Camera shooting assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a camera shooting assembly and a vehicle, and the camera shooting assembly comprises a camera, a transparent protection part and a driving device. The camera is provided with a shooting surface, the transparent protection part is used for protecting the camera, at least part of the transparent protection part is opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used for driving the transparent protection part to move relative to the camera. By means of the camera shooting assembly, the technical problem that when foreign matter on a camera of an existing automobile is removed, the camera can be shielded by the scrubbing device can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automotive cameras, and in particular to a camera assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As an important information collection unit in intelligent driving, the camera on the car will be affected by various factors in the complex external environment. For example, dust in the air or mud and water splashed on the ground will fall on the camera, causing part of the image captured by the camera to be blocked. In addition, when it rains, the rain will make the image collected by the camera blurred, thereby affecting the accuracy of intelligent driving judgment.

[0003] In order to promptly remove foreign objects such as dirt and rain from the camera, the existing technology is to use a scrubbing device to scrub the camera to remove foreign objects from the camera. However, when scrubbing the camera, the scrubbing device will block the image collected by the camera. This obstruction will greatly affect the car's judgment and reaction speed to sudden external environments when the car is traveling at high speed, which is unacceptable. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiment of the present application provides a camera assembly to solve the technical problem that the camera of an existing automobile is blocked by a scrubbing device when removing foreign objects from the camera.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of the present application, a camera assembly is provided, comprising a camera, a transparent protective member, and a driving device. The camera has a shooting surface, the transparent protective member is used to protect the camera, and at least a portion of the transparent protective member is disposed opposite the shooting surface. The driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera.

[0006] Optionally, in one embodiment, the transparent protective member is provided with a plurality of protective areas, one of which is arranged opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used to switch any one of the protective areas to a position arranged opposite to the shooting surface.

[0007] Optionally, in one embodiment, the transparent protective member is in the shape of a cover and is arranged outside the camera, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to rotate around the camera;

[0008] Alternatively, the transparent protective member is in sheet form and is at least partially disposed opposite to the photographing surface, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to slide or rotate relative to the camera;

[0009] Alternatively, the transparent protective member extends in an arc or ring shape, and at least a portion of the transparent protective member is arranged opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to rotate relative to the camera.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment, the camera assembly further includes a cleaning device, and the cleaning device is used to clean the protection area.

[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a wiping member, and the wiping member is used to wipe foreign matter on the protection area.

[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a water spraying member, and the water spraying member is used to clean foreign matter on the protection area.

[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment, the camera assembly further includes a detection device for detecting whether there is a foreign object on the protective area that is not arranged opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera when the detection device detects a foreign object.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment, the detection device includes a distance sensor and / or a light intensity sensor to determine whether a foreign object exists based on the measured distance and / or light intensity.

[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment, a plurality of the detection devices are provided, and the plurality of the detection devices are installed on the shooting surface.

[0016] Optionally, in one embodiment, the camera assembly further includes a shielding structure, and the shielding structure shields the protection area that is not arranged opposite to the shooting surface.

[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment, the shielding structure is used to be installed on the body of the vehicle or is integrally formed with the body of the vehicle.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present application, a vehicle is provided, comprising the camera assembly described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0019] In the camera assembly of the embodiment of the present application, a transparent protective member and a driving device are provided, wherein the transparent protective member is used to protect the camera, and at least a portion of the transparent protective member is arranged opposite to the shooting surface of the camera. This will not affect the camera's capture of the image in front of it, and can also prevent foreign matter (such as dust, mud, water, raindrops, etc.) from falling onto the shooting surface and affecting the shooting.

[0020] The drive device is used to drive the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera. When foreign matter falls onto the transparent protective member, the drive device can drive the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera, so that the area of ​​the transparent protective member without foreign matter moves to a position opposite to the shooting surface, or the transparent protective member moves to a preset cleaning position, cleans it, and then moves back to the position opposite to the shooting surface. This prevents foreign matter from obstructing the camera image and also avoids the situation where the scrubbing device directly scrubs the camera, effectively solving the technical problem of the scrubbing device obstructing the camera when removing foreign matter from the camera in existing vehicles.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0023] In order to more completely understand the present application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same drawing numbers represent the same parts in the following description.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of a camera assembly of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the camera assembly;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the camera assembly in FIG.

[0027] Figure 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a front view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top view of the camera assembly in FIG.

[0030] Figure 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a front view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a left side view of an embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0033] Figure 10 is a top view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a top view of another embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application.

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] 100. Camera assembly; 10. Camera head; 11. Shooting surface; 12. Shooting lens; 20. Transparent protective part; 21. Protective area; 30. Driving device; 40. Cleaning device; 41. Wiping part; 42. Water spraying part; 50. Detection device; 51. Distance sensor; 52. Light intensity sensor; 60. Shielding structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0038] In order to solve the technical problem that the camera of the existing car is blocked by the scrubbing device when the foreign matter on the camera is removed, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to the first aspect of the present application, a camera assembly 100 is provided, which mainly includes a camera 10, a transparent protective member 20, and a driving device 30. The camera 10 has a shooting surface 11 for shooting images in front of it, and the transparent protective member 20 is used to protect the camera 10 to prevent foreign objects from falling on the shooting surface 11 and affecting the shooting.

[0039] The driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10. When a foreign object falls onto the transparent protective member 20, the driving device 30 can drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10, so that the area of ​​the transparent protective member 20 without foreign objects moves to a position opposite to the imaging surface 11, or the transparent protective member 20 moves to a preset cleaning position, cleans it, and then moves back to the position opposite to the imaging surface 11. This prevents foreign objects from obstructing the image captured by the camera 10 and also avoids the situation where the scrubbing device directly scrubs the camera 10, effectively solving the technical problem of the scrubbing device obstructing the camera 10 when removing foreign objects from the camera 10 in existing vehicles.

[0040] Optionally, in one embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 is provided with a plurality of protective areas 21, wherein one protective area 21 is disposed opposite to the imaging surface 11. The driving device 30 is configured to drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10 so as to switch any protective area 21 to a position disposed opposite to the imaging surface 11.

[0041] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, a camera 10 is mounted on a car, and the camera 10 has a shooting surface 11, on which a shooting lens 12 is provided, so as to capture images in front of the car while the car is driving, so that the car can achieve intelligent driving based on the captured images. It should be noted that the front of the camera 10 refers to the direction in which the lens of the camera 10 is facing, and the lens of the camera 10 can face the front, rear, left, right, etc. of the car to capture images from different directions of the car, thereby facilitating the understanding of the environment of the car from different directions.

[0042] For example, when the lens of the camera 10 is facing the rear side of the car, the front of the camera 10 refers to the rear of the car. At this time, the camera 10 is used to capture images of the rear of the car.

[0043] When the camera 10 is installed on a car, the camera 10 can be completely exposed outside the car body; it can also be partially exposed outside the car body and the other part embedded in the car body; it can be completely embedded in the car body, in which case an opening is reserved in the car body so that the camera 10 can capture images outside the car body through the opening.

[0044] The transparent protective member 20 is used to protect the camera 10 to prevent foreign objects (such as dust, mud, raindrops, etc.) from falling onto the lens of the camera 10 and affecting the image captured by the camera 10. Specifically, the transparent protective member 20 can be transparent glass or transparent plastic, as long as it can prevent foreign objects from falling directly onto the camera 10 and does not affect the camera 10 shooting.

[0045] The specific structure of the transparent protective member 20 can be in various forms, for example, Figure 1 The transparent protective member 20 can be a transparent cover that covers the outside of the camera 10, so that foreign objects can be prevented from falling directly onto the camera 10 and the camera 10 will not affect the image in front of it.

[0046] For example, when the camera 10 is embedded in the vehicle body and an opening is reserved on the vehicle body for the camera 10 to capture images, the transparent protective member 20 can be in the form of a sheet and cover the opening. This can also prevent foreign objects from falling directly onto the camera 10 and will not affect the camera 10 capturing images in front of it.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, reference can be made to Figure 2 The transparent protective member 20 itself is divided into multiple protective areas 21, one of which is arranged opposite to the shooting surface 11. Specifically, one of the protective areas 21 is located in front of the camera 10, and the other protective areas 21 are not located in front of the camera 10.

[0048] First, it should be noted that in this embodiment, "the protection area 21 is located in front of the camera 10" means that the protection area 21 is at least partially located in front of the lens of the camera 10. The phrase "the protection area 21 is not located in front of the camera 10" means that no part of the protection area 21 is located in front of the lens of the camera 10. In other words, "the protection area 21 is not located in front of the camera 10" can mean that the protection area 21 is located in the front left, front right, front top, front bottom, left, right, top, bottom, rear, etc. of the camera 10. In short, it is not in front of the camera 10.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the camera assembly, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The top view of the camera assembly in FIG. 2 is shown, taking the transparent protective member 20 as the cover structure as an example, the transparent protective member 20 can be divided into two front and rear protection areas 21 along its circumferential direction ( Figure 3 The dotted line in the figure is drawn to divide two protection areas 21), that is, each protection area 21 is formed by half a cover, the half cover located in front of the camera 10 forms one protection area 21, and the half cover located behind the camera 10 forms another protection area 21.

[0050] Of course, when the transparent protective member 20 is a cover structure, the transparent protective member 20 can also be divided into three, four, five, six or other numbers of protective areas 21 along its circumferential direction, where one of the protective areas 21 is located in front of the camera 10 and is arranged opposite to the shooting surface 11.

[0051] Or, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 This is a front view of an embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 In the top view of the camera assembly, the transparent protective member 20 is a rectangular sheet as an example. At this time, the transparent protective member 20 can be divided into two left and right protective areas 21 along its length direction ( Figure 5 and Figure 6The dotted line in the figure is drawn to divide two protection areas 21), one of which is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other is located in front of the right of the camera 10 but not opposite to the camera 10. It can be understood that the protection area 21 located directly in front of the camera 10 is set opposite to the shooting surface 11, and the protection area 21 located in front of the right of the camera 10 is not set opposite to the shooting surface.

[0052] Or, if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, Figure 8 This is a front view of an embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application. Figure 9 It is a left view of an embodiment of the camera assembly of the present application. Taking the transparent protective member 20 as a circular sheet as an example, the transparent protective member 20 can be divided into two semicircular areas or multiple fan-shaped areas along its circumferential direction. Each semicircular area or fan-shaped area forms a protective area 21, and one of the protective areas 21 is located directly in front of the camera 10, and is then arranged opposite to the shooting surface 11.

[0053] In short, when the transparent protective member 20 is divided into multiple protective areas 21, the design can be flexibly based on the actual structure of the transparent protective member 20. As long as one protective area 21 of the transparent protective member 20 is located directly in front of the camera 10, the other protective areas 21 are not located directly in front of the camera 10.

[0054] Crucially, the embodiment of the present application is further provided with a driving device 30 , which is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10 so as to switch any protective area 21 to a position relative to the shooting surface 11 .

[0055] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 is in the form of a cover and is positioned over the camera 10. The driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to rotate around the camera 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 is a cover structure and is divided into two front and rear protective regions 21. In this case, the driving device 30 can be a turntable. The transparent protective member 20 covers the camera 10 and is mounted on the driving device 30. The driving device 30 can then drive the transparent protective member 20 to rotate around the camera 10. When the transparent protective member 20 rotates around the camera 10, the protective region 21 originally located in front of the camera 10 rotates to the rear of the camera 10, and the camera 10 originally located behind the camera 10 rotates to the front of the camera 10. In other words, the two protective regions 21 on the transparent protective member 20 can alternately switch to a position opposite the imaging surface 11.

[0056] Or, in another embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the transparent protective member 20 is in the form of a sheet and is mounted in front of the camera 10. The driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to slide relative to the camera 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 is in the form of a rectangular sheet and is divided into two left and right protective regions 21. In this case, the driving device 30 can be a telescopic push-pull rod. The transparent protective member 20 is slidably mounted and can slide relative to the camera 10 under the push-pull action of the driving device 30. When the driving device 30 pushes the transparent protective member 20 to slide, the protective region 21 originally located directly in front of the camera 10 slides to the left front of the camera 10, and the protective region 21 originally located in front of the right front of the camera 10 slides to the front of the camera 10. In other words, the two protective regions 21 on the transparent protective member 20 can be switched alternately to a position opposite the imaging surface 11.

[0057] Alternatively, in another embodiment, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the transparent protective member 20 is in the form of a sheet and is installed in front of the camera 10. The driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to rotate relative to the camera 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 is in the form of a circular sheet and is divided into two semicircular areas, each of which forms a protective area 21. One of the protective areas 21 is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other protective area 21 is located in front of and below the camera 10. In this case, the driving device 30 can be a motor and drive the transparent protective member 20 to rotate around its central axis. You can refer to Figure 8 When the driving device 30 drives the transparent protective member 20 to rotate, the protective area 21 originally located in front of the camera 10 will rotate to the front and lower part of the camera 10, and the protective area 21 originally located in front and lower part of the camera 10 will rotate to the front of the camera 10. In other words, the two protective areas 21 on the transparent protective member 20 can be switched to the position opposite to the imaging surface 11 in turn.

[0058] Alternatively, in another embodiment, Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the transparent protective member 20 extends in an arc or annular shape, and the driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to rotate relative to the camera 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transparent protective member 20 extends in an arc and is divided into two protective areas 21 along its extension direction, at least part of one protective area 21 is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other protective area 21 is located to the right of the camera 10. In this case, the driving device 30 can be a motor and drives the transparent protective member 20 to rotate around its central axis. Figure 10When the driving device 30 drives the transparent protective member 20 to rotate, the protective area 21 originally located in front of the camera 10 will rotate to the left of the camera 10, and the protective area 21 originally located to the right of the camera 10 will rotate to the front of the camera 10. In other words, the two protective areas 21 on the transparent protective member 20 can be switched to positions opposite to the imaging surface 11 in turn.

[0059] In summary, it can be understood that the camera assembly 100 of the present application is provided with a transparent protective member 20 and a driving device 30, wherein the transparent protective member 20 is used to protect the camera 10, and a protective area 21 in the transparent protective member 20 is positioned relative to the shooting surface 11, which will not affect the camera 10 from capturing the image in front of it, and can also prevent foreign objects (such as dust, mud, water, raindrops, etc.) from falling onto the camera 10 and affecting the camera 10 shooting.

[0060] The driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10 so as to switch any protective area 21 on the transparent protective member 20 to a position opposite to the imaging surface 11. When a foreign object falls onto the protective area 21 located in front of the camera 10, the driving device 30 can drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10, so that the protective area 21 on the transparent protective member 20 with the foreign object moves from a position opposite to the imaging surface 11 to another position, while simultaneously switching the protective area 21 without the foreign object to a position opposite to the imaging surface 11. This prevents the foreign object from obstructing the image captured by the camera 10 and also avoids the situation where the camera 10 is obstructed by the scrubbing device when being directly scrubbed by the scrubbing device. This effectively solves the technical problem of the camera 10 being obstructed by the scrubbing device when removing foreign objects from the camera 10 of existing vehicles.

[0061] Optionally, in one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 3 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown in any of the accompanying drawings, the camera assembly 100 further includes a cleaning device 40 , which is used to clean the protective area 21 at a position not opposite to the shooting surface 11 .

[0062] Specifically, in Figure 3In the structural scheme shown, the transparent protective member 20 is a cover structure, and the camera 10 is covered by the transparent protective member 20 in a closed space. The transparent protective member 20 is divided into two front and rear protective areas 21, one of which is located in front of the camera 10, and the other is located behind the camera 10. The cleaning device 40 is located outside the transparent protective member 20, that is, the cleaning device 40 is not covered in the closed space enclosed by the transparent protective member 20, so that the cleaning device 40 can clean foreign matter that falls on the outer surface of the transparent protective member 20. And Figure 3 In the figure, the cleaning device 40 is located behind the camera 10 and the transparent protective member 20 to clean the protective area 21 behind the camera 10. This can remove foreign matter on the protective area 21 without obstructing the shooting of the camera 10.

[0063] Of course, in Figure 3 In the embodiment, the cleaning device 40 can also be located to the left rear, right rear, left, right, etc. of the camera 10 and the transparent protective member 20, as long as the cleaning device 40 can clean foreign matter on the outer surface of the protective area 21 and does not obstruct the shooting of the camera 10.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated structural solution, the transparent protective member 20 is a rectangular sheet and is divided into two left and right protective areas 21, one of which is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other is located to the left or right front of the camera 10. Two cleaning devices 40 are provided and are located to the left and right front of the camera 10, respectively. Because foreign matter mainly falls on the surface of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10, the cleaning device 40 is located on the side of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10, for example, Figure 7 In the figure, the cleaning device 40 on the right is located in front of the corresponding protective area 21, so that the cleaning device 40 can clean the protective area 21 located in the left front or right front of the camera 10 to remove foreign matter on the protective area 21 without obstructing the shooting of the camera 10.

[0065] exist Figure 9In the illustrated structural solution, the transparent protective member 20 is circular and divided into two upper and lower protective areas 21: one protective area 21 is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other protective area 21 is located in front of and below the camera 10. The cleaning device 40 is located in front of and below the camera 10. Because foreign matter primarily lands on the surface of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10, the cleaning device 40 is located on the side of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10. In other words, the cleaning device 40 is located in front of the lower protective area 21. This allows the cleaning device 40 to clean the protective area 21 located in front of and below the camera 10, removing foreign matter from the protective area 21 without obstructing the camera 10's image.

[0066] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated structural solution, the transparent protective member 20 extends in an arc shape and is divided into two protective areas 21, one of which is located directly in front of the camera 10, and the other is located to the left or right of the camera 10. Two cleaning devices 40 are provided and are located to the left and right of the camera 10, respectively. Since foreign matter mainly falls on the surface of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10, the cleaning device 40 is located on the side of the protective area 21 facing away from the camera 10, for example, Figure 10 In the figure, the cleaning device 40 on the right is located to the right of the corresponding protective area 21, so that the cleaning device 40 can clean the protective area 21 located to the left or right of the camera 10 to remove foreign matter on the protective area 21 without obstructing the shooting of the camera 10.

[0067] It is understood that in this embodiment, by providing the cleaning device 40, when the protection area 21 originally located in front of the camera 10 is driven to another location due to foreign matter, the cleaning device 40 can be used to clean the foreign matter from the protection area 21, thereby preparing the protection area 21 to be switched back to the front of the camera 10. The protection area 21 that is about to be switched in front of the camera 10 can also be cleaned to prevent the protection area 21 from bringing foreign matter in front of the camera 10.

[0068] Optionally, in one embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning device 40 includes a wiper 41 , which can be a brush, a cotton strip, etc., so that the wiper 41 is used to wipe foreign matter (such as dust, sewage, raindrops, etc.) on the protection area 21 .

[0069] In some cases, foreign matter has a strong adhesion to the transparent protective member 20, such as mud or snow stuck to the transparent protective member 20. In this case, the foreign matter may not be removed well by the wiping member 41 alone. Therefore, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the cleaning device 40 includes a water spraying member 42, which can clean foreign matter on the protective area 21 by spraying water, thereby causing foreign matter with strong adhesion to fall off from the transparent protective member 20, and then wipe off the water on the transparent protective member 20 through the wiping member 41.

[0070] It should be noted here that there are many ways to determine whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21 opposite to the shooting surface 11. For example, after the camera 10 takes an image, it can be determined whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21 by analyzing whether there is an image of a foreign object in the captured image.

[0071] Alternatively, in one embodiment, Figures 1 to 11 As shown in any of the accompanying drawings, the camera assembly 100 also includes a detection device 50, which can specifically be a distance sensor 51, a light intensity sensor 52, an infrared sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, etc. The detection device 50 is used to detect whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21 opposite to the shooting surface 11. That is, this embodiment uses a separately arranged detection device 50 to detect whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21, without analyzing the image captured by the camera 10 to analyze whether there is a foreign object. This not only makes the detection of foreign objects simpler and easier to implement, but also can drive the transparent protective member 20 to move more promptly after the foreign object is detected, so that the protective area 21 without foreign objects on the transparent protective member 20 is switched to a position opposite to the shooting surface 11.

[0072] In this embodiment, the driving device 30 is used to drive the transparent protective member 20 to move relative to the camera 10 when the detection device 50 detects a foreign object. Specifically, the detection device 50 and the driving device 30 can be respectively connected to the control system of the entire vehicle. When the detection device 50 detects a foreign object, it sends a signal to the control system of the entire vehicle, and the control system of the entire vehicle then controls the driving device 30 to start.

[0073] Alternatively, the camera assembly 100 can be provided with an independent control chip, and the detection device 50 and the driving device 30 are respectively connected to the control chip. When the detection device 50 detects a foreign object, it sends a signal to the control chip, and the control chip then controls the driving device 30 to start.

[0074] Alternatively, the detection device 50 and the driving device 30 may be directly electrically connected. When the detection device 50 detects a foreign object, it directly sends a signal to the driving device 30 , and the driving device 30 starts directly after receiving the signal.

[0075] Optionally, in one embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the detection device 50 includes a distance sensor 51 and / or a light intensity sensor 52 to determine whether a foreign object exists based on the measured distance or light intensity.

[0076] The detection device 50 can only include a distance sensor 51. The distance sensor 51 determines whether there is a foreign object on the transparent protective member 20 by judging the infrared receiving and sending distance. Specifically, the distance sensor 51 emits infrared rays to the protective area 21 located in front of the camera 10. When there is a foreign object on the protective area 21, the foreign object will reflect the infrared rays. The distance sensor 51 receives the reflected infrared rays, and then determines that there is a foreign object and that the foreign object is located on the transparent protective member 20 based on the reflected infrared rays.

[0077] Alternatively, the detection device 50 may only include a light intensity sensor 52, which can sense the intensity of the optical fiber. Specifically, when there is a foreign object on the protective area 21 in front of the camera 10, the foreign object will block part of the light, causing the light intensity to weaken, and then it can be determined whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21.

[0078] Alternatively, the detection device 50 may include a distance sensor 51 and a light intensity sensor 52 at the same time, and then the detection device 50 combines the distance data and light intensity to determine whether there is a foreign object on the protective area 21 in front of the camera 10, thereby improving the detection accuracy and avoiding the situation where a foreign object exists on the protective area 21 but cannot be detected.

[0079] It should be noted here that foreign matter that is easy to wipe off, such as dust and raindrops, can be removed only by the wiping member 41, while foreign matter with strong adhesion, such as clay, needs to be removed by the cooperation of the water spraying member 42 and the wiping member 41. Therefore, the detection device 50 can be configured to be able to detect the type of foreign matter.

[0080] For example, in one embodiment, the detection device 50 includes a distance sensor 51 and a light intensity sensor 52. The distance sensor 51 and the light intensity sensor 52 respectively detect the actual distance value and the actual light intensity value, and compare the actual distance value and the actual light intensity value with the preset reference value, thereby analyzing the type of foreign matter.

[0081] Specifically, when the actual distance value is less than the preset distance value and the actual light intensity value is less than or equal to the first light intensity value, it can be judged that the foreign matter is opaque foreign matter such as mud and snow. At this time, it can be removed by the cooperation of the water spray part 42 and the wiping part 41.

[0082] When the actual distance value is less than the preset distance value, or the actual light intensity value is less than or equal to the first light intensity value, it can be determined that the foreign matter is rainwater, and at this time, it can be removed only by the wiping member 41.

[0083] When the actual distance value is greater than or equal to the preset distance value, and the actual light intensity value is greater than or equal to the second light intensity value, it can be judged that there is no foreign matter on the protective area 21 on the camera 10. At this time, there is no need to drive the transparent protective part 20 to move, nor is there a need for the cleaning device 40 to perform a cleaning action.

[0084] Among them, for the value of the preset distance value, an opaque shielding object can be set on the protective area 21 in front of the camera 10 and a simulation value can be simulated and calculated. The first distance value can be equal to the simulation value or slightly larger than the simulation value to leave a certain margin.

[0085] The value of the first light intensity value may be data measured after blocking 80% of the light transmission surface of the light intensity sensor on the protection area 21 in front of the camera 10 .

[0086] For the value of the second light intensity, the reference value can be measured first based on the reference light intensity sensor (the reference light intensity sensor can be installed somewhere on the vehicle body that is not blocked, such as on the front windshield), and then the second light intensity value can be equal to the reference value, or the first light intensity value can be slightly greater than the reference value to leave a certain margin.

[0087] Optionally, in one embodiment, there are multiple detection devices 50, specifically two, three, four, five, etc., and multiple detection devices 50 are installed along the front end of the camera 10. Figure 1 In the embodiment, four detection devices 50 are provided, and the four detection devices 50 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the camera 10. It can be understood that by providing multiple detection devices 50, the accuracy of detecting foreign matter can be improved, and the situation where foreign matter exists on the transparent protective member 20 but is not detected can be avoided.

[0088] Optionally, in one embodiment, the camera assembly 100 further includes a shielding structure 60 , which shields the protective area 21 not opposite to the shooting surface 11 to prevent foreign matter from falling onto the protective area 21 not opposite to the shooting surface 11 .

[0089] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the transparent protective member 20 is a cover structure and is divided into two front and rear protective areas 21. The shape of the shielding structure 60 is adapted to the half-cover setting, and the shielding structure 60 is located behind the camera 10. The protective area 21 behind the camera 10 is covered by the shielding structure 60. At this time, the cleaning device 40 can also be located in the shielding structure 60, so that the shielding structure 60 can block foreign matter such as rain and dust to prevent foreign matter from falling on the protective area 21 that is not in front of the camera 10.

[0090] For example, Figure 7As shown, the transparent protective member 20 is a rectangular sheet and is divided into two left and right protective areas 21. The shielding structure 60 is a baffle, and there are two shielding structures 60. The two shielding structures 60 are respectively located in the left front and right front of the camera 10. When the protective area 21 is located in the left front or right front of the camera 10, the shielding structure 60 can block foreign matter such as dust, mud, water, and raindrops to prevent foreign matter from falling on the protective area 21 that is not located in front of the camera 10.

[0091] Optionally, in one embodiment, the shielding structure 60 is mounted on the vehicle body or is integrally formed with the vehicle body. Specifically, the shielding structure 60 can be an independent component. When the camera assembly 100 is mounted on the vehicle body, the shielding structure 60 is mounted on the vehicle body together with the camera 10.

[0092] Alternatively, the shielding structure 60 can be integrally formed with the vehicle body, that is, the shielding structure 60 is formed by a part of the vehicle body, and during assembly, the protective area 21 on the transparent protective member 20 that is not located in front of the camera 10 can be hidden inside the vehicle body.

[0093] According to a second aspect of the present application, a vehicle (not shown) is provided, which includes the camera assembly 100 of any one of the above embodiments. Therefore, the vehicle has all the beneficial effects of the above camera assembly 100, which will not be repeated in this disclosure.

[0094] It should be noted that the vehicle may be a fuel vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a new energy vehicle, etc., and this disclosure does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0095] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0097] The embodiments, implementation methods and related technical features of the present application can be combined and replaced with each other without conflict.

[0098] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and do not constitute any form of limitation to the present application. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present application without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present application are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera assembly, characterized in that: include: A camera having a photographing surface; a transparent protective member, used to protect the camera, wherein at least a portion of the transparent protective member is disposed opposite to the shooting surface; as well as, A driving device for driving the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera, The shielding structure is used to shield the protection area that is not arranged opposite to the shooting surface to prevent foreign matter from falling onto the protection area that is not opposite to the shooting surface.

2. The camera assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent protective member is provided with a plurality of protective areas, one of which is arranged opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used to switch any one of the protective areas to a position opposite to the shooting surface.

3. The camera assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The transparent protective member is in the shape of a cover and is arranged outside the camera, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to rotate around the camera; Alternatively, the transparent protective member is in sheet form and is at least partially disposed opposite to the photographing surface, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to slide or rotate relative to the camera; Alternatively, the transparent protective member extends in an arc or ring shape, and at least a portion of the transparent protective member is arranged opposite to the shooting surface, and the driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to rotate relative to the camera.

4. The camera assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The camera assembly further includes a cleaning device, which is used to clean the protection area.

5. The camera assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The cleaning device comprises a wiping member, and the wiping member is used for wiping foreign matter on the protection area.

6. The camera assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The cleaning device includes a water spraying member, and the water spraying member is used to clean foreign matter on the protection area.

7. The camera assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The camera assembly also includes a detection device, which is used to detect whether there is a foreign object on the protective area arranged opposite to the shooting surface. The driving device is used to drive the transparent protective member to move relative to the camera when the detection device detects a foreign object.

8. The camera assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The detection device includes a distance sensor and / or a light intensity sensor to determine whether a foreign object exists based on the measured distance and / or light intensity.

9. The camera assembly according to claim 7, wherein: There are multiple detection devices, and the multiple detection devices are installed on the shooting surface.

10. The camera assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The shielding structure is used to be installed on the body of a vehicle or to be integrally formed with the body of the vehicle.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: The camera assembly comprises the camera assembly described in any one of claims 1-10.

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