Camera with cleaning protection device and electronic rear exterior mirror

Abstract

According to the camera with the cleaning and protecting device and the electronic rear exterior mirror provided by the utility model, the camera device can realize self-cleaning, can quickly realize demisting and defrosting functions, can also remove mud and dust outside the lens, can also play a role in protecting the camera when the camera is not used, and is convenient to use. The driving motor is connected with the rotating frame, the rotating frame is arranged on the outer side of the camera module in a sleeving mode, the cleaning block makes contact with a lens of the camera module, the rotating frame is hinged to one end of the connecting arm, the other end of the connecting arm is hinged to the cleaning block, and the cleaning block is further hinged to the camera module; the driving motor drives the rotating frame to rotate, the cleaning block is driven by the connecting arm to rotate synchronously to close and cover the lens of the camera module to form a lens protection layer, or the cleaning block is driven by the connecting arm to rotate synchronously to expose the lens of the camera module, and the cleaning block can be driven by the connecting arm to rotate synchronously to clean the lens of the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted cameras, in particular to a camera with a cleaning and protection device and an electronic rear outside mirror. Background Art

[0002] With the development of automotive assisted driving systems, vehicle-mounted cameras are used more and more widely. Due to the driving of the vehicle under different working conditions, in order to improve the driving safety of the camera application, the requirements for the camera are also constantly increasing. When encountering bad environments such as rainy days, cold, and dusty weather, problems such as fogging, water droplets hanging, frosting, or being covered with dust easily occur on the outside of the camera, resulting in the obstruction of the camera's field of view, the blurred and unclear picture presented on the display, affecting the driver's observation and judgment, and posing a great potential safety hazard for driving.

[0003] The existing solution is to add an electric heating wire in the camera area. The heat generated by the electric heating wire is transferred to the lens to volatilize the water mist on the lens to achieve the defogging function. It can solve some problems to a certain extent, but this solution still has some deficiencies. First, due to the long-term heating of the electric heating wire, it is easy to cause adverse effects on internal components such as the lens and PCB, shortening their service life; second, it takes a certain amount of time from the start of heating to the temperature required to remove the water mist, and its defogging and defrosting effects are not fast enough, which will also have an adverse impact on the driver's driving in the event of a sudden heavy rain; third, it will be affected by the external temperature. When the ambient temperature is high, the effect is not obvious; fourth, when the outside of the camera lens is stained with dirt and dust, this problem cannot be solved only by heating. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Aiming at the problems of the prior art, the utility model provides a camera with a cleaning and protection device and an electronic rear outside mirror. The camera device can achieve self-cleaning, can quickly realize the functions of defogging and defrosting, can also remove dirt and dust outside the lens, and can also play a role in protecting the camera when the camera is not in use.

[0005] Its technical solution is as follows: A camera with a cleaning and protection device includes a camera module and a driving motor installed together with the camera module. The driving motor is connected to a rotating frame. The rotating frame is sleeved outside the camera module. It also includes a plurality of cleaning blocks arranged at the upper end of the camera module. The cleaning blocks also contact the lens of the camera module. One end of the rotating frame is hinged to one end of a connecting arm, the other end of the connecting arm is hinged to the cleaning block, and the cleaning block is also hinged to the camera module;

[0006] The driving motor drives the rotating frame to rotate, drives the cleaning block to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm to close and cover the lens of the camera module to form a lens protection layer, or drives the cleaning block to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm to expose the lens of the camera module, and can also drive the cleaning block to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm to clean the lens of the camera module.

[0007] Further, it further includes a fixing bracket, installation grooves are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the fixing bracket, and the camera module and the driving motor are respectively installed in the installation grooves.

[0008] Further, the rotating frame includes a bottom plate connected to the driving motor, the bottom plate is connected to the top plate through a side vertical plate, several hinge points are arranged on the top plate, and the hinge points on the top plate are hingedly connected to the connecting arm through a first pin.

[0009] Further, the connecting arm and the cleaning block are hingedly connected through a second pin, and the cleaning block and the camera module are hingedly connected through a third pin.

[0010] Further, a limiting groove is provided on the fixing bracket corresponding to the first pin, the first pin extends downward into the limiting groove, and one end of the first pin is also connected to a return spring, and the other end of the return spring is connected to a connection hole on the side of the limiting groove.

[0011] Further, fixing lugs are also arranged on the side of the fixing bracket, and mounting holes are provided on the fixing lugs.

[0012] Further, the cleaning block is provided with a curved surface, and the curved surface is adapted to the curved surface of the lens of the camera module.

[0013] Further, the cleaning block is made of rubber.

[0014] An electronic rear outside mirror includes a housing and an end cover installed at one end of the housing. A camera with a cleaning and protection device as described above is installed in the housing, and an opening is provided on the end cover for the lens of the camera module.

[0015] Further, installation posts are arranged in the housing, and the camera is installed in the housing through cooperation of bolts with the fixing lugs and the installation posts.

[0016] Further, a nozzle is also arranged in the housing, the nozzle is fixed on the inner side of the end cover, the nozzle is connected with a water spraying pipe, and the nozzle is arranged towards the lens of the camera module.

[0017] The camera with a cleaning and protection device of the present utility model adopts a mechanical cleaning method. By driving the motor to rotate forward and backward quickly, the cleaning block can be quickly opened and closed, which can effectively remove the fog and frost on the lens. Compared with the traditional electric heating wire defogging technology, it can restore a clear view faster, improve driving safety, and the cleaning block adopts a design that directly contacts the lens, which can physically scrape off the attached dirt and dust, ensuring that the lens always maintains the best light transmission state, solving the problem that the camera is easily soiled under complex weather and road conditions, reducing the safety hazards caused by blocked vision. When the vehicle is parked, the cleaning block can be closed and cover the lens, forming a physical barrier to effectively block the impact of foreign objects or environmental erosion, significantly extending the service life of the camera and reducing the damage risk.

[0018] Moreover, in response to the problem of the decline in cleaning efficiency after long-term use, the cleaning block in this solution allows for quick replacement without complex disassembly, greatly simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the maintenance cost. Compared with the maintenance of the embedded electric heating element, this solution reduces the overall replacement requirement for the expensive camera module, demonstrating extremely high economy and sustainability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 1;

[0020] Figure 2 It is a side view of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 1;

[0021] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram when the cleaning block of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 1 is opened;

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram when the cleaning block of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 1 is closed;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 2;

[0024] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 2;

[0025] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram when the cleaning block of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 2 is opened;

[0026] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram when the cleaning block of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in Specific Embodiment 2 is closed;

[0027] Figure 9Is a perspective view of the electronic rear exterior mirror in Specific Embodiment 3;

[0028] Figure 10 Is a perspective view of the electronic rear exterior mirror in Specific Embodiment 3 after the hidden part of the housing is removed;

[0029] Figure 11 Is a schematic diagram of the components of the electronic rear exterior mirror in Specific Embodiment 3 after being disassembled. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved by the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model will be further described in detail below. In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "embodiment" means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Specific Embodiment 1:

[0032] A camera with a cleaning and protection device of the present utility model includes a camera module 1 and a driving motor 2 installed together with the camera module 1. The driving motor 2 is connected to a rotating frame 3, and the rotating frame 3 is sleeved outside the camera module 1. It further includes a plurality of cleaning blocks 4 provided at the upper end of the camera module 1. The cleaning blocks 4 are also in contact with the lens 101 of the camera module 1. One end of the rotating frame 3 is hingedly connected to one end of a connecting arm 5, the other end of the connecting arm 5 is hingedly connected to the cleaning blocks 4, and the cleaning blocks 4 are also hingedly connected to the camera module 1;

[0033] The driving motor 2 drives the rotating frame 3 to rotate, drives the cleaning blocks 4 to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm 5 to close and cover the lens 101 of the camera module 1 to form a lens protection layer, or drives the cleaning blocks 4 to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm 5 to expose the lens of the camera module 1, and can also drive the cleaning blocks 4 to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm 5 to clean the lens 101 of the camera module 1.

[0034] In the embodiment, a fixing bracket 6 is also provided. Installation grooves 601 are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the fixing bracket 6. The camera module 1 and the driving motor 2 are respectively installed in the installation grooves 601, which is convenient for arranging the camera module 1 and the driving motor 2. A fixing ear plate 602 is also provided on the side of the fixing bracket. An installation hole is provided on the fixing ear plate 602, so that the camera with the cleaning and protection device in the embodiment can be conveniently installed at the position where a camera needs to be arranged on the vehicle.

[0035] In the embodiment, the rotating frame 3 includes a bottom plate 301 connected to the driving motor 2. The bottom plate 301 is connected to a top plate 303 through side vertical plates 302. A plurality of hinge points 304 are provided on the top plate 303. The hinge points 304 on the top plate 303 are hingedly connected to the connecting arm 5 through a first pin 7. The connecting arm 5 is hingedly connected to the cleaning block 4 through a second pin 8. The cleaning block 4 is hingedly connected to the camera module 1 through a third pin 9.

[0036] In the embodiment, the cleaning block 4 is provided with a curved surface, and the curved surface is adapted to the lens curved surface of the camera module. The cleaning block is made of rubber, or other similar soft materials can also be used, and it contacts the lens surface during sweeping.

[0037] In the embodiment, the driving motor can be a stepper motor, and the required rotation angle is set. Through the mechanical movement of the driving motor driving the rotating frame and the cleaning block, the cleaning and protection of the lens surface are realized. When the motor rotates counterclockwise by a certain angle, the cleaning block rotates from the open state to the closed state under the push of the connecting arm, and then the motor rotates clockwise by the same angle, and the cleaning block is pulled by the connecting arm and returns from the closed state to the open state to complete a defogging and cleaning function. The number of the cleaning blocks and the connecting arms is not limited to four, and can also be more, and the cleaning and defogging functions of the lens can also be realized;

[0038] Compared with the traditional electric heating wire type defogging scheme, the mechanical device has a faster response speed. The motor only needs to rotate forward and backward by a certain angle to complete a cleaning action, which greatly improves the defogging and defrosting efficiency. In the embodiment, the direct contact design between the cleaning block and the lens of the camera module ensures that the mud and dust on the lens surface can be directly swept away. This physical cleaning method is more direct and effective than the electric heating type, and can significantly improve the clarity and imaging quality of the camera module.

[0039] When the vehicle is parked, the cleaning block can be in the closed state, effectively avoiding damage to the lens caused by external factors such as dust. It not only extends the service life of the camera module, but also improves the safety of parking.

[0040] When the cleaning effect of the cleaning block decreases, it can be easily replaced, without the need for complex disassembly and replacement of the entire camera module as in the electric heating type. This design not only reduces the complexity of maintenance, but also significantly reduces the maintenance cost. Specific embodiment 2:

[0042] For the camera of specific embodiment 2, on the basis of the camera with a cleaning and protection device in specific embodiment 1, the type of the driving motor is adjusted. In specific embodiment 2, the driving motor 2 is a general motor, and the following adjustments are also made:

[0043] A limiting groove 603 is provided on the fixed bracket 6 corresponding to the first pin. The first pin 7 extends downward into the limiting groove 603. The first pin 7 is also connected to one end of a return spring 10, and the other end of the return spring 10 is connected to a connection hole 11 on the side of the limiting groove 603.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, when a general motor is used, a return spring is added on the basis of the specific embodiment 1, and the return spring is connected between the fixed bracket and the first pin. When the camera of the device works normally and the cleaning block is in an open and closed state, the return spring is in a natural state without stretching effect. When the motor works, the rotating frame pushes the connecting arm to drive the cleaning block to rotate. A limiting groove is provided on the fixed bracket. When the pin on the rotating bracket rotates to the limit of the limiting groove, the motor stops rotating and the cleaning block reaches the closed state to complete the cleaning of the camera surface; when the motor stops working, the stretched spring contracts to drive each component to reset. When protection is required, only need to lock the motor so that the cleaning block closes in front of the lens of the camera module. In the embodiment, the number of components of the cleaning block is 4 pieces, and in other embodiments, it can also be set to, for example, 3 to 10 pieces. Specific embodiment 3:

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic rear outside mirror is further provided, which includes two shells 12 that can be assembled and an end cover 13 installed at one end of the shell. A camera with a cleaning and protection device as in the specific embodiment 1 or the specific embodiment 2 is installed in the shell 12, and an opening 14 is provided on the end cover for the lens of the camera module.

[0047] For the convenience of installation, mounting posts 15 are provided in the shell 12, and the camera is installed in the shell 12 by cooperating bolts with the fixed ear plates 602 and the mounting posts 15.

[0048] In order to improve the cleaning effect, in one embodiment, a nozzle 17 is further provided in the shell 12. The nozzle 17 is fixed on the inner side of the end cover 13. The nozzle 17 is connected with a water spray pipe 16, and the nozzle 17 is arranged towards the lens of the camera module, which can cooperate with the cleaning block to achieve better cleaning.

[0049] The camera in the embodiment combines the camera module with the cleaning and protection device, and realizes seamless docking with the electronic rearview mirror shell, which not only ensures the external beauty, but also ensures the installation stability and waterproof performance, and adapts to various harsh driving environments.

[0050] The electronic rear outside mirror in the embodiment, through the mechanical cleaning structure, not only realizes the rapid defogging and defrosting and effective cleaning of the camera lens, but also provides a lens protection measure, while optimizing the maintenance convenience and economy, effectively improves the existing electronic rearview mirror technology, and significantly improves the reliability and practicality of the electronic rear outside mirror of the vehicle.

[0051] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of embodiments, not every embodiment contains only an independent technical solution. This narrative manner of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0052] The technical principle of the present utility model has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. These descriptions are only for explaining the principle of the present utility model and cannot be construed in any way as a limitation on the protection scope of the present utility model. Based on the explanations herein, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts, and these embodiments will fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A camera with a cleaning protection device, comprising a camera module and a driving motor installed together with the camera module, characterized in that: The driving motor is connected to the rotating frame, the rotating frame is sleeved on the outside of the camera module, and also includes a plurality of cleaning blocks arranged on the upper end of the camera module, the cleaning blocks are also in contact with the lens of the camera module, the rotating frame is hingedly connected to one end of the connecting arm, the other end of the connecting arm is hingedly connected to the cleaning block, and the cleaning block is also hingedly connected to the camera module; The driving motor drives the rotating frame to rotate, and drives the cleaning block to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm to close and cover the lens of the camera module to form a lens protection layer, or drives the cleaning block to rotate synchronously through the connecting arm to expose the lens of the camera module. The cleaning block can also be driven by the connecting arm to rotate synchronously to clean the lens of the camera module.

2. A camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a fixing bracket, wherein the upper and lower ends of the fixing bracket are respectively provided with mounting grooves, and the camera module and the driving motor are respectively mounted in the mounting grooves.

3. The camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating frame includes a bottom plate connected to the driving motor, the bottom plate is connected to the top plate through a side plate, a plurality of hinge points are arranged on the top plate, the hinge points of the top plate are hingedly connected to the connecting arm through a first pin, the connecting arm is hingedly connected to the cleaning block through a second pin, and the cleaning block is hingedly connected to the camera module through a third pin.

4. The camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limiting groove is provided on the fixing bracket corresponding to the first pin, and the first pin extends downward into the limiting groove. The first pin is also connected to one end of a reset spring, and the other end of the reset spring is connected to the connecting hole on the side of the limiting groove.

5. The camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A fixing ear plate is also provided on the side of the fixing bracket, and a mounting hole is provided on the fixing ear plate.

6. The camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning block is provided with a curved surface in contact with the lens of the camera module, and the curved surface is adapted to the curved surface of the lens of the camera module.

7. The camera with a cleaning protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning block is made of rubber.

8. An electronic rearview mirror, comprising a housing and an end cap mounted at one end of the housing, characterized in that: A camera with a cleaning protection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is installed in the shell, and an opening for the lens of the camera module is provided on the end cover.

9. The electronic rearview mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a mounting column, and the camera is mounted in the housing by means of bolts, a fixing ear plate and the mounting column.

10. The electronic rearview mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that: A nozzle is also arranged in the shell, the nozzle is fixed on the inner side of the end cover, the nozzle is connected with a water spray pipe, and the nozzle is arranged toward the lens of the camera module.

Images