to mean that heat diffuses from the heating element primarily by conduction, by radiation, and by some minor convection. Heat transfer by radiation is possible because of the free space between the heating element and the lens, since the heating element is positioned using a shadow space. More preferably, no or only a small amount of heat transfer occurs through induction.

[0015] The optical device also includes a printed circuit board located at the focal plane. This printed circuit board preferably has a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor array and / or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor array. These sensors are adapted to receive a light beam at the focal plane and convert the light into image data.

[0016] The light beam within the maximum field of view (FOV) preferably includes the beam that passes through the lens and reaches the focal plane of the optics. In other words, a beam that crosses the shadow area cannot contribute to image formation at the focal plane. In other words, those skilled in the art will understand the term field of view (FOV) to include all possible light beams that pass through the lens and reach the focal plane of the optics. The inner and / or wall portions of the aperture portion typically limit the possible optical paths.

[0017] The optical device preferably includes power lines adapted to supply power to the heating element. More preferably, the power lines guide power from the printed circuit board along a first housing portion and / or a second housing portion to the heating element. Furthermore, the power lines preferably extend at least partially along the inner wall of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the power lines extend at least partially along the outer wall of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the power lines extend at least partially within the housing wall, preferably within a mold. When extending along the inner wall portion or within the housing wall, the power lines are protected from external influences such as weather, wind, and temperature.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the housing has an aperture portion forming an optical aperture. The shadow space is formed by an inner wall, a wall portion of the aperture portion, and the optical path of the light beam within the maximum field of view. A heating element is arranged to contact the wall portion of the aperture portion.

[0019] The wall portion of the aperture section is a suitable part for positioning the heating element within the shadow space. In all embodiments, the heating element may face either side of the aperture section. In other words, the heating element is preferably (in the direction of the optical axis) facing a receiving lens for receiving light beams from the area surrounding the optical device (i.e., the heating element faces forward). Alternatively or additionally, the heating element is preferably (in the direction of the optical axis) facing an inner lens positioned within the housing (i.e., the heating element faces backward).

[0020] The wall portion of the aperture portion preferably comprises or is composed of a heat-reflective material, such as metal for guiding heat to the lens. Alternatively or additionally, the wall portion of the aperture portion preferably comprises or is composed of a heat-absorbing material, such as ceramic or ceramic resin, for radiating heat from the wall portion. For example, the effective area of ​​the heating element is much smaller than the effective area of ​​the wall portion. Alternatively or additionally, the wall portion of the aperture portion preferably comprises or is composed of a heat-transferring material, such as metal or highly thermally conductive resin, for effectively transferring heat generated by the heating element from one side of the wall portion to which the heating element is attached to the other side of the wall portion.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the heating element forms the wall portion of the aperture portion. This can be achieved by designing a heating element with the shape of the wall portion of the aperture portion. Alternatively, the heating element is molded to cover the wall portion.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the wall portion is prismatic, such that the heating element is oriented at an angle relative to the optical axis of the optical device.

[0023] Optimal distributed heating of the lens was achieved by adjusting the angle of the heating element relative to the optical axis.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the housing has an aperture portion forming an optical aperture, and a first housing portion adapted to accommodate a lens. The housing also has a second housing portion adapted to accommodate another lens. The aperture portion provides a transition from the first housing portion to the second housing portion. Heating elements for heating the lens and / or the other lens are arranged at a fixed distance from the lens and / or at a fixed distance from the other lens. The boundary of the shadow space is formed by the inner wall, the wall portion of the aperture portion, and the optical path of the light beam within the maximum field of view of the optical device.

[0025] Furthermore, the lens is preferably an internal lens disposed within the housing. Additionally, the lens is preferably positioned between the lens and the focal plane in the direction of the optical axis.

[0026] The beam within the maximum field of view (FOV) preferably includes a beam that passes through a lens, through an optical aperture, through another lens, and reaches the focal plane of the optical device.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the heating element is arranged in the direction of the optical axis between another lens and the focal plane.

[0028] Therefore, a solution is provided for an additional lens for a specially heated optical device. The additional lens is preferably an inner lens.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the heating element is arranged between the lens and another lens in the direction of the optical axis.

[0030] This implementation is advantageous because both lenses can be heated by the heating element.

[0031] According to another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the heating element is arranged in the direction of the optical axis between a receiving lens for receiving light beams from a region surrounding the optical device and an inner lens positioned within the housing.

[0032] This implementation is particularly advantageous because the receiving lens and the inner lens can be heated by the same heating element.

[0033] The receiving lens is preferably the outermost lens used to receive light from the external parts of the vehicle (the area surrounding the vehicle). This outermost lens may be exposed to weather effects, temperature changes, wind, etc.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the heating element is arranged to contact a lens holder for holding the lens.

[0035] This achieves excellent heat transfer from the heating element to the lens system, allowing heat to diffuse throughout. Specifically, the lens adjacent to the lens holder (and thus adjacent to the lens held by the lens holder) can be heated by the heating element. This embodiment is particularly suitable for arrangements where there is no or substantially no aperture wall between the two lenses.

[0036] The term "lens retainer" can also be referred to as the lens barrel or spacer ring.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the heating element is arranged to contact the inner wall of the housing.

[0038] This achieves uniform distributed heat diffusion. This ensures gentle temporal and spatial gradients, thereby reducing stress on optical components and extending their lifespan.

[0039] Preferably, the heating element is arranged to contact the inner surface of the inner wall of the housing.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment of the optical device, the inner wall has a recess, in which the heating element is at least partially embedded.

[0041] To address the above issues, an on-board camera for an in-vehicle vision system is proposed, which includes the optical devices described above.

[0042] For information on the advantages, implementation methods, and design details of vehicle-mounted cameras, please refer to the above description of the corresponding device characteristics for optical devices used in vehicles.

[0043] Preferably, the vehicle-mounted camera is configured to be located on an external part of the vehicle so as to have a field of view outside the vehicle.

[0044] In the following description, the invention will be based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 A side view of a first embodiment of the optical device is shown.

[0046] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The front view of the optical device shown.

[0047] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the optical device shown in section BB.

[0048] Figure 4 It shows an optical path indicating the beam. Figure 3 The optical device shown

[0049] Figure 5 An exemplary cross-sectional view of an optical device with indicated shaded areas along sections B'-B' and AA is shown.

[0050] Figure 6 An exemplary cross-sectional view of an optical device with indicated shaded areas along sections C'-C' and AA is shown.

[0051] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the optical device along sections D'-D' and AA, with indicated shaded areas, is shown.

[0052] Figure 8 A second embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0053] Figure 9 A third embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0054] Figure 10 A fourth embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0055] Figure 11 A fifth embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0056] Figure 12 A sixth embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0057] Figure 13A seventh embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0058] Figure 14 An eighth embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'.

[0059] Figure 15 A ninth embodiment of the optical device is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D', and

[0060] Figure 16 It shows along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the optical device shown in section BB.

[0061] Figure 1 The optical device 1 is shown in a side view. The optical device has a housing 2, a lens 3, and a printed circuit board 4. The printed circuit board 4 has a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor array and / or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor array. Figure 2 The previous view shows the optical device 1. The printed circuit board 4 is... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image is indicated by a dashed line. The optical device 1 is part of the vehicle-mounted camera 15 used in the vehicle vision system.

[0062] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB indicated in the figure shows the optical device 1. The optical device 1 has an optical axis 32. Lens 3 represents a receiving lens for receiving light beams from the region 6 surrounding the optical device 1. In other words, lens 3 is the outermost lens for receiving light from the external part of the vehicle (i.e., the region 6 surrounding the vehicle). This external part is exposed to weather influences such as wind and temperature.

[0063] Lens 7 is arranged behind lens 3 in the direction of optical axis 32 within the first housing portion 8 of housing 2 of optical device 1. Housing 2 has a lens holder 13 for accommodating lens 7. Aperture 9 is arranged behind lens 7 in the direction of optical axis 32 within the aperture portion 10 of optical device 1. Aperture 9 has a wall portion 14.

[0064] Additionally, lens 11 is arranged behind aperture 9 in the direction of optical axis 32 within the second housing portion 12 of optical device 1. Housing 2 has an additional lens holder 23 for accommodating lens 11.

[0065] Lens 3 and lens 7 each represent lens 20 arranged in front of aperture portion 10 in the direction of optical axis 32. Lens 11 represents another lens 22 arranged behind aperture portion 10 in the direction of optical axis. Aperture portion 10 provides a transition from first housing portion 8 to second housing portion 12.

[0066] Figure 4 As shown Figure 3 The same cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. Additionally, in Figure 4 The diagram indicates optical paths 25a, 25b, 25c, 26a, 26b, 26c and 27a, 27b, 27c. Optical paths 25a-25c and 26a-26c are represented by dashed lines (the dashed line for optical path 26a-26c is shorter than the dashed line for optical path 25a-25c). Optical path 27a-27c is also represented by dashed lines.

[0067] Optical paths 25a-25c, 26a-26c, and 27a-27c represent the paths of the light beam traveling from region 6 to printed circuit board 4. These optical paths 25a-25c, 26a-26c, and 27a-27c have the following characteristics, which depend on the design of optical device 1: optical paths 25a-25c, 26a-26c, and 27a-27c pass through lenses 3 and 7, aperture 9, and lens 11. Furthermore, optical paths 25a-25c, 26a-26c, and 27a-27c are characterized in that they reach focal points 35, 36, and 37. Focal points 35, 36, and 37 are located in focal plane 40. Optical paths 27a-27c extend parallel to optical axis 32 before reaching lens 3. When reaching lens 3, optical paths 25a-25c and 26a-26c have angles 33 and 34, respectively, relative to optical axis 32. Angles 33 and 34 represent the maximum possible angles for optical paths with the aforementioned characteristics, namely, reaching and passing through lens 3, lens 7, aperture 9, lens 11, and focal points 35 and 36, respectively. In other words, when reaching lens 3, beams with angles larger than 33 or 34 will not reach any focal point at the printed circuit board 4. Therefore, optical paths 25a-25c and 26a-26c represent the limits of the maximum field of view (FOV) of optical device 1.

[0068] The heating element 30 is arranged to contact the wall portion 14. Thus, the heating element 30 is positioned at a fixed distance (e.g., 1.5 mm) from lenses 3 and 7. The heating element 30 first transfers heat to lens 7, and then to lens 3. The heating element 30 faces lenses 7 and 3. In other words, the heating element 30 faces forward in the direction of the optical axis 32. Figure 3An alternative arrangement of the heating element 30 (indicated by the dashed line) facing the lens 11 (i.e., rearward in the direction of the optical axis 32) is shown.

[0069] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along section B'-B' and section AA is shown. Lens holders 13 and 23, as well as heating element 30, are cut off. Both shaded areas 38 and 39 are indicated by areas with a grid pattern.

[0070] Shadow regions 38 and 39 are each defined by a free boundary. The boundary of shadow region 38 is formed by the inner wall 5 of the outer shell 2, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 25a and 27a. When the optical device 1 is rotated about the optical axis 32, shadow region 38 will be rotationally symmetric, but its boundary is still formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 26a and 27c. The boundary of shadow region 39 is formed by the outer shell 2, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 27a and 26c. Since shadow region 39 is rotationally symmetric, its boundary is also formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 27c and 25c.

[0071] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 shown. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along section C'-C' and section AA is shown. Lens retainers 13 and 23, as well as heating element 30, are cut off. Shaded areas 38 and 39 are indicated by areas with a grid pattern (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). The additional shaded areas 138 and 139 are indicated by areas with dashed lines.

[0072] Shadow regions 38, 39, 138, and 139 are defined by boundaries. The boundaries of shadow regions 38 and 138 are formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 125a and 127a. Furthermore, the boundaries of shadow regions 38 and 138 are also formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 126a and 127c. Similarly, the boundaries of shadow regions 39 and 139 are formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 127a and 126c. Likewise, the boundaries of shadow regions 39 and 139 are formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 127c and 125c.

[0073] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along sections D'-D' and AA is shown. Lens retainers 13 and 23, as well as heating element 30, are cut off. Shaded areas 38 and 39 are indicated by areas with a grid pattern (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). The additional shaded areas 238 and 239 are indicated by areas with line patterns.

[0074] Shadow regions 38, 39, 238, and 239 are defined by boundaries. The boundaries of shadow regions 38 and 238 are formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 225a and 227a. Furthermore, the boundaries of shadow regions 38 and 238 are also formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 226a and 227c. Similarly, the boundaries of shadow regions 39 and 239 are formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 227a and 226c. Likewise, the boundaries of shadow regions 39 and 239 are also formed by the inner wall 5, the wall portion 14, and optical paths 227c and 225c.

[0075] Figure 8 A second embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 8 Lens retainer 13 and lens retainer 23, as well as shaded areas 38, 39, 238, and 239, are shown. Figure 8 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 130 is arranged within the shaded area 38 in contact with the wall portion 114. The heating element 130 is arranged between lenses 3 and 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. Lens 3 is a receiving lens for receiving light beams from the region 6 surrounding the optical device 1. Lens 7 is an inner lens positioned within the housing 2. Thus, the heating element 130 is arranged at a fixed distance (e.g., 1 mm) from lens 3, while primarily providing heat to lens 3.

[0076] Figure 9 A third embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 9 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 8The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 230 is arranged within the shaded area 38 and in contact with the lens holder 13. The heating element 230 is arranged between the lens 3 and the lens 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. The lens 3 is a receiving lens for receiving a light beam from the region 6 surrounding the optical device 1. The lens 7 is an inner lens positioned within the housing 2. Thus, the heating element 230 is arranged at a fixed distance (e.g., 1.2 mm) from the lens 3, while simultaneously providing heat to the lens 3 by radiation. In addition, heat is transferred to the lens 7 by conduction. The lens 3 and the lens 7 are adjacent, wherein the lens 7 is held by the lens holder 13.

[0077] Figure 10 A fourth embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 10 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 9 The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 330 is arranged within shaded areas 38 and 138, contacting the wall portion 314. The heating element 330 is arranged between lenses 3 and 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. Lens 3 is a receiving lens for receiving light beams from region 6 surrounding the optical device 1. Lens 7 is an inner lens positioned within the housing 2. Thus, the heating element 330 is arranged at a fixed distance (e.g., 0.5 mm) from lens 3, while primarily providing heating to lens 3.

[0078] Figure 11 A fifth embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 11 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 10 The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 430 is arranged within the shaded area 39 in contact with the wall portion 414. Thus, the heating element 430 is positioned at a fixed distance (e.g., 0.5 mm) from the lens 11. The lens 11 is an inner lens arranged within the housing 2. Lens 11 also indicates another lens 22. The heating element 430 is arranged between the lens 11 and the focal plane 40 in the direction of the optical axis 32. The heating element 430 primarily transfers heat to the lens 7.

[0079] Figure 12 A sixth embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 12 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 11The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 530 is arranged within shaded areas 39 and 239, contacting the wall portion 514. Thus, the heating element 530 is positioned at a fixed distance (e.g., 1.5 mm) from the lens 11. The heating element 530 primarily heats the lens 11. The lens 11 is an inner lens arranged within the housing 2. The lens 11 also indicates another lens 22. The heating element 530 is arranged between the lens 11 and the focal plane 40 in the direction of the optical axis 32.

[0080] Figure 13 A seventh embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 13 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 12 The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 630 is arranged within the shaded area 38 in contact with the wall portion 614. The wall portion 614 is prismatic, such that the heating element 630 is oriented obliquely relative to the optical axis 32. The heating element 630 is arranged between lenses 3 and 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. Thus, the heating element 630 is positioned at a fixed distance (e.g., 0.5 mm) from lens 3 while simultaneously providing heat to lens 3.

[0081] Figure 14 An eighth embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 14 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 13 The optical device 1 is shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. The heating element 730 is arranged within the shaded area 38 and in contact with the inner wall 5 of the housing 2. The heating element 730 is arranged between the lens 3 and the lens 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. Thus, the heating element 730 is arranged at a fixed distance (e.g., 0.7 mm) from the lens 3 and the lens 7, while simultaneously providing heat to the lens 3 and the lens 7.

[0082] Figure 15 A ninth embodiment of the optical device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view along section D'-D'. Figure 15 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 14 The optical device 1 shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. A heating element 830 is arranged within a recess 813 in the inner wall 5 of the housing 2. At the recess 813, the inner wall 5 has an increased distance to the optical axis 32. The heating element 830 is arranged between lenses 3 and 7 in the direction of the optical axis 32. Thus, the heating element 830 is positioned at a fixed distance from lenses 3 and 7, simultaneously providing heat to lenses 3 and 7.

[0083] Figure 16 Along section BB (in Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown in the figure illustrates the tenth embodiment of the optical device 1. Figure 16 The optical device 1 shown is designed to be similar to Figure 3 The optical device 1 shown. Equivalent elements and elements with equivalent functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figure 16 As shown, the heating element 30 itself forms the wall portion 14 of the aperture portion 10. In other words, the wall portion 14 itself is the heating element 30.

[0084] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in the foregoing embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that those skilled in the art can make other modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0085] Reference List

[0086] 1 Optical device

[0087] 2. Outer shell

[0088] 3 lenses

[0089] 4 Printed Circuit Boards

[0090] 5. Inner wall

[0091] 6 regions

[0092] 7 lenses

[0093] 8 First outer shell section

[0094] 9 aperture

[0095] 10 aperture section

[0096] 11 lenses

[0097] 12 Second outer shell section

[0098] 13 Lens Holder

[0099] 14 wall sections

[0100] 15 vehicle-mounted cameras

[0101] 20 lenses

[0102] 22 additional lenses

[0103] 23 Lens Holder

[0104] 25a-25c optical path

[0105] 26a-26c optical path

[0106] 27a-27c optical path

[0107] 30 heating elements

[0108] 32 optical axes

[0109] 33 and 34 angles

[0110] Focuses on 35, 36, and 37

[0111] 38 shaded areas

[0112] 39 shaded areas

[0113] 40 focal plane

[0114] 114 wall section

[0115] 125a-125c optical path

[0116] 126a-126c optical path

[0117] 127a-127c optical path

[0118] 130 heating element

[0119] 138 shaded area

[0120] 139 shaded area

[0121] 225a-225c optical path

[0122] 226a-226c optical path

[0123] 227a-227c optical path

[0124] 230 heating element

[0125] 238 shaded area

[0126] 239 shaded area

[0127] 314 wall section

[0128] 330 heating element

[0129] 414 wall section

[0130] 430 heating element

[0131] 514 wall section

[0132] 530 heating element

[0133] 614 wall section

[0134] 630 heating element

[0135] 730 heating element

[0136] 813 concave part

[0137] 830 heating element

Claims

1. An optical device for a vehicle, the optical device comprising: - Housing (2), said housing being adapted to accommodate lenses (3, 7, 11), and - Heating elements (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830), said heating elements being used to heat said lenses (3, 7, 11). Its features The heating elements (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) are arranged within the housing (2) at a fixed distance from the lenses (3, 7, 11), and the heating elements are adapted to transfer heat to the lenses (3, 7, 11) by conduction and / or radiation. - The heating elements (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) are arranged within shaded spaces (38, 39, 138, 139, 238, 239), wherein the boundaries of the shaded spaces (38, 39, 138, 139, 238, 239) are formed by the following: --The inner wall (5) of the outer shell (2), and --Optical paths of the beam within the maximum field of view of the optical device (1) (25a-c, 26a-c, 125a-c, 126a-c, 225a-c, 226a-c).

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that... -The outer shell (2) has an aperture portion (10) forming an optical aperture (9). - The shadow space (38, 39, 138, 139, 238, 239) is formed by the following: --The inner wall (5). --The wall portions (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) of the aperture portion (10), and --The optical paths of the beam within the maximum field of view (25a-c, 26a-c, 125a-c, 126a-c, 225a-c, 226a-c), and - The heating elements (30, 130, 330, 430, 530, 630) are arranged to contact the wall portions (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) of the aperture portion (10).

3. The optical device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wall portion (614) is prismatic, such that the heating element (630) is oriented at an angle relative to the optical axis (32) of the optical device (1).

4. The optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... -The outer shell (2) has an aperture portion (10) forming an optical aperture (9). - The housing (2) has a first housing portion (8) adapted to accommodate the lenses (3, 7, 20) and the housing (2) has a second housing portion (12) adapted to accommodate additional lenses (11, 22). - The aperture portion (10) provides a transition from the first housing portion (8) to the second housing portion (12), The heating elements (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) for heating the lenses (3, 7, 20) and / or the other lenses (11, 22) are arranged at a fixed distance from the lenses (3, 7, 20) and / or the other lenses (11, 22), and - The boundary of the shadow space (38, 39, 138, 139, 238, 239) is formed by the following: --The inner wall (5). --The wall portions (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) of the aperture portion (10), and --Optical paths of the beam within the maximum field of view of the optical device (1) (25a-c, 26a-c, 125a-c, 126a-c, 225a-c, 226a-c).

5. The optical device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating elements (430, 530) are arranged in the direction of the optical axis (32) between the other lens (11) and the focal plane (40).

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that, The heating element (30) is arranged in the direction of the optical axis (32) between the lens (3, 7) and the other lens (11).

7. The optical device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The heating elements (130, 230, 330, 630, 730) are arranged between the following items in the direction of the optical axis (32): - A receiving lens (3) for receiving light beams from the region (6) surrounding the optical device (1), and - An inner lens (7) is positioned inside the housing (2).

8. The optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating element (230) is arranged to contact the lens holder (13, 23) for holding the lens (7, 11).

9. The optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating element (730) is arranged to contact the inner wall (5) of the housing (2).

10. The optical device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall (5) has a recess (813), wherein the heating element (830) is at least partially embedded in the recess (813).

11. An on-board camera for an on-board vision system, the on-board camera comprising an optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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