Lens cleaning equipment and camera

Abstract

The utility model relates to a lens cleaning device and a camera, the lens cleaning device comprises a magnetoelectric composite part, a coil group and a control device, the magnetoelectric composite part is used for generating sound signals; the coil assembly is wound on the periphery of the magnetoelectric composite part; the control device is electrically connected with the two ends of the coil assembly and used for controlling the coil assembly to generate an alternating magnetic field. When the lens of the camera needs to be cleaned, the control device controls the coil assembly to generate an alternating magnetic field, the magnetoelectric composite part can generate a magnetostrictive effect under the action of the alternating magnetic field and send out loud and sharp sound signals under the specific frequency, the sound signals act on the lens, dust and water drops fall off due to resonance, and therefore the lens can be cleaned. The lens cleaning device is simple in structure and low in cost, the cleaning effect cannot be affected after long-time use, the lens cleaning device does not make direct contact with the lens, the lens cannot be abraded, and therefore the service life of the whole camera can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of lens cleaning, in particular to a lens cleaning device and a camera. Background Art

[0002] After prolonged use, cameras inevitably become dirty, affecting image clarity. Furthermore, to achieve the best viewing angle, cameras are often mounted high up, and manual lens cleaning increases maintenance costs and poses safety risks.

[0003] In the relevant existing technologies, some cameras also use wiper cleaning or air duct cleaning methods. However, the reciprocating friction of the wiper may wear the lens and affect the imaging effect; and air duct cleaning requires the installation of a filter, which will also affect the dust removal effect after the filter fails after long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a lens cleaning device and a camera to address the above problems. The lens cleaning device can clean the lens without wearing the lens.

[0005] The utility model first provides a lens cleaning device, comprising: a magnetoelectric composite component for emitting an acoustic signal to the lens; a coil assembly wound around the periphery of the magnetoelectric composite component; and a control device electrically connected to both ends of the coil assembly, the control device being used to control the coil assembly to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0006] In the above-mentioned lens cleaning device, when the camera lens needs to be cleaned, the control device controls the coil group to generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetoelectric composite will produce a magnetostrictive effect under the action of the alternating magnetic field, and emit a loud and sharp sound signal at a specific frequency. The sound signal acts on the lens, causing dust and water droplets to fall due to resonance, thereby cleaning the lens; the lens cleaning device has a simple structure and low cost, and long-term use will not affect the cleaning effect. In addition, the lens cleaning device does not directly contact the lens and will not wear the lens, thereby extending the overall service life of the camera.

[0007] In one embodiment, the coil assembly includes an AC coil and a DC coil independently wound around the periphery of the magneto-electric composite component, the AC coil is used to generate an AC excitation magnetic field, and the DC coil is used to generate a DC bias magnetic field.

[0008] With such an arrangement, the magnetoelectric performance of the magnetoelectric composite component can be improved by adjusting the magnitude of the DC bias magnetic field generated by the DC coil, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect of the lens cleaning device on the lens.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control device includes a controller and an AC driver and a DC driver electrically connected to the controller, both ends of the AC coil are electrically connected to the AC driver, and both ends of the DC coil are electrically connected to the DC driver; the controller is used to output an AC signal to the AC driver and output a DC signal to the DC driver.

[0010] In this configuration, the AC driver is used to amplify the AC signal and keep the waveform and frequency of the AC signal output to the AC coil unchanged; the DC driver is used to output a DC level to the DC coil and adjust the size of the DC level to adjust the size of the DC bias magnetic field generated by the DC coil, so that the magnetoelectric performance of the magnetoelectric composite can be optimized under the optimal DC bias magnetic field.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control device further includes an oscillator electrically connected to the controller, the oscillator is configured to generate and output an oscillation signal to the controller, and the controller is configured to convert the oscillation signal into the AC signal.

[0012] With this arrangement, the controller can generate an AC signal with an excitation frequency suitable for the magnetoelectric composite component by frequency division or frequency multiplication of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator according to actual conditions, and output the AC signal to the AC driver.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control device further includes an adjusting component, which is electrically connected to the magneto-electric composite component and the controller, and is configured to transmit a feedback signal generated by the magneto-electric composite component to the controller.

[0014] With this arrangement, the controller can adjust the driving capabilities of the AC and DC drivers according to the feedback signal and image clarity, so that dust, water droplets and other substances on the lens can all fall off due to resonance, and the image achieves optimal clarity, thus making the lens cleaning device adaptive.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control device further includes a regulating component, which is electrically connected to both the magneto-electric composite component and the DC driver, and is configured to transmit a feedback signal generated by the magneto-electric composite component to the DC driver.

[0016] With this arrangement, the AC excitation magnetic field, DC bias magnetic field and AC feedback magnetic field are used to make the magnetoelectric composite resonate under positive feedback conditions, so that the magnetoelectric composite generates an acoustic signal with a high sound pressure level and a vibration frequency close to the frequency of the alternating magnetic field.

[0017] In one embodiment, the regulating member is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is capable of controlling the on-off connection between the regulating member and the DC drive.

[0018] With this arrangement, the controller can control the on-off between the adjustment member and the DC driver according to the feedback signal and image clarity, so as to control the lens cleaning device to switch between different cleaning modes, so that the lens cleaning device has adaptive capabilities.

[0019] In one embodiment, the adjusting member is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is capable of controlling the adjusting member to adjust the amplitude and phase of the feedback signal.

[0020] With this arrangement, when the regulating component adjusts the amplitude and phase of the feedback signal so that the phase of the AC feedback magnetic field is the same as that of the AC excitation magnetic field, the entire loop forms positive feedback, and the magneto-electric composite component will produce a more stable and stronger resonance at its resonant frequency, thereby making the acoustic signal generated by the magneto-electric composite component also stronger.

[0021] In one embodiment, the magnetoelectric composite element includes a magnetostrictive element and a piezoelectric element.

[0022] With such arrangement, the magnetoelectric composite component has a simple structure, is easy to prepare and has a low cost.

[0023] The utility model also provides a camera, comprising the lens cleaning device as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lens cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure numerals: 1. magnetoelectric composite component; 2. coil group; 21. AC coil; 22. DC coil; 3. control device; 31. controller; 32. AC drive; 33. DC drive; 34. oscillator; 35. adjustment component; 4. lens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in the specification of this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it can mean that the first feature is directly in contact with the second feature, or the first feature and the second feature are indirectly in contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the specification of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used in the specification of this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0032] After a camera has been used for a long time, it is inevitable that the lens will become dirty, affecting the image clarity, especially in mountainous areas, construction sites and other environments. In order to achieve the best viewing angle, the camera is often installed at a high place. Manual cleaning of the lens will increase maintenance costs and pose a safety hazard. In the relevant existing technology, some cameras also use methods such as wiper cleaning or air duct cleaning. However, the reciprocating friction of the wiper may wear the lens and affect the imaging effect. In addition, the wiper structure is complex and requires the use of a drive motor, wiper body, water tank, water pump, etc., which is relatively expensive. Air duct cleaning requires the installation of a filter. After the filter fails after long-term use, it will also affect the dust removal effect. In addition, for models with different appearances, the air duct needs to be designed separately to achieve the best dust removal effect.

[0033] In order to solve the above problems, Figure 1 As shown, the utility model first provides a lens cleaning device, which can clean the lens without wearing the lens.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the lens cleaning device includes a magneto-electric composite 1, a coil group 2 and a control device 3, wherein: the magneto-electric composite 1 is used to transmit sound signals to the lens 4; the coil group 2 is wound around the periphery of the magneto-electric composite 1; the control device 3 is electrically connected to both ends of the coil group 2, and the control device 3 is used to control the coil group 2 to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0035] It should be noted that when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetoelectric composite 1, its internal magnetic moments tend to align in the direction of the external field. To reduce the energy of exchange interaction and dipole interaction, the crystal lattice within the magnetoelectric composite 1 shifts, causing changes in the spacing between lattice atoms. This, in turn, manifests itself macroscopically as a change in the size of the magnetoelectric composite 1, i.e., the magnetoelectric composite 1 produces a magnetostrictive effect. Microscopically, the magnetostrictive effect manifests itself as a change in the length of the material crystal caused by the displacement of domain walls and the rotation of magnetic domains within the magnetoelectric composite 1, resonating with the alternating magnetic field. Under the influence of the alternating magnetic field, the magnetoelectric composite 1 undergoes regular mechanical vibrations, emitting loud and sharp acoustic signals at specific frequencies. Furthermore, when the frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetoelectric composite 1 is close to the inherent mechanical vibration frequency of the magnetoelectric composite 1, the two will resonate, increasing the amplitude of the mechanical vibration of the magnetoelectric composite 1, thereby generating an acoustic signal with a high sound pressure level and a vibration frequency close to the frequency of the alternating magnetic field.

[0036] In the lens cleaning device provided by the embodiment of the present invention, when the lens 4 of the camera needs to be cleaned, the control device 3 controls the coil group 2 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetoelectric composite 1 will produce a magnetostrictive effect under the action of the alternating magnetic field and emit a loud and sharp sound signal at a specific frequency. The sound signal acts on the lens, causing dust and water droplets to fall due to resonance, thereby cleaning the lens. The lens cleaning device has a simple structure and low cost, and long-term use will not affect the cleaning effect. In addition, the lens cleaning device does not directly contact the lens and will not wear the lens, thereby extending the overall service life of the camera.

[0037] The magnetoelectric composite component 1 includes a magnetostrictive component and a piezoelectric component. The magnetoelectric composite component 1 has a simple structure, is easy to prepare, and has a low cost.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the coil assembly 2 includes an AC coil 21 and a DC coil 22, each independently wound around the periphery of the magnetoelectric composite 1. The AC coil 21 is used to generate an AC excitation magnetic field, and the DC coil 22 is used to generate a DC bias magnetic field. Because the magnetoelectric properties of the magnetoelectric composite 1 are affected by the DC bias magnetic field, the magnetoelectric properties of the magnetoelectric composite 1 can be improved by adjusting the magnitude of the DC bias magnetic field generated by the DC coil 22, thereby ensuring that the lens cleaning device effectively cleans the lens 4.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 3 includes a controller 31 and an AC driver 32 and a DC driver 33 electrically connected to the controller 31. Both ends of the AC coil 21 are electrically connected to the AC driver 32, and both ends of the DC coil 22 are electrically connected to the DC driver 33. The controller 31 is configured to output an AC signal to the AC driver 32 and a DC signal to the DC driver 33. The AC driver 32 is configured to amplify the AC signal and maintain the waveform and frequency of the AC signal output to the AC coil 21. The AC driver 32 can also suppress the influence of the DC signal to a certain extent. The DC driver 33 is configured to output a DC level to the DC coil 22 and adjust the magnitude of the DC level to adjust the magnitude of the DC bias magnetic field generated by the DC coil 22, thereby achieving optimal magnetoelectric performance of the magnetoelectric composite 1 under the optimal DC bias magnetic field.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the control device 3 also includes an oscillator 34 electrically connected to the controller 31. The oscillator 34 is configured to generate and output an oscillation signal to the controller 31, which is then configured to convert the oscillation signal into an AC signal. The oscillator 34 can generate and output an oscillation signal with a fixed frequency and amplitude to the controller 31. The controller 31 can, based on actual conditions, divide or multiply the oscillation signal generated by the oscillator 34 to generate an AC signal with an excitation frequency suitable for the magnetoelectric composite 1 and output this AC signal to the AC driver 32. Specifically, after the oscillator 34 outputs the oscillation signal to the controller 31, the controller 31 can process the signal provided by the oscillator 34 and output a sinusoidal AC signal with a frequency within the -3dB bandwidth from the resonant frequency of the magnetoelectric composite 1.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the control device 3 further includes an adjustment member 35, which is electrically connected to the magnetoelectric composite 1, the controller 31, and the DC driver 33. Specifically, the adjustment member 35 is used to transmit the feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1 to the controller 31. Under the influence of the AC excitation magnetic field and the DC bias magnetic field, the magnetoelectric composite 1 generates a waveform with the same frequency as the AC excitation magnetic field and outputs a feedback signal. The adjustment member 35 is capable of collecting the feedback signal output by the magnetoelectric composite 1 and transmitting it to the controller 31. The controller 31 is also capable of detecting the image clarity of the camera and adjusting the driving capabilities of the AC driver 32 and the DC driver 33 based on the feedback signal and image clarity. This in turn adjusts the magnitude of the AC excitation magnetic field and the DC bias magnetic field, as well as the resonance amplitude of the magnetoelectric composite 1, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the acoustic signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1. This allows dust, water droplets, and other substances on the lens 4 to fall off due to resonance, achieving optimal image clarity. This provides the lens cleaning device with adaptive capabilities, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the lens 4.

[0042] The adjustment member 35 is also used to transmit the feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1 to the DC driver 33. This allows the DC driver 33 to simultaneously transmit a DC signal and an AC feedback signal to the DC coil 22. The DC coil 22 can then simultaneously generate a DC bias magnetic field and an AC feedback magnetic field. The AC excitation magnetic field, the DC bias magnetic field, and the AC feedback magnetic field are then used to resonate the magnetoelectric composite 1, causing it to generate an acoustic signal with a high sound pressure level and a vibration frequency close to that of the alternating magnetic field. This allows the lens cleaning device to more effectively clean the lens 4.

[0043] Furthermore, the controller 31 can control the connection and disconnection between the adjustment member 35 and the DC driver 33. When the controller 31 controls the adjustment member 35 to be disconnected from the DC driver 33, the adjustment member 35 does not transmit the feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1 to the DC driver 33, thereby only utilizing the AC excitation magnetic field and the DC bias magnetic field to cause the magnetoelectric composite 1 to resonate, thereby cleaning the lens 4. This cleaning mode is recorded as the first cleaning mode. When the controller 31 controls the adjustment member 35 to be connected to the DC driver 33, the adjustment member 35 can transmit the feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1 to the DC driver 33, thereby utilizing the AC excitation magnetic field, the DC bias magnetic field, and the AC feedback magnetic field to cause the magnetoelectric composite 1 to resonate, thereby cleaning the lens 4. This cleaning mode is recorded as the second cleaning mode. In this way, the controller 31 can control the connection and disconnection between the adjustment member 35 and the DC driver 33 based on the feedback signal and image clarity to control the lens cleaning device to switch between the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode, thereby providing the lens cleaning device with adaptive capabilities.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first cleaning mode, the controller 31 can control the adjustment member 35 to adjust the amplitude and phase of the feedback signal. When the controller 31 controls the adjustment member 35 to adjust the amplitude and phase of the feedback signal so that the AC feedback magnetic field and the AC excitation magnetic field are in phase, the entire loop forms positive feedback, and the magnetoelectric composite element 1 will produce a more stable and stronger resonance at its resonant frequency, thereby making the acoustic signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite element 1 more intense, further improving the cleaning effect of the lens cleaning device on the lens 4.

[0045] Of course, in other embodiments, the adjustment component 35 may also be electrically connected only to the magneto-electric composite component 1 and the DC driver 33, so that the controller 31 adjusts the driving capabilities of the AC driver 32 and the DC driver 33 according to the feedback signal and image clarity; or, the adjustment component 35 may also be electrically connected only to the magneto-electric composite component 1 and the DC driver 33, so that the adjustment component 35 can transmit the feedback signal generated by the magneto-electric composite component 1 to the DC driver 33.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a camera including the lens cleaning device described above. Specifically, the camera includes a housing (not shown) and a lens 4. The lens cleaning device can be disposed within the housing, with the magnetoelectric composite 1 positioned close to the lens 4 so that the resonance generated by the magnetoelectric composite 1 can shake off dust and water droplets on the lens 4.

[0047] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0048] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of patent protection for the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lens cleaning device, characterized in that: include: A magnetoelectric composite component (1) is used to transmit an acoustic signal to a lens (4); A coil assembly (2) is wound around the outer periphery of the magnetoelectric composite component (1); and A control device (3) is electrically connected to both ends of the coil group (2), and the control device (3) is used to control the coil group (2) to generate an alternating magnetic field.

2. The lens cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The coil group (2) comprises an AC coil (21) and a DC coil (22) which are independently wound around the periphery of the magnetoelectric composite component (1); the AC coil (21) is used to generate an AC excitation magnetic field, and the DC coil (22) is used to generate a DC bias magnetic field.

3. The lens cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control device (3) includes a controller (31) and an AC driver (32) and a DC driver (33) electrically connected to the controller (31); both ends of the AC coil (21) are electrically connected to the AC driver (32); and both ends of the DC coil (22) are electrically connected to the DC driver (33); The controller (31) is used to output an AC signal to the AC driver (32) and output a DC signal to the DC driver (33).

4. The lens cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that The control device (3) further comprises an oscillator (34) electrically connected to the controller (31), wherein the oscillator (34) is used to generate and output an oscillation signal to the controller (31), and the controller (31) is used to convert the oscillation signal into the AC signal.

5. The lens cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control device (3) further includes an adjusting member (35), wherein the adjusting member (35) is electrically connected to the magnetoelectric composite member (1) and the controller (31), and the adjusting member (35) is used to transmit a feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite member (1) to the controller (31).

6. The lens cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that The control device (3) further includes an adjusting member (35), wherein the adjusting member (35) is electrically connected to the magnetoelectric composite member (1) and the DC driver (33), and the adjusting member (35) is used to transmit a feedback signal generated by the magnetoelectric composite member (1) to the DC driver (33).

7. The lens cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The regulating member (35) is electrically connected to the controller (31), and the controller (31) is capable of controlling the on / off connection between the regulating member (35) and the DC driver (33).

8. The lens cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The regulating member (35) is electrically connected to the controller (31), and the controller (31) is capable of controlling the regulating member (35) to regulate the amplitude and phase of the feedback signal.

9. The lens cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The magnetoelectric composite component (1) comprises a magnetostrictive component and a piezoelectric component.

10. A camera, characterized in that: The lens cleaning device comprises the lens cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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