A dehumidification bracket, a camera module and a vehicle

Abstract

A dehumidification bracket, camera module, and vehicle are disclosed, relating to the field of dehumidification technology, for effectively dehumidifying the camera's field of view. The dehumidification bracket includes a bracket body and a dehumidification valve. The first side of the bracket body is attached to the windshield, forming a sealed cavity. The camera is mounted on the bracket body with its lens facing the sealed cavity. The dehumidification valve is mounted on the bracket body and includes a dehumidification surface and a dehumidification surface. The dehumidification surface faces the sealed cavity, and the dehumidification surface faces the outer area of ​​the second side of the bracket body. By integrating the dehumidification valve into the bracket body, moisture inside the sealed cavity can be expelled to the outside of the sealed cavity, keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry. Since the sealed cavity is the camera's field of view, keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry also keeps the camera's field of view dry, thus preventing fogging or frost formation in the camera's field of view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of dehumidification technology, and in particular to the field of dehumidification technology for vehicle cameras, providing a dehumidification bracket, camera module, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Intelligent driving functions in vehicles rely heavily on high-precision and high-reliability sensors. Most modern vehicles are equipped with a forward-facing camera within the windshield to perceive and identify the scene ahead. This camera can identify lane markings, helping the vehicle stay within its lane and preventing accidents caused by lane departure. It can also detect obstacles such as pedestrians and bicycles to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure driving safety. In congested traffic, it can monitor distances in real time, automatically adjusting speed and braking to maintain a safe following distance. The accuracy of the forward-facing camera's perception is crucial for the realization of intelligent driving functions.

[0003] However, in scenarios with significant temperature differences between the vehicle's interior and exterior environments or high humidity, fogging can easily occur in the field of view (FOV) area of ​​the front-facing camera. This results in a blurred view, preventing the camera from capturing clear images and ultimately causing the autonomous driving function to deactivate. Current mainstream solutions involve placing heating elements in the FOV area or related components to remove fog through heating. However, heating the FOV area also impacts the camera's shooting performance, leading to issues such as edge diffraction, incomplete images, and even localized blurring, thus offering limited improvement to the autonomous driving function.

[0004] In summary, how to effectively dehumidify the FOV area of ​​a camera without affecting its shooting performance is a pressing technical problem to be solved in the field of vehicle camera dehumidification. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a dehumidification bracket, a camera module, and a vehicle, which can effectively dehumidify the FOV area of ​​the camera without affecting the camera's shooting performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a dehumidification bracket, including a bracket body and a dehumidification valve; a first side of the bracket body is attached to the windshield, forming a sealed cavity between the bracket body and the windshield; a camera is mounted on the bracket body, with the lens facing the sealed cavity; the dehumidification valve is mounted on the bracket body, including a dehumidification surface and a dehumidification surface, the dehumidification surface facing the sealed cavity, and the dehumidification surface facing the outer area of ​​the second side of the bracket body, the second side being the side of the bracket body facing away from the windshield.

[0007] Based on the above dehumidification bracket, by integrating a dehumidification valve into the bracket body, with the dehumidification side of the valve facing the sealed cavity formed by the bracket body and the windshield, and the exhaust side facing the external area of ​​the sealed cavity, the dehumidification valve can expel moisture from the sealed cavity to the external area, thus keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry. The area containing the sealed cavity is also the camera's field of view (FOV). Keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry also keeps the camera's FOV area dry, preventing fogging or frost formation in the FOV area.

[0008] The above dehumidification brackets can remove moisture from the FOV area using only a dehumidification valve, without heating the FOV area. This will not affect the camera's shooting performance. Thus, effective dehumidification of the camera's FOV area can be achieved without affecting the camera's shooting performance, preventing fogging or frost in the FOV area from affecting the realization of the car's intelligent driving functions and ensuring that the intelligent driving functions can be implemented accurately.

[0009] In one possible design, the bracket body includes a light-shielding part and a camera mounting part. The light-shielding part is fitted with the windshield to form the aforementioned sealed cavity. The camera mounting part includes a mounting hole. After the camera is mounted on the camera mounting part, the lens of the camera passes through the mounting hole and faces the sealed cavity. The dehumidification valve is mounted on the light-shielding part.

[0010] Based on the above design, since the light-shielding part is fitted with the windshield to form a sealed cavity, the dehumidification valve can be installed on the light-shielding part to connect the sealed cavity formed by the light-shielding part and the windshield with the external space opposite to the windshield, thereby achieving the effect of transporting the water vapor in the sealed cavity to the external space.

[0011] In one example of the above design, the light-shielding part includes a light-shielding plate and a baffle. The baffle stands on the windshield and cooperates with the light-shielding plate and the windshield to form a sealed cavity. The mounting hole is provided in the baffle. In this case, the dehumidifying valve is installed in the light-shielding part, and it can be installed in any of the following positions:

[0012] Installation Position 1: The dehumidifier valve is installed on the baffle. With Installation Position 1, the dehumidifier valve and the camera are arranged side by side on the baffle. Therefore, the light emitted from the camera lens and the light returning to the camera lens will not pass through the dehumidifier valve during the transmission process. This eliminates the need for special design of the dehumidifier valve, such as the elimination of light-absorbing treatment. This reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the dehumidifier valve and, consequently, the difficulty of integrating the dehumidifier valve into the bracket body.

[0013] Installation location two involves mounting the dehumidifier valve on the light-shielding panel. Using installation location two allows for the selection of a specific spot on a large light-shielding panel for the dehumidifier valve. The chosen location can be designed according to actual layout requirements, offering high flexibility.

[0014] In one example of installation location two above, the surface of the dehumidifier valve facing the sealed cavity is treated with a matte finish.

[0015] Based on the above examples, in scenarios where the dehumidifier valve is installed on a light shield, even if some light shines on the dehumidifier valve during transmission through the sealed cavity, the surface of the dehumidifier valve, which has been treated to remove light, can reduce the probability of the light being reflected or refracted onto the camera lens. This can reduce the impact on the camera's imaging effect and ensure that the camera still has good shooting performance.

[0016] In further examples, matte finishing may include at least one of the following: creating a leather-like texture; spraying a matte material such as matte paint; or using flocking material.

[0017] Based on the above examples, the most suitable matting treatment method can be selected according to the actual scenario to achieve matting treatment on the surface of the dehumidifier valve, reduce the difficulty of matting, and improve the flexibility and versatility of installing the dehumidifier valve on the light shield.

[0018] In one example of the design above, a sealing ring is provided around the mounting hole, such as an added rubber sealing ring.

[0019] Based on the above examples, the assembly area between the camera and the sealed cavity can be sealed with a sealing ring to reduce the probability of moisture entering the sealed cavity from the camera area, thereby preventing fogging or frost formation in the sealed cavity.

[0020] In one possible design, the area where the bracket body meets the windshield is filled with a sealant, such as polyurethane sealant.

[0021] Based on the above examples, the area where the dehumidifier bracket and the windshield fit together can be sealed with sealing materials to reduce the probability of moisture from outside the sealed cavity entering the sealed cavity, thereby preventing fogging or frost formation in the sealed cavity.

[0022] In one possible design, the dehumidifier valve can be any type of dehumidifier valve or combination thereof, including but not limited to:

[0023] Example 1: The dehumidifier valve includes an active dehumidifier valve, which includes a proton exchange membrane. The proton exchange membrane has an anode surface and a cathode surface on both sides. The anode surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve, and the cathode surface is the exhaust surface. Based on Example 1, active dehumidification of the dehumidifier valve can be achieved through electronic control. During the active dehumidification process, the proton exchange membrane transports moisture from the dehumidification surface to the exhaust surface through a chemical reaction, which not only keeps the inside of the sealed cavity dry but also achieves high dehumidification efficiency.

[0024] Example 2: The dehumidifier valve includes a one-way vent valve. The inlet surface of the one-way vent valve is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve, and the outlet surface is the dehumidification exhaust surface. Based on Example 2, the one-way vent valve can achieve dehumidification of a sealed cavity without electricity, resulting in lower costs.

[0025] Secondly, this utility model provides a camera module, including a camera and a dehumidification bracket as described in the first aspect or any of the designs or examples of the first aspect, wherein the camera is mounted on the dehumidification bracket.

[0026] Based on the above camera module, the camera can be fixed by a dehumidifying bracket. This camera can be used as a front-facing sensing camera to perceive and identify the environment in front of the vehicle, thereby assisting the vehicle in carrying out intelligent driving functions.

[0027] Thirdly, the present invention provides a means of transportation, including a windshield, a dehumidifying bracket as described in the first aspect or any design or example of the first aspect, or a camera module as described in the second aspect, wherein the dehumidifying bracket or the dehumidifying bracket in the camera module is attached to the windshield.

[0028] Based on the above-mentioned vehicles, by installing a dehumidifying bracket with dehumidifying function on the windshield of the vehicle, or a camera module with a dehumidifying bracket, it is possible to effectively dehumidify the FOV area of ​​the windshield of the vehicle, thereby preventing fogging in the FOV area.

[0029] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the designs in the second and third aspects above can be found in the effects of the various designs and examples in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrates a possible application scenario provided by an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This illustration shows a field of view (FOV) and a scene of fogging or frosting in the FOV area, provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of a dehumidifier bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between a dehumidification bracket and a windshield provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of a dehumidifier valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 6a This illustration shows a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an active dehumidification valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6b This illustration shows a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a one-way breathable valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram of a support body provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of another dehumidification bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 9 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of another dehumidification bracket and windshield structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 An exemplary schematic diagram of another dehumidifier bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 11 An exemplary schematic diagram of another dehumidification bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 12 An exemplary schematic diagram of another dehumidifier bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 13 The following is an exemplary structural diagram of a camera module and a vehicle provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The solutions provided by the embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The following explains some of the terms used in the embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that these explanations are for the convenience of those skilled in the art and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by the embodiments of this utility model.

[0046] I. Field of View (FOV)

[0047] FOV refers to the angular range within which a camera can receive images in an imaging scene; it is also known as the field of view.

[0048] 2. Active dehumidification valve.

[0049] An active dehumidifier valve, also known as an active condensation management device (CMD), is a valve assembly that achieves active dehumidification through electronic control and has high dehumidification efficiency.

[0050] When using an active dehumidifier valve, it can be integrated onto the device to be dehumidified and electrically connected to the control unit. When the control unit detects that the device meets the dehumidification requirements, it controls the active dehumidifier valve to open, allowing it to expel moisture from inside the device to the outside. After dehumidification to a certain level, if the control element detects that the device no longer meets the dehumidification requirements, it controls the active dehumidifier valve to close.

[0051] 3. One-way vent valve.

[0052] A one-way vent valve, also known as a one-way vent membrane valve, is a miniature structure that allows gas to escape in only one direction. It effectively releases the pressure inside the device being dehumidified caused by temperature changes, while preventing external air and moisture from entering, thus maintaining the dryness and stability inside the device.

[0053] The preceding text introduced some terms used in the embodiments of this utility model. The following text introduces possible application scenarios of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0054] It should be understood that the application scenarios described below are merely examples, and the dehumidification bracket provided in this utility model embodiment can also be applied to other possible scenarios, and is not limited to the scenarios exemplified below. Furthermore, the application scenarios described in this utility model embodiment are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this utility model embodiment, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by this utility model embodiment.

[0055] In one possible application scenario, the dehumidification bracket provided in this embodiment of the invention can be installed on vehicles, especially vehicles with windshields. Such vehicles may include, but are not limited to, vehicles, ships, airplanes, fighter jets, trains, subways, high-speed trains, excavators, cranes, water trucks, or automated guided vehicles.

[0056] For example, taking the dehumidifier bracket installed in a vehicle as an example, please refer to... Figure 1 The dehumidifier bracket 100 can be installed on the windshield of a vehicle, such as the front windshield 200. For example, it can be installed on the inside of the front windshield 200 as a mounting bracket for the front sensing camera 300, used to fix the front sensing camera 300 to the front windshield 200. In this way, during vehicle operation, the front sensing camera 300 can perceive and identify the environment in front of the vehicle and send the perception and identification results to the vehicle control unit to assist the vehicle in achieving intelligent driving.

[0057] The above vehicles can be any type of vehicle, including but not limited to: pure electric vehicles (pure electric vehicle / battery electric vehicle, pure EV / battery EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), or other new energy vehicles (NEV), or gasoline vehicles, etc.

[0058] As described in the background technology description, the current mainstream front sensing camera 300 has the problem of fogging in the FOV area. This is mainly determined by the installation method of the front sensing camera 300, that is, by the cooperation structure between the dehumidification bracket 100 and the windshield 200.

[0059] Please see Figure 2 (A) shows the... Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged structural schematic of the mating area between the dehumidification bracket 100 and the windshield 200. (Combined with...) Figure 2 (A) and Figure 1 Let's take a look. After the dehumidifier bracket 100 is installed on the inside of the windshield 200, a sealed cavity is formed between the dehumidifier bracket 100 and the windshield 200. Furthermore, the lens of the front-facing sensing camera 300 faces this sealed cavity. Therefore, the light emitted from the lens first passes through the sealed cavity and then through the windshield 200 before exiting. The returning light, after passing through the windshield 200, also passes through the sealed cavity and returns to the lens. Therefore, the area on the windshield 200 corresponding to the sealed cavity is the FOV area of ​​the front-facing sensing camera 300. Figure 2 As shown in (A).

[0060] Generally, the dehumidification bracket 100 is constructed with a light-shielding or light-absorbing structure in the corresponding part of the sealed cavity to reduce reflection, refraction, or diffraction of light during transmission in the FOV area, thereby improving the accuracy of the images acquired by the front-facing sensing camera 300, i.e., the sensing accuracy. Therefore, the state of the FOV area directly affects the sensing accuracy of the front-facing sensing camera 300.

[0061] However, in scenarios with significant temperature differences between the cabin and the outside environment, or high humidity, the inner side of the windshield 200 is prone to fogging or frost, leading to fogging or frost formation in the FOV area, such as... Figure 2As shown in (B). When fog or frost forms in the FOV area, the field of view of the front sensing camera 300 will become blurred, resulting in blurred images captured by the front sensing camera 300. This affects the execution of intelligent driving functions, and in severe cases, may even cause the intelligent driving function to be discontinued directly, impacting the user's intelligent driving experience.

[0062] To prevent fogging or frosting in the field of view (FOV), the two main solutions currently available are as follows:

[0063] Solution 1 involves placing heating wires in the FOV (Field of View) area of ​​the windshield 200 to heat the FOV and remove fog or frost. However, since the heating wires are placed on the windshield 200, their presence can cause edge diffraction, and the refractive power of the windshield 200 will deteriorate when heated, resulting in varying degrees of black lines or shadows in the image captured by the front-facing camera 300. Furthermore, for telephoto-type front-facing cameras 300 or small LiDAR devices, placing heating wires in the FOV area is prohibited, as it risks slow or incomplete defogging or defrosting.

[0064] Solution 2 involves placing a heating film on the back of the dehumidifier bracket 100 to heat the back of the dehumidifier bracket 100, indirectly heating the FOV area and thus removing fog or frost from the FOV area. However, the heating film has low defogging and defrosting efficiency in the first period after heating is turned on, such as within 5 minutes, and cannot quickly respond to the user's dehumidification needs.

[0065] In summary, the solutions provided by the relevant technologies either have low dehumidification efficiency, or fail to completely remove moisture, and some even cannot guarantee the shooting performance of the front-facing sensing camera 300. In short, none of the solutions provided by these technologies can achieve effective dehumidification of the FOV area without affecting the shooting performance of the front-facing sensing camera 300.

[0066] In view of this, this utility model provides a novel dehumidification bracket. By installing a dehumidification valve at the bracket position corresponding to the FOV area of ​​the front windshield, the dehumidification valve can discharge the moisture in the FOV area to the outside of the dehumidification bracket. This is to prevent fogging or frost in the FOV area of ​​the front sensing camera without affecting the shooting performance of the front sensing camera, thus achieving effective dehumidification of the FOV area.

[0067] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 3 To be continued Figure 13 This paper provides a detailed description of the dehumidification bracket and related devices proposed in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0068] Please see Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a dehumidifier bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Image (A) shows the structure of the dehumidifier bracket 100 as seen from the first surface S1. Figure 3 Figure (B) shows the structure of the dehumidifier bracket 100 as viewed from the second surface S2. The second surface S2 is the surface opposite to the first surface S1; therefore, Figure 3 The structure shown in (B) can also be understood as being derived from... Figure 3 The view shown in (A) is the view of the dehumidifier bracket 100 from the back.

[0069] Assuming we refer to the first surface S1 of the dehumidifier bracket 100 as the front side and the second surface S2 of the dehumidifier bracket 100 as the back side, then, Figure 3 The structure shown in (A) is also the front structure of the dehumidification bracket 100. Figure 3 The structure shown in (B) is the back structure of the dehumidification bracket 100.

[0070] Here, "front" refers to the mounting surface between the dehumidifier bracket 100 and the windshield. For a clearer explanation of the structure of the dehumidifier bracket 100, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 This diagram shows an assembly structure of a dehumidifier bracket 100 and a windshield 410 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly structure is a side cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the assembly structure from the side of the dehumidifier bracket 100.

[0071] Combination Figure 3 (A), (B) and Figure 4 Let's take a look. The dehumidifier bracket 100 includes a bracket body 110 and a dehumidifier valve 120. The dehumidifier valve 120 is installed on the bracket body 110 and passes through the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the bracket body 110. The main function of the dehumidifier valve 120 is to discharge the moisture on the first surface S1 side of the bracket body 110 to the second surface S2 side of the bracket body 110, so as to realize the dehumidification operation of the area on the first surface S1 side of the bracket body 110 and prevent fogging or frost from occurring in the area on the first surface S1 side.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the first surface S1 of the bracket body 110 is attached to the windshield 410, forming a sealed cavity between them. The camera 420 is mounted on the bracket body 110 with its lens facing the sealed cavity. Thus, during the operation of the camera 420, the light emitted from its lens first passes through the sealed cavity of the first surface S1 and then through the windshield 410 to reach the external environment. Similarly, light returning from the external environment passes through the windshield 410 and then through the sealed cavity of the first surface S1 back to the camera lens. Therefore, the area occupied by the sealed cavity of the first surface S1 is the field of view (FOV) of the camera 420. Dehumidifying the area on one side of the first surface S1 via the dehumidification valve 120 dehumidifies the sealed cavity of the first surface S1, thereby dehumidifying the FOV of the camera 420. This dehumidification can keep the FOV area of ​​the camera 420 dry, preventing frost, fog or ice from forming in the FOV area of ​​the camera 420, thereby ensuring the shooting performance of the camera 420.

[0073] Optionally, the dehumidifier 120 can be any structure capable of transferring moisture from one side of the valve body to the other side. For example, in one example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the dehumidifier valve 120 includes a dehumidification surface A1 and a dehumidification surface A2, combined with... Figure 3 Let's take a look. The dehumidifying surface A1 faces the area on the first surface S1 of the support body 110, which is the sealed cavity. The venting surface A2 faces the area on the second surface S2 of the support body 110, which is the external environment. The dehumidifying surface A1 is responsible for transferring the moisture in the sealed cavity located on the first surface S1 of the support body 110 to the venting surface A2. The venting surface A2 is responsible for venting the moisture transferred from the dehumidifying surface A1 to the outside of the second surface S1 of the support body 110, thereby achieving the effect of transporting the moisture in the sealed cavity to the external environment and dehumidifying the sealed cavity.

[0074] The dehumidification valve 120 mentioned above may include any type of valve body, such as, but not limited to, active dehumidification valves and / or one-way vent valves.

[0075] For example, when an active dehumidification valve is included, such as Figure 6a As shown, the dehumidification valve 120 includes a proton exchange membrane, with an anode surface and a cathode surface on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anode surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidification valve 120, and the cathode surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidification valve 120. In other words, the anode surface faces the sealed cavity of the first surface S1 of the support body 110, and the cathode surface faces the outer side of the second surface S2 of the support body 110.

[0076] like Figure 6aAs shown, the active dehumidifier valve is an electrically controlled dehumidifier element, with its anode and cathode sides connected to the positive and negative terminals of a power supply, respectively. When active dehumidification is required, the control power supply applies a high-level and a low-level signal to the anode and cathode sides, respectively, to activate them.

[0077] The anode surface decomposes water molecules into ions on the dehumidification side, i.e., within the sealed cavity, satisfying the following chemical expression (1.1):

[0078]

[0079] The ions after decomposition (i.e., hydrogen ions H+) + The protons are exchanged to the cathode side by the proton exchange membrane, where they are resynthesized into water molecules and discharged to the dehumidification side, which is the outer side of the second surface S2 of the support body 110, satisfying the following chemical expression (1.2):

[0080]

[0081] By employing an active dehumidification valve, moisture inside the sealed cavity can be transported to the outside of the sealed cavity through a chemical reaction via a proton exchange membrane, thereby keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry and preventing fogging in the FOV area of ​​the camera.

[0082] For example, when a one-way vent valve is included, such as Figure 6b As shown, the dehumidifier valve 120 includes an inlet surface and an outlet surface. The inlet surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve 120, and the outlet surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve 120. In other words, the inlet surface faces the sealed cavity of the first surface S1 of the bracket body 110, and the outlet surface faces the outer side of the second surface S2 of the bracket body 110.

[0083] like Figure 6b As shown, the one-way vent valve is a non-electrically controlled component with unidirectional flow characteristics. On the dehumidification side, which is the sealed cavity, water molecules enter from the inlet surface of the one-way vent valve and flow towards the outlet surface, eventually flowing out of the one-way vent valve from the outlet surface and entering the dehumidification side, which is the outer side of the second surface S2 of the bracket body 110, thereby achieving the effect of keeping the inside of the sealed cavity dry.

[0084] Alternatively, active dehumidifiers dehumidify electronically, opening directly when needed and offering high dehumidification efficiency, but at a relatively higher cost. Therefore, active dehumidifiers are suitable for higher-spec vehicles, such as high-end models. One-way vent valves, on the other hand, have relatively lower dehumidification efficiency but are also cheaper, making them suitable for lower-spec vehicles, such as entry-level models.

[0085] Furthermore, taking an active dehumidification valve as an example, in one possible valve body structure, such as... Figure 5As shown, the dehumidifier valve 120 may include a valve body 121 and an adapter bracket 122. The valve body 121 is mounted on the adapter bracket 122, and the adapter bracket 122 is mounted on the bracket body 110. Figure 3 As shown. The adapter bracket 122 can be understood as a positioning structure for the valve body 121, used to locate the mounting point of the valve body 121 on the bracket body 110. Essentially, after the bracket body 110 is manufactured, the adapter bracket 122 is used to match the mounting position of the valve body 121 on the bracket body 110, and then the valve body 121 is mounted on the adapter bracket 122 to fix the valve body 121 to the bracket body 110, thus achieving integration between the valve body 121 and the bracket body 110.

[0086] It should be noted that in some other examples, the dehumidifier 120 may only include the valve body 121, without the adapter bracket 122. In other words, the adapter bracket 122 is a non-essential component. In this case, when manufacturing the bracket body 110, the mounting hole for the valve body 121 can be directly molded into the bracket body 110. By installing the valve body 121 into the mounting hole, the integration of the valve body 121 and the bracket body 110 is directly achieved. The installation method can be, for example, snap-fit, glue, weld, screw-fit, etc., without specific limitations.

[0087] The above content describes the possible structure of the dehumidifier valve 120. The following section will introduce the possible installation positions of the dehumidifier valve 120.

[0088] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 7 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Let's take a look. The bracket body 110 includes a light-shielding part 111 and a camera mounting part 112. The camera mounting part 112 is the part used to mount the camera 420, while the light-shielding part 111 is the part used to block the light emitted and returned by the camera 420.

[0089] The light-shielding part 111 is fitted to the windshield 410 to form the aforementioned sealed cavity. The camera mounting part 112 includes a mounting hole K1. After the camera 420 is mounted on the camera mounting part 112, the lens of the camera 420 passes through the mounting hole K1 and faces the sealed cavity. The dehumidifying valve 120 is installed on the light-shielding part 111. Since the light-shielding part 111 and the windshield 410 are fitted to form a sealed cavity, installing the dehumidifying valve 120 on the light-shielding part 111 can connect the sealed cavity formed by the light-shielding part 111 and the windshield 410 with the external space opposite to the windshield 410, thereby achieving the effect of transporting water vapor in the sealed cavity to the external space.

[0090] In the above description, the light-shielding part 111 can be any structure that can form a sealed cavity with the windshield glass 410, such as a frame structure, a ring structure, a semi-circular structure, or an elliptical structure, etc., without specific limitations.

[0091] In one example, the light-shielding portion 111 may include multiple plates forming a frame-like structure, which, together with the windshield 410, encloses the aforementioned sealed cavity. For example, in combination with... Figure 7 and Figure 4 Let's take a closer look. The light-shielding part 111 includes a light-shielding plate 1111 and a baffle 1112. The baffle 1112 stands on the windshield 410 and cooperates with the light-shielding plate 1111 and the windshield 410 to form a sealed cavity. The mounting hole K1 is provided in the baffle 1112. With this structure, there is a relatively small angle between the light-shielding plate 1111 and the windshield 410, while there is a relatively large angle between the baffle 1112 and the windshield 410. In this way, the baffle 1112 can, on the one hand, support the light-shielding plate 1111, so that the field of view (FOV) area of ​​the camera 420 is formed between the light-shielding plate 1111 and the windshield 410; on the other hand, it can also provide sufficient space for mounting the lens of the camera 420 and allow the lens to face the FOV area. The existence of the baffle 1112 achieves the dual effect of mounting the camera 420 and forming the FOV area.

[0092] Furthermore, by way of example, the dehumidifier 120 can be installed at any position on the light-shielding part 111, including but not limited to:

[0093] Installation location one, such as Figure 7 or Figure 3 As shown, the dehumidifier valve 120 is mounted on the baffle 1112. (Combined with...) Figure 4 Let's take a look. Since the baffle 1112 is a plate that stands on the windshield 410 for mounting the camera 420, in some scenarios, the baffle 1112 is also called the camera facade or camera side. Therefore, it can also be considered that the dehumidifier 120 is installed on the camera facade or on the camera side.

[0094] Installation location two, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the dehumidifier 120 is installed on the light shield 1111. The specific installation position of the dehumidifier 120 can be defined according to the shape and space requirements. For example, it can be installed in the center, left side, right side, upper part, or lower part of the light shield 1111.

[0095] It should be noted that, Figure 8 and Figure 9 The example shown is that the dehumidifier valve 120 is installed at the center of the light shield 1111. Figure 8Image (A) shows a front view of the dehumidifier bracket 100. Figure 8 Image (B) shows a rear view of the dehumidifier bracket 100. Figure 9 The diagram shown is a side cross-sectional view of the dehumidification bracket 100 in conjunction with the windshield 410. In some scenarios, since the sunshade 1111 is a large surface with a small angle to the windshield 410, the sunshade 1111 is also referred to as the large surface of the bracket, and it can also be considered that the dehumidification valve 120 is installed on the large surface of the bracket.

[0096] Optionally, since there is an angle between the light shield 1111 and the windshield 410, some light will be transmitted to the light shield 1111 when it travels through the sealed cavity. If this light is not processed, it may be reflected or refracted by the light shield 1111 to the camera 420, thus causing optical crosstalk to the actual light received by the camera 420 and affecting the shooting performance of the camera 420. Therefore, to reduce optical crosstalk in the sealed cavity, the surface of the light shield 1111 facing the sealed cavity or the windshield 410 can be treated with an anti-glare method, such as making it a flocked surface. Figure 3 or Figure 8 As shown. In this way, whether it is the light emitted from the lens of the camera 420 or the light returning, when passing through the sealed cavity, even if some light shines on the surface of the light shield 1111, the light shield 1111's surface can reduce or even eliminate optical crosstalk caused by reflection, refraction or diffraction, thereby improving the transmission effect of the light emitted and returned from the camera 420, and thus improving the lens imaging effect of the camera 420.

[0097] For example, when the dehumidifier 120 is installed on the light shield 1111, that is, in the second installation position described above, the surface of the dehumidifier 120 facing the sealed cavity can also be treated with a matte finish, such as making it with a leather texture, spraying a matte material such as matte paint, or using flocking material. In this way, even if some light is transmitted to the dehumidifier 120 on the light shield 1111, the surface of the dehumidifier 120 can be prevented from reflecting light and causing a luminous effect, thus interfering with the imaging effect of the camera 420, and ensuring the shooting performance of the camera 420.

[0098] If the dehumidifier 120 is installed on the baffle 1112, i.e., in the first installation position described above, since the dehumidifier 120 and the camera 420 are arranged side by side on the baffle 1112, the light emitted and returned from the camera 420 will not pass through the dehumidifier 120. Therefore, no special design is needed for the dehumidifier 120, such as no matte treatment on its surface. Compared to installing it on the light shield 1111, the dehumidifier 120 is easier to manufacture and will not affect the shooting performance of the camera 420 itself.

[0099] It should be noted that the above only provides two possible installation positions for the dehumidifier 120. However, in actual structures, the dehumidifier 120 can also be installed in other locations. For example, in another example, it can also be installed... Figure 10 The side plate 1113 is shown. It should be understood that the installation position of the dehumidification valve 120 is only required to enable communication between the sealed cavity and the external space, and this embodiment of the utility model does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0100] In some examples, the surrounding area of ​​the sealed cavity may be sealed to reduce the chance of external moisture entering the sealed cavity.

[0101] For example, a sealant is filled in the area where the bracket body 110 and the windshield 410 fit together. An example is... Figure 11 As shown, a sealing material 510 is filled around the entire perimeter of the boundary between the sunshade 1111 and the mating surface of the windshield 410, such as using polyurethane sealant or other sealants for complete sealing. This makes it difficult for moisture from outside the sealed cavity to enter through the surface where the windshield and sunshade meet, reducing the probability of water ingress and thus decreasing the likelihood of fogging or frost formation within the sealed cavity, effectively preventing fogging or frost formation in the FOV area.

[0102] For example, a sealing material can be applied to the mating area between the bracket body 110 and the camera 420. For instance, such as... Figure 12 As shown, a sealing ring 520 is installed around the mounting hole K1, such as a rubber sealing ring, to achieve a seal between the sealed cavity and the area where the camera 420 is located. This makes it difficult for moisture from the camera area to enter the sealed cavity through the mounting hole K1, reducing the probability of water ingress into the sealed cavity and consequently reducing the probability of fogging or frost formation within the sealed cavity, thus preventing fogging or frost formation in the FOV area.

[0103] In addition, there are other sealing methods, which will not be listed here.

[0104] It is understandable that the above content only introduces the components included in the dehumidification bracket 100 from the perspective of how to achieve dehumidification. However, the dehumidification bracket 100 may also include other components, different components, or fewer components, etc., without limitation.

[0105] Based on the structure and functional principle of the dehumidification bracket described above, this utility model embodiment can also provide a camera module, such as... Figure 13 As shown. The camera module 1310 includes the dehumidification bracket provided in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figures 3 to 12 The dehumidifier bracket 100 in any of the attached figures.

[0106] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the camera module 1310 may also include a camera 420, which is mounted on the dehumidifier bracket 100. That is, the dehumidifier bracket 100 can be used as a fixing device for the camera 420 to fix the camera 420.

[0107] In some scenarios, the dehumidifier bracket 100 can be used not only to fix the camera 420, but also as a light shield for the camera 420. For example, it can be used as a light shield to cover the camera 420. Therefore, the dehumidifier bracket 100 can also be called a light shield.

[0108] In the above description, the camera 420 can be, for example, a front-facing sensing camera, a monocular camera, a binocular camera, or a combination of a monocular camera and a binocular camera, etc., without any specific limitations.

[0109] Based on the structure and functional principles of the dehumidification bracket or camera module described above, embodiments of this utility model can also provide a means of transportation, such as... Figure 13 As shown. The vehicle 1300 includes the dehumidification bracket provided in any of the above embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 12 The dehumidifier bracket 100 shown in any of the accompanying drawings. Alternatively, it may include the camera module provided in any of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 13 The camera module 1310 shown. Figure 13 The latter is taken as an example, that is, the vehicle 1300 includes the camera module 1310.

[0110] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the vehicle 1300 may also include a windshield 410, and the dehumidification bracket 100 in the camera module 1310 is attached to the windshield to fix the camera 420 to the windshield 410.

[0111] For example, when the camera 420 is a front-sensing camera, the windshield 410 can specifically be the front windshield, and the camera 420 is mounted on the front windshield through the dehumidification bracket 100 to realize the perception and recognition of the front scene.

[0112] For example, when the dehumidification valve 120 in the dehumidification bracket 100 is an active dehumidification valve, such as Figure 13 As shown, the vehicle 1300 may also include a control unit 1320 and a sensor 1330. The control unit 1320 is connected to both the active dehumidification valve and the sensor 1330. The control unit 1320 controls the active dehumidification valve to start dehumidification operation when it is determined that dehumidification needs to be started, and controls the active dehumidification valve to close dehumidification operation when it is determined that dehumidification is no longer needed, based on sensor data collected by the sensor 1330.

[0113] In a specific example, sensor 1330 may include an interior temperature sensor and an interior humidity sensor. After the vehicle is started, the interior temperature sensor periodically collects interior temperature information and sends it to the control unit 1320, and the interior humidity sensor periodically collects interior humidity information and sends it to the control unit 1320.

[0114] Upon receiving both temperature and humidity information, the control unit 1320 can query a preset temperature-humidity threshold relationship based on the current temperature information to obtain the corresponding humidity threshold. This humidity threshold is understood as the critical humidity at which fogging or frost will not occur at the current temperature. The control unit 1320 then compares the current humidity corresponding to the received humidity information with the queried humidity threshold. If the current humidity exceeds the threshold, it indicates that the current humidity inside the cabin has reached the critical humidity for frost or fogging, requiring dehumidification to be activated. In this case, the control unit 1320 can electronically control the active dehumidification valve to dehumidify the FOV area of ​​the camera 420, thereby preventing frost or fogging in the FOV area and maintaining good shooting performance of the camera 420. Conversely, if the current humidity does not exceed the humidity threshold, it indicates that the current humidity inside the cabin has not yet reached the critical humidity for frost or fogging, and the FOV area of ​​the camera 420 will not temporarily experience frost or fogging. Therefore, the control unit 1320 does not need to activate the active dehumidification valve.

[0115] Understandably, after the active dehumidification valve is started, the control unit 1320 still periodically receives temperature and humidity information. When the temperature and humidity information received at a certain time indicates that the humidity in the cabin has dropped below the critical humidity for frosting or fogging, the control unit 1320 can then control the active dehumidification valve to stop working through electronic control, that is, to stop dehumidification, in order to save unnecessary resource consumption.

[0116] In the above content, "vehicle 1300" can be any type of vehicle with dehumidification requirements, including but not limited to: vehicles (such as cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, or construction vehicles), ships (such as passenger ships, cargo ships, ferries, cruise ships, dredgers, barges, grain carriers, or coal carriers), airplanes (such as passenger airplanes, cargo airplanes, helicopters, agricultural machinery, forest protection aircraft, aerial surveying aircraft, medical evacuation aircraft, sightseeing aircraft, or weather aircraft), subways, high-speed trains, trains, light rail, submarines, rockets, satellites, and space stations. Alternatively, it can also be applied to non-vehicles, as long as there is a dehumidification requirement, without specific limitations.

[0117] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various implementation schemes described above are consistent and can be referenced from each other. The technical features of different implementation schemes can be combined to form new implementation schemes based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0118] In this invention, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The terms "optionally" or "exemplary" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "optional" or "exemplary" in this invention should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Alternatively, it can be understood that the use of the terms "exemplary" or "optional" is intended to present concepts in a specific manner and does not constitute a limitation on this invention.

[0119] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in this utility model are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this utility model. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as including a series of steps or units. A method, system, product, or device is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

Claims

1. A dehumidification stand, characterized by, include: A bracket body and a dehumidifying valve, wherein the dehumidifying valve is mounted on the bracket body; The first side of the bracket body is attached to the windshield, forming a sealed cavity between the bracket body and the windshield; the camera is mounted on the bracket body, and the lens is facing the sealed cavity; The dehumidification valve includes a dehumidification surface and a dehumidification surface. The dehumidification surface faces the sealed cavity, and the dehumidification surface faces the outer region of the second surface of the bracket body. The second surface is the surface of the bracket body facing away from the windshield.

2. The stent of claim 1, wherein The bracket body includes a light-shielding part and a camera mounting part; The light-shielding part is fitted to the windshield to form the sealed cavity; The camera mounting part includes a mounting hole. After the camera is mounted on the camera mounting part, the lens of the camera passes through the mounting hole and faces the sealed cavity. The dehumidification valve is installed in the light-shielding part.

3. The stent of claim 2, wherein The light-shielding part includes a light-shielding plate and a baffle; The baffle stands on the windshield and, together with the sunshade and the windshield, forms the sealed cavity; The mounting hole is provided on the baffle, and the dehumidification valve is installed on the light shield, or on the baffle.

4. The stent of claim 2 or 3, wherein, A sealing ring is provided around the mounting hole.

5. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, The area where the bracket body fits against the windshield is filled with sealing material.

6. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, The surface of the dehumidifier valve facing the sealed cavity is treated with a matte finish.

7. The stent of claim 6, wherein The matting process includes at least one of the following: It is made with a leather-like texture; coated with a matte finish; and made with flocked material.

8. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, The dehumidification valve includes a proton exchange membrane, with an anode surface and a cathode surface on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anode surface is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidification valve, and the cathode surface is the dehumidification exhaust surface of the dehumidification valve.

9. The stent defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein, The dehumidifier valve includes a one-way vent valve, the inlet surface of which is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve, and the outlet surface of which is the dehumidification surface of the dehumidifier valve.

10. An image capture module, comprising: It includes a camera and a dehumidification bracket as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the camera is mounted on the dehumidification bracket.

11. A vehicle, characterized by It includes a windshield, a dehumidification bracket as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or a camera module as described in claim 10; The dehumidification bracket or the dehumidification bracket in the camera module is attached to the windshield.

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